Hunter signs up as Sports Ambassador
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce cuts the Foundation's 25th anniversary cake, joined by
Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons, Patron Matt Jarvis, Sports Ambassador Mark
Hunter MBE and Jussi Jaaskelainen West Ham United will this weekend be
celebrating its annual Foundation Awareness match against Sunderland,
marking another milestone in what has already been a momentous 25th
anniversary year for the West Ham United Foundation. To honour the
anniversary in style, the Foundation is delighted to reveal that Olympic
champion rower Mark Hunter MBE is to become its brand new Sports Ambassador.
Hunter, a lifelong Hammers fan, will be an inspirational figure to the local
young people and the perfect example of just what is achievable. The
36-year-old is thrilled to be climbing aboard at such a poignant time and
cannot wait to get stuck in. "I'm really excited," he confirmed. "To have
been a fan of the Club since I was a kid and now I've the opportunity to
actually come back and give something back to the Club. It's a very special
year, with it being the 25th anniversary and hopefully many more years to
come. "Twenty-five years is a long time and just look how that's evolved
over time, what with the new brand and the new name. It's an exciting time
for the Club anyway, with the move coming in about 18 months' time to the
new Stadium. So things are developing and young people will have the
opportunity to be in that Olympic Park when we move there, that's a big
catchment as well."
Forest Gate-born Hunter, who is also an ambassador for London Youth Rowing
(LYR), says he wants to open youngsters' eyes to the possibilities outside
of football. To learn more about LYR or to get involved, visit their pop-up
stand outside the Boleyn Ground this weekend. The Foundation, of course,
works across all manner of activities and Hunter believes there is something
for everyone. He explained: "We're trying to change the perception that
it's just about football, there's so much more that the Foundation does in
getting kids active, from all different walks of life. "Obviously, with my
background being rowing, we're trying to get some youngsters doing that as
well. But it's mainly about having the variety and more options available
than just kicking a ball about, there's a lot more to it. "It can transform
their perception of what's possible. Give them a chance to try something
new, things that they may never have thought about. If they get to try a
different activity, they find something they like and they go off on a
different path."
So what's the plan for Hunter in his new ambassadorial role? It's simple.
Get East London kids active and learn a thing or two on the way as well."I
want to get involved as much as possible," he added. "I want to learn
things. We always think that we're teaching the kids but they'll be teaching
us as well, sharing the values that they have. It's give and take. "The
plan is to get as many kids as possible from the East End active and
enjoying being a part of the Foundation and a part of West Ham."
The Hammers will be sporting West Ham United Foundation T-shirts during
their pre-match warm-up and half-time entertainment will be provided in the
form of a penalty shootout with the charity's many partners. Supporters
coming along on Saturday should also keep their eyes peeled for a bucket
collection prior to kick-off and for flyers on how they can help support
West Ham's work in the community. For all the very latest goings on, follow
the West Ham United Foundation on Twitter at @WHU_Foundation.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
Good evening.
We welcome Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground this weekend for a game which
needs to act as a launchpad for our finishing straight this season. Everyone
at the Club – the Board, manager and players – is determined to ensure our
campaign does not fade away after making that fantastic start to the season.
We've just come off an incredibly tough run of fixtures, and six of our last
seven games have been against teams occupying top-seven places in the
division, so perhaps it is understandable that wins have been a little
harder to come by recently. That's not to say we're intimidated by taking on
those sides and I think anyone who witnessed our performances against
Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton would agree.
We were extremely unfortunate not to take more than we did from those games,
but that is in the past now and our focus is on taking as many points as we
can before the end of May and pushing back up the league table. A European
place is still not out of the equation and that must remain our ultimate
target now. Injuries haven't helped us – at Arsenal we were left with just
one fit striker and one centre back due to a couple of freak incidents – but
with a bit of luck the manager will have a few more options on Saturday.
Whichever way, we know we will be able to put out a team more than capable
of ending our seven-game wait for a win. Sunderland will be under the
management of Dick Advocaat for the first time and after slipping to just
one point clear of the relegation zone, we know their players will be fired
up for this one. The contest is just as important for us and with the
fixture list appearing, on paper at least, to offer a favourable run-in, it
would be great to kick that off with a return to winning ways on Saturday.
Come on you Irons.
David Sullivan
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Potts: "We need to believe in ourselves"
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Steve Potts said his side need to believe in
themselves when they face a stern test away at Liverpool on Friday 20 March.
The Hammers travel to the inform Reds who are challenging for the Barclays
U21 Premier League title. Currently, they sit in fourth, however they are
just four points behind leaders Manchester United with two games in hand. On
the other hand, the Hammers are currently bottom, and Potts has challenged
his side to prove that they are better than their league position suggests.
"I would like us to believe in ourselves, especially when we have the ball.
There at a level now where they need to go out and show what they can do,
individually and as a team. "We're a young team and we need to grow up
quickly really, collectively we need to be a tighter unit than we were
against Sunderland. "Liverpool away is a very tough game for us. It'll be a
good test to see how we cope with it, hopefully they'll rise to it."
While Liverpool recorded an impressive 4-0 over the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground earlier in the season, Potts insisted that result bares little
relevance to Friday night's encounter. "They beat us 4-0 earlier in the
season but I don't think it'll play a factor tomorrow night. I remember that
we had a few chances early on in that game and we didn't take them. They
managed to get a few goals before half time and then it was pretty much game
over. They were ruthless that night for sure. "I watched their game when
they came to Upton Park earlier in the season. I didn't see the game but I
know they beat Chelsea at home recently. Having seen a few clips of them,
they definitely have quality about them."
Despite a few injury concerns among the Dev Squad, Potts can call upon Josh
Cullen and Manny Onariase, both of whom were on the first team bench at the
Emirates last weekend. Speaking about their achievement, the former West Ham
left back said: "I was delighted for them, it's great. They've both done
well this year and I think they deserve it. There was a few spaces in the
squad with the injuries to the first team which allowed the boys to get in
there."
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Jenkinson earns U21 call
WHUFc.com
Carl Jenkinson has been named in Gareth Southgate's England U21 squad for
their friendlies against the Czech Republic and Germany.
The Young Lions are preparing for this summer's UEFA European U21
Championship in the Czech Republic so meetings with two of their fellow
finalists is sure to prove a useful exercise. England are first in action on
Friday 27 March when they travel to the Czech Republic, then welcome Germany
to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium the following Monday for a 7.45pm
kick-off. Jenkinson, 23, has eight U21s caps and two goals for his name,
with this summer's championships providing his final chance to play at that
level.
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Big Sam on: Sunderland
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of Saturday's
game with the Black Cats. Here's what he had to say about the impact new
manager Dick Advocaat may have, team news and converting good performances
into three points...
Morning Sam, we'll start off with the team news, is it fair to say that
Carlton Cole and Adrian are fit, but not Enner Valencia and Winston Reid?
"Yes, that's fair to say. Carl Jenkinson is back in the frame, Winston
doesn't look like he'll be fit and James Tomkins has just had an operation
on his dislocated shoulder.
"Having Carl and Carlton back with our small squad is a big boost for us.
Hopefully Winston will be back shortly for us, we're prepared to wait until
Saturday morning to make a decision on him."
Last week you mentioned the freak injury to Enner Valencia, are you feeling
more positive given you have some more players coming back?
"A little bit, obviously we want them all back. There's no Andy Carroll and
no Enner Valencia so it's not the strength in depth that we're looking for.
The spine of our team is largely missing with Winston Reid and James Tomkins
also out.
"I expect the players that play on Saturday to give their best because this
game is as big for Sunderland as it is for us. We've got to make sure we're
totally professional and focused.
"There's no easy game in the Premier League, people will expect us to win
but shocks happen all the time. We've had a few shocks beating Liverpool and
Manchester City, Burnley had one of the biggest shocks last weekend. We've
got to be on top of our game and make sure we come away with three points."
Sunderland this weekend, they've been the story of the week with Gus Poyet
sacked and Dick Advocaat coming in. What have you made of events this week?
"They've moved very swiftly which has given them the best possible chance of
improving their results. They're obviously hoping that Dick Advocaat, with
his experience, can draw something more out of the players than Gus managed
to do."
"I think it makes the game more difficult for us, a new manager coming in
plus the fact they got beat 4-0 last weekend. They'll be hurt by that and
the fact they let the fans down. They probably feel like they've let Gus
down as well and I'm sure they'll want to do something about that. Saturday
will be a very tough game."
"We have a few problems of our own that we need to resolve. We've got
problems winning football matches at the moment even though we're playing
pretty well. We've got to make sure that winning games is the most important
thing, hopefully we can do that in style but if not, a win on Saturday is
the most important thing. We've had a poor points total in the last 12 games
or so and we want to change that."
Are you surprised that Sunderland have turned to a man with no Premier
League experience?
"A little bit but when you see the experience he has got, he's a manager
with experience across the world. I wouldn't have thought that they'll be
too many surprises for him in the Premier League.
There's a different level of football in the Premier League in terms of its
quality, its intensity and speed. I think it's more about him getting used
to the players and how best he can pick a system with the players he's got
that works and picks up points. He's managed at a lot of different levels
with a lot of success."
How might the new manager effect Sunderland, and how does that effect the
way you plan on approaching the game?
"It can have an instant effect but it also might take a little longer.
Everyone is talking about Tim Sherwood's impact at Aston Villa, but I think
initially they lost the first two league games but now it has turned around
for him. It can be a short term impact. Generally the stats say over the
long term it doesn't make too much difference, but I certainly think it can
in the short term.
"It all depends on the players and how well they adapt to a new manager and
new methods. I would've thought Tim knew more about the Aston Villa players
than Dick Advocaat does about the Sunderland players having not worked in
this country before. He's got to get to know his players very quickly."
It's been suggested that if there's no resolution to your contract situation
here at West Ham, that you would be a good fit for Sunderland, what would
you say to that?
"It's pure speculation. I'm West Ham manager, I've got a contract here. I
expect at some point to discuss the contract."
Do you expect to be here after the summer, if that contract's right?
"If the contract is right, yes."
You've described the recent results as a bit of a let down compared to the
early season form, is this the start of a comeback?
"It's an opportunity. Our squad is struggling a bit at the moment, every
team does at some point in a season. We need to overcome that with a result
and hopefully that starts on Saturday.
"We've had a challenging run of fixtures, but we've been so close to famous
victories against Manchester United and away at Tottenham and we shouldn't
really have lost to Chelsea. So had we picked up the points we deserved, we
would have been in a fantastic position now.
"The bottom line is, playing good football is great but not winning is
crucial. Not getting results creates a huge amount of pressure on the
players, added to that is West Ham fans will expect us to win, anything less
than that, they won't except anything less."
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Pearce wary of Defoe threat
WHUFC.com
Beware of wounded Black Cats. That's the warning from former West Ham United
favourite Ian Pearce as Big Sam's troops look to get back to winning ways
against Saturday's visitors to the Boleyn Ground. "In Dick Advocaat,
Sunderland have a new manager who the players will be looking to impress in
his first game in charge," counsels the lifelong Hammers fan. "And nobody
needs to be reminded that Jermain Defoe always enjoys scoring a goal or two,
as well!"
Indeed, Ian, who made 163 league and cup appearances in the Claret and Blue
following his £2.3m transfer from Blackburn Rovers in September 1997, knows
at first hand all about the threat of his former Boleyn Ground team-mate,
Defoe.
While the popular Pearce made his mark as a defender during his
six-and-a-half-year spell at the Club, he is also fondly remembered for an
unselfish versatility that saw him wearing many shirts, including that of
stop-gap striker.
"Central defence, right-back, wing-back or centre-forward, West Ham fans
will tell you that I could play badly in all positions!" jests Ian, who
netted ten times for the Hammers before moving way out west to Fulham, in
January 2004. "Seriously, I loved it whenever I got asked to help out by
playing up front and I can remember partnering Jermain in some matches, when
he was just a kid.
"Even though he was the youngest out of the two of us, he still made me do
all his running," smiles the 40-year-old, who is currently enjoying life as
Brighton & Hove Albion's chief scout in the London and South-East region.
"And I was never happy when the the manager used to drop me just to get that
Fredi Kanoute back into the attack!
"Seriously, when I look forward to Saturday's game, I think that West Ham
will simply have too much for Sunderland and I really do fancy us to get all
three points.
"Despite the disappointments of recent weeks, we've still done really well
to go into March in a top-half position and the arrivals of Diafra Sakho and
Enner Valencia have made for some really exciting play up front.
"Now as we head towards the final part of the campaign, the players will
want to finish as high as they possibly can so that the club has a solid
platform going into next season.
"Football can be a ruthless business and nobody is guaranteed anything
heading into the summer, so these next few games will enable the squad to
show everyone that they're worth their place for a very important next
season," concludes Ian, casting an envious eye towards Stratford. "Sure,
everyone will miss the Boleyn Ground – what a place it is to play football –
but as a club you've got to move on and keep up with both the times and your
rivals.
"The Olympic Stadium will certainly enable West Ham United to do just that,
when they move there for the 2016/17 season and, believe me, every player
will want to be a part of that, too."
*Ian Pearce was speaking to lifelong West Ham fan Steve Blowers.
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Jenkinson ready to face fired up Black Cats
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is expecting Sunderland to come out fighting in Saturday's
game at the Boleyn Ground. The Black Cats' trip to east London is their
first since dispensing with Gus Poyet's services as manager and replacing
him with experienced Dutchman Dick Advocaat. For Jenkinson, the change at
the top comes at an awkward time for the Hammers, although he is still
confident of returning to winning ways against the relegation battlers. "We
had a similar situation earlier in the season too when we played West Brom
at home," he said. "Tony Pulis had just been appointed as manager and it
always gives the team a boost at the end of the day. "They'll have something
to prove and a new manager to impress. That makes things harder in itself
but we just have to focus on ourselves. "They're a decent side, so we know
it's going to be a difficult game, but we're at home and we need to start
getting results. That needs to start on Saturday."
Jenkinson is convinced that improvement in results is just around the
corner, especially as the Hammers have been unfortunate not to pick up more
points against some of the division's top teams in recent weeks. "I think
performance-wise in the main we've done quite well," he explained. "If you
look at the Man United game, the Spurs game, even the Chelsea game, we
should have got more than we did out of them.
"We got two points when it could have been six or seven and things like that
haven't really been going for us. Our performances haven't been reflected in
the results. "As long as we keep the performance level high, the results
will come. At the start of the season the goal was to finish in the top ten.
Being where we are now the goal changes and when you're in this position you
don't just settle for it. "You re-assess your goals and make new ones.
That's what we've done and the aim is to try and get a European spot. I
don't think that's out of our reach as we have winnable games between now
and the end of the season. "We just need to get that first win again to go
on a little run and if we can do that I think we can achieve our aims."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce cool on future manager job at Sunderland
Last Updated: 19/03/15 3:49pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has played down stories suggesting he could take
over the managerial reins at Sunderland in the summer.
The 60-year-old has emerged as one of the favourites to be appointed at the
Stadium of Light after the struggling Black Cats sacked Gus Poyet and
installed Dick Advocaat on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Ahead of their match on Saturday, Sam Allardyce says Sunderland’s
players let down Gus Poyet and West Ham will have to be careful of a
reaction. With Sunderland just one point above the Premier League relegation
zone, former Rangers manager Advocaat has been tasked with maintaining their
top-flight status - and starts with a trip to face West Ham on Saturday
Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1 from 5pm. The Hammers have won only
once in their last 12 league games and Allardyce's contract runs out at the
end of the current campaign - but he insists he will not be looking to leave
east London any time soon. When you see the experience of a man who's
managed across the world I wouldn't have thought there would be too many
surprises for him in the Premier League
"Pure speculation," Allardyce replied when asked about reports linking him
with a move to Sunderland. "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted to West
Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line we'll be
talking about a contract here." When asked if he saw himself at West Ham
next year, he added: "If that contract is right, yes." Poyet's 18-month
reign at Sunderland came to an end following a 4-0 home defeat by Aston
Villa last weekend, a result which leaves the club without a Premier League
victory since January, and Allardyce fears a backlash from whatever side is
named by Advocaat. "They've moved very swiftly for a replacement which is
giving them the best possible chance of improving their results," he said.
"It will be one of those for us that makes the game more difficult with a
new manager coming in and the fact they lost 4-0 last week. "I think the
players of Sunderland will be very hurt by the fact they let their fans down
and also be feeling like they've let Gus down and they'll want to do
something about it."
Despite a managerial career spanning nearly 30 years, Advocaat has yet to
taste life as a Premier League boss, but Allardyce believes his experience
negates any potential surprises to managing in England. He said: "The
experience of Dick Advocaat is one they're looking to draw on and get
something a little more out of the players than Gus managed to do and more
importantly to get points on the board. "When you see the experience of a
man who's managed across the world I wouldn't have thought there would be
too many surprises for him coming and managing in the Premier League.
"There's a different level of football in this Premier League in terms of
its quality and intensity. It's quicker and better and just as skilful as
anywhere else in the world so I think it's more about him getting used to
his players and how best to pick a system with the players he's got to get a
result."
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A SHORT STORY...
By Bianca Westwood 19 Mar 2015 at 08:05
West Ham Till I Die
Once upon a time...
…there was a claret and blue army from the West of Ham who had voyaged over
land and sea, fighting a seemingly lifelong crusade against a ferocious and
truly relentless opponent. Throughout the decades they had many clashes.
Some won, some lost. They had occasionally risen through the ranks and
conquered mighty foes, but sadly they had also oft got caught in enemy
territory, frequently shooting themselves in the foot and beating a hasty
retreat further and further into the danger zone, thus becoming imprisoned
in fearsomely low down and dirty dungeons.
In the best of times they were led by mighty warriors. In the worst of times
the village idiots somehow took over. Over the years the treasury had become
bare and the last of the silver had long since been plundered. The townsfolk
were becoming restless. Supporting this army with mind, body and soul was
becoming a dreadful burden.
Their latest commander in chief was a formidably bolshy character who took
his troops through some rough terrain and they enjoyed some much-needed
success. His latest campaign was largely impressive. Battles had been won
with great finesse and flourish but it wasn't always enough and he knew the
war was far from over. Strong-willed and stubborn he sometimes ignored his
advisors. He cocked a deaf ear to the voice of the people, stuck with his
tactics even in failure and kept faith with his much-maligned captain. He
refused to ingratiate himself with the masses and would never be forgiven
for some of his strategies. The West of Ham citizens wanted glorious
victory! At all costs. And the reigning Kings looked on and became
increasingly worried…could they afford to dispose of their current leader or
would a new figurehead finally lead the weary claret and blue army into the
promised land? Even the beautiful and amazing and gracious and humble and
ever-so-modest Queen Bee didn't know what to do for the good of the realm…
It was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma….how would the story
end?!
Now, I stopped believing in fairytales a long time ago. The opening chapter
of this particular Premier League campaign may have seemed like a dream come
true but we've all kind of woken up to the harsh reality now haven't we?
It's been grim (and not Grimm!!) recently, to say the least. I'm not
surprised Sam Allardyce chose not to face the media after the hit we took at
the Emirates on Saturday. He obviously wasn't in the mood to dish out the
latest episode of Jackanory. Sometimes things are best left unsaid. I
haven't really felt like saying much about it either. I was hoping for a
birthday miracle (yes another year older, probably not much wiser) but
unfortunately it was not to be. It was a valiant effort by all accounts but
ultimately we were picked off and pulled apart. After coming so close
against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea I allowed myself to imagine
a better contest but, as hard as this is for me to admit, the gulf in
quality against the Gooners really showed.
Relatively speaking, we're still in a decent position, safely nestled mid
table with that 40 point cushion edging ever-closer towards our grasping
fingertips. So why do I feel so deflated? When I'd have taken this position
like a shot in August? Our early season show-stopping revelry and penchant
for the spectacular has spoiled me. Call me greedy but I liked what I saw
and I want me some more of that please! Unfortunately the funfair seems to
have left town. No more fanfare.
So maybe we are exactly where we're supposed to be. Yes it was exhilarating,
it was a real blast while it lasted but now that seems like the stuff of
myth and legend. Like the Emperor's New Clothes. Underneath that initial
pomp and bluster we're still the rickety rickety old West Ham of yore. It
wasn't completely fake however. We were really good but we're just not that
good. Yet. With our faltering, injury-battered players, makeshift defence,
absentee strike force and too slim squad, mid-table obscurity is quite
possibly where we belong at this moment in time and space.
And that's ok!
Apart from the Hawthorns disaster and the desperately humiliating no show
against Palace we've always been in with a shout. On paper, one league win
in 2015 looks bad. However I think many Hammers fans agree that the stats
don't always tell the full story. Players and managers always trot out the
old "our performances have been there but not the results" cliché but, in
all honesty, we've been undeniably unfortunate at times. Fine margins
indeed.
So now what? Well, for me, as I said earlier in the season I'm not too
fussed about a top six spot just yet anyway. At the risk of repeating myself
it would be a grave mistake to try and embark on a European journey when we
simply don't have the means to do so. I'm so over flirting with the drop and
the last thing we need is a relegation extravaganza during our farewell
season at the Boleyn. The Europa competition is a gamble. To which Stoke,
Swansea, Everton and Spurs would all testify. We can take up that engagement
some other time. We do NOT need to risk a Premier League sortie!
There's nothing wrong with a bit of mediocrity and mid-table obscurity…if
only for a season or two. Let's worry about fighting the good fight and
setting the world alight when we're comfortably and securely ensconced in
our new palatial home. We will get our happily ever after but it might just
take a little longer than we hoped for.
As for the future? It's romantic nowadays to envisage a long-term "project".
How many managers are given the precious gift of time to create something
special? Who has the scope to be truly forward-thinking in a team's
development or club's progression? Those wishes are rarely granted. Chairmen
are no fairy godmothers. Tomorrow is now a land far, far away. Everything
has to happen today. Like it or not we are in the midst of a throwaway
culture, where everything and everyone is disposable. Especially incumbent
football managers…ESPECIALLY those that drastically divide fan opinion. I
hate the precarious nature of it all. It is ruining the true heart of the
game but, reluctantly, I'm coming round to the opinion that it would be
foolish and bad business for us to grant anyone a long lease. Pay offs are
way too frequent in the top flight and we certainly haven't got that kind of
money to throw around.
I don't want to get into a big should-Sam-stay-or-go argument. That drama
has been done to death and I've already asserted my support for him. But my
instinct tells me, if there is no outstanding candidate (and even though
there are whispers that Moyes has already been approached, to me there
isn't) then why not a one year rolling? It's the least he deserves. Then at
the absolute worst we're nigh on guaranteed premier league status going into
the Olympic Stadium. That's if he'd even take that offer. I'm sure he feels
he is owed something more substantial and I don't disagree. But long
contracts for any manager these days are becoming a lesson in sheer fantasy.
They are usually a waste of ink, and, quite frankly, we just don't have the
paper.
Ok so Tim of Sherwood and his merry men have been given a fat contract to
scribble on. So far they've managed to ride in like bandits, robbing points
off of the poor to replenish their own bare coffers. All they care about
right now is survival. They're not looking any further than that. He's
definitely revitalised a once-woeful outfit and if he keeps them up he'll be
worth every penny of his three and a half years. Regrettably for the rest of
us, for a large section of our fans Big Sam is more wicked sheriff than
working man's champion and unfortunately there are signs the board is
wobbling. Unsubstantiated rumours abound yes but the silence is deafening.
The big bad wolf is pacing outside that door and he's getting ready to huff
and puff!
I hope the writing isn't on the wall for him already. That would be a shame.
Plus all the uncertainty can't be doing the players any good. One thing I do
know is that we need to liven this story up sharpish. At this rate our
season is scarily close to petering out into absolute nothingness. There has
to be a better ending to this year's yarn. What a perfect opportunity to get
back on track this Saturday. Will Sam be hero or villain? Enter Dick
Advocaat stage left….
To be continued......
COME ON YOU IRONS,
B x
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In-demand Sam Allardyce wants West Ham stay despite Sunderland interest
15:14, 19 March 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
The Black Cats board are keen on making Allardyce their permanent manager in
the summer when temporary boss Dick Advocaat leaves
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has reiterated his desire to be in charge of West Ham next
season despite being on Sunderland's wanted list. Allardyce is one of the
names in the frame to become Black Cats boss in the summer. Dick Advocaat
was handed the reins for the rest of the campaign following Gus Poyet's
sacking on Monday. Allardyce's is a contender for the job long term with his
Hammers future up in the air and talks over a new deal on hold until the end
of the season. But he said: "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted to West
Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line we'll be
talking about a contract here. If that contract is right, yes (I will be
here next summer)." West Ham are Advocaat's first Premier League opponents
and Allardyce admits the pressure is on his players after just one win in
their last 12 games. Allardyce said: "The players have got a huge amount of
pressure on because West Ham fans will expect them to win against Sunderland
because of their position in the league and anything less than that they'll
be struggling to accept."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No new deal for 'locked down' Valencia
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have no plans to hold talks with Enner Valencia over a new deal
after reports emerged it was on the cards. Speculation had arisen in various
media outlets that co owner David Sullivan wanted to close down a release
clause in the Ecuador striker's deal. It was believed that the player could
move on should offers come in at an undisclosed figure but this is not the
case. ClaretandHugh was advised by both sources inside the club and close to
the player that Valencia has no release clauses whatsoever in his deal. We
were told earlier this evening: "We have read these reports but it just
isn't true. Enner has a watertight contract – there are no get-outs
whatsoever so there's obviously no need for talks over a fresh deal.. The
player is locked down tight to West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce talks up a West Ham future!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce – describing links to the Sunderland job as "pure speculation"
– is bravely talking up his Hammers future. "Pure speculation," was his
response when asked before adding: "I'm West Ham manager and I'm contracted
to West Ham and don't expect anything other than somewhere along the line
we'll be talking about a contract here."
When asked if he saw himself at West Ham next year, he said: "If that
contract is right, yes." West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will be keen to see his
squad get back on the winning track this weekend at the Emirates. On
Sunderland's position he added ahead of Saturday evening's game he added:
"They've moved very swiftly for a replacement which is giving them the best
possible chance of improving their results. "It will be one of those for us
that makes the game more difficult with a new manager coming in and the fact
they lost 4-0 last week. "I think the players of Sunderland will be very
hurt by the fact they let their fans down and also be feeling like they've
let Gus down and they'll want to do something about it."
He said: "The experience of Dick Advocaat is one they're looking to draw on
and get something a little more out of the players than Gus managed to do
and more importantly to get points on the board. "When you see the
experience of a man who's managed across the world I wouldn't have thought
there would be too many surprises for him coming and managing in the Premier
League. "There's a different level of football in this Premier League in
terms of its quality and intensity. It's quicker and better and just as
skilful as anywhere else in the world so I think it's more about him getting
used to his players and how best to pick a system with the players he's got
to get a result."
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Is our season petering out to nothing?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Some will argue our season finished on Christmas day when we reached the
lofty heights in a fake forth place. Since Christmas we have only been able
to muster eight points in 84 days and form has fallen to one that mirrors
relegation struggling Leicester and QPR. We have nine games remaining to
savage something from this season but a dream of a place in Europe is long
gone. As the saying goes there are no easy games in the Premier League.
We face Sunderland with a new manager one place above relegation this
Saturday. We also play Sunderland's fellow relegation strugglers Burnley,
Leicester City, Aston Villa and QPR in the next few weeks. These teams are
desperate to stay in the Premier League to guarantee the minimum revenue £60
million and these will not be easy games, they will not roll over.
It seems unlikely we can do the double over Man City with the home win
against them earlier this season a distance memory.
That just leaves Everton, Stoke and Newcastle, teams unlikely to roll over
to give us easy wins.
So we almost mathematically safe on 39 points but each league position will
earn us another £1.2m. We finished 13th last season earning is £10.8m in
merit payments while a current 10th place will earn £13.2m.
I believe we have lost any momentum and the manager and the players have
little to play for. I see us scoring no more than nine points averaging Sam
Allardyce's famous one point per game.
Wins maybe against Burnley and QPR, draws possible against Sunderland,
Villa and Leicester and possible losses against Manchester City, Everton,
Stoke and Newcastle
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barca kid eyed as Irons target 'young ones'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham United hunt for top youngsters is gaining pace as the summer
approaches and the first name in the frame appears to be Barcelona's teenage
striker Munir El Haddadi. The Hammers – whilst keeping an eye open for
decent free signings in the upper age bracket – are determined to find the
best youngsters around via their revamped scouting policy and would love to
take the player on loan. Recruitment director to the board Tonu Henry's
influence is being felt strongly throughout the club and that is the
direction he is taking. The club are this morning reported to be "targeting
a move" for the youngster who has already represented Span but is currently
in need of first-team football. The Irons hope the newly forged links with
Barcelona via the loan deal which saw Alex Song arrive at the club may give
them an edge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
S'land gave Irons assurance of no Sam approach
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 19, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sunderland had told West Ham a month ago they would not be approaching the
club for permission to speak with Sam Allardyce. A close relationship exists
between the two boards and Black Cats owner Ellis Short (right) had made it
clear privately there would be no approach as speculation increased. Short
had decided that he needed a short term replacement for Gus Poyet whilst he
studied the long term possibilities with Dick Advocaat getting the gig. But
public comments from Hammers vice chairman Karren Brady claiming a bookie
she knows had made Allardyce favourite for the job had apparently prompted
the Short assurances to the irons board. However, no such assurances were
given about an approach at the end of the season with an insider telling
ClaretandHugh: "The message and methodology is clear. That's when it all
happens at this club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loanee Paul McCallum playing for Portsmouth's reserves after
difficult loan spell
HITC
Mathew Nash
The 2011 signing from Dulwich Hamlet has not lived up to expectations. In
2011 West Ham United snapped up a promising talent from non-league football
with the arrival of striker Paul McCallum from Dulwich Hamlet. He has
previously scored nine goals in 11 games for the club and The Hammers were
pleased to snap him up. However he has struggled to make an impact at Upton
Park, spending much of his time out on loan. He has had spells with
Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town, Torquay United and Hearts and in
January he joined Portsmouth.
It is fair to say that that move has so far proved a disaster. He did not
score in his first two games for the club but was sent off against Southend
United in his second appearance. It was a controversial red card for the
West Ham loanee. He was sent packing for violent conduct after an off the
ball incident and after allegedly making contact with the referee he was
given a seven game ban. That was 11 games ago and since then he has been
languishing in the reserves at the League Two club. He featured again for
the reserves against Gillingham last night, a day after his return to
first-team action against Cheltenham, just two months on from his ridiculous
red card offence. With his contract at West Ham expiring in the summer, do
not expect them keeping McCallum next term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loanee airs ambitious target, admits goals have changed
HITC
Billy Hawkins
West Ham United have been performing above expectations this season, and
Carl Jenkinson has explained what the club are aiming for.
The Hammers sit in 10th place at this late stage of the season, and Carl
Jenkinson has told the official West Ham website what the club are looking
to achieve. A run of poor form in the last few weeks has seen the East
London club drop to mid-table after a strong first half to the campaign, but
they are still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe if results go their
way. The visit of Sunderland this weekend could be a great chance for the
Hammers to get their season back on track, and they follow that tie with a
run of fairly winnable games. Sam Allardyce will be looking to end the
campaign on a high, and a strong finish may be vital in him securing a new
contract to stay at the Boleyn Ground. Having clambered as high as the
Champions League places earlier in the season, it would come as a
disappointment to see the Hammers not qualify for at least the Europa
League. Their current form suggests that such an achievement will be delayed
for another season, but full-back Jenkinson has told the official Irons
website that the aim is still a European place, having started the season
only dreaming of the top half. "At the start of the season the goal was to
finish in the top ten," the on-loan right-back said. "Being where we are now
the goal changes and when you're in this position you don't just settle for
it. "You re-assess your goals and make new ones. That's what we've done and
the aim is to try and get a European spot. I don't think that's out of our
reach as we have winnable games between now and the end of the season."
Despite the next run of fixtures being winnable, West Ham have struggled
against some average teams this season. They will need to overcome that
issue if they want qualify for Europe, with there enough quality in their
squad to hit that target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham defender arrested over assault claim
Former West Ham defender Calum Davenport has been arrested on suspicion of
assault following an altercation at the end of a lower league match in
Bedfordshire.
Davenport plays for Elstow Abbey FC having drifted down the English football
pyramid after being stabbed in the legs by his sister's boyfriend in 2009.
The former England under-21 star lost half the blood in his body and spent
two days in intensive care before being released by West Ham in 2010. He was
detained on Saturday for his involvement in an incident which resulted with
a 30 year-old man suffering a head injury which required hospital treatment.
It took place in the away dressing room following Elstow Abbey's
Bedfordshire County Football League Division One fixture at Cranfield
United. Davenport had been sent off with ten minutes remaining in the match,
and is currently on police bail until April 17th.
Cranfield United's chairman, Ed Frost, told Bedfordshire on Sunday: The
incident occurred in the away changing room between away players, it was
isolated there and didn't spill over into the club house. This followed a
tense game between two teams at the top of the table, in which Mr Davenport
was sent off in the latter stages.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Friday, March 20
Thursday, March 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th March 2015
The Big Interview - Stewart Downing
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing speaks to the Official Site about the threat his former loan
club Sunderland pose and his targets for the rest of the season...
If we work hard, we should be able to beat Sunderland given their lack of
confidence after last weekend's 4-0 defeat?
"We should have beaten them when we played them at their place too. Our own
form has been quite good recently. We have to start well and if we play like
we did in the second half against Chelsea we'll win."
Sunderland are a club you know well, coming from the North-East, and you had
a loan spell there. There are similarities between the two clubs, a big fan
base and high expectations…
"I think we were in a similar sort of situation last year, we had some
suspensions and injuries too. But we've come on a long way, we're harder to
beat and we need to continue to improve that.
"I think overall the confidence is still there, we've had a little dip in
form but all teams do that and we need to bounce back. If we get a win this
weekend it sets us up great for the last eight games of the season."
With the international break coming up, a win is even more important, mainly
to avoid the negative headlines carrying on for two weeks?
"Yeah definitely, it would give everyone a lift. The way we've been playing
and the players we have here, we're capable of winning. With a new manager
in they'll be lifted and want to impress him so we need to be aware of that
and expect a difficult game."
Where do you see Sunderland's main threat coming from?
"Steven Fletcher on his day is a goal scorer, Connor Wickham is also a
handful. Other than that we're pretty strong and we've got goalscorers of
our own in the team."
You scored a good goal up there, it would be nice to add to your tally this
weekend?
"Definitely, I'm due a goal I think but if the team wins then I'm not
bothered, that's the main thing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View on the Visitors - Sunderland
Sunderland Echo's Sunderland reporter CHRIS YOUNG lifts the lid on
Saturday's visitors Sunderland
WHUFC.com
In a nutshell, what have you made of Sunderland's season?
"The first half they were pretty solid if unspectacular. They drew a lot of
games and were hard to beat but since the turn of the year they've
unravelled pretty much. Jermain Defoe was brought in to try and help score
more goals but I think Poyet struggled to work out the best way to use him."
What's do you make of Gus Poyet's sacking?
"I think after the Aston Villa result it was inevitable really. They were
so, so bad in the first half, his position was almost untenable. The
performance against Hull City was also poor and they've been struggling for
a while so it looked like it was going to happen sooner or later."
Is Dick Advocaat the right man to keep Sunderland in the Premier League?
"He's certainly got a huge amount of experience, both winning trophies and
at international level so the task in hand shouldn't phase him. Having said
that, he's never managed in the Premier League so he's a bit of an unknown
quantity. I think giving him a short term deal is a good idea."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
We will start with the positive news, which is that Carlton Cole has
recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered at Tottenham Hotspur on 22
February. Carlton has resumed full training and will be available for
Saturday's game against Sunderland.
Another positive note is that, although Adrian dislocated his finger in the
warm-up ahead of the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and
taped up by physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game. Adrian played
through the pain, which is not to be under-estimated, and he too will be
available to face Sunderland.
Adrian avoided a fracture and ligament damage, so he has been receiving
treatment by wearing a brace during the night this week to ensure his finger
remains pointing in the right direction! He was held out of one training
session as a precaution but he will be ready to play on Saturday.
Unfortunately, we have had two setbacks in the defence. James Tomkins
underwent successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and
will now commence his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to
fitness before the end of the season.
Doneil Henry injured his hamstring during his loan spell with Blackburn
Rovers and, after consulting with a specialist, he will have an operation at
the end of the week.
Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return.
Andy Carroll no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a brace on
the knee he injured against Southampton on 11 February. Andy is still
limited, but from Tuesday this week we significantly increased his rehab and
are able to do a wider variety exercises. Andy's rehab is going well and
everything is still on schedule.
Enner Valencia lacerated his big toe on 10 March and unfortunately he will
not be available this weekend, but is on schedule to return after the
international break.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee played the full game in Luton Town's 1-0 defeat away at Newport
County. Aaron O'Connor first half strike proved to be the difference between
the two sides.
Sean Maguire played 75 minutes in Accrington Stanley's 2-2 away draw at
Wycombe Wanderers. Sam Wood puts the hosts ahead on the half hour mark
before Terry Gornell equalised just before half time. Into the second half,
Piero Mingoia put Stanley ahead before Alfie Mawson's deflected shot
levelled the proceedings.
Maguire was replaced by former West Ham midfielder Danny Whitehead who
signed for Stanley on a short term deal earlier in the week.
Paul McCallum returned for the first time since being suspended as an 86th
minute substitute for Portsmouth. Pompey opened the scoring through Matt
Tubbs before Eliot Richards equalised a minute later.
Cheltenham took the lead four minutes later through Will Packwood's header
before Ryan Taylor equalised just before half time.
Raphael Spiegel was unused substitute in Carlisle United's 2-0 away win at
Northampton Town. Jason Kennedy opened the scoring before Kyle Dempsey
secured the victory for Carlisle.
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Howes called up for England U18s
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Sam Howes has been called up for the England U18s ahead of
their games with Switzerland later this month. The Young Lions face the
Swiss twice, with a game behind closed doors in Telford next week before
they play again at Walsall's Banks's Stadium on Saturday 28 March, kick-off
5.30pm. The 17-year-old goalkeeper has been in fine form for the West Ham
United U18s this making 18 appearances as well as six appearances for the
U21s. Howes was part of the victorious England U17 squad that were crowned
champions in last May's U17 Euro Finals. The talented shot-stopper then went
on to make his first team debut on the Hammers' tour of New Zealand before
signing a long-term contract with the club last November.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender James Tomkins has surgery on shoulder
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on a dislocated
shoulder but should return to action before the end of the season. The
25-year-old suffered the injury after falling awkwardly in training. He
missed Saturday's defeat at Arsenal , a game the Hammers lost 3-0. "We will
now start his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to fitness before
the end of the season," said Stijn Vandenbroucke, West Ham's head of medical
and sports science.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
West Ham set for Allardyce talks with Moyes, Benitez and Bilic on list of
possible replacements
West Ham plan to discuss Sam Allardyce's future before the end of the month,
amid speculation that Sunderland remain keen to recruit him next summer.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-set-for-allardyce-talks-wi
th-moyes-benitez-and-bilic-on-list-of-possible-replacements-10113323.html
Sunderland's managerial change will make life hard for us, says West Ham's
Sam Allardyce
New Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is looking for a flying start to his
reign, which kicks-off against Sam Allardyce's West Ham on Saturday
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderlands-mana
gerial-change-make-life-8862240
West Ham will hit top eight target, says assistant manager Neil McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has assured Hammers fans that the
club are still aiming for a top eight finish despite their recent poor run
of form.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-will-hit-top-eight-target-
says-assistant-manager-neil-mcdonald-10114583.html
West Ham CHASING ex-Manchester United manager David Moyes
WEST HAM chiefs have reportedly singled out ex-Manchester United boss David
Moyes as the man to replace Sam Allardyce in the summer.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/431247/West-Ham-chasing-ex-Manches
ter-United-manager-David-Moyes
Adrian: "We know we can win
In-form goalkeeper Adrian is relishing the prospect of bouncing back from
the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal when the Hammers entertain Sunderland this
Saturday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/16-March/Adrian-We-know-we-can
-win
Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/17-March/Former-Player-Blog-Si
r-Trevor-Brooking
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Tomkins has surgery on dislocated shoulder
Last Updated: 18/03/15 2:20pm
SSN
James Tomkins has had successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder and
could yet return this season. The West Ham defender was injured in training
ahead of Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, and there were fears he may not play
again this season. But the club's head of sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke
says the aim is to have Tomkins back some time in the remaining nine Premier
League games.
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THIS MANAGERIAL MERRY GO ROUND RUINS SEASONS
By Bobby Shovels 18 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Back in the first few months of 2012, Harry Redknapp's situation at Spurs
was akin to that of Sam Allardyce's reign this season. An impressive start
began to fade away towards the end of the year, with hopes of Tottenham
finishing in the top two giving way to a top-four finish. That sense of
defeat was compounded when Chelsea won the Champions League and Spurs were
knocked out of the competition.
Similarly, Allardyce's early promise has faded, with one win in 12 and a
slump down the table. What connects the two men, bar their sense of
frustration at never having led the Three Lions? Managerial gossip.
For it was Redknapp's evident preoccupation with the England job (which
eventually went to Roy Hodgson) that forced Tottenham's form to waver, with
Redknapp denying there was confusion in the ranks or from within his own
head.
One can't help but feel every time West Ham is mentioned now, be it on the
Guardian podcast or on the back pages, the Hammers are referenced like a
side where the story is in the future and not the present.
For far too long, myself and almost every other fan has been preoccupied
with Allardyce, David Sullivan, David Gold, Tony Henry and Martin Glover.
The season has been dominated, just like last, with such discussion. "Oh,
we're doing well! Allardyce to stay!" "Oh, we're crap again! Allardyce out!"
"Who shall we get in? Will Allardyce get a new contract?"
These questions have plagued the club for a long time, and one can't help
but feel such discussions start to play a factor in the mentality of both
the manager and the players. What does it feel like for a manager to
constantly be questioned about his decisions? And that when he does things
right, the praise goes to others, who supposedly built the team? What does
it mean for a player to feel that even if he doesn't play well, he knows the
manager will get the boot and not him?
We seem to forget the good times, ignore the injuries and become blind to
the difficult run of fixtures.
At the beginning of the season, managers were not much of a story. No one
lost their job until after Christmas.
Now, managerial questions and changes are everywhere.
Chelsea have dipped, so Jose Mourinho needed to emphasise last week that he
is the best manager in the country because he's won every competition,
casting aside any doubts about his position after the Blues' loss against
PSG.
Louis van Gaal, a manager with a phenomenal CV, is constantly called into
question. Brendan Rodgers is finally ridding himself of his doubters.
Manuel Pellegrini is now the new flavour of the sacking rumour month, with
talk of Guardiola taking over next year, although the billionaire owners may
grow impatient.
Every manager has been questioned this season, but why? Take Alan Pardew. If
you combined his stints at Newcastle and Crystal Palace, his imaginary team
would be sitting in eighth, an incredibly decent league placing.
Yes, gossip and what ifs are great for the papers but does it really help us
better understand and know our clubs? We constantly live in a state of
imagining that managers are the Gods and the players the pawns, with nothing
on the pitch being able to change without the man upstairs alternating. What
happens if David Moyes, Slaven Bilic or Rafa Benitez came in and nothing
changed at the Boleyn? Will we question the owners? What about the players?
Maybe their role and abilities will be called into question more; maybe we
will start asking more from men who earn our yearly salaries in weeks.
At some point, if football is to find its voice and change for the better,
we need to stop asking who's next for the chop in terms of the managers, but
who deserves to wear the Claret and Blue. Many will argue that Sam Allardyce
defines our club, due to his style of football. I would argue, that like so
many others, we have allowed him to define our club, through the narrative
we impose and the aura we impinge on the players and in the stands.
Let's case aside doubts and rumour and focus on the final matches ahead.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons eye Arsenal midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have pencilled the name of Mathieu Flamini onto their possible
summer target list. ClaretandHugh has learned the 31 year old Arsenal
defensive midfielder was fancied by some inside Upton Park two years ago but
manager Sam Allardyce snubbed the chance of making a move. Now, however,
with a likely change of boss at the end of the season, Flamini could
re-enter the frame. The French star is a free agent at the end of the
present campaign and with Alex Song slowly slipping down the wanted list,
Flamini could be of interest if the personal demands are realistic. We were
told: "He's a very useful player who can organise things in front of the
back four. It's too early at this stage to make any sort of firm predictions
but his is a name that's been mentioned. "The major drive this year though
will be towards younger players. We'd like nothing more than to unearth a
couple of Aaron Cresswells. "However, Flamini does bring quite a lot to the
party."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins under the knife but Adrian fit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian will be available for the clash against Sunderland despite
dislocating his finger in the warm-up to the Arsenal match last weekend.
West Ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke, revealed
the Spaniard has been wearing a brace on his finger since he suffered the
injury.
He explained: "Although Adrian dislocated his finger in the warm-up ahead of
the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and taped up by
physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game."
Speaking to the official website he added: "Adrian played through the pain,
which is not to be underestimated, and he will be available to face
Sunderland.
Meanwhile defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on his dislocated
shoulder but is out for the season as reported exclusively by ClaretandHugh.
Cheikhou Kouyate had to play at the heart of defence with Winston Reid also
absent and with Vandenbroucke suggesting the New Zealand defender is again
unlikely to be available, is set to again play James Collins.
Vandenbroucke said: "James Tomkins underwent successful surgery on his
dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and will now commence his rehabilitation.
"Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return."
Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia are both injured but Vandenbroucke reported
the England forward "no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a
brace on the knee".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adebayor: "I'm available"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have received some low key encouragement from Emanuel Adebayor as
they muse a summer move for the Spurs forward. Adebayor was of course very
much at the centre of their January efforts before Spurs killed the deal and
the player is on a free transfer in the summer.
The Irons interest is solid as things stand and ClaretandHugh was told:
"He's a good free and with some likely departures we may be able to make
room in the budget so long as personal terms are sensible. Currently the
player in on £100k a week but the Hammers would be looking to do a deal at
around half of that and the likely departures of such as Carlton Cole and
Guy Demel would help. The likely departure of Sam Allardyce may cause a
re-think under a new manager but with Andy Carroll's injury history,
Adebayor is likely to remain on the radar given that demands moderate with
age! The player said: ""I am available. I'm not 21 years old any more. I am
31 and I look at things differently." "I think I have learned from it. I
went through a lot of family issues. Now it is behind me and I am back on
the football pitch. I am very glad to be back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons urged to go for Klopp!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
West Ham are being urged to consider trying to make Borussia Dortmund boss
Jurgen Klopp their next manager. Hammers fan and well respected columnist
Martin Samuel writes in the Daily Mail that the 47 year old "appears to be
nearing journey's end" in the Bundesliga."
Currently, the club he has taken to a domestic double and runners up spot in
the Champions Cup Final in the past is currently languishing in tenth place
34 points behind the top spot and eight above the bottom! Martin describes
the "charismatic, successful figure " as being given to taking on long-term
projects and working within a reasonable budget. And with the Hammers moving
into the country's most high profile stadium he reckons at the very least a
phone call could be made. He writes: "It might be over-ambitious, it might
go no further than one telephone call and a splutter of mocking laughter;
but isn't it worth making that call, just in case? A couple of points
perhaps need making.It may well be that a phone call has been made! The said
telephone is also available to try finding out! It also needs to be
remembered that Klopp is tied into the German club until 2018 and in 2013
ahead of signing his latest deal he was on £5 million a year.
So, unless he is fired and were then to accept a West Ham gig, which Martin
points out is highly unlikely, we would probably be faced with a ridiculous
compensation bill plus wages for him and his backroom staff. Beyond any of
that there's also the little problem of about six Champions league clubs
across Europe who would be able to offer him far more than is currently
available at West Ham.
Nice idea but no cigar methinks!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing speaks to the Official Site about the threat his former loan
club Sunderland pose and his targets for the rest of the season...
If we work hard, we should be able to beat Sunderland given their lack of
confidence after last weekend's 4-0 defeat?
"We should have beaten them when we played them at their place too. Our own
form has been quite good recently. We have to start well and if we play like
we did in the second half against Chelsea we'll win."
Sunderland are a club you know well, coming from the North-East, and you had
a loan spell there. There are similarities between the two clubs, a big fan
base and high expectations…
"I think we were in a similar sort of situation last year, we had some
suspensions and injuries too. But we've come on a long way, we're harder to
beat and we need to continue to improve that.
"I think overall the confidence is still there, we've had a little dip in
form but all teams do that and we need to bounce back. If we get a win this
weekend it sets us up great for the last eight games of the season."
With the international break coming up, a win is even more important, mainly
to avoid the negative headlines carrying on for two weeks?
"Yeah definitely, it would give everyone a lift. The way we've been playing
and the players we have here, we're capable of winning. With a new manager
in they'll be lifted and want to impress him so we need to be aware of that
and expect a difficult game."
Where do you see Sunderland's main threat coming from?
"Steven Fletcher on his day is a goal scorer, Connor Wickham is also a
handful. Other than that we're pretty strong and we've got goalscorers of
our own in the team."
You scored a good goal up there, it would be nice to add to your tally this
weekend?
"Definitely, I'm due a goal I think but if the team wins then I'm not
bothered, that's the main thing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View on the Visitors - Sunderland
Sunderland Echo's Sunderland reporter CHRIS YOUNG lifts the lid on
Saturday's visitors Sunderland
WHUFC.com
In a nutshell, what have you made of Sunderland's season?
"The first half they were pretty solid if unspectacular. They drew a lot of
games and were hard to beat but since the turn of the year they've
unravelled pretty much. Jermain Defoe was brought in to try and help score
more goals but I think Poyet struggled to work out the best way to use him."
What's do you make of Gus Poyet's sacking?
"I think after the Aston Villa result it was inevitable really. They were
so, so bad in the first half, his position was almost untenable. The
performance against Hull City was also poor and they've been struggling for
a while so it looked like it was going to happen sooner or later."
Is Dick Advocaat the right man to keep Sunderland in the Premier League?
"He's certainly got a huge amount of experience, both winning trophies and
at international level so the task in hand shouldn't phase him. Having said
that, he's never managed in the Premier League so he's a bit of an unknown
quantity. I think giving him a short term deal is a good idea."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
We will start with the positive news, which is that Carlton Cole has
recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered at Tottenham Hotspur on 22
February. Carlton has resumed full training and will be available for
Saturday's game against Sunderland.
Another positive note is that, although Adrian dislocated his finger in the
warm-up ahead of the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and
taped up by physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game. Adrian played
through the pain, which is not to be under-estimated, and he too will be
available to face Sunderland.
Adrian avoided a fracture and ligament damage, so he has been receiving
treatment by wearing a brace during the night this week to ensure his finger
remains pointing in the right direction! He was held out of one training
session as a precaution but he will be ready to play on Saturday.
Unfortunately, we have had two setbacks in the defence. James Tomkins
underwent successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and
will now commence his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to
fitness before the end of the season.
Doneil Henry injured his hamstring during his loan spell with Blackburn
Rovers and, after consulting with a specialist, he will have an operation at
the end of the week.
Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return.
Andy Carroll no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a brace on
the knee he injured against Southampton on 11 February. Andy is still
limited, but from Tuesday this week we significantly increased his rehab and
are able to do a wider variety exercises. Andy's rehab is going well and
everything is still on schedule.
Enner Valencia lacerated his big toe on 10 March and unfortunately he will
not be available this weekend, but is on schedule to return after the
international break.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee played the full game in Luton Town's 1-0 defeat away at Newport
County. Aaron O'Connor first half strike proved to be the difference between
the two sides.
Sean Maguire played 75 minutes in Accrington Stanley's 2-2 away draw at
Wycombe Wanderers. Sam Wood puts the hosts ahead on the half hour mark
before Terry Gornell equalised just before half time. Into the second half,
Piero Mingoia put Stanley ahead before Alfie Mawson's deflected shot
levelled the proceedings.
Maguire was replaced by former West Ham midfielder Danny Whitehead who
signed for Stanley on a short term deal earlier in the week.
Paul McCallum returned for the first time since being suspended as an 86th
minute substitute for Portsmouth. Pompey opened the scoring through Matt
Tubbs before Eliot Richards equalised a minute later.
Cheltenham took the lead four minutes later through Will Packwood's header
before Ryan Taylor equalised just before half time.
Raphael Spiegel was unused substitute in Carlisle United's 2-0 away win at
Northampton Town. Jason Kennedy opened the scoring before Kyle Dempsey
secured the victory for Carlisle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes called up for England U18s
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Sam Howes has been called up for the England U18s ahead of
their games with Switzerland later this month. The Young Lions face the
Swiss twice, with a game behind closed doors in Telford next week before
they play again at Walsall's Banks's Stadium on Saturday 28 March, kick-off
5.30pm. The 17-year-old goalkeeper has been in fine form for the West Ham
United U18s this making 18 appearances as well as six appearances for the
U21s. Howes was part of the victorious England U17 squad that were crowned
champions in last May's U17 Euro Finals. The talented shot-stopper then went
on to make his first team debut on the Hammers' tour of New Zealand before
signing a long-term contract with the club last November.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender James Tomkins has surgery on shoulder
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on a dislocated
shoulder but should return to action before the end of the season. The
25-year-old suffered the injury after falling awkwardly in training. He
missed Saturday's defeat at Arsenal , a game the Hammers lost 3-0. "We will
now start his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to fitness before
the end of the season," said Stijn Vandenbroucke, West Ham's head of medical
and sports science.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
West Ham set for Allardyce talks with Moyes, Benitez and Bilic on list of
possible replacements
West Ham plan to discuss Sam Allardyce's future before the end of the month,
amid speculation that Sunderland remain keen to recruit him next summer.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-set-for-allardyce-talks-wi
th-moyes-benitez-and-bilic-on-list-of-possible-replacements-10113323.html
Sunderland's managerial change will make life hard for us, says West Ham's
Sam Allardyce
New Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is looking for a flying start to his
reign, which kicks-off against Sam Allardyce's West Ham on Saturday
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderlands-mana
gerial-change-make-life-8862240
West Ham will hit top eight target, says assistant manager Neil McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has assured Hammers fans that the
club are still aiming for a top eight finish despite their recent poor run
of form.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-will-hit-top-eight-target-
says-assistant-manager-neil-mcdonald-10114583.html
West Ham CHASING ex-Manchester United manager David Moyes
WEST HAM chiefs have reportedly singled out ex-Manchester United boss David
Moyes as the man to replace Sam Allardyce in the summer.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/431247/West-Ham-chasing-ex-Manches
ter-United-manager-David-Moyes
Adrian: "We know we can win
In-form goalkeeper Adrian is relishing the prospect of bouncing back from
the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal when the Hammers entertain Sunderland this
Saturday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/16-March/Adrian-We-know-we-can
-win
Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/17-March/Former-Player-Blog-Si
r-Trevor-Brooking
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West Ham's James Tomkins has surgery on dislocated shoulder
Last Updated: 18/03/15 2:20pm
SSN
James Tomkins has had successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder and
could yet return this season. The West Ham defender was injured in training
ahead of Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, and there were fears he may not play
again this season. But the club's head of sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke
says the aim is to have Tomkins back some time in the remaining nine Premier
League games.
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THIS MANAGERIAL MERRY GO ROUND RUINS SEASONS
By Bobby Shovels 18 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Back in the first few months of 2012, Harry Redknapp's situation at Spurs
was akin to that of Sam Allardyce's reign this season. An impressive start
began to fade away towards the end of the year, with hopes of Tottenham
finishing in the top two giving way to a top-four finish. That sense of
defeat was compounded when Chelsea won the Champions League and Spurs were
knocked out of the competition.
Similarly, Allardyce's early promise has faded, with one win in 12 and a
slump down the table. What connects the two men, bar their sense of
frustration at never having led the Three Lions? Managerial gossip.
For it was Redknapp's evident preoccupation with the England job (which
eventually went to Roy Hodgson) that forced Tottenham's form to waver, with
Redknapp denying there was confusion in the ranks or from within his own
head.
One can't help but feel every time West Ham is mentioned now, be it on the
Guardian podcast or on the back pages, the Hammers are referenced like a
side where the story is in the future and not the present.
For far too long, myself and almost every other fan has been preoccupied
with Allardyce, David Sullivan, David Gold, Tony Henry and Martin Glover.
The season has been dominated, just like last, with such discussion. "Oh,
we're doing well! Allardyce to stay!" "Oh, we're crap again! Allardyce out!"
"Who shall we get in? Will Allardyce get a new contract?"
These questions have plagued the club for a long time, and one can't help
but feel such discussions start to play a factor in the mentality of both
the manager and the players. What does it feel like for a manager to
constantly be questioned about his decisions? And that when he does things
right, the praise goes to others, who supposedly built the team? What does
it mean for a player to feel that even if he doesn't play well, he knows the
manager will get the boot and not him?
We seem to forget the good times, ignore the injuries and become blind to
the difficult run of fixtures.
At the beginning of the season, managers were not much of a story. No one
lost their job until after Christmas.
Now, managerial questions and changes are everywhere.
Chelsea have dipped, so Jose Mourinho needed to emphasise last week that he
is the best manager in the country because he's won every competition,
casting aside any doubts about his position after the Blues' loss against
PSG.
Louis van Gaal, a manager with a phenomenal CV, is constantly called into
question. Brendan Rodgers is finally ridding himself of his doubters.
Manuel Pellegrini is now the new flavour of the sacking rumour month, with
talk of Guardiola taking over next year, although the billionaire owners may
grow impatient.
Every manager has been questioned this season, but why? Take Alan Pardew. If
you combined his stints at Newcastle and Crystal Palace, his imaginary team
would be sitting in eighth, an incredibly decent league placing.
Yes, gossip and what ifs are great for the papers but does it really help us
better understand and know our clubs? We constantly live in a state of
imagining that managers are the Gods and the players the pawns, with nothing
on the pitch being able to change without the man upstairs alternating. What
happens if David Moyes, Slaven Bilic or Rafa Benitez came in and nothing
changed at the Boleyn? Will we question the owners? What about the players?
Maybe their role and abilities will be called into question more; maybe we
will start asking more from men who earn our yearly salaries in weeks.
At some point, if football is to find its voice and change for the better,
we need to stop asking who's next for the chop in terms of the managers, but
who deserves to wear the Claret and Blue. Many will argue that Sam Allardyce
defines our club, due to his style of football. I would argue, that like so
many others, we have allowed him to define our club, through the narrative
we impose and the aura we impinge on the players and in the stands.
Let's case aside doubts and rumour and focus on the final matches ahead.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons eye Arsenal midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have pencilled the name of Mathieu Flamini onto their possible
summer target list. ClaretandHugh has learned the 31 year old Arsenal
defensive midfielder was fancied by some inside Upton Park two years ago but
manager Sam Allardyce snubbed the chance of making a move. Now, however,
with a likely change of boss at the end of the season, Flamini could
re-enter the frame. The French star is a free agent at the end of the
present campaign and with Alex Song slowly slipping down the wanted list,
Flamini could be of interest if the personal demands are realistic. We were
told: "He's a very useful player who can organise things in front of the
back four. It's too early at this stage to make any sort of firm predictions
but his is a name that's been mentioned. "The major drive this year though
will be towards younger players. We'd like nothing more than to unearth a
couple of Aaron Cresswells. "However, Flamini does bring quite a lot to the
party."
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Tomkins under the knife but Adrian fit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian will be available for the clash against Sunderland despite
dislocating his finger in the warm-up to the Arsenal match last weekend.
West Ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke, revealed
the Spaniard has been wearing a brace on his finger since he suffered the
injury.
He explained: "Although Adrian dislocated his finger in the warm-up ahead of
the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and taped up by
physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game."
Speaking to the official website he added: "Adrian played through the pain,
which is not to be underestimated, and he will be available to face
Sunderland.
Meanwhile defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on his dislocated
shoulder but is out for the season as reported exclusively by ClaretandHugh.
Cheikhou Kouyate had to play at the heart of defence with Winston Reid also
absent and with Vandenbroucke suggesting the New Zealand defender is again
unlikely to be available, is set to again play James Collins.
Vandenbroucke said: "James Tomkins underwent successful surgery on his
dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and will now commence his rehabilitation.
"Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return."
Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia are both injured but Vandenbroucke reported
the England forward "no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a
brace on the knee".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adebayor: "I'm available"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have received some low key encouragement from Emanuel Adebayor as
they muse a summer move for the Spurs forward. Adebayor was of course very
much at the centre of their January efforts before Spurs killed the deal and
the player is on a free transfer in the summer.
The Irons interest is solid as things stand and ClaretandHugh was told:
"He's a good free and with some likely departures we may be able to make
room in the budget so long as personal terms are sensible. Currently the
player in on £100k a week but the Hammers would be looking to do a deal at
around half of that and the likely departures of such as Carlton Cole and
Guy Demel would help. The likely departure of Sam Allardyce may cause a
re-think under a new manager but with Andy Carroll's injury history,
Adebayor is likely to remain on the radar given that demands moderate with
age! The player said: ""I am available. I'm not 21 years old any more. I am
31 and I look at things differently." "I think I have learned from it. I
went through a lot of family issues. Now it is behind me and I am back on
the football pitch. I am very glad to be back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons urged to go for Klopp!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
West Ham are being urged to consider trying to make Borussia Dortmund boss
Jurgen Klopp their next manager. Hammers fan and well respected columnist
Martin Samuel writes in the Daily Mail that the 47 year old "appears to be
nearing journey's end" in the Bundesliga."
Currently, the club he has taken to a domestic double and runners up spot in
the Champions Cup Final in the past is currently languishing in tenth place
34 points behind the top spot and eight above the bottom! Martin describes
the "charismatic, successful figure " as being given to taking on long-term
projects and working within a reasonable budget. And with the Hammers moving
into the country's most high profile stadium he reckons at the very least a
phone call could be made. He writes: "It might be over-ambitious, it might
go no further than one telephone call and a splutter of mocking laughter;
but isn't it worth making that call, just in case? A couple of points
perhaps need making.It may well be that a phone call has been made! The said
telephone is also available to try finding out! It also needs to be
remembered that Klopp is tied into the German club until 2018 and in 2013
ahead of signing his latest deal he was on £5 million a year.
So, unless he is fired and were then to accept a West Ham gig, which Martin
points out is highly unlikely, we would probably be faced with a ridiculous
compensation bill plus wages for him and his backroom staff. Beyond any of
that there's also the little problem of about six Champions league clubs
across Europe who would be able to offer him far more than is currently
available at West Ham.
Nice idea but no cigar methinks!
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Wednesday, March 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th March 2015
15/16 ST renewals – one month to go
WHUFC.com
Season Ticket Holders have exactly a month left to guarantee their seat for the final season at the Boleyn Ground.
The renewal window is to close at 5pm on Friday 17 April and, as of 9am on Saturday 18 April, all seats that have not been renewed will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders wishing to apply for a maximum of two additional tickets or to relocate.
Season Ticket Holders can renew via any of the following three options:
• Supporters can pay in full by 5pm on 17 April
• Pay a non-refundable £75 deposit by 5pm on Friday 17 April. The £75 deposit will be deducted from the final balance, which must be settled by 5pm on Sunday 31 May
• Apply to pay by monthly instalments through v12 Season Ticket Finance by 5pm on 17 April
How to renew
Click here to renew online and login with your Season Ticket client reference number
Call 0871 529 1966 - select option three, lines open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
Visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person, open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm.
To pay in monthly instalments, please apply through our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance at v12seasonticketfinance.com/westham
Important information
Please note that any Season Ticket Holder who misses the above deadline risks losing their seat, with additional sales to begin the following morning. With that in mind, anyone submitting a postal application must ensure its arrival by 5pm on Friday 17 April.
As an added benefit, renewing Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to apply for two additional Season Tickets or request relocation across the weekend of 18/19 April.
These requests are to be made on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am on Saturday 18 April, either by visiting or calling the Stadium Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966. The Ticket Office will also be open from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 19 April.
Should any Season Tickets remain following the weekend, they will then be made available to supporters on the final season waiting list. Supporters will be contacted in order of priority on the waiting list and should therefore ensure they are contactable throughout Monday 20 April. Anyone wishing to join the waiting list can still do so by visiting the Box Office here.
Finally, we ask that all Season Ticket Holders take the opportunity to ensure that their contact details, including email address and phone number, are up to date. This will ensure they receive important information on their appointment at the Reservation Centre, where they will be offered their opportunity to select seats for the new Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian: "We know we can win"
WHUFC.com
In-form goalkeeper Adrian is relishing the prospect of bouncing back from the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal when the Hammers entertain Sunderland this Saturday. The 28-year-old shot stopper has been one of West Ham's standout performers this term, notching an impressive 112 saves. Despite the defeat to the Gunners, the Hammers had the Spaniard to thank for pulling off a string of excellent saves to keep them in the game. Adrian's performance was made even more noteworthy by the fact he dislocated a finger in the warm up, but insisted on taking to the field regardless. Speaking after the game, he said: "Yes we had players missing, and we knew it was going to be tough but we were prepared for that. "We're unlucky to concede a goal just before half time. Olivier Giroud hit the ball very well but I thought I could have done better. I thought we started the second half well, we put pressure on them. But then they scored the second goal and that was it. "I thought Arsenal played very well, particularly in attack, they have very good players. With Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, they are all fantastic players. We need to keep going and get ready for our next match against Sunderland."
Saturday's opponents Sunderland find themselves at the wrong end of the table, currently just one place above the relegation zone, having lost 4-0 at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa. However, despite their lowly league position, Adrian is anticipating a tough game come Saturday afternoon. "It'll be a tough game because they are playing to avoid relegation. We need to stay strong in order to get the three points. "In the last home game against Chelsea we had good chances to win. Against Manchester United we also played well but the results haven't matched our performances. Next Saturday at home we want to change that."
After a tough set of fixtures, which has seen West Ham play six of the top seven Premier League clubs since 20 January, the Hammers find themselves in tenth spot. While some fans' hopes of a European qualification spot now appear unlikely, Adrian continued to say he was confident that his side were on course for the targeted top half finish. "There are games to come where we know we can win. I feel good every time I play, I feel comfortable. "Of course we can climb up the table. We have nine games left of the season and we'll try our best. We are having a good season, our objective was a top ten finish and we are on course to do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...
Sunderland have opted for a change at the top ahead of this weekend's game against the Hammers, with Dick Advocaat coming in to replace Gus Poyet as manager.
However, more than anything, the West Ham team have got to focus on their own performance and try to get that important win that they've been looking for over the last couple of months.
After such a great period up until Christmas, it will be frustrating for them especially with a few injuries that they've had.
With Sunderland next up, it's one of those games that everyone expects you to win. We've all been there, but you know Sunderland's players will be fired up because they have pride.
Away from home sometimes the pressure's off and you can make it really tough. If you look at the previous record, they haven't scored a lot of goals but they haven't conceded many.
They'll make it difficult to score, try to frustrate the team and the fans. More than anything it's about West Ham matching their effort, which I think will be there because they are only one point off the bottom three.
West Ham will have to make sure their level is good to get the three points because again after that there's not a game for a couple of weeks.
You don't want to be brooding over that time with a disappointing performance. There were spells in the Arsenal game where we did ok. 3-0 looks comfortable, but on Saturday we have to make sure Sunderland don't get something to cling on to early in the game.
Sir Trevor Brooking was talking on Hammer Time, whufc.com's exclusive panel discussion show. Look out for episode two, which features Sir Trevor, Mark Noble and Evening Standard correspondent Ken Dyer, appearing on the Official Site on Wednesday
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Hello,
Like many of you, I'm was absolutely delighted to see two of our Academy prospects, Manny Onariase and Josh Cullen, on the bench for the first team away at Arsenal on Saturday. I was actually on a coaching course in the Brecon Beacons when I heard the news, I was filled with pride when Steve Potts phoned to tell me. Having worked with both Manny and Josh for a number of years during their time at the West Ham United Academy I was immensely proud. Unfortunately I couldn't be at the Emirates as the U18s match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Rush Green only finished at 1pm. I was sat in the canteen following the Arsenal game on Sky Sports willing them to come off the bench but the circumstances of the game didn't really give Sam the opportunity.
Despite the defeat, it will still be a valuable experience for them both and hopefully the first of many. Not only is it a huge achievement for both Manny and Josh but everyone involved in the Academy. Without a doubt it's a huge incentive for all the other U18s and U21s players at the club. It gives the coaches and everyone involved with the Academy a lift. It just shows that if you're playing well, the opportunities will come and the pathway to the first team is there. I haven't really had a chance to talk to either of them about the experience yet. I know Josh slightly better because he's a huge West Ham fan.
Obviously, I was delighted for Manny, but Josh is a West Ham man through and through, he's a massive fan, I've been to away games with him and his dad when he's not involved, we went to the Liverpool game together last year. He's a very calm but confident character and a great person, he's a coaches' dream to work with. As for our first play off game with Brighton I think a draw was probably a fair result, I don't think either team deserved to win the game. We were slightly the better team in the first half and they were slightly better in the second. I don't remember either keeper making a save of note really.
I would like to give a special mention to how well I thought we defended, we were very solid as a back five which, for such a young defence, is very encouraging. I envisage us being very young again with the U21 playing Liverpool the night before, and that doesn't concern me because they've done very well so far. If anyone is interested in Academy football, I would wholeheartedly recommend you come and watch our U18s play. It's a great opportunity for all the fans to see quality football while it helps our players to get used to playing in front of a crowd. On top of that, it's completely free!
COYI!
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Collison credits Allardyce and Nolan for dressing room unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jack Collison believes that West Ham's re-establishment as a Premier League force is largely down to two of the club's more controversial characters. The 26-year-old Welsh international is taking the rest of the season out as he attempts to recover from the latest in a long line of injuries which have halted his professional career. His time at West Ham ended last summer after a series of injuries problems - which began with a knee injury at Wigan in 2009 - resulted in the club failing to offer a new contract. Yet despite having been given that particularly disappointing news a year ago by the club's current manager, he bears no ill feeling towards Sam Allardyce. Quite the contrary in fact, with Collison maintaining that the under-fire manager is one of the key components behind the club's year-on-year progression since 2011. "Sam's an honest person and if you work hard, try your hardest, play well but don't always get the results he's fair on you," said Collison, speaking exclusively on the latest edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast. "At the same time, if you don't quite put the effort in he's the first to tell you. "He's very good; he can keep his distance whilst at other times he can have a bit of a laugh and a joke with you. He picks and chooses his moments well and I think that's why the boys took to him."
Recalling the manager's appointment in May 2011, Collison added that the news was not universally welcomed by everyone at the club initially - but that one additional and vitally-important signing made everything click into place. "The young lads were hoping Kevin Keen would take over as he's a fantastic coach - then Big Sam comes in," he said. "It was a big name and I'm not sure everyone knew how to take it. "Then he brought Kevin Nolan in - and he was the bridge between Big Sam and the boys. "The changing room that he, Sam Allardyce and the Chairmen have built is a great place to be around, even now. The likes of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been phenomenal this year - and a big part of that is down to Kevin Nolan. "He made the transition pretty easy. That season in the Championship was one of the most enjoyable I had and it was good to play under Big Sam, who is such a big character. I enjoyed my time with him."
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Rangers join Allardyce hunt as speculation grows
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's time at West Ham may be nearing an end - but he is unlikely to be short of offers, should a new contract at the Boleyn fail to materialise. Yesterday afternoon rumours linking Sunderland with a move for the current Hammers boss intensified, following the abrupt dismissal of Gus Poyet. The Wearsiders are believed to favour bringing in a manager to replace Poyet on a short-term basis, with view to Allardyce - who played for Sunderland in the 1980/81 season - taking over once his contract at West Ham expires. However Sunderland - who provide West Ham's next opposition at the Boleyn this weekend - are not the only party seriously interested in hiring Allardyce this summer, with news of interest rather closer to his current Canary Wharf home emerging. KUMB has learned that the Black Cats' relegation rivals Queens Park Rangers have also indicated their desire to be included in any future talks, should Allardyce fail to land a new contract at the Boleyn. Rangers, who host West Ham at Loftus Road on 25 April are currently managed by Chris Ramsey. The former Academy coach has been given the role unti lthe end of the season, following the departure of Harry Redknapp last month. Whilst Allardyce's future at West Ham has been making headlines for many weeks, it remains the case that discussions regarding a new deal are yet to take place. The chances of any such talks proceeding are however slim at best; Allardyce is understood to have been informed that West Ham will consent to him holding talks with other clubs, should an official approach be forthcoming.
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It never rains! Doneil Henry ruled out for rest of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's on-loan centre half Doneil Henry has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious hamstring injury at the weekend. The 21-year-old Canadian is yet to feature for the Hammers - and will have to wait a little longer before potentially making his debut after it was confirmed this afternoon that he will miss the rest of the season. Henry is reported to have sustained the injury during loan club Blackburn's 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The news was confirmed this afternoon by Rovers boss Gary Bowyer.
"Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak. We wish him all the very best." Henry, who moved to West Ham during the January transfer window has already returned to Chadwell Heath, where he is currently being assessed.
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BOBBY MOORE MOVIE SEEKS INVESTORS
By Iain Dale 17 Mar 2015 at 15:27
West Ham Till I Die
This is a self explanatory press release I have received, which I thought might be of interest to some of you.
Bobby Moore Movie Limited
Offer for Subscription of Shares under the Enterprise Investment Scheme ("EIS") to raise up to £1.15 million
A feature length documentary on the life of Bobby Moore, to be titled 'BOBBY' has gone into production ahead of a cinematic release to coincide with the 50th anniversary next summer of England's 1966 win.
The early stages of the film's production have been funded by private investors. An Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualifying production company has been established for further funding, for which HMRC approval has been granted. The film will also qualifying for the Film Tax Credit and will receive an advance from a major film distributor.
It is intended to raise up to £1.15m from private investment under the EIS to finance the full production of the film and its marketing.
An EIS qualifying company allows the investor to reclaim up to 30% Income Tax relief on their investment, with the proceeds being free of Capital Gains Tax. Other benefits of the investment include it being Inheritance Tax Free after 2 years and the opportunity to defer Capitals Gain Tax due or already paid.
"Moore" – the working title – has the support of both of the sporting icon's wives, the Football Association and a percentage of all profits will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for research into bowel cancer, the disease which brought his life to a premature end in 1993 at the age of 51.
The film is directed by award winner Ron Scalpello and co-written and produced by the television presenter and journalist Matthew Lorenzo, who grew up with Bobby Moore (his sports writer father Peter was one of the player's close friends, going on to organise his testimonial).
Lorenzo said, "I was lucky enough to know the man. But there was so much behind the golden haired façade which Bobby kept to himself. We will tell the real story – the lows and the highs – which, to my mind, make him even more of a hero.
"This is more than just an inspirational life story. We want people to understand properly a man who did so much for sport in this country. More than that, he was a symbol for the country's emergence from the black and white days of the fifties. It's as though we went from monochrome to colour, and Bobby Moore was at the centre of all of that."
An FA spokesman commented, "Outside Wembley Stadium there stands one statue: that of Bobby Moore. As we approach the 50th anniversary of England's finest sporting moment – wining the World Cup n 1966 – it is fitting we remember one of our greatest footballers by supporting the film that celebrates his life."
Bobby Moore's friend Pele has already been interviewed for the project, and the producers are set to film David Beckham, Franz Beckenbauer and stars such as Michael Caine, Ray Winstone and James Corden in the coming months.
The film will mix as yet unseen archive footage with interviews – new and old – to tell the real stories behind Bobby Moore's footballing glory: his battle with two bouts of cancer; the facts that led to false accusations about a stolen bracelet and the failure to give a home-grown hero anything like the respect he deserved in later life.
Stephanie Moore said "I really appreciate the film makers support for the Bobby Moore Fund." So far Moore's widow has raised more than £21 million for the charity. The Fund will receive 5% of any profits from the film.
Ends
Offer Manager – CHF Enterprises
Contact email: louiseoliverATchfmediaDOTcom
Phone number 0845 512 1000
UPDATE: Matthew Lorenzo has asked me to post this message to WHTID readers…
"Thanks everyone for your interest in the film. Just to let you know it's been something of a labour of love. I've been working on it for nearly two years now.
I grew up with Bobby Moore, thanks to his friendship with my late father Peter, ITV's first commentator, a leading journalist in his time and the organiser of Bobby's testimonial. What's more he was a West Ham nut who passed on his love of the Irons which allowed me to mention the fact whenever I was on the telly giving an unbiased report.
Bobby Moore was a hero and I've discovered some facts which make him even more so. The film is revelatory but not in a sensationalist way. I hope it will proves as popular with sports fans as with anyone interested in a genuinely human story about someone who faced so much, hid so much and deserved so much more from the powers that be.
We're contributing to the Bobby Moore Fund and we have the support of the FA. And a host of big names who knew the man well. As for Beckham, and Corden, well I think it's important to reach out the new generation – to let them hear about a real hero from the heroes of today.
And if we can get Mr Cameron to change the rules about posthumous knighthoods then we'll have done a good job.
I just want to be proud to say I was part of it, come the release in summer next year.
And I've got the Oscars speech worked out already…"
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ALL WE ARE SAYING IS GIVE US GOALS LIKE THESE
By Brian Williams 17 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Having been issued with a restraining order by solicitors acting on behalf of West Ham United FC Until I Am Declared Clinically Dead plc (the parent company of WHTID) I am now legally bound to come up with a piece that will be neither divisive nor depressing.
So I will not be writing about Sam Allardyce this week. Nor will I be mentioning Kevin Nolan, Karren Brady, or the Olympic Stadium (it appears from the summons I have in front of me I am officially constrained from moaning about the move to Stratford again until West Ham have won another game at Upton Park).
Take that lot out of the equation and it doesn't leave a columnist much to work with. So this week I am going to explore a rather esoteric subject that may be unfamiliar territory to our younger readers. It's called Goals For.
Hard to believe I know, but there was a time a goal meant something other than our dejected keeper picking the ball out of the net while his defenders give one another sheepish/accusative looks and the supporters sigh as one. In the dim and distant past it wasn't entirely unheard of for one of our brave lads to disturb the opposition's onion bag, resulting in much joy for those of us with flat caps and rattles (you may have seen black and white newsreel footage supporting my case on the History Channel).
Therefore, I am suggesting we take a trip down Recollection Road (Memory Lane has been sold to private developers and is now a gated community with limited social housing) and relive some great West Ham goals – if for no other reason than we could all do with a bit of cheering up right now.
The impending visit of Saturday's opponents is a good place to start. West Ham 8 Sunderland 0 – how I would have loved to have been at that game back in 1968. This, of course, was the match in which Geoff Hurst scored six. There are pedants who will tell you it was really only five because the first one was handball, but I really don't think it's right and proper for the hoi polloi to accuse a knight of the realm of cheating. Remember, we are talking about Sir Geoff Hurst here.
We've all got our favourite goals – and I very much hope that before everyone goes home you will share yours with the rest of the class. But, before you do, here is my top 10 – in reverse order, naturally. (You know how these things work as well as I do). Oh, and I've only allowed myself one goal per player – don't ask me why.
No 10: Paul Ince v Liverpool (1988) A controversial choice, I accept. It was a League Cup game against Liverpool in 1988. They were reigning champions while we were destined for relegation. I was bang in line with Ince when he soared into the air on the edge of the box to hit one of the sweetest volleys ever seen at Upton Park to put us one up. We went on to win 4-1 with a performance that made a mockery of how appalling we were in the league that year. Oh, West Ham, why do you do things like that to us loyal supporters?
No 9: Dean Ashton v Man City (2006) This was in the sixth round of the FA Cup at Eastlands. With four minutes to go to the interval Ashton won the ball with a deft header which he then brought under control without letting it bounce. There was a one-two with Matty Etherington and a flick from Nigel Reo-Coker before he turned Sylvain Distin inside out and smashed the ball past Calamity James. Not only was this a brilliant goal, I've included it in lieu of all the other goals Deano would have scored for us if his career hadn't been cut short by injury. I truly believe he could have gone on to be a West Ham great.
No 8: Anton Ferdinand v Fulham (2006) Fulham were arguably having the better of things before we were awarded a corner, which was cleared to the edge of the area – from where Ferdinand unleashed an astonishing volley that was a goal from the moment it left his boot. This one is for defenders everywhere, but only got in after careful consideration was given to marginally less spectacular volleys by Colin Foster against Everton in the FA Cup (1991) and Winston Reid v Millwall in the Championship (2012).
No 7: Bobby Zamora v Ipswich (2005) Mention the words "play off" to Zamora and it's as if someone has pressed the on-button in his brain. Before scoring the winning goal for us in the play-off final against Preston, he got two in the second leg of the semis at Portman Road. His second was a blinder – Marlon Harewood won the ball in our half, went on a blistering run that involved a one-two with Reo-Coker, and then put in a snorter of a cross, which Zamora put away with a superb cushioned volley. I still say Bobby never got the recognition he deserved from many West Ham supporters.
No 6: Mark Noble v Spurs (2007) The goal came after Carlos Tevez brilliantly chested the ball into Noble's path, allowing him to volley home from the edge of the area. (Tevez then went on to score his first goal for us with a brilliant free kick that kissed the underside of the bar on the way in.) In truth, I have seen more memorable goals but I've included it because (a) we all love Mark Noble and (b) it might remind him that he used to score from open play once in a while.
No 5: Carlos Tevez v Man Utd (2007) This, of course, was the Great Escape game at Old Trafford. I'm not pretending the goal was a classic in itself, but its importance cannot be overstated – if only for the look on Dave Whelan's face as Wigan got relegated. (Remind me to give you a summary of the Office of Fair Trading's 237-page report into price fixing by JJB Sports some time; the man who so vociferously accused us of cheating does not come out of that at all well.)
No 4. Trevor Brooking v Arsenal (1980) Okay, this wasn't exactly a contender for goal of the season either – and Sir Trev could easily point to any number of games in which he scored with breath-taking efforts (Eintracht Frankfurt for starters). But any goal that wins you the Cup when you go into the final as such massive underdogs as we did against the Gooners has to be on anyone's list of favourites.
No 3. Ronnie Boyce v Preston North End (1964) Another goal to win an FA Cup final. I had taken the life-changing decision to support West Ham in the run-up to the game. Ticker had scored twice in the semi-final to get us to Wembley, and his last-minute winner against Preston cemented that decision. However, this was three weeks before my eighth birthday and boys that age have been known to change their minds. Who knows if I would be a Hammer today if he hadn't put away Peter Brabrook's cross and West Ham had lost in extra time? Sorry. Did someone just call me a glory-hunter?
No 2: Geoff Hurst v Chelsea (1967) The game, at Stamford Bridge, was the first time I saw West Ham in the flesh. I should be able to remember the opening goal, which was scored by Brian Dear, but for the life of me I can't picture it at all. I do, however, remember Hurst heading home after Bobby Moore had crossed from near the corner flag. We won 3-1. You'll have to excuse me for a moment. I'm getting all misty-eyed just thinking about it again.
Okay, that's nine out of the 10, and we are missing some big names on this particular scoresheet. No Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Tony Cottee or Frank McAvennie? What about unsung heroes such as Kevin Keen, Geoff Pike, Paul Goddard, Graham Paddon and Patsy Holland? (Holland's equaliser in the dying minutes against Hereford in a 1974 Cup tie could well be my No 11). Pop Robson and Clyde Best both came close, but didn't make the final list. Even Carlton Cole, Jimmy Quinn and David Cross nearly got a look-in (Ted MacDougall didn't). But we all know if you haven't made the cut by now you are never going to, because there really can only ever be one winner in the competition for the greatest West Ham goal of all time.
It is my considered opinion Paolo Di Canio is as mad as a box of frogs, but there is no denying the man could do things on a football field that mere mortals can only ever dream of. Which means:
No 1: PDC v Wimbledon (2000) I don't really need to describe this, do I? Just close the old mince pies for a moment and picture that cross from Trevor Sinclair. Now envisage Di Canio: the run, the leap, the volley, the orgasmic ecstasy as the ball hits the net.
I know you've all seen it a thousand times before, but to misquote Samuel Johnson: "If you're tired of reliving it, you are tired of life."
And it that hasn't whetted your appetite for Saturday, I really don't know what will.
IAIN WRITES: As a Guardian journalist, Brian is somewhat peeved that his book NEARLY REACH THE SKY – A FAREWELL TO UPTON PARK, is one place below Nigel Farage in the current Biteback list of bestsellers. You could cheer him up enormously by ordering your copy HERE. I won't tell Nigel if you won't. I should also tell you that Nigel's book is No 27 in the Amazon chart. Brian's is No 19,209. He blames me. Personally. Keeps muttering about sending Cass Pennant round.
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West Ham striker Nene continues his love affair with former club PSG
09:06, 17 March 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
Despite being in the crowd for PSG's victory over Chelsea, West Ham striker Nene missed David Luiz's dramatic equaliser because he left early to avoid the crowds
The Mirror
You cant help which team support, just ask West Ham's Brazilian striker Nene who is the perfect example of why you should NEVER leave a game before the final whistle. Sam Allardyce recruited the 33-year-old veteran on a free transfer last month, providing back up for his depleted strike force following a string of injuries. Nene found himself a free agent following a two-year stint with Qatari club Al Gharafa, on the back of a successful period with French giants PSG. His three seasons in Paris is the longest period the striker has spent at a single club, winning the Ligue 1 in the 2012-13 season. Individually, Nene was voted 'best foreign player' as well as being the league's top goalscorer during his time at the in the French capital. So when his beloved PSG travelled to London the former striker couldn't bring himself to miss out the action and decided to watch the game on the terraces with the fans. But wanting to avoid the crowds, the Brazilian striker left the game early and missed his countryman David Luiz netting the late equaliser, his reaction is priceless. French TV show Telefoot showed the scenes of celebration outside the PSG hotel after the game - and they found West Ham striker Nene among the fans: "It is like I were still part of the team," he said.
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DG: "I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A discussion on the ClaretandHugh Facebook page earlier today put me in mind of DG's most famous and perhaps best ever quote!
During an interview the co-chairman told me as we discussed the lofty ambitions held by all of us – including himself – he said: "It's important to remember I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."
The co-chairman has a find of amusing – but very insightful one liners – such as "Oh dear call the police!" when James Tomkins pulled his silly stunt at Everton earlier in the season.
In every case he makes his point with good humour and a lot of grace lost on the miserable Twitter trolls who use his good nature to goad him on too many occasions.
That he has issued just two tweets this month announcing the Winston Reid and Morgan Amalfitano contracts suggests he's pulling back as he turns more and more to Facebook.
Back to the point: Many seem to believe that as we enter the market for a new manager – where they name every top world boss – endless funds are available when in reality we are probably looking at around £3 million a year.
The oft mentioned "Allardyce is the world's 13 best paid manager" was first reported in 2013 and although things have changed since then, the £2.95 million mentioned puts him in the same league at the time as:
15 Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray, £2.92m
15 Rafa Benitez, Napoli, £2.92m
17 Luciano Spaletti, Zenit, £2.75m
18 Claudio Ranieri, Monaco, £2.5m
18 Laurent Blanc, PSG, £2.5m
18 Antonio Conte, Juventus, £2.5m
18 Cesare Prandelli, Italy, £2.5m
22 Massimiliano Allegri, Milan, £2.34m
23 Felipe Scolari, Brazil, £2.3m
24 Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland, £2.17m
25 Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar, £2.14m
26 Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid, £2.09m
26 Harry Redknapp, QPR, £2.09m
26 Joachim Low, Germany, £2.09m
29 Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan, £2m
30 Vecente del Bosque, Spain, £1.96m
If – as is the case with some – aspirations are much higher, here's what the very "best" would have cost you:
1 Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich, £14.8m
2 Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, £8.37m
3 Marcelo Lippi, Guangzhou, £8.34m
4 Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, £6.89m
5 Fabio Capello, Russia, £6.51m
6 Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, £6.26m
7 David Moyes, Man United, £4.92m
8 Tata Martino, Barcelona, £4.5m
9 Jurgen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund, £3.59m
10 Manuel Pellegrini, Man City, £3.47m
11 Jorge Jesus, Benfica, £3.34m
12 Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool, £3.25m
Fifty knickers shops will get you, it seems, a middle of the road manager based on those costs and the higher the owners go for their chosen man, the less there will be for new players.
They continue to carry a debt burden which has been alleviated by David Sullivan loans to the club but a financial reality needs to settle over us all as we contemplate how high we should go for a new man – a situation covered very neatly by the DG quote.
And let me hear nobody say "KNICKERS"
COYI
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Allardyce breaks his silence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has emerged from a self-imposed silence to speak to the Sunderland media! He expressed his passing of Gus Poyet in the Newcastle Chronicle Live and told Hammers fans not to expect us to brush them aside on Saturday evening. Allardyce himself is of course a hot favourite to become the club's next permanent boss but a Black Cats relegation could change all that. Commenting on Sunderland's position whom we meet on Saturday evening, he said: "I think the appointment today and last week's result, will make life very difficult for us on Saturday. "We're just as desperate for a win as they are, so it will be a very tough game – I'm sure of that. "And I hope the West Ham supporters don't expect us to just breeze past them 4-0 like Aston Villa did last week." "For me, it's always a sad occasion when a manager loses his position," said Allardyce, who spent one season as a player on Wearside in the early 1980s and later had a spell as manager at Newcastle United. "When you saw the result on Saturday it seems that was the final straw for the board. "It's a shame for Gus after what he did last season when he almost created a miracle with his escape from relegation with the club, and it hasn't gone as well (since) as he would have wanted, I know. "Obviously, his son Diego is playing with us, so I hope he is OK."
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Henry heads home – season over
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Doneil Henry's season is over after the Irons on-loan defender injured his hamstring. The central defender will now return to West Ham from Blackburn Rovers where he had made a hugely impressive start. He was due to stay at Ewood Park until the beginning of April but after being injured in the team's 3-1 win at Charlton now heads back to the east end. Rovers boss Gary Bowyer told the Rovers website: "Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak."
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It's all over for Tomkins
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have tonight confirmed that James Tomkins is out for the rest of the season. And as we reported last week the big central defender will need an operation on his dislocated shoulder. It's grim news for the 25 years old who damaged the shoulder in training when taking a tumble and was immediately taken to hospital for scans. ClaretandHugh was told at the time that the early indications were grim but it has not been until tonight (Tues) that the club has released the news to a media outlet. We were told: "James' season is over. He is out for the season and will definitely need an operation on the injury. "It's really rough on the player but it will be dealt with quickly although the healing process can take up to 12 weeks which means his season over."
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Advocaat for now – Allardyce later
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh
Sam Allardyce's West Ham future – or lack of it – is now becoming an hours news bulletin rather than daily or weekly. For despite Sunderland announcing that Dick Advocaat will take over until the end of the season it is believed that Allardyce is in the frame as the next permanent appointment at the Stadium of Light. As we have reported at regular intervals over the last few days, Sam's West Ham day will be done at the end of this campaign with David Moyes still remaining the favourite to take over. And it has emerged this morning that the Real Sociedad boss – who is only on an 18 month deal at the Spanish club – has a clause in his contract that he can leave if an offer comes from an English club. Interestingly, however, the Hammers board will be keeping a close eye on Everton's form until the end of the season where the owners have always been keen admirers of Robeto Martinez's managerial approach. A win over Newcastle lifted the Toffees away from the relegation fight but should the club find itself in trouble at the end of the season, a move would be on were the Spaniard to be sacked.
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WHUFC.com
Season Ticket Holders have exactly a month left to guarantee their seat for the final season at the Boleyn Ground.
The renewal window is to close at 5pm on Friday 17 April and, as of 9am on Saturday 18 April, all seats that have not been renewed will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders wishing to apply for a maximum of two additional tickets or to relocate.
Season Ticket Holders can renew via any of the following three options:
• Supporters can pay in full by 5pm on 17 April
• Pay a non-refundable £75 deposit by 5pm on Friday 17 April. The £75 deposit will be deducted from the final balance, which must be settled by 5pm on Sunday 31 May
• Apply to pay by monthly instalments through v12 Season Ticket Finance by 5pm on 17 April
How to renew
Click here to renew online and login with your Season Ticket client reference number
Call 0871 529 1966 - select option three, lines open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
Visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person, open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm.
To pay in monthly instalments, please apply through our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance at v12seasonticketfinance.com/westham
Important information
Please note that any Season Ticket Holder who misses the above deadline risks losing their seat, with additional sales to begin the following morning. With that in mind, anyone submitting a postal application must ensure its arrival by 5pm on Friday 17 April.
As an added benefit, renewing Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to apply for two additional Season Tickets or request relocation across the weekend of 18/19 April.
These requests are to be made on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am on Saturday 18 April, either by visiting or calling the Stadium Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966. The Ticket Office will also be open from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 19 April.
Should any Season Tickets remain following the weekend, they will then be made available to supporters on the final season waiting list. Supporters will be contacted in order of priority on the waiting list and should therefore ensure they are contactable throughout Monday 20 April. Anyone wishing to join the waiting list can still do so by visiting the Box Office here.
Finally, we ask that all Season Ticket Holders take the opportunity to ensure that their contact details, including email address and phone number, are up to date. This will ensure they receive important information on their appointment at the Reservation Centre, where they will be offered their opportunity to select seats for the new Stadium.
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Adrian: "We know we can win"
WHUFC.com
In-form goalkeeper Adrian is relishing the prospect of bouncing back from the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal when the Hammers entertain Sunderland this Saturday. The 28-year-old shot stopper has been one of West Ham's standout performers this term, notching an impressive 112 saves. Despite the defeat to the Gunners, the Hammers had the Spaniard to thank for pulling off a string of excellent saves to keep them in the game. Adrian's performance was made even more noteworthy by the fact he dislocated a finger in the warm up, but insisted on taking to the field regardless. Speaking after the game, he said: "Yes we had players missing, and we knew it was going to be tough but we were prepared for that. "We're unlucky to concede a goal just before half time. Olivier Giroud hit the ball very well but I thought I could have done better. I thought we started the second half well, we put pressure on them. But then they scored the second goal and that was it. "I thought Arsenal played very well, particularly in attack, they have very good players. With Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, they are all fantastic players. We need to keep going and get ready for our next match against Sunderland."
Saturday's opponents Sunderland find themselves at the wrong end of the table, currently just one place above the relegation zone, having lost 4-0 at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa. However, despite their lowly league position, Adrian is anticipating a tough game come Saturday afternoon. "It'll be a tough game because they are playing to avoid relegation. We need to stay strong in order to get the three points. "In the last home game against Chelsea we had good chances to win. Against Manchester United we also played well but the results haven't matched our performances. Next Saturday at home we want to change that."
After a tough set of fixtures, which has seen West Ham play six of the top seven Premier League clubs since 20 January, the Hammers find themselves in tenth spot. While some fans' hopes of a European qualification spot now appear unlikely, Adrian continued to say he was confident that his side were on course for the targeted top half finish. "There are games to come where we know we can win. I feel good every time I play, I feel comfortable. "Of course we can climb up the table. We have nine games left of the season and we'll try our best. We are having a good season, our objective was a top ten finish and we are on course to do that."
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Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...
Sunderland have opted for a change at the top ahead of this weekend's game against the Hammers, with Dick Advocaat coming in to replace Gus Poyet as manager.
However, more than anything, the West Ham team have got to focus on their own performance and try to get that important win that they've been looking for over the last couple of months.
After such a great period up until Christmas, it will be frustrating for them especially with a few injuries that they've had.
With Sunderland next up, it's one of those games that everyone expects you to win. We've all been there, but you know Sunderland's players will be fired up because they have pride.
Away from home sometimes the pressure's off and you can make it really tough. If you look at the previous record, they haven't scored a lot of goals but they haven't conceded many.
They'll make it difficult to score, try to frustrate the team and the fans. More than anything it's about West Ham matching their effort, which I think will be there because they are only one point off the bottom three.
West Ham will have to make sure their level is good to get the three points because again after that there's not a game for a couple of weeks.
You don't want to be brooding over that time with a disappointing performance. There were spells in the Arsenal game where we did ok. 3-0 looks comfortable, but on Saturday we have to make sure Sunderland don't get something to cling on to early in the game.
Sir Trevor Brooking was talking on Hammer Time, whufc.com's exclusive panel discussion show. Look out for episode two, which features Sir Trevor, Mark Noble and Evening Standard correspondent Ken Dyer, appearing on the Official Site on Wednesday
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From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Hello,
Like many of you, I'm was absolutely delighted to see two of our Academy prospects, Manny Onariase and Josh Cullen, on the bench for the first team away at Arsenal on Saturday. I was actually on a coaching course in the Brecon Beacons when I heard the news, I was filled with pride when Steve Potts phoned to tell me. Having worked with both Manny and Josh for a number of years during their time at the West Ham United Academy I was immensely proud. Unfortunately I couldn't be at the Emirates as the U18s match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Rush Green only finished at 1pm. I was sat in the canteen following the Arsenal game on Sky Sports willing them to come off the bench but the circumstances of the game didn't really give Sam the opportunity.
Despite the defeat, it will still be a valuable experience for them both and hopefully the first of many. Not only is it a huge achievement for both Manny and Josh but everyone involved in the Academy. Without a doubt it's a huge incentive for all the other U18s and U21s players at the club. It gives the coaches and everyone involved with the Academy a lift. It just shows that if you're playing well, the opportunities will come and the pathway to the first team is there. I haven't really had a chance to talk to either of them about the experience yet. I know Josh slightly better because he's a huge West Ham fan.
Obviously, I was delighted for Manny, but Josh is a West Ham man through and through, he's a massive fan, I've been to away games with him and his dad when he's not involved, we went to the Liverpool game together last year. He's a very calm but confident character and a great person, he's a coaches' dream to work with. As for our first play off game with Brighton I think a draw was probably a fair result, I don't think either team deserved to win the game. We were slightly the better team in the first half and they were slightly better in the second. I don't remember either keeper making a save of note really.
I would like to give a special mention to how well I thought we defended, we were very solid as a back five which, for such a young defence, is very encouraging. I envisage us being very young again with the U21 playing Liverpool the night before, and that doesn't concern me because they've done very well so far. If anyone is interested in Academy football, I would wholeheartedly recommend you come and watch our U18s play. It's a great opportunity for all the fans to see quality football while it helps our players to get used to playing in front of a crowd. On top of that, it's completely free!
COYI!
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Collison credits Allardyce and Nolan for dressing room unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jack Collison believes that West Ham's re-establishment as a Premier League force is largely down to two of the club's more controversial characters. The 26-year-old Welsh international is taking the rest of the season out as he attempts to recover from the latest in a long line of injuries which have halted his professional career. His time at West Ham ended last summer after a series of injuries problems - which began with a knee injury at Wigan in 2009 - resulted in the club failing to offer a new contract. Yet despite having been given that particularly disappointing news a year ago by the club's current manager, he bears no ill feeling towards Sam Allardyce. Quite the contrary in fact, with Collison maintaining that the under-fire manager is one of the key components behind the club's year-on-year progression since 2011. "Sam's an honest person and if you work hard, try your hardest, play well but don't always get the results he's fair on you," said Collison, speaking exclusively on the latest edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast. "At the same time, if you don't quite put the effort in he's the first to tell you. "He's very good; he can keep his distance whilst at other times he can have a bit of a laugh and a joke with you. He picks and chooses his moments well and I think that's why the boys took to him."
Recalling the manager's appointment in May 2011, Collison added that the news was not universally welcomed by everyone at the club initially - but that one additional and vitally-important signing made everything click into place. "The young lads were hoping Kevin Keen would take over as he's a fantastic coach - then Big Sam comes in," he said. "It was a big name and I'm not sure everyone knew how to take it. "Then he brought Kevin Nolan in - and he was the bridge between Big Sam and the boys. "The changing room that he, Sam Allardyce and the Chairmen have built is a great place to be around, even now. The likes of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been phenomenal this year - and a big part of that is down to Kevin Nolan. "He made the transition pretty easy. That season in the Championship was one of the most enjoyable I had and it was good to play under Big Sam, who is such a big character. I enjoyed my time with him."
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Rangers join Allardyce hunt as speculation grows
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's time at West Ham may be nearing an end - but he is unlikely to be short of offers, should a new contract at the Boleyn fail to materialise. Yesterday afternoon rumours linking Sunderland with a move for the current Hammers boss intensified, following the abrupt dismissal of Gus Poyet. The Wearsiders are believed to favour bringing in a manager to replace Poyet on a short-term basis, with view to Allardyce - who played for Sunderland in the 1980/81 season - taking over once his contract at West Ham expires. However Sunderland - who provide West Ham's next opposition at the Boleyn this weekend - are not the only party seriously interested in hiring Allardyce this summer, with news of interest rather closer to his current Canary Wharf home emerging. KUMB has learned that the Black Cats' relegation rivals Queens Park Rangers have also indicated their desire to be included in any future talks, should Allardyce fail to land a new contract at the Boleyn. Rangers, who host West Ham at Loftus Road on 25 April are currently managed by Chris Ramsey. The former Academy coach has been given the role unti lthe end of the season, following the departure of Harry Redknapp last month. Whilst Allardyce's future at West Ham has been making headlines for many weeks, it remains the case that discussions regarding a new deal are yet to take place. The chances of any such talks proceeding are however slim at best; Allardyce is understood to have been informed that West Ham will consent to him holding talks with other clubs, should an official approach be forthcoming.
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It never rains! Doneil Henry ruled out for rest of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's on-loan centre half Doneil Henry has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious hamstring injury at the weekend. The 21-year-old Canadian is yet to feature for the Hammers - and will have to wait a little longer before potentially making his debut after it was confirmed this afternoon that he will miss the rest of the season. Henry is reported to have sustained the injury during loan club Blackburn's 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The news was confirmed this afternoon by Rovers boss Gary Bowyer.
"Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak. We wish him all the very best." Henry, who moved to West Ham during the January transfer window has already returned to Chadwell Heath, where he is currently being assessed.
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BOBBY MOORE MOVIE SEEKS INVESTORS
By Iain Dale 17 Mar 2015 at 15:27
West Ham Till I Die
This is a self explanatory press release I have received, which I thought might be of interest to some of you.
Bobby Moore Movie Limited
Offer for Subscription of Shares under the Enterprise Investment Scheme ("EIS") to raise up to £1.15 million
A feature length documentary on the life of Bobby Moore, to be titled 'BOBBY' has gone into production ahead of a cinematic release to coincide with the 50th anniversary next summer of England's 1966 win.
The early stages of the film's production have been funded by private investors. An Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualifying production company has been established for further funding, for which HMRC approval has been granted. The film will also qualifying for the Film Tax Credit and will receive an advance from a major film distributor.
It is intended to raise up to £1.15m from private investment under the EIS to finance the full production of the film and its marketing.
An EIS qualifying company allows the investor to reclaim up to 30% Income Tax relief on their investment, with the proceeds being free of Capital Gains Tax. Other benefits of the investment include it being Inheritance Tax Free after 2 years and the opportunity to defer Capitals Gain Tax due or already paid.
"Moore" – the working title – has the support of both of the sporting icon's wives, the Football Association and a percentage of all profits will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for research into bowel cancer, the disease which brought his life to a premature end in 1993 at the age of 51.
The film is directed by award winner Ron Scalpello and co-written and produced by the television presenter and journalist Matthew Lorenzo, who grew up with Bobby Moore (his sports writer father Peter was one of the player's close friends, going on to organise his testimonial).
Lorenzo said, "I was lucky enough to know the man. But there was so much behind the golden haired façade which Bobby kept to himself. We will tell the real story – the lows and the highs – which, to my mind, make him even more of a hero.
"This is more than just an inspirational life story. We want people to understand properly a man who did so much for sport in this country. More than that, he was a symbol for the country's emergence from the black and white days of the fifties. It's as though we went from monochrome to colour, and Bobby Moore was at the centre of all of that."
An FA spokesman commented, "Outside Wembley Stadium there stands one statue: that of Bobby Moore. As we approach the 50th anniversary of England's finest sporting moment – wining the World Cup n 1966 – it is fitting we remember one of our greatest footballers by supporting the film that celebrates his life."
Bobby Moore's friend Pele has already been interviewed for the project, and the producers are set to film David Beckham, Franz Beckenbauer and stars such as Michael Caine, Ray Winstone and James Corden in the coming months.
The film will mix as yet unseen archive footage with interviews – new and old – to tell the real stories behind Bobby Moore's footballing glory: his battle with two bouts of cancer; the facts that led to false accusations about a stolen bracelet and the failure to give a home-grown hero anything like the respect he deserved in later life.
Stephanie Moore said "I really appreciate the film makers support for the Bobby Moore Fund." So far Moore's widow has raised more than £21 million for the charity. The Fund will receive 5% of any profits from the film.
Ends
Offer Manager – CHF Enterprises
Contact email: louiseoliverATchfmediaDOTcom
Phone number 0845 512 1000
UPDATE: Matthew Lorenzo has asked me to post this message to WHTID readers…
"Thanks everyone for your interest in the film. Just to let you know it's been something of a labour of love. I've been working on it for nearly two years now.
I grew up with Bobby Moore, thanks to his friendship with my late father Peter, ITV's first commentator, a leading journalist in his time and the organiser of Bobby's testimonial. What's more he was a West Ham nut who passed on his love of the Irons which allowed me to mention the fact whenever I was on the telly giving an unbiased report.
Bobby Moore was a hero and I've discovered some facts which make him even more so. The film is revelatory but not in a sensationalist way. I hope it will proves as popular with sports fans as with anyone interested in a genuinely human story about someone who faced so much, hid so much and deserved so much more from the powers that be.
We're contributing to the Bobby Moore Fund and we have the support of the FA. And a host of big names who knew the man well. As for Beckham, and Corden, well I think it's important to reach out the new generation – to let them hear about a real hero from the heroes of today.
And if we can get Mr Cameron to change the rules about posthumous knighthoods then we'll have done a good job.
I just want to be proud to say I was part of it, come the release in summer next year.
And I've got the Oscars speech worked out already…"
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ALL WE ARE SAYING IS GIVE US GOALS LIKE THESE
By Brian Williams 17 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Having been issued with a restraining order by solicitors acting on behalf of West Ham United FC Until I Am Declared Clinically Dead plc (the parent company of WHTID) I am now legally bound to come up with a piece that will be neither divisive nor depressing.
So I will not be writing about Sam Allardyce this week. Nor will I be mentioning Kevin Nolan, Karren Brady, or the Olympic Stadium (it appears from the summons I have in front of me I am officially constrained from moaning about the move to Stratford again until West Ham have won another game at Upton Park).
Take that lot out of the equation and it doesn't leave a columnist much to work with. So this week I am going to explore a rather esoteric subject that may be unfamiliar territory to our younger readers. It's called Goals For.
Hard to believe I know, but there was a time a goal meant something other than our dejected keeper picking the ball out of the net while his defenders give one another sheepish/accusative looks and the supporters sigh as one. In the dim and distant past it wasn't entirely unheard of for one of our brave lads to disturb the opposition's onion bag, resulting in much joy for those of us with flat caps and rattles (you may have seen black and white newsreel footage supporting my case on the History Channel).
Therefore, I am suggesting we take a trip down Recollection Road (Memory Lane has been sold to private developers and is now a gated community with limited social housing) and relive some great West Ham goals – if for no other reason than we could all do with a bit of cheering up right now.
The impending visit of Saturday's opponents is a good place to start. West Ham 8 Sunderland 0 – how I would have loved to have been at that game back in 1968. This, of course, was the match in which Geoff Hurst scored six. There are pedants who will tell you it was really only five because the first one was handball, but I really don't think it's right and proper for the hoi polloi to accuse a knight of the realm of cheating. Remember, we are talking about Sir Geoff Hurst here.
We've all got our favourite goals – and I very much hope that before everyone goes home you will share yours with the rest of the class. But, before you do, here is my top 10 – in reverse order, naturally. (You know how these things work as well as I do). Oh, and I've only allowed myself one goal per player – don't ask me why.
No 10: Paul Ince v Liverpool (1988) A controversial choice, I accept. It was a League Cup game against Liverpool in 1988. They were reigning champions while we were destined for relegation. I was bang in line with Ince when he soared into the air on the edge of the box to hit one of the sweetest volleys ever seen at Upton Park to put us one up. We went on to win 4-1 with a performance that made a mockery of how appalling we were in the league that year. Oh, West Ham, why do you do things like that to us loyal supporters?
No 9: Dean Ashton v Man City (2006) This was in the sixth round of the FA Cup at Eastlands. With four minutes to go to the interval Ashton won the ball with a deft header which he then brought under control without letting it bounce. There was a one-two with Matty Etherington and a flick from Nigel Reo-Coker before he turned Sylvain Distin inside out and smashed the ball past Calamity James. Not only was this a brilliant goal, I've included it in lieu of all the other goals Deano would have scored for us if his career hadn't been cut short by injury. I truly believe he could have gone on to be a West Ham great.
No 8: Anton Ferdinand v Fulham (2006) Fulham were arguably having the better of things before we were awarded a corner, which was cleared to the edge of the area – from where Ferdinand unleashed an astonishing volley that was a goal from the moment it left his boot. This one is for defenders everywhere, but only got in after careful consideration was given to marginally less spectacular volleys by Colin Foster against Everton in the FA Cup (1991) and Winston Reid v Millwall in the Championship (2012).
No 7: Bobby Zamora v Ipswich (2005) Mention the words "play off" to Zamora and it's as if someone has pressed the on-button in his brain. Before scoring the winning goal for us in the play-off final against Preston, he got two in the second leg of the semis at Portman Road. His second was a blinder – Marlon Harewood won the ball in our half, went on a blistering run that involved a one-two with Reo-Coker, and then put in a snorter of a cross, which Zamora put away with a superb cushioned volley. I still say Bobby never got the recognition he deserved from many West Ham supporters.
No 6: Mark Noble v Spurs (2007) The goal came after Carlos Tevez brilliantly chested the ball into Noble's path, allowing him to volley home from the edge of the area. (Tevez then went on to score his first goal for us with a brilliant free kick that kissed the underside of the bar on the way in.) In truth, I have seen more memorable goals but I've included it because (a) we all love Mark Noble and (b) it might remind him that he used to score from open play once in a while.
No 5: Carlos Tevez v Man Utd (2007) This, of course, was the Great Escape game at Old Trafford. I'm not pretending the goal was a classic in itself, but its importance cannot be overstated – if only for the look on Dave Whelan's face as Wigan got relegated. (Remind me to give you a summary of the Office of Fair Trading's 237-page report into price fixing by JJB Sports some time; the man who so vociferously accused us of cheating does not come out of that at all well.)
No 4. Trevor Brooking v Arsenal (1980) Okay, this wasn't exactly a contender for goal of the season either – and Sir Trev could easily point to any number of games in which he scored with breath-taking efforts (Eintracht Frankfurt for starters). But any goal that wins you the Cup when you go into the final as such massive underdogs as we did against the Gooners has to be on anyone's list of favourites.
No 3. Ronnie Boyce v Preston North End (1964) Another goal to win an FA Cup final. I had taken the life-changing decision to support West Ham in the run-up to the game. Ticker had scored twice in the semi-final to get us to Wembley, and his last-minute winner against Preston cemented that decision. However, this was three weeks before my eighth birthday and boys that age have been known to change their minds. Who knows if I would be a Hammer today if he hadn't put away Peter Brabrook's cross and West Ham had lost in extra time? Sorry. Did someone just call me a glory-hunter?
No 2: Geoff Hurst v Chelsea (1967) The game, at Stamford Bridge, was the first time I saw West Ham in the flesh. I should be able to remember the opening goal, which was scored by Brian Dear, but for the life of me I can't picture it at all. I do, however, remember Hurst heading home after Bobby Moore had crossed from near the corner flag. We won 3-1. You'll have to excuse me for a moment. I'm getting all misty-eyed just thinking about it again.
Okay, that's nine out of the 10, and we are missing some big names on this particular scoresheet. No Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Tony Cottee or Frank McAvennie? What about unsung heroes such as Kevin Keen, Geoff Pike, Paul Goddard, Graham Paddon and Patsy Holland? (Holland's equaliser in the dying minutes against Hereford in a 1974 Cup tie could well be my No 11). Pop Robson and Clyde Best both came close, but didn't make the final list. Even Carlton Cole, Jimmy Quinn and David Cross nearly got a look-in (Ted MacDougall didn't). But we all know if you haven't made the cut by now you are never going to, because there really can only ever be one winner in the competition for the greatest West Ham goal of all time.
It is my considered opinion Paolo Di Canio is as mad as a box of frogs, but there is no denying the man could do things on a football field that mere mortals can only ever dream of. Which means:
No 1: PDC v Wimbledon (2000) I don't really need to describe this, do I? Just close the old mince pies for a moment and picture that cross from Trevor Sinclair. Now envisage Di Canio: the run, the leap, the volley, the orgasmic ecstasy as the ball hits the net.
I know you've all seen it a thousand times before, but to misquote Samuel Johnson: "If you're tired of reliving it, you are tired of life."
And it that hasn't whetted your appetite for Saturday, I really don't know what will.
IAIN WRITES: As a Guardian journalist, Brian is somewhat peeved that his book NEARLY REACH THE SKY – A FAREWELL TO UPTON PARK, is one place below Nigel Farage in the current Biteback list of bestsellers. You could cheer him up enormously by ordering your copy HERE. I won't tell Nigel if you won't. I should also tell you that Nigel's book is No 27 in the Amazon chart. Brian's is No 19,209. He blames me. Personally. Keeps muttering about sending Cass Pennant round.
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West Ham striker Nene continues his love affair with former club PSG
09:06, 17 March 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
Despite being in the crowd for PSG's victory over Chelsea, West Ham striker Nene missed David Luiz's dramatic equaliser because he left early to avoid the crowds
The Mirror
You cant help which team support, just ask West Ham's Brazilian striker Nene who is the perfect example of why you should NEVER leave a game before the final whistle. Sam Allardyce recruited the 33-year-old veteran on a free transfer last month, providing back up for his depleted strike force following a string of injuries. Nene found himself a free agent following a two-year stint with Qatari club Al Gharafa, on the back of a successful period with French giants PSG. His three seasons in Paris is the longest period the striker has spent at a single club, winning the Ligue 1 in the 2012-13 season. Individually, Nene was voted 'best foreign player' as well as being the league's top goalscorer during his time at the in the French capital. So when his beloved PSG travelled to London the former striker couldn't bring himself to miss out the action and decided to watch the game on the terraces with the fans. But wanting to avoid the crowds, the Brazilian striker left the game early and missed his countryman David Luiz netting the late equaliser, his reaction is priceless. French TV show Telefoot showed the scenes of celebration outside the PSG hotel after the game - and they found West Ham striker Nene among the fans: "It is like I were still part of the team," he said.
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DG: "I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A discussion on the ClaretandHugh Facebook page earlier today put me in mind of DG's most famous and perhaps best ever quote!
During an interview the co-chairman told me as we discussed the lofty ambitions held by all of us – including himself – he said: "It's important to remember I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."
The co-chairman has a find of amusing – but very insightful one liners – such as "Oh dear call the police!" when James Tomkins pulled his silly stunt at Everton earlier in the season.
In every case he makes his point with good humour and a lot of grace lost on the miserable Twitter trolls who use his good nature to goad him on too many occasions.
That he has issued just two tweets this month announcing the Winston Reid and Morgan Amalfitano contracts suggests he's pulling back as he turns more and more to Facebook.
Back to the point: Many seem to believe that as we enter the market for a new manager – where they name every top world boss – endless funds are available when in reality we are probably looking at around £3 million a year.
The oft mentioned "Allardyce is the world's 13 best paid manager" was first reported in 2013 and although things have changed since then, the £2.95 million mentioned puts him in the same league at the time as:
15 Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray, £2.92m
15 Rafa Benitez, Napoli, £2.92m
17 Luciano Spaletti, Zenit, £2.75m
18 Claudio Ranieri, Monaco, £2.5m
18 Laurent Blanc, PSG, £2.5m
18 Antonio Conte, Juventus, £2.5m
18 Cesare Prandelli, Italy, £2.5m
22 Massimiliano Allegri, Milan, £2.34m
23 Felipe Scolari, Brazil, £2.3m
24 Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland, £2.17m
25 Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar, £2.14m
26 Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid, £2.09m
26 Harry Redknapp, QPR, £2.09m
26 Joachim Low, Germany, £2.09m
29 Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan, £2m
30 Vecente del Bosque, Spain, £1.96m
If – as is the case with some – aspirations are much higher, here's what the very "best" would have cost you:
1 Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich, £14.8m
2 Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, £8.37m
3 Marcelo Lippi, Guangzhou, £8.34m
4 Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, £6.89m
5 Fabio Capello, Russia, £6.51m
6 Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, £6.26m
7 David Moyes, Man United, £4.92m
8 Tata Martino, Barcelona, £4.5m
9 Jurgen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund, £3.59m
10 Manuel Pellegrini, Man City, £3.47m
11 Jorge Jesus, Benfica, £3.34m
12 Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool, £3.25m
Fifty knickers shops will get you, it seems, a middle of the road manager based on those costs and the higher the owners go for their chosen man, the less there will be for new players.
They continue to carry a debt burden which has been alleviated by David Sullivan loans to the club but a financial reality needs to settle over us all as we contemplate how high we should go for a new man – a situation covered very neatly by the DG quote.
And let me hear nobody say "KNICKERS"
COYI
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Allardyce breaks his silence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has emerged from a self-imposed silence to speak to the Sunderland media! He expressed his passing of Gus Poyet in the Newcastle Chronicle Live and told Hammers fans not to expect us to brush them aside on Saturday evening. Allardyce himself is of course a hot favourite to become the club's next permanent boss but a Black Cats relegation could change all that. Commenting on Sunderland's position whom we meet on Saturday evening, he said: "I think the appointment today and last week's result, will make life very difficult for us on Saturday. "We're just as desperate for a win as they are, so it will be a very tough game – I'm sure of that. "And I hope the West Ham supporters don't expect us to just breeze past them 4-0 like Aston Villa did last week." "For me, it's always a sad occasion when a manager loses his position," said Allardyce, who spent one season as a player on Wearside in the early 1980s and later had a spell as manager at Newcastle United. "When you saw the result on Saturday it seems that was the final straw for the board. "It's a shame for Gus after what he did last season when he almost created a miracle with his escape from relegation with the club, and it hasn't gone as well (since) as he would have wanted, I know. "Obviously, his son Diego is playing with us, so I hope he is OK."
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Henry heads home – season over
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Doneil Henry's season is over after the Irons on-loan defender injured his hamstring. The central defender will now return to West Ham from Blackburn Rovers where he had made a hugely impressive start. He was due to stay at Ewood Park until the beginning of April but after being injured in the team's 3-1 win at Charlton now heads back to the east end. Rovers boss Gary Bowyer told the Rovers website: "Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak."
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It's all over for Tomkins
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have tonight confirmed that James Tomkins is out for the rest of the season. And as we reported last week the big central defender will need an operation on his dislocated shoulder. It's grim news for the 25 years old who damaged the shoulder in training when taking a tumble and was immediately taken to hospital for scans. ClaretandHugh was told at the time that the early indications were grim but it has not been until tonight (Tues) that the club has released the news to a media outlet. We were told: "James' season is over. He is out for the season and will definitely need an operation on the injury. "It's really rough on the player but it will be dealt with quickly although the healing process can take up to 12 weeks which means his season over."
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Advocaat for now – Allardyce later
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh
Sam Allardyce's West Ham future – or lack of it – is now becoming an hours news bulletin rather than daily or weekly. For despite Sunderland announcing that Dick Advocaat will take over until the end of the season it is believed that Allardyce is in the frame as the next permanent appointment at the Stadium of Light. As we have reported at regular intervals over the last few days, Sam's West Ham day will be done at the end of this campaign with David Moyes still remaining the favourite to take over. And it has emerged this morning that the Real Sociedad boss – who is only on an 18 month deal at the Spanish club – has a clause in his contract that he can leave if an offer comes from an English club. Interestingly, however, the Hammers board will be keeping a close eye on Everton's form until the end of the season where the owners have always been keen admirers of Robeto Martinez's managerial approach. A win over Newcastle lifted the Toffees away from the relegation fight but should the club find itself in trouble at the end of the season, a move would be on were the Spaniard to be sacked.
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