Valencia back in training
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia is determined to prove he is cut above after returning to
training after severely lacerating his toe in a freak accident.
The Ecuador forward suffered a deep gash when he accidentally stepped on a
shard of a broken toothbrush holder during a night-time trip to the
bathroom. After an emergency visit to hospital to have the wound cleaned and
stitched up and three weeks of healing, Valencia returned to the training
pitch at Chadwell Heath this week. The No31 told West Ham TV he hopes to
pull on a Claret and Blue shirt as soon as possible, with a chance that he
could feature in Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit to Leicester City.
"Basically, what happened is that about one or two o'clock in the afternoon,
a cup that was on the toilet where I kept the toothbrushes and toothpaste
fell on the ground and broke," Valencia explained. "I picked up the pieces
and I didn't realise I had missed a piece. Then, in the middle of the night
I went to the toilet bare-footed and half-asleep and stepped right on it.
"I'm feeling great at the moment as I've been able to get back on the pitch
this week and kick the ball. I've been running for a few days and am feeling
very well, so it just depends on what the manager and the staff decide now."
For Valencia, the injury came at a bad time, with West Ham desperate to end
a run of indifferent results and Ecuador contesting important international
matches with Mexico and Argentina in the United States. With the Hammers
looking to end the season strongly and the striker seeking a place in his
country's squad for this summer's Copa America, the 25-year-old is eager to
get back to competitive action as soon as he can. "Of course I am desperate
to get back on the pitch with my teammates to help out the squad. We know
the end of the season is going to be tough, so we all need to be there and
do our best for West Ham. "Right now I'm only thinking about West Ham
because it's approaching the end of the season and we have tough games. I'm
concentrating on playing for West Ham and if, after the season, they call me
for the national team then it will be a great summer."
This week, Valencia joined fellow South American Nene at the Club's Basildon
Store, where the pair spent two hours meeting Hammers fans.
"The support from all the West Ham fans has been fantastic throughout the
whole season, and being able to get a smile out of a child is the best thing
ever!" Valencia smiled, before talking about spending welcome time with
three-month-old daughter Amelia, his wife and son during his recent injury
lay-off. "I had to stay at home the whole time in the early part of my
recovery because I couldn't even walk, so the bright side was that I got to
spend a lot of time with my family."
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Collins wants victory over Foxes
WHUFC.com
In form centre-back James Collins is hoping his beloved West Ham United can
emulate his native Wales when they travel to play Leicester City on Saturday
4 April. Collins has been a regular for both club and country this season,
totalling 23 appearances. During the international break, Wales recorded an
emphatic 3-0 away win away against Israel thanks to an Aaron Ramsey opener
before Gareth Bale netted a brace. Speaking about the win, which takes Wales
level on points with table-topping Belgium, the experienced defender said:
"The win over Israel was a massive game, the way we did it, winning 3-0 and
playing very well was pleasing. "They came on to us a lot, which we
expected, playing away from home. I thought we dealt with that well, I was
playing on the right of a back three. I am delighted to get three points and
I'm buzzing for Wales."
After the win, which puts Wales in a great position to qualify for next
summer's European Championship finals in France, Collins heralded the
performance of compatriot, teammate and friend Bale. "During the second half
it was pretty quiet defensively because they were struggling to deal with
him. I was talking to Ashley Williams and we were saying how we wouldn't
know how to stop him. They tried to bring him down to stop him and one of
them got sent-off. "It's great to be on his team, he's one of the best
players in the world and he showed that on Saturday. He's bringing Welsh
football forward and it's great to be a part of it. I'm pretty close with
him, I speak to him regularly, and it's great to see him doing well for
Wales."
Having returned from international duty, Collins is now fully focused on a
tough trip to relegation-threatened Leicester. While many fans and pundits
may be expecting the Hammers to record a convincing victory, the 31-year-old
is anticipating a hard challenge. "I've watched Leicester play a few times
and they've played well, I remember them scoring five against Manchester
United earlier in the season and they're capable of scoring goals. "We beat
them 2-0 earlier in the season, it wasn't the prettiest games we've had, but
it was a very important victory."
A further boost for Collins and fans alike is the prospect of having
central-defensive partner Winston Reid back fit after a month out with a
hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea. While Cheikhou Kouyate proved
himself to be a more than capable stand-in, Collins welcomed the probable
return of the New Zealand international. "Having Winston back fit is
obviously a big boost, he's been in training for while so hopefully he'll be
fit for Saturday and help us try and get another clean sheet."
With eight games left of the season, Collins insisted that the Hammers have
plenty left to play for, most notably a highest points total since getting
promoted back to the Premier League back in 2012. "You can't take your foot
off the pedal, we want to win every game left, that's enough of an
incentive."Realistically, eighth is the best we can do looking at the table
and that would be a fantastic achievement. We've got three home games left
and we are certainly looking to win them. Since we've been promoted, tenth
is the best we've done so to better that would be great."
Looking further ahead to West Ham's last season at the Boleyn Ground and the
move to the new Stadium in time for the 2016/17 season, the defender
stressed his commitment to the Club. "We want to finish strong because next
season is a huge year. I've been here a long time, I love it here, I always
have done. I didn't really want to leave, it was put upon me and I left with
a heavy heart [when I joined Aston Villa in 2009]. When I had the
opportunity to come back, I was delighted. "I like to think I get on with
the fans here, they've been great with me. I've got next year left on my
contract, I feel fit as ever. I'm playing a fair amount of games and my
family are happy here. "If I was offered a longer contract I'd jump at it, I
know I need my football to do the talking, hopefully we can get something
sorted."
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Dev Squad set for Hong Kong Sevens
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Development Squad are set to participate in the annual
Hong Kong Football Club Soccer Sevens from 29-31 May 2015.
Having last competed in the competition back in 2012, the Hammers will
compete alongside fellow English clubs Stoke City, five-time champions Aston
Villa, Leicester City and Newcastle United. The Development Squad will be
hoping to extend English sides' recent run of success following Aston Villa
(2011), Newcastle United (2012) and Leicester City (2013) being crowned
champions. Notable players who have played in the tournament include West
Ham's Anton Ferdinand and Glen Johnson, as well as Gabby Agbonlahor, Marc
Albrighton, David Bentley, Sammy Ameobi, Shaun Maloney, Jack Grealish and
Rolando Aarons. Tony Bratsanos, Chairman of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens
Organising Committee, said: "We're excited that West Ham will be coming back
after a brief break, as they were a very popular side when they played here,
and we're also proud that we were able to secure Stoke City for their
tournament debut. Stoke are enjoying a fine season and will be a welcome
addition to the Main competition."
English clubs have won ten of the 15 editions of the tournament since its
inauguration in 1999. Aston Villa have won a record five times (2002, 2004,
2007, 2008, 2010), while Blackburn Rovers (1999), Arsenal (2001), Newcastle
(2012), Leicester (2013) and Manchester City (2014) are the other English
clubs to have lifted the Cup.
There will be match reports, previews and updates on the Development Squad's
progress during the tournament on www.whufc.com and across our social media
platforms.
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Merson's predictions: Chelsea and Manchester City backed for wins
Last Updated: 02/04/15 10:08pm
Sky Sports' Paul Merson gives his predictions ahead of an important weekend
in the Premier League. The Premier League is back and so is Merse as he
casts his expert eye over the Premier League fixtures. Here's how the 'Magic
Man' sees the 10 games going.
Leicester v West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Merse thinks Leicester cannot afford any slip-ups against West Ham This is
Leicester's cup final. They just have to win. If they don't I think that
will be it and they will be relegated. With six out of their last nine games
at home Nigel Pearson's side definitely have a chance of survival but they
must beat West Ham. A draw is just not good. But, backed by their home
support, I think they can get the result they need and I'm backing them for
a 2-1 win against a West Ham side who have just one win from their last
eight in the league.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
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Sam Allardyce says Leicester can take heart from Sunderland's survival last
term
Last Updated: 02/04/15 5:58pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Saturday's opponents Leicester remain
capable of retaining their Premier League status. Allardyce takes his team
to the King Power Stadium to face the league's bottom club who are without a
win in their last seven matches and seven points adrift of safety. But
Allardyce says Nigel Pearson's men should use Sunderland's improbable escape
from relegation last season as motivation in their own quest to beat the
drop. "At this stage of the season generally, at that level at the lower
end of the league, if they can win four out of six, or three out of five
they can give themselves a lifeline," Allardyce said. "Last year it was
Sunderland, so that can happen with the performances that Leicester have
shown. Leicester will not give up and they've still got great hope that they
can get out of trouble. "What we've got to do is make sure that is not
against us. We've got to make sure we are on top of our game and deliver the
performance we need to because they are fighting for their lives down there.
'Performances'
"Overall, Nigel must be pulling his hair out and saying: 'Why haven't our
performances given us more results?' "I suppose that shows the cruelty of
the Premier League where some teams, who don't take advantage of things, by
not scoring chances, ultimately pay the price." Defender Winston Reid looks
set to return for West Ham after missing their last two matches with a
hamstring injury but Allardyce confirmed Enner Valencia is unlikely to be
fit for the weekend. "We've got Winston Reid back in full training," he
said. "But I don't think Enner Valencia is going to make it, although he is
back in some sort of training. "Winston will be available as he's had the
last seven days back in full training."
Allardyce, whose long-term future at West Ham continues to be debated, said
he is not unduly concerned about the latest wave of speculation, insisting
his only focus is finishing the season well. "It's very tight between eighth
and tenth now for us. We have a reasonable run-in although no game is ever
easy at this level. For us it's about achieving as many points as possible
in the run-in. Hopefully we can kick off on a good run having beaten
Sunderland.
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QPR eye West Ham manager Sam Allardyce for next season if he leaves the
Hammers this summer
22:30, 1 April 2015 By Darren Lewis
Upton Park boss has also been linked with Sunderland, while the Irons have
David Moyes and Eddie Howe on their radar ahead of big Olympic Stadium move
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is a candidate for the Queens Park Rangers job if he is not
kept on by West Ham. Hammers boss Allardyce, 60, is out of contract at the
end of the season and the club will not hold talks over a new deal until
then. Sunderland have already targeted Big Sam as a long-term replacement
for Gus Poyet, but there are some at QPR who feel Allardyce's experience
would be an asset at Loftus Road next season. Current boss Chris Ramsey, 52,
has the support of Rangers' director of football Les Ferdinand. The club,
however, have yet to confirm that Ramsey will remain in charge after the
current campaign and Mark Warburton of west London neighbours Brentford has
also been linked with the job. The Hoops' players have responded positively
to Ramsey since he was put in charge at the start of February and want him
to stay in the job. The club have continued losing, however, with six
defeats in seven outings since Harry Redknapp's departure.
QPR have crucial games coming up at West Brom and Aston Villa, before they
welcome Premier League leaders Chelsea to Loftus Road for a local derby.
Allardyce, who steered the Irons up from the Championship in 2012 and has
kept them in the top flight since, has claimed he is comfortable with their
policy of leaving contract talks until the end of the season. The east
Londoners, however, have Real Sociedad boss David Moyes and Bournemouth
rising star Eddie Howe in their sights if a deal cannot be agreed. But
Hammers legend Sir Geoff Hurst has called on the club to keep Big Sam after
his work guiding the club into the top half of the table. Hurst said: "There
are a section of fans that say he should go, but overall he has done a good
job. This year we have looked comfortable and could finish just outside the
top six or seven. There's been a vast improvement in terms of results and
performances. "I just don't think it's the right thing to do to get a new
manager. I don't know why they are not talking to him. There's still time
for them to look at it. The final eight games could influence the owners,
but Sam should be the manager next year regardless. "You need continuity.
Next season is the year before they move into the Olympic Stadium, so they
need to be careful."
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Allardyce QPR link surfaces again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce is this morning again being linked with Queens Park Rangers as
a new end of season boss. Darren Lewis - who covers West Ham for The Mirror
writes: "Sam Allardyce is a candidate for the Queens Park Rangers job if he
is not kept on by West Ham." Sunderland also remain interested in the 60
year old who is seen as a dab hand at taking relegated teams up and keeping
struggling teams afloat. Some at QPR have felt that his experience would be
an asset at Loftus Road next season and the story first emerged after Harry
Redknapp quit the club. Much as Rangers may want him, however, a lot will
depend on which league they are playing in next season with the team
currently rooted second off bottom with 22 points. Sunderland, meanwhile,
hare in 17th and neither looks the most attractive proposition as things
stand. Allardyce has regularly claimed, however, that he will discuss his
future with the Irons board at the end of the season and that until then
such reports are "pure speculation."
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Irons fans deserve some real excitement
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Whilst a win at Leicester is expected and of paramount importance, am I
alone in wanting a lot more than that from Saturday's game?
The preferred A game we've been watching with growing despair until the much
needed win over Sunderland arrived - desperate though it was - has been
failing us for weeks. And yes, before anyone else mentions it, I know there
have been injuries! But with most attacking and midfield options now
available can we please see a bit of Morgan Amaltfitano and Nene - remember
him anybody? Our season really does need to be spiced up one way or another.
Of course, the Frenchman didn't himself no favours with the red card against
West Brom but now available, he needs to be included as at his best he
provides some much needed creativity. Nene may too, were he to be given a
chance, but thus far - as most expected - he's merely flitted around the was
of the action for a few minutes at a time. I'm sure if we can give over
extended run-outs to the likes of Matt Jarvis and the captain then it might
be fair to expect that Morgan and Nene might be introduced to provide so,e
much needed flair. It would be great to think that Reece Oxford may get a
chance too at some stage although nobody will be holding their breath on
that one. Personally, however, I want some excitement and although a win
over the bottom placed club would be welcome we need more than that I
reckon. I really don't want to go through to the end of the season hearing
the words: "The only thing that matters is the result no matter how it's
achieved." We need something to raise the blood levels. Grinding out results
(or not) is no way to send the fans off for summer. We've been there
before! Too often. Surely a little flair, imagination and excitement is not
too much to expect.
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Your chance to meet the Irons stars
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have announced an opportunity for Season Ticket holders and
Academy/Youth Academy members to meet three of the senior squad in a fans
forum at the Boleyn Ground next week. Fan favourites Adrian, Carlton Cole
and Stewart Downing will be present at the ground on Tuesday 7 April at
6.30pm to take questions.
coleIt's the second fans' forum of the season and follows a series of
events throughout the campaign aimed at keeping fans informed and in touch
with not only the players but important goings-on at the club. The fans will
also have the chance to meet the players informally with the opportunity to
obtain photos and autographs. The club's website have said that it is a
first come first serve basis, so those looking to attend this need to call
the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The full story and more
details can be found on the official club website, www.whufc.com, including
details on how to get your questions submitted for the players attending.
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Irons talk on QPR defender link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have - in the last few minutes - denied any interest "whatsoever"
in Queens Park Rangers central defender Nedum Onuoha.
A national newspaper this morning claimed the Irons could be interested in
the 28 year old who will almost certainly wan t out of Loftus Road if they
relegated. But a top source inside Upton Park said: "There's no interest -
none whatsoever. We have Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins, Doneil
Henry and Reece Oxford set to break through. "We are looking at various
players but this is the first time we have heard Nedum's name mentioned."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diarra puts boot into Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Alou Diarra - having been at Charlton on a loan spell until the end of the
season - has put the boot into Sam Allardyce. He remains unhappy at his
treatment under the 60 year old at Upton Park and has given way to his
Boleyn frustrations. Speaking to South London Today he said: "I wasn't first
choice. I gave everything in training but it wasn't enough for the manager.
"It was unfair because before I came to West Ham I was in the France squad
for the European Championships in 2012 and playing in the Champions League.
'My past was good. I played a lot of good games before I signed. But I
wasn't first choice at West Ham - I don't know if it would've been different
with a different manager. "I have a new chance to play now. West Ham was not
my fault - I gave everything.'
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Foxes old boy Savage on City v Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Love him or hate him you can always rely on Mr Robbie Savage to give you a
view or ten! Sav - a good friend of ClaretandHugh - was a Leicester City
stalwart in their 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill but is deeply
despondent of their fate this season. He also has a special affection for
David Gold and David Sullivan under whom he worked at Birmingham City and
says: "They are both great guys but I think they will come home from the
Walker Stadium a bit cheesed off this weekend." "The Hammers haven't been on
the greatest run and it was all about the performance against Sunderland. If
they can take something from the victory into the match on Saturday I could
be wrong but to be honest City have far more to play for. "When you are in
that situation you kinda say: "B...ks to it, let's give it the lot - there's
absolutely nothing to lose and to be fair to them that's what they have been
doing most of the time this term. "They have been very unlucky at times
because they have been in every game without getting the rub of the green -
Saturday may be different. I think it will because things are absolutely
desperate now. "It's a real hard one to call because the Hammers are capable
of playing some great stuff although they aren't that steady away from home.
"It'll depend on which West Ham turns up but I'll take the Foxes to win it
2-1. Having said that I think they will go down anyway. They're not good
enough. "The Hammers can't compain at their season though. They have become
a solid mid table premier League team!"
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No summer break for Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll - helped by warm weather training in Dubai - continues to make
progress from his knee surgery but will have no summer break. Stijn
Vandenbroucke, Head of Medical and Sports Science, in his regular updates on
the injury situation at the official site reported: "He will not have a
summer break this year as he will be working hard on his rehab during that
period." He also revealed that Winston Reid is fit and is training hard to
be ready for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at Leicester City
whilst Enner Valencia's position is re-evaluatied on a daily basis." James
Tomkins and Doneil Henry are continuing with their rehabilitation from
shoulder and hamstring surgery. He said: Doneil has resumed walking normally
this week, which is the next step in his rehab and something he is really
happy about."
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Valencia on his Leicester chances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has given an update on his injured foot, explaining he is
back in training pitch and kicking balls again. Whether he plays on Saturday
at Leicester City, however, will depend entirely on Sam Allardyce with Enner
admitting: "It just depends on what the manager and the staff decide now."
The striker revealed how he had damaged his foot saying: "Basically, what
happened is that about one or two o'clock in the afternoon, a cup that was
on the toilet where I kept the toothbrushes and toothpaste fell on the
ground and broke. "I picked up the pieces and I didn't realise I had missed
a piece. Then, in the middle of the night I went to the toilet bare-footed
and half-asleep and stepped right on it."
Valencia stayed at home during the international break to work on his
recovery, and he is hoping to feature against the Foxes having returned to
full training. "I'm feeling great at the moment as I've been able to get
back on the pitch this week and kick the ball," he added.
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Friday, April 3
Thursday, April 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd April 2015
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
The positive news is that all of the players who went away on international
and testimonial duty have returned in good condition. With regard to the
other players, you can read and watch an in-depth update regarding Andy
Carroll's recovery here. Andy is currently working on his rehab following
knee surgery in warm-weather conditions in Dubai, as this is the perfect
stage of his recovery to do so. He will not have a summer break this year as
he will be working hard on his rehab during that period. Following the
hamstring injury he suffered against Chelsea on 4 March, Winston Reid is fit
and is training hard to be ready for Saturday's Barclays Premier League
fixture at Leicester City. Enner Valencia's laceration in his big toe that
he suffered in an accident at his home on 10 March has healed. He started to
train in his boots again on an individual basis on Monday. We are
re-evaluating Enner's situation on a daily basis. James Tomkins and Doneil
Henry are continuing with their rehabilitation from shoulder and hamstring
surgery. Doneil has resumed walking normally this week, which is the next
step in his rehab and something he is really happy about.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Carroll steps up recovery
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll ticked off a significant milestone in his recovery from knee
surgery last week when he left the crutches and knee brace behind to step up
his work in the gym and swimming pool. Carroll had to go under the surgeon's
knife to repair damage to his medial knee ligament after suffering the
injury at Southampton in February and had to keep the knee immobilised for
the first stage of his rehabilitation. Under the watchful eye of the Club's
head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke, Carroll has now been
able to increase his workload as he aims to leave behind the injuries which
have hampered him over the past two seasons. The 26-year-old is pleased to
have taken another step along the road to recovery.
He said: "I'm feeling alright. It's a lot better, getting off the crutches,
out of the brace and being able to move more on the bike and do some work in
the pool. "It's good to come in to work at the training ground and see the
lads too. If you're working away from the Club you might not see them for a
while, but it's nice to come in in the mornings and have breakfast and lunch
with them. "I couldn't move my leg for a month or so after the operation. I
was at 90 degrees and I couldn't really do any more, but doing work where I
can move now is good. "Last week was the first time I went in the pool and
there'll be a lot more new stuff to come as well."
For Vandenbroucke, he is pleased with the progress his charge has made since
his surgery. He explained: "We've reached week six of Andy's rehab so we've
increased the exercises. He's on the bike, he's in the pool and we're doing
more exercises in the gym. "It's becoming more enjoyable now, the most
boring stuff is behind us so we're looking forward to the next phase of the
rehab. "It's important that we don't get carried away too much and on the
other hand it's important we don't do too little, so it's about finding the
right balance between me, Andy and the knee. "We've made good progress. He's
very good and works hard. The knee doesn't react so we're very happy. "Next
he's going to work hard in the pool, and you can really work hard
fitness-wise in the pool to start building that up again. It doesn't mean
that he has not worked hard before - he has been drilled core-wise and
muscle-wise. Now he will continue to work, we can just increase the volume."
After returning to Chadwell Heath last week, Carroll is currently continuing
his rehab with a Hammers physio in the warmer environment of Dubai, giving
the striker the optimal conditions to work in as he increases the intensity
of his work.
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Reid relishing U-20 World Cup role
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid is hoping the FIFA U-20 World Cup will have the same effect on
his fellow New Zealanders as the 2010 FIFA World Cup had on his own career.
The West Ham United defender caught the imagination of the football world
when he headed in the unfancied All Whites' last-gasp equaliser to earn a
group-stage draw with Slovakia. Then just 21, the goal - plus further draws
with Italy and Paraguay - put the spotlight on the centre-back, who was
playing for Danish club FC Midtjylland at the time. Within weeks of his
heroics in South Africa, the Hammers swooped to bring Reid to the Premier
League. Five years later, the 26-year-old is one of the best defenders in
English football, is his country's national-team captain and has been
appointed Ambassador for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be played
in his homeland this May/June. "It's massive for the country," Reid told
FIFA.com. "The U-20s is a huge tournament on the world stage and we'll have
a lot of the very top nations in New Zealand competing for the trophy. "It
will be great for those teams too because they're going to a country with so
much to offer. Anyone visiting New Zealand will really enjoy themselves and,
as hosts, it's our job to make sure they leave with memories for life. "The
tournament should be a great success and I really hope the public get behind
it. Football is growing in New Zealand but it's still not the main sport, so
hopefully this tournament can help the game gain more recognition."
West Ham experienced the passion for football first-hand in a country more
commonly associated with rugby union and cricket when they visited for a
tour in July 2014. Reid and his teammates were treated wonderfully by the
New Zealand people, playing two matches with A-League clubs Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC, holding open training sessions and immersing
themselves in the diverse culture. As the son of Maori parents, Reid is
hoping that children with a similar background to his own - he was raised in
the Auckland district of North Harbour - will be enthused by the FIFA U-20
World Cup finals and follow in his footsteps. "There's going to be something
different about every single match," continued Reid, who moved to Europe
aged ten and played age-group football for Denmark before switching
allegiance to the country of his birth in 2010. "Each team will bring its
own philosophy and way of playing, and you never know - this might be the
only time a World Cup of this stature comes to New Zealand. Hopefully not,
but I think people should make the most of the opportunity. It's definitely
well worth ditching the oval ball for a couple of months to come out and
watch! "Both my mum and dad are Maori, so that heritage is important to me.
I really hope that more Maori and Pacific island kids can get involved in
football because their genetics are fantastic. So many of them are big and
strong - great attributes as a footballer. If I can inspire some of these
kids to get involved in the game, I'd be thrilled."
The FIFA U-20 World Cup finals will kick-off at Auckland's North Harbour
Stadium - West Ham's training base in 2014 - with New Zealand's Group A
clash with Ukraine. The final will be played at the same venue on 20 June
2015.
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The Big Interview - Aaron Cresswell
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell is ready for the return of Barclays Premier League football
this weekend. West Ham United travel to bottom-of-the-table Leicester City
looking to complete a league double and make it back-to-back wins following
success against Sunderland. Speaking at the Club's shop signing event at the
Boleyn Ground this week, Cresswell said he is raring to go.
Aaron, always nice to see the fans, particularly on school holidays and with
lots of smiles on faces?
AC: "Definitely. It's only something little for us, so it's nice to give
something back, sign a few autographs and take a few pictures."
I guess during an international break you have a bit more time on your hands
perhaps. How do you spend the time when you're not training?
AC: "The season's still on, so we still do the same things that we do when
the games are still on. We're training every day, preparing for Leicester on
Saturday."
Do you keep a close eye on your teammates playing around the world? Ginge
was in Israel and Cheikhou in France.
AC: "Yes, I watched a bit of the Wales game the other night and speaking of
Ginge he missed an absolute sitter apparently! My little brother said to me
'did you see that?' But I missed it.
"They're all away on international duty and Jenks was away with England U21
as well so it'll be nice to get them back."
It was a great result for Wales and it must help when players come back
having won games?
AC: "Definitely. They're doing very well in their group and with a 3-0 win
he's going to come back full of confidence and feeling good about himself."
It's not an easy run-in but we've only got Man City of the big boys left.
There's no reason why we can't finish higher in the league.
Aaron Cresswell
Looking ahead to the weekend. Leicester are bottom of the league, but
they'll be scrapping for everything and in a way is that almost as tough as
playing the teams nearer the top?
AC: "It'll definitely be a tough game, especially away from home. They're
fighting against relegation and we want to finish as high as we can with
eight games remaining.
"We're going to go there full of confidence and try to get the three
points."
Is it particularly tough away from home when they've got the full support of
their crowd?
AC: "Yes. They've got to try and fight to beat relegation. They're in a
tough battle and there's still a few teams who could get sucked in, so they
will want the three points. But as I say, we're confident and we want to
bring the three points back ourselves."
How are you enjoying your football at the moment? There were lots of
plaudits after the Sunderland game?
AC: "We needed the three points, first and foremost. We were on a bad run
having won one game in twelve, and now we're looking for another three
points on Saturday."
That would give us a huge boost towards the end of the season and what is a
series of pretty winnable games.
AC: "Definitely. We've only lost two games against teams below us, so
obviously it's not an easy run-in but we've only got Man City of the big
boys left. There's no reason why we can't finish higher in the league."
There's been a bit of talk about the Fair Play league. We're top of that and
it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could qualify for Europe
through that. Is that something the boys are aware of?
AC: "It's not really crossed our minds, but obviously it would be massive to
get into Europe however you get there. It would be massive for the Club and
the fans."
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Bielsea - Here's what Irons may get!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa may be something of a mystery man to many Hammers
fans. The Marseilles boss has been a runner as next boss since it began to
look likely Upton Park may have a new man at the helm next season. So here
in a special feature we look at the Marseilles boss - a man of whom Pep
Guardiola said three years ago: "He's the best manager in world football."
By Staff Reporter
Marcelo Bielsa isn't your typical manager. Intense and fiercely intelligent,
Bielsa has earned the nickname 'El Loco' throughout his career, but doesn't
fit the usual PL stereotype. In fact, it could be argued that he is - for
example - Sam Allardyce's very antithesis. A burly, stocky defender, Bielsa
retired at the age of 25 after playing for Newell's Old Boys, Instituto and
Argentino de Rosario, and subsequently qualified as a PE teacher.
Shortly after, he became Newell's manager and, so, in 1990, his managerial
odyssey began. Known by many names, Bielsa is a very 'hipster' coach. Take a
stroll into any press room in any country in the world and you can guarantee
that a style invoking a "high press" will be referred to as
'Bielsa-inspired'. He is meticulous. He is obsessive. And he has a ferocious
will to win.
While at Athletic Bilbao, Bielsa famously drenched certain areas of the
pitch in order to prevent Barcelona from playing their tiki-taka quite so
effectively. Yet he employs a stunning tactical rigidity.
Whilst at Bilbao, he simply refused to change his system even when Javi
Martinez was injured. A keen advocate of a three-man defence - involving a
'free' defender, who is able to drop into the heart of the backline
depending on how many attackers the opposition have on the pitch - he simply
drafted in a less able replacement instead of refining his gameplan.
Yet he is incredibly attacking. While with the Chile national team, Bielsa
devised a 3-3-1-3 system, which demanded excellence and unwavering
discipline from his players. Alexis Sanchez was the jewel in his particular
crown there, as Chile attacked with a swarm-like philosophy, with and
without the ball.
He has been known to employ spies to peek on opposition tactics; has been
spotted by his players trawling through the local countryside seeking out
undiscovered talent that may have escaped the attention of his usual
scouting networks, and has also been known to draw on players' boots during
training sessions in an attempt to show them exactly how the ball should be
played.
West Ham will have never seen anything quite like it.
He plans for every eventuality, drafts every potential substitution and
immerses himself completely in match preparation. Nothing is left to chance.
If something goes wrong, the chances are that the players simply weren't
carrying out his instructions properly.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola called him "the best manager in the world"
in 2012. High praise, but well earned. He has not won a domestic trophy
since 1998 but he is a man with a clear philosophy. Whereas others - Louis
van Gaal is one - merely speak of their "philosophies", Bielsa implements
his and gets results.
Of course, it will mean an alteration to the way things are done in east
London if he is to get the job. It cannot be forgotten that Marseille are
third in Ligue 1 under Bielsa's guidance and sit just two points behind
leaders Paris Saint-Germain - he may yet win the French title before heading
to England.
But there will be adjustments. If he is to implement his 3-3-1-3 system,
players will be shifted; the likes of James Collins, Joey O'Brien, Kevin
Nolan, Carlton Cole and, just perhaps, Andy Carroll may well become
obsolete.
Collins and O'Brien simply won't cut the mustard, while Nolan is a mere
water-carrier - a midfielder constantly scurrying around looking to regain
the possession he has lost. Cole isn't good enough and, well, Carroll simply
isn't as dynamic as either Diafra Sakho or Enner Valencia.
The latter two would thrive under the Argentine - their pacey, skilful
styles meshing perfectly with Bielsa's versatility-inspired formation.
Somewhat ironically, Alex Song would fit perfectly into the team, as the
midfield three play high but without the normal brief to attack. The job is
to win the ball and recycle possession quickly - something Song has had to
do at the very highest level with both Arsenal and Barcelona. Bielsa will
want to keep him.
But don't expect instant results. Bielsa's methods often take time to adjust
to, and results tend not to set the world alight within weeks of his
appointment, while he has to work the players to the bone as he attempts to
drum in his modus operandi.
Training sessions are hard, and he is known to blow a gasket even in the
simplest drills if things do not go just as he had planned. But once it
clicks - and it always does - then quite sparkling football tends to follow.
See Athletic Bilbao's Europa League journey in 2012 for evidence; the La
Liga side reached the final - though they lost to Atletico Madrid - and
outclassed Manchester United, both at home and away, en route.
West Ham fans often talk of 'The West Ham Way'. The 'Bielsa Way' may not be
too far off.
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Irons want Song AND Busquets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will have another Barcelona target on their minds when they talk to
the Catalan giants about Alex Song at the end of the season.
For although the chances are remote they want to discuss a possible deal for
Sergio Busquets to strengthen their midfield. With the club heading for the
Olympic Stadium and a new boss almost certain to be installed, they believe
it is worth at least trying to get an answer on a player who has been in and
out of the Barca team and on their minds for some time. David Gold and David
Sullivan are ready to start a new Hammers era and that the news has leaked
out to ClaretandHugh as early as April 1 shows that ambition. The player has
made over 200 appearances for Barca.
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Bielsa/Amafitano have no problems
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There's at least one player inside the West Ham dressing room who won't be
unhappy if Marseilles boss Guy Bielsa shoudl arrive in the summer as the
club's next boss - Morgan Amalfitano. The Frenchman was in Bielsa's bad
books last year after a trining ground bust up but has since privately told
West Ham staff he would have stayed at Marseilles had he realised the
quality of football Bielsa produced.
The pair's training ground altercation took place in August but later the
manager was very helpful in easing our midfielder's passage to West Ham and
was personally thanked by the midfeilder. A source told us: "Yes they had a
little fall out. It happens all the time on the training ground but there's
no ill will between the two and they could work together again. Football -
FA Premier League - West Ham United FC v Liverpool FC"Bielsa remains very
much in the frame for the Irons job with Sam Allardyce;s days now looking
very much numbered.
Bielsea is widely admired across the world and has drawn words of hign
praise from Carlos Tevez who said back in 2012 as manchester United
challenged for the Title: " I think Ferguson and Bielsa are the best
managers. "I know Ferguson didn't have the best relationship with me but
together with Bielsa, those two are the best managers I had." Tottenham boss
and fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino is another big admirer of the
man!
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Cressie expects Foxes bite
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Aaron Creswell is the latest player to warn that Leicester City have
everything to play for at the Walker Stadium this weekend. It's clear the
Irons will need to be at their best if they are to come away with three
points given the desperate atmosphere around the bottom placed side.
Absolutely nobody inside the club sees the game against the Foxes than one
of the toughest calls possible at this time.
Cressie declared: They've got to try and fight to beat relegation. They're
in a tough battle and there's still a few teams who could get sucked in, so
they will want the three points. But we're confident and "We needed the
three points, first and foremost against Sunderland. We were on a bad run
having won one game in twelve, and now we're looking for another three
points on Saturday. It's not an easy run-in but we only have Manchester City
of the big boys left."
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Cottee: West Ham let these two youngsters slip through their fingers
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Tony Cottee is disappointed that West Ham United did not give more
opportunities to two former youngsters. Speaking to London24, the Hammers
legend named two former youngsters as disappointing cases in West Ham's
academy production. He said: "Having only 32 per cent of players in the
Premier League eligible for England is not good enough and though West Ham
are much better than most, we have still let talents like Zavon Hines,
Junior Stanislas and others slip through our fingers because they haven't
got a fair crack of the whip."
The East Londoners are known for their famed academy system, and it is a
reputation that has been with them for much of their distinguished history.
Most regarded for producing a number of the England team that won the 1966
World Cup, in recent years the likes of Mark Noble, Jack Collison and James
Tomkins have made the first-team, while Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe
Cole and Michael Carrick have gone on to have great success elsewhere. Yet
it is Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas that Cottee names as not being given
a fair chance at the Boleyn Ground. 25-year-old Stanislas is now playing for
Bournemouth in the Championship, and could be back in the Premier League
next season, while Hines, 26, is turning out for Dagenham & Redbridge in
League Two. Between them, they made 78 first-team appearances for the
Hammers after progressing through the youth ranks, but neither really
cemented themselves as a key player. Unfortunately for them, they progressed
at a time when the Irons were buying a lot of players from abroad, and
Cottee is correct to presume that they were not given a great chance for
success. However, for Hines especially, considering the level they are
playing at now, maybe the former English youth duo just weren't good enough
for a club of West Ham's stature.
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An insult to West Ham United
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham Mark Noble's absence from the England squad was bad enough, until
Roy Hodgson made it even worse last night. England secured a 1-1 draw away
to Italy last night, but it was almost despite the bizarre team selection of
manager Roy Hodgson. The Three Lions boss selected a diamond formation in
midfielder, with Arsenal's Theo Walcott ineffective at the tip of it through
the centre. His choice of holding midfielder was just as bad, picking
Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones to play the role. It is a position
in which Jones has played in the past, even under Fabio Capello for England,
but it is not one he has been playing recently for Manchester United. His
limitations were badly exposed by the technically gifted Italians and he was
withdrawn for Michael Carrick, only then did England improve.
Perhaps if only England had a player specialised in the position other than
Carrick who Roy Hodgson could have started? In fact they do, but he was at
home in east London, preparing for West Ham United's next Premier League
match. Mark Noble's continued absence from the England squad remains a
bemusement to many, who have seen him become one of the Premier League's
most consistent performers in recent seasons. Leaving him out of the squad
was one thing, but picking Phil Jones out of position in his place was an
insult to him and West Ham. If Noble needed any more motivation to prove
Hodgson wrong this was it. The England boss deemed Ryan Mason not ready for
a starting spot, while Fabian Delph also had a poor game. Hodgson's
selection shows that he is unsettled on his best player for the position,
and there is still a chance for Noble to force his way into the team if the
England boss can get past his blind spot when it comes to the 27-year-old.
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West Ham's Cottee: Forget club rivalry, we must all applaud Kane
17:30 01 April 2015
Lonodn 24
Tony Cottee
Our West Han columnist wants to see more English players coming through
I am a season ticket holder at Wembley Stadium and normally when I go, the
view is great, the hospitality is superb and the football is terrible. Not
so on Friday night. I know it was only Lithuania, but you can only beat what
is in front of you and I thought we played really well. The travelling and
the hospitality was not so good this time, but at least I saw us play well
and Harry Kane score his first international goal. Forget club rivalry, it
is just great to see a young English player do so well. I have never in my
seven years of watching England at Wembley, seen a player get a standing
ovation when he came on, but that was what happened for Harry and I was up
clapping too.
Greg Dyke has called for less foreign players in the Premier League and more
English youngsters like Kane to develop and I have to say I agree with him.
I have nothing against the likes of Di Canio, Cantona and Henry coming over
here, but it is the cheap average players who take the squad spots of
English players that annoys me. Having only 32 per cent of players in the
Premier League eligible for England is not good enough and though West Ham
are much better than most, we have still let talents like Zavon Hines,
Junior Stanislas and others slip through our fingers because they haven't
got a fair crack of the whip
I have got a lot of time for Greg Dyke and I really hope he gets his way.
The Hammer of the Year voting is just around the corner and it seems to be
wide open. There were some who did really well in the first half of the
season, but it is consistency that counts. If I were to choose right now, it
would be for Aaron Cresswell in first place and Diafra Sakho just behind
him. Hopefully both will play on Saturday at my old team Leicester, but
anyone who thinks it will be an easy game for us is sadly mistaken. They are
a decent team and they are fighting for their lives, so we will need to get
our attitude right, stop their danger men and then hit them on the counter.
I still think it will be a tight game, but with the likes of Winston Reid
and Enner Valencia hopefully back, I am going for a battling 1-0 win. West
Ham is my team, followed by Everton and then Leicester City and I am
desperate for the Foxes to stay up, but hopefully their string of wins will
come after Saturday! COYI
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WHUFC.com
The positive news is that all of the players who went away on international
and testimonial duty have returned in good condition. With regard to the
other players, you can read and watch an in-depth update regarding Andy
Carroll's recovery here. Andy is currently working on his rehab following
knee surgery in warm-weather conditions in Dubai, as this is the perfect
stage of his recovery to do so. He will not have a summer break this year as
he will be working hard on his rehab during that period. Following the
hamstring injury he suffered against Chelsea on 4 March, Winston Reid is fit
and is training hard to be ready for Saturday's Barclays Premier League
fixture at Leicester City. Enner Valencia's laceration in his big toe that
he suffered in an accident at his home on 10 March has healed. He started to
train in his boots again on an individual basis on Monday. We are
re-evaluating Enner's situation on a daily basis. James Tomkins and Doneil
Henry are continuing with their rehabilitation from shoulder and hamstring
surgery. Doneil has resumed walking normally this week, which is the next
step in his rehab and something he is really happy about.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll steps up recovery
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll ticked off a significant milestone in his recovery from knee
surgery last week when he left the crutches and knee brace behind to step up
his work in the gym and swimming pool. Carroll had to go under the surgeon's
knife to repair damage to his medial knee ligament after suffering the
injury at Southampton in February and had to keep the knee immobilised for
the first stage of his rehabilitation. Under the watchful eye of the Club's
head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke, Carroll has now been
able to increase his workload as he aims to leave behind the injuries which
have hampered him over the past two seasons. The 26-year-old is pleased to
have taken another step along the road to recovery.
He said: "I'm feeling alright. It's a lot better, getting off the crutches,
out of the brace and being able to move more on the bike and do some work in
the pool. "It's good to come in to work at the training ground and see the
lads too. If you're working away from the Club you might not see them for a
while, but it's nice to come in in the mornings and have breakfast and lunch
with them. "I couldn't move my leg for a month or so after the operation. I
was at 90 degrees and I couldn't really do any more, but doing work where I
can move now is good. "Last week was the first time I went in the pool and
there'll be a lot more new stuff to come as well."
For Vandenbroucke, he is pleased with the progress his charge has made since
his surgery. He explained: "We've reached week six of Andy's rehab so we've
increased the exercises. He's on the bike, he's in the pool and we're doing
more exercises in the gym. "It's becoming more enjoyable now, the most
boring stuff is behind us so we're looking forward to the next phase of the
rehab. "It's important that we don't get carried away too much and on the
other hand it's important we don't do too little, so it's about finding the
right balance between me, Andy and the knee. "We've made good progress. He's
very good and works hard. The knee doesn't react so we're very happy. "Next
he's going to work hard in the pool, and you can really work hard
fitness-wise in the pool to start building that up again. It doesn't mean
that he has not worked hard before - he has been drilled core-wise and
muscle-wise. Now he will continue to work, we can just increase the volume."
After returning to Chadwell Heath last week, Carroll is currently continuing
his rehab with a Hammers physio in the warmer environment of Dubai, giving
the striker the optimal conditions to work in as he increases the intensity
of his work.
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Reid relishing U-20 World Cup role
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid is hoping the FIFA U-20 World Cup will have the same effect on
his fellow New Zealanders as the 2010 FIFA World Cup had on his own career.
The West Ham United defender caught the imagination of the football world
when he headed in the unfancied All Whites' last-gasp equaliser to earn a
group-stage draw with Slovakia. Then just 21, the goal - plus further draws
with Italy and Paraguay - put the spotlight on the centre-back, who was
playing for Danish club FC Midtjylland at the time. Within weeks of his
heroics in South Africa, the Hammers swooped to bring Reid to the Premier
League. Five years later, the 26-year-old is one of the best defenders in
English football, is his country's national-team captain and has been
appointed Ambassador for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be played
in his homeland this May/June. "It's massive for the country," Reid told
FIFA.com. "The U-20s is a huge tournament on the world stage and we'll have
a lot of the very top nations in New Zealand competing for the trophy. "It
will be great for those teams too because they're going to a country with so
much to offer. Anyone visiting New Zealand will really enjoy themselves and,
as hosts, it's our job to make sure they leave with memories for life. "The
tournament should be a great success and I really hope the public get behind
it. Football is growing in New Zealand but it's still not the main sport, so
hopefully this tournament can help the game gain more recognition."
West Ham experienced the passion for football first-hand in a country more
commonly associated with rugby union and cricket when they visited for a
tour in July 2014. Reid and his teammates were treated wonderfully by the
New Zealand people, playing two matches with A-League clubs Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC, holding open training sessions and immersing
themselves in the diverse culture. As the son of Maori parents, Reid is
hoping that children with a similar background to his own - he was raised in
the Auckland district of North Harbour - will be enthused by the FIFA U-20
World Cup finals and follow in his footsteps. "There's going to be something
different about every single match," continued Reid, who moved to Europe
aged ten and played age-group football for Denmark before switching
allegiance to the country of his birth in 2010. "Each team will bring its
own philosophy and way of playing, and you never know - this might be the
only time a World Cup of this stature comes to New Zealand. Hopefully not,
but I think people should make the most of the opportunity. It's definitely
well worth ditching the oval ball for a couple of months to come out and
watch! "Both my mum and dad are Maori, so that heritage is important to me.
I really hope that more Maori and Pacific island kids can get involved in
football because their genetics are fantastic. So many of them are big and
strong - great attributes as a footballer. If I can inspire some of these
kids to get involved in the game, I'd be thrilled."
The FIFA U-20 World Cup finals will kick-off at Auckland's North Harbour
Stadium - West Ham's training base in 2014 - with New Zealand's Group A
clash with Ukraine. The final will be played at the same venue on 20 June
2015.
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The Big Interview - Aaron Cresswell
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell is ready for the return of Barclays Premier League football
this weekend. West Ham United travel to bottom-of-the-table Leicester City
looking to complete a league double and make it back-to-back wins following
success against Sunderland. Speaking at the Club's shop signing event at the
Boleyn Ground this week, Cresswell said he is raring to go.
Aaron, always nice to see the fans, particularly on school holidays and with
lots of smiles on faces?
AC: "Definitely. It's only something little for us, so it's nice to give
something back, sign a few autographs and take a few pictures."
I guess during an international break you have a bit more time on your hands
perhaps. How do you spend the time when you're not training?
AC: "The season's still on, so we still do the same things that we do when
the games are still on. We're training every day, preparing for Leicester on
Saturday."
Do you keep a close eye on your teammates playing around the world? Ginge
was in Israel and Cheikhou in France.
AC: "Yes, I watched a bit of the Wales game the other night and speaking of
Ginge he missed an absolute sitter apparently! My little brother said to me
'did you see that?' But I missed it.
"They're all away on international duty and Jenks was away with England U21
as well so it'll be nice to get them back."
It was a great result for Wales and it must help when players come back
having won games?
AC: "Definitely. They're doing very well in their group and with a 3-0 win
he's going to come back full of confidence and feeling good about himself."
It's not an easy run-in but we've only got Man City of the big boys left.
There's no reason why we can't finish higher in the league.
Aaron Cresswell
Looking ahead to the weekend. Leicester are bottom of the league, but
they'll be scrapping for everything and in a way is that almost as tough as
playing the teams nearer the top?
AC: "It'll definitely be a tough game, especially away from home. They're
fighting against relegation and we want to finish as high as we can with
eight games remaining.
"We're going to go there full of confidence and try to get the three
points."
Is it particularly tough away from home when they've got the full support of
their crowd?
AC: "Yes. They've got to try and fight to beat relegation. They're in a
tough battle and there's still a few teams who could get sucked in, so they
will want the three points. But as I say, we're confident and we want to
bring the three points back ourselves."
How are you enjoying your football at the moment? There were lots of
plaudits after the Sunderland game?
AC: "We needed the three points, first and foremost. We were on a bad run
having won one game in twelve, and now we're looking for another three
points on Saturday."
That would give us a huge boost towards the end of the season and what is a
series of pretty winnable games.
AC: "Definitely. We've only lost two games against teams below us, so
obviously it's not an easy run-in but we've only got Man City of the big
boys left. There's no reason why we can't finish higher in the league."
There's been a bit of talk about the Fair Play league. We're top of that and
it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could qualify for Europe
through that. Is that something the boys are aware of?
AC: "It's not really crossed our minds, but obviously it would be massive to
get into Europe however you get there. It would be massive for the Club and
the fans."
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Bielsea - Here's what Irons may get!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa may be something of a mystery man to many Hammers
fans. The Marseilles boss has been a runner as next boss since it began to
look likely Upton Park may have a new man at the helm next season. So here
in a special feature we look at the Marseilles boss - a man of whom Pep
Guardiola said three years ago: "He's the best manager in world football."
By Staff Reporter
Marcelo Bielsa isn't your typical manager. Intense and fiercely intelligent,
Bielsa has earned the nickname 'El Loco' throughout his career, but doesn't
fit the usual PL stereotype. In fact, it could be argued that he is - for
example - Sam Allardyce's very antithesis. A burly, stocky defender, Bielsa
retired at the age of 25 after playing for Newell's Old Boys, Instituto and
Argentino de Rosario, and subsequently qualified as a PE teacher.
Shortly after, he became Newell's manager and, so, in 1990, his managerial
odyssey began. Known by many names, Bielsa is a very 'hipster' coach. Take a
stroll into any press room in any country in the world and you can guarantee
that a style invoking a "high press" will be referred to as
'Bielsa-inspired'. He is meticulous. He is obsessive. And he has a ferocious
will to win.
While at Athletic Bilbao, Bielsa famously drenched certain areas of the
pitch in order to prevent Barcelona from playing their tiki-taka quite so
effectively. Yet he employs a stunning tactical rigidity.
Whilst at Bilbao, he simply refused to change his system even when Javi
Martinez was injured. A keen advocate of a three-man defence - involving a
'free' defender, who is able to drop into the heart of the backline
depending on how many attackers the opposition have on the pitch - he simply
drafted in a less able replacement instead of refining his gameplan.
Yet he is incredibly attacking. While with the Chile national team, Bielsa
devised a 3-3-1-3 system, which demanded excellence and unwavering
discipline from his players. Alexis Sanchez was the jewel in his particular
crown there, as Chile attacked with a swarm-like philosophy, with and
without the ball.
He has been known to employ spies to peek on opposition tactics; has been
spotted by his players trawling through the local countryside seeking out
undiscovered talent that may have escaped the attention of his usual
scouting networks, and has also been known to draw on players' boots during
training sessions in an attempt to show them exactly how the ball should be
played.
West Ham will have never seen anything quite like it.
He plans for every eventuality, drafts every potential substitution and
immerses himself completely in match preparation. Nothing is left to chance.
If something goes wrong, the chances are that the players simply weren't
carrying out his instructions properly.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola called him "the best manager in the world"
in 2012. High praise, but well earned. He has not won a domestic trophy
since 1998 but he is a man with a clear philosophy. Whereas others - Louis
van Gaal is one - merely speak of their "philosophies", Bielsa implements
his and gets results.
Of course, it will mean an alteration to the way things are done in east
London if he is to get the job. It cannot be forgotten that Marseille are
third in Ligue 1 under Bielsa's guidance and sit just two points behind
leaders Paris Saint-Germain - he may yet win the French title before heading
to England.
But there will be adjustments. If he is to implement his 3-3-1-3 system,
players will be shifted; the likes of James Collins, Joey O'Brien, Kevin
Nolan, Carlton Cole and, just perhaps, Andy Carroll may well become
obsolete.
Collins and O'Brien simply won't cut the mustard, while Nolan is a mere
water-carrier - a midfielder constantly scurrying around looking to regain
the possession he has lost. Cole isn't good enough and, well, Carroll simply
isn't as dynamic as either Diafra Sakho or Enner Valencia.
The latter two would thrive under the Argentine - their pacey, skilful
styles meshing perfectly with Bielsa's versatility-inspired formation.
Somewhat ironically, Alex Song would fit perfectly into the team, as the
midfield three play high but without the normal brief to attack. The job is
to win the ball and recycle possession quickly - something Song has had to
do at the very highest level with both Arsenal and Barcelona. Bielsa will
want to keep him.
But don't expect instant results. Bielsa's methods often take time to adjust
to, and results tend not to set the world alight within weeks of his
appointment, while he has to work the players to the bone as he attempts to
drum in his modus operandi.
Training sessions are hard, and he is known to blow a gasket even in the
simplest drills if things do not go just as he had planned. But once it
clicks - and it always does - then quite sparkling football tends to follow.
See Athletic Bilbao's Europa League journey in 2012 for evidence; the La
Liga side reached the final - though they lost to Atletico Madrid - and
outclassed Manchester United, both at home and away, en route.
West Ham fans often talk of 'The West Ham Way'. The 'Bielsa Way' may not be
too far off.
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Irons want Song AND Busquets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will have another Barcelona target on their minds when they talk to
the Catalan giants about Alex Song at the end of the season.
For although the chances are remote they want to discuss a possible deal for
Sergio Busquets to strengthen their midfield. With the club heading for the
Olympic Stadium and a new boss almost certain to be installed, they believe
it is worth at least trying to get an answer on a player who has been in and
out of the Barca team and on their minds for some time. David Gold and David
Sullivan are ready to start a new Hammers era and that the news has leaked
out to ClaretandHugh as early as April 1 shows that ambition. The player has
made over 200 appearances for Barca.
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Bielsa/Amafitano have no problems
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There's at least one player inside the West Ham dressing room who won't be
unhappy if Marseilles boss Guy Bielsa shoudl arrive in the summer as the
club's next boss - Morgan Amalfitano. The Frenchman was in Bielsa's bad
books last year after a trining ground bust up but has since privately told
West Ham staff he would have stayed at Marseilles had he realised the
quality of football Bielsa produced.
The pair's training ground altercation took place in August but later the
manager was very helpful in easing our midfielder's passage to West Ham and
was personally thanked by the midfeilder. A source told us: "Yes they had a
little fall out. It happens all the time on the training ground but there's
no ill will between the two and they could work together again. Football -
FA Premier League - West Ham United FC v Liverpool FC"Bielsa remains very
much in the frame for the Irons job with Sam Allardyce;s days now looking
very much numbered.
Bielsea is widely admired across the world and has drawn words of hign
praise from Carlos Tevez who said back in 2012 as manchester United
challenged for the Title: " I think Ferguson and Bielsa are the best
managers. "I know Ferguson didn't have the best relationship with me but
together with Bielsa, those two are the best managers I had." Tottenham boss
and fellow Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino is another big admirer of the
man!
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Cressie expects Foxes bite
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Aaron Creswell is the latest player to warn that Leicester City have
everything to play for at the Walker Stadium this weekend. It's clear the
Irons will need to be at their best if they are to come away with three
points given the desperate atmosphere around the bottom placed side.
Absolutely nobody inside the club sees the game against the Foxes than one
of the toughest calls possible at this time.
Cressie declared: They've got to try and fight to beat relegation. They're
in a tough battle and there's still a few teams who could get sucked in, so
they will want the three points. But we're confident and "We needed the
three points, first and foremost against Sunderland. We were on a bad run
having won one game in twelve, and now we're looking for another three
points on Saturday. It's not an easy run-in but we only have Manchester City
of the big boys left."
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Cottee: West Ham let these two youngsters slip through their fingers
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Tony Cottee is disappointed that West Ham United did not give more
opportunities to two former youngsters. Speaking to London24, the Hammers
legend named two former youngsters as disappointing cases in West Ham's
academy production. He said: "Having only 32 per cent of players in the
Premier League eligible for England is not good enough and though West Ham
are much better than most, we have still let talents like Zavon Hines,
Junior Stanislas and others slip through our fingers because they haven't
got a fair crack of the whip."
The East Londoners are known for their famed academy system, and it is a
reputation that has been with them for much of their distinguished history.
Most regarded for producing a number of the England team that won the 1966
World Cup, in recent years the likes of Mark Noble, Jack Collison and James
Tomkins have made the first-team, while Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe
Cole and Michael Carrick have gone on to have great success elsewhere. Yet
it is Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas that Cottee names as not being given
a fair chance at the Boleyn Ground. 25-year-old Stanislas is now playing for
Bournemouth in the Championship, and could be back in the Premier League
next season, while Hines, 26, is turning out for Dagenham & Redbridge in
League Two. Between them, they made 78 first-team appearances for the
Hammers after progressing through the youth ranks, but neither really
cemented themselves as a key player. Unfortunately for them, they progressed
at a time when the Irons were buying a lot of players from abroad, and
Cottee is correct to presume that they were not given a great chance for
success. However, for Hines especially, considering the level they are
playing at now, maybe the former English youth duo just weren't good enough
for a club of West Ham's stature.
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An insult to West Ham United
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham Mark Noble's absence from the England squad was bad enough, until
Roy Hodgson made it even worse last night. England secured a 1-1 draw away
to Italy last night, but it was almost despite the bizarre team selection of
manager Roy Hodgson. The Three Lions boss selected a diamond formation in
midfielder, with Arsenal's Theo Walcott ineffective at the tip of it through
the centre. His choice of holding midfielder was just as bad, picking
Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones to play the role. It is a position
in which Jones has played in the past, even under Fabio Capello for England,
but it is not one he has been playing recently for Manchester United. His
limitations were badly exposed by the technically gifted Italians and he was
withdrawn for Michael Carrick, only then did England improve.
Perhaps if only England had a player specialised in the position other than
Carrick who Roy Hodgson could have started? In fact they do, but he was at
home in east London, preparing for West Ham United's next Premier League
match. Mark Noble's continued absence from the England squad remains a
bemusement to many, who have seen him become one of the Premier League's
most consistent performers in recent seasons. Leaving him out of the squad
was one thing, but picking Phil Jones out of position in his place was an
insult to him and West Ham. If Noble needed any more motivation to prove
Hodgson wrong this was it. The England boss deemed Ryan Mason not ready for
a starting spot, while Fabian Delph also had a poor game. Hodgson's
selection shows that he is unsettled on his best player for the position,
and there is still a chance for Noble to force his way into the team if the
England boss can get past his blind spot when it comes to the 27-year-old.
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West Ham's Cottee: Forget club rivalry, we must all applaud Kane
17:30 01 April 2015
Lonodn 24
Tony Cottee
Our West Han columnist wants to see more English players coming through
I am a season ticket holder at Wembley Stadium and normally when I go, the
view is great, the hospitality is superb and the football is terrible. Not
so on Friday night. I know it was only Lithuania, but you can only beat what
is in front of you and I thought we played really well. The travelling and
the hospitality was not so good this time, but at least I saw us play well
and Harry Kane score his first international goal. Forget club rivalry, it
is just great to see a young English player do so well. I have never in my
seven years of watching England at Wembley, seen a player get a standing
ovation when he came on, but that was what happened for Harry and I was up
clapping too.
Greg Dyke has called for less foreign players in the Premier League and more
English youngsters like Kane to develop and I have to say I agree with him.
I have nothing against the likes of Di Canio, Cantona and Henry coming over
here, but it is the cheap average players who take the squad spots of
English players that annoys me. Having only 32 per cent of players in the
Premier League eligible for England is not good enough and though West Ham
are much better than most, we have still let talents like Zavon Hines,
Junior Stanislas and others slip through our fingers because they haven't
got a fair crack of the whip
I have got a lot of time for Greg Dyke and I really hope he gets his way.
The Hammer of the Year voting is just around the corner and it seems to be
wide open. There were some who did really well in the first half of the
season, but it is consistency that counts. If I were to choose right now, it
would be for Aaron Cresswell in first place and Diafra Sakho just behind
him. Hopefully both will play on Saturday at my old team Leicester, but
anyone who thinks it will be an easy game for us is sadly mistaken. They are
a decent team and they are fighting for their lives, so we will need to get
our attitude right, stop their danger men and then hit them on the counter.
I still think it will be a tight game, but with the likes of Winston Reid
and Enner Valencia hopefully back, I am going for a battling 1-0 win. West
Ham is my team, followed by Everton and then Leicester City and I am
desperate for the Foxes to stay up, but hopefully their string of wins will
come after Saturday! COYI
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Wednesday, April 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st April 2015
Cole urges fans to join Ebola fight
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is calling on West Ham United fans to support Football Fighting
Ebola. The Hammers striker co-founded the campaign in late 2014 to raise
funds to battle the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed
thousands of people across West Africa. Cole, whose parents were both born
in the region, feels a personal duty to fight the disease and has joined
forces with fellow England international Nathaniel Clyne to host a Football
Fighting Ebola fundraising event in central London on Sunday 12 April. The
reception will raise funds for the King's Sierra Leone Partnership, which is
providing volunteer doctors and nurses and medical expertise and supplies
for hospitals in the country's capital, Freetown. While the Ebola outbreak,
which surfaced in Guinea in late 2013, was thought to be on the wane, new
fears of the disease re-appearing and spreading to new parts of Guinea,
Sierra Leone and neighbouring Liberia have been raised in recent weeks.
"Everyone can see what is happening out in West Africa," Cole began. "My Mum
is from Sierra Leone and my Dad is from Nigeria and the region holds a big
place in my heart. "My uncle Duncan is still living out there working and
trying to help with aid in the area, and I'm doing my best by getting
involved in Football Fighting Ebola. "Myself and Nathaniel Clyne are
Ambassadors and we will attending the fundraiser, which will be hosted by my
good friend Godfrey Torto, who co-founded the campaign and who has helped me
with all my other fundraisers in the past. "Hopefully we can raise some
money to help the people out there in West Africa."
Aside from inviting his West Ham teammates to back Football Fighting Ebola
on social media, Cole has also been working alongside actor Idris Elba,
whose own parents are from Sierra Leone and Ghana. As part of the Africa
United campaign, London-based Elba has filmed television commercials
instructing residents of the affected countries to help prevent the spread
of Ebola, which is transmitted through bodily fluids. Meanwhile, Cole and
other footballers have been wearing shirts with the names of healthcare
workers on the backs. "I've done a load of other stuff with Idris Elba as
well to aid the workers out there, because they don't get any recognition
for what they are doing. "We are just trying to help in any way we can to
fight Ebola, because we need to get this crisis over and done with as soon
as possible."
Tickets for the Football Fighting Ebola fundraising reception, which will
take place at Searcy's in Knightsbridge from 6.30pm on Sunday 12 April, are
priced at £100 per person and available here.
Alternatively, you can donate £10 to the King's Sierra Leone Project by
texting 'StopEbola' to 70030.
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Former Player Blog - Tony Cottee
WHUFC.com
Tony Cottee scored 146 goals for the Hammers
Hello everyone,
We face one of my old clubs, Leicester City, at the King Power Stadium on
Saturday and it's a massive game for them considering they are bottom of the
table as things stand. Leicester are just not taking their chances and
that's been their problem all season. They had a slow start to the season,
then famously beat Manchester United 5-3 in a fantastic game, but then they
had a dip in form and have been struggling in the bottom three ever since.
Aside from the odd game, Leicester have got a big problem with scoring
goals. They paid a lot of money for Leonardo Ulloa and he started well, but
he has faded off a little bit. They also paid a lot of money for the
Croatian Andrej Kramaric and he got a couple of goals when he first came
into the team but hasn't scored for a while. They've also got David Nugent
and Jamie Vardy as well, so they have got a lot of forward players there but
they have struggled to take their chances and convert draws into wins.
If they had converted some of them, they would be higher up the league. I
always felt it was going to be a difficult season for them, because coming
up from the Championship is always tough. The main aim for a club like
Leicester is to finish 17th or above, even if it comes down to the last kick
of the season, just stay in the Premier League. They have still got a chance
of doing that, but they've got to start taking chances and winning games.
If you look at their squad, you would say it has enough quality in it to
stay in the Premier League, but you've got to get results. Speaking from
experience, even though it is 15 years since I played in the Premier League,
I am sure every single game is a hard slog because it is a physically and
mentally demanding league.
You have to be on your game every week and if you are in a
relegation-threatened team, it happens too often that you are not quite on
your game as an individual or as a team and you go three goals down and you
start playing and can't make up the goals. It's a difficult league and
you've got to be on your game. Yes, there is enough quality in that squad,
but you have got to get the results. There has been some turmoil with Nigel
Pearson and you've got to have stability at a football club to get the best
out of the players. Yes, I believe Leicester can stay up but they are
certainly making hard work of it. Talking of Nigel, I think he has done
well. He took over and got Leicester promoted with a really great season
last year. He has got his own unique way of managing, I think it is fair to
say. I was in his press conferences and it is interesting to listen to him.
You don't always get what you want out of him, but it's always an
interesting interview when you watch him. He likes to manage from the stands
and has been criticised for that, but I don't get it because you get a
better view from the stand. If that's what he wants to do, then as long as
you're in contact with the bench, I don't see it as a problem.
As I say, he has a unique way of managing but he'll ultimately be judged on
results. It's a harsh world out there and everyone wants immediate success
and to stay in the Premier League, but it's immensely difficult for
Leicester to do that. There are a lot of teams scrapping away to try to keep
their heads above water. I hope it doesn't happen, but if Leicester do get
relegated there will be big pressure on Nigel and I think he is big enough
to handle that pressure. When you are relegated, there are no guarantees
that you will come back up. I cover the Championship games week-in, week-out
for Sky and I turn up not knowing who is going to beat who. I covered a game
recently between Fulham and Derby and everyone was expecting Derby to win
four or five-nil, yet Fulham won two-nil. Fulham, Cardiff and Norwich have
all had difficult times this season and once you drop into the Championship
there is no guarantee you will get out of it.
No-one should under-estimate the job Sam did in getting the Club back into
the Premier League after just one season out of it. We did it the best
possible way by winning the Play-Off final at Wembley – a great day my two
sons still talk about now. We did a great job getting back because the
Championship is a really tough league and it's somewhere you don't want to
go back to. We've had a good season and don't need to talk about relegation.
We were safe by Christmas and that's where we want to be as a football club,
looking up above us and seeing if we can compete with the top seven and for
a place in the Europa League. We need to steady the ship and gradually build
for the coming years.
Enjoy the game on Saturday. Come on you Irons!
Tony Cottee
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Jenkinson stars in U21 victory
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson gave a Man of the Match performance as England U21 twice came
from behind to defeat old rivals Germany 3-2 in an international friendly at
Middlesbrough on Monday night. Gareth Southgate's team had to show plenty of
spirit after Germany started impressively and Philipp Hofmann gave the
visitors an early lead. England rallied with Jenkinson, who was a used
substitute in Friday's victory in the Czech Republic, laying on the leveller
for Manchester United's Jesse Lingaard. Shortly after the interval England
found themselves behind again with Hofmann once more the man to strike. Just
as before, England responded strongly with two goals inside the final ten
minutes turning the contest around. Nathan Redmond swept in the second
equaliser from twelve yards, then, with seven minutes left to play,
Jenkinson fed Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, who beat Barcelona stopper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen to seal the success. England's attentions now turn to
the summer's U21 European Championships in the Czech Republic, with
Jenkinson hoping to play his part.
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Valencia and Nene welcomed in Essex
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2015
By: Staff Writer
A large crowd assembled in Basildon's Eastgate Shopping Centre this
afternoon to greet Hammers stars Enner Valencia and recent arrival Nene. The
South American duo generated huge interest in South East Essex when they
made a guest appearance at the club's newest store, which is a 100 yards or
so away from where West Ham's former shop used to be. An orderly queue that
formed outside the store from around 2pm had doubled back on itself by the
time the players arrived an hour later. They remained on site to meet and
greet Hammers fans - both young and old! - for around two hours, before
calling it a day.
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West Ham register 12 point improvement on last term
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have accrued 12 points more this season than from the
corresponding matches in 2013/14.
With just eight games of the current campaign left to play, Sam Allardyce's
Class of 2015 are a dozen points clear of the total achieved last season
from the equivalent opposition.
The Hammers have improved on their corresponding results from 2013/14 on no
less than ten occasions (replacing relegated teams with promoted teams) -
and on only five occasions have they fared worse that last season.
With a further 24 points left to play for, the Hammers are currently just 15
points behind the club's record Premier League total of 57, achieved some 16
years ago during Harry Redknapp's reign.
That was enough to catapult West Ham into European competition in the late
nineties - a feat only likely to be emulated this year via the UEFA Fair
Play table, which West Ham currently lead.
On the Up: Better Than Last Season
1. Crystal Palace (a) 3pts (last season 0pts) +3pts
2. Hull City (a) 1pt (0pts) +1pt
3. Liverpool (h) 3pts 3-1 (0pts) +3pts
4. Burnley (a) 3pts (Fulham, 0pts) +3pts
5. Man City (h) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
6. Stoke City 1pt (0pts) +1pt
7. Newcastle Utd (h) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
8. West Brom (a) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
9. Man Utd (h) 1pt (0pts) +1pt
10. Sunderland (h) 3pts (1pt) +2pts
Total: +23pts
On The Slide: Worse Than Last Season
1. Tottenham (h) 0pts (last season 3pts) -3pts
2. Southampton (h) 0pts (3pts) -3pts
3. Sunderland (a) 1pt (3pts) -2pts
4. Chelsea (a) 0pts (1pt) -1pt
5. Tottenham (a) 1pt (3pts) -2pts
Total: -11pts
The Same As It Ever Was
1. Man Utd (a) 0pts (0pts)
2. QPR (h) 3pts (Cardiff, 3pts)
3. Aston Villa (h) 1pt (1pt)
4. Everton (a) 0pts (0pts)
5. Swansea (h) 3pts (3pts)
6. Leicester (h) 3pts (Norwich, 3pts)
7. Arsenal (h) 0pts (0pts)
8. West Brom (h) 1pt (1pt)
9. Swansea (a) 1pt (1pt)
10. Hull CIty (h) 3pts (3pts)
11. Liverpool (a) 0pts (0pts)
12. Southampton (a) 1pt (1pt)
13. Crystal Palace (h) 0pts (0pts)
14. Arsenal (a) 0pts (0pts)
Still To Play
1. Leicester (a) (Norwich, 0pts)
2. Stoke City (h) (0pts)
3. Man City (a) (0pts)
4. QPR (a) (Cardiff, 3pts)
5. Burnley (h) (Fulham, 3pts)
6. Aston Villa (a) (3pts)
7. Everton (h) (0pts)
8. Newcastle (a) (1pt)
Total last season: 10pts
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Diafra Sakho eager to become West Ham's first goalscorer at the Olympic
Stadium
17:18, 31 March 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Senegal striker, who has had an impressive first season at the club,
also aims to be the last scorer at Upton Park before the Irons move out next
year
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho wants to carve his name into West Ham legend by becoming the
first scorer at the club's new stadium. The Senegal striker, who has had an
impressive first season at the club, also aims to be the last scorer at
Upton Park before the Irons move out next year.
West Ham are gearing up for an emotional final campaign at the Boleyn before
their move to the 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2016. They
are looking to brink in more firepower this summer with his international
team-mate Moussa Konate among the candidates. But Sakho wants to be the man
who makes history when the club kick off in their new arena. The former Metz
forward, who has scored 12 goals this season, said: "Everyone dreams of
playing there. "I would even like to score the first goal in the new
stadium. That would be amazing. "I hope to score the last goal at Upton Park
as well and then the first one at the Olympic Stadium. You have to be
ambitious.
To go from 35,000 to 54,000 is massive. I think season tickets are going to
go very quickly this year. That's for sure." West Ham's impressive first
half of the season led to growing optimism within the club that they could
launch a shock bid for the Champions League places. They have fallen away
during the second half of the season with their most recent victory, 1-0
over Sunderland , only their second in 12 matches. Sakho, however, maintains
the Hammers will be stronger for the experience next season. He also
insisted the club will be striving to ensure the club are able to conclude
their tenure at Upton Park by taking European football into the Olympic
Stadium.
"It's the club's objective at the moment to play European football at the
new stadium. We as players are here to make that happen. We'll give it our
all in the next year to get there.
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Right lads action this time please – not words!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I remember laughing out loud when I was told by a Boleyn big hitter a few
weeks ago: "Don't worry about our finishing position – we have an easy run
in and will end up in the top eight!" I guess if we consider games against
relegation threatened teams such as Leicester City, QPR and Aston Villa (
all away) , Manchester City (away) and an end of season game at Newcastle as
easy then all will be well.
Stoke City, Burnley and Everton at home aren't the easiest either with the
Clarets in particular fighting hard in every game to secure their Premier
League future. But there we are, it's all in the eyes of the beholder
although personally I can't see any genuine gimmees on our run-in although
I find it hard to believe that QPR won't be beaten and anything other that a
win on Saturday would be hard to take. Morgan Amalfitano – like most players
before games – says the right things but we know all about words and
actions. He says:"We have a lot of games against the teams below us, but
that's not going to be easy. You have to be focused and we will be against
Leicester." "We've had a week's rest due to the international break and
hopefully we will be able to follow the last game and build on the win we
had against Sunderland at home, because we need that. "Maybe it is not good
to have that break straight away after a win, but we will see. The rest
could do us good." As he says: "We'll see" but after the mid-season slump
the fans deserve a big finish. Let's hope it really is about the action
this time and not all those well rehearsed words.
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Valencia "chat" despite watertight contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has been told he will be going nowhere this summer despite
murmurings that Chelsea retain an interest. Valencia was at the centre of
transfer speculation in January that he could be on his way to Stamford
Bridge but no formal bid was tabled. However, Upton Park sources have again
heard "some agent talk" that the Ecuador striker may be on Jose Mourinho's
summer wanted list. We were told: "The same people who originated the chat
last time – basically agents – are at it again and no doubt it will all
start to fizz up when the window gets underway. "Enner has a watertight
contract with the club – there are no escape clauses involved – and he's
going nowhere. He has had a campaign of adjustment and we expect to see the
finished article next season. "He has been settling into a very different
way of life and that takes time. We are looking forward to seeing him reach
his full potential at West Ham United."
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Irons linked to Senegal striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Irons are this morning (Tues) reported as being ready to make a summer
move for Senegal striker Moussa Konate. There has been no formal
confirmation but the claim is he is also of interest to Newcastle and Aston
villa after replacing Diafra Sakho at January's Africa Cup of Nations. The
6ft 21 year old came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win
over Ghana and has scored 11 times in 17 appearances for his club, Swiss
side FC Sion, this season.
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Hammers on Senegal striker link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham today moved quickly to dispel speculation surrounding their
possible interest in Senegal striker Moussa Konate. The story emerged this
morning, probably as a result of the growing Senegal connection, but top
insiders were quick to knock the rumour down There has been no formal
comment on the story until now but when ClaretandHugh approached it's best
source inside the club we were told: "There's nothing in that whatsoever –
someone has a rich imagination." Newcastle and Aston Villa are reported as
being interested but we are entirely convinced Upton Park is not a
destination for the guy who replaced Diafra Sakho at January's Africa Cup of
Nations.
He came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win over Ghana and
has scored 11 times in 17 appearances for his club, Swiss side FC Sion, this
season.
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Amalfitano: Why I signed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Morgan Amalfitano is a very happy Hammer! Having earned himself a new deal
the Frenchman – speaking better English at any time over his time at West
Brom on loan and now a full time Iron – has spoken of his delight at being a
permanent part of Upton Park scene. He told the official site: ""It was good
to sign because I like England and English football, The Premier League is
the best I think and I wanted to stay and try to improve my game again. "I
feel happy here, my family do too and I want to learn better English. London
is a very nice place and in my head it was that reason that I decided to
sign a new deal. "I think the club is right for me and I would like to give
as much as I can back. As long as I do my best that is all I need to do." He
could have ended with a quick chorus of 'Maybe it's because i'm a Londoner'
but not sure the English stretched that far!
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Sullivan open to Hammers defender Doneil Henry leaving on loan
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham are happy for Doneil Henry to rejoin Blackburn Rovers next season.
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has told the Lancashire Telegraph
that Doneil Henry could be loaned out again next campaign, as he continues
to adapt to English football. Henry has already been on a temporary spell at
Blackburn Rovers this season, but injury cut his time at the Championship
club short. That was a disappointment for all parties, as Henry was
performing well at Blackburn, but Sullivan's words today should boost Gary
Bowyer's side.
Bowyer has made no secret of his desire to re-sign the Canadian defender for
next term, and it seems that West Ham would be open to the move. "If he's
ready for the Premier League then he could get a chance, otherwise it might
be that he goes out on loan again to gain more experience," he said. West
Ham already have a number of defensive options, with the likes of Winston
Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins all ahead of Henry in the pecking
order and therefore the powerful defender's chances of breaking through in
the near future seem slim. It means that the likelihood is that Blackburn
could be in luck if they do continue their pursuit of the 21-year-old. If
Henry does leave on loan again he will be hoping to pick up where he left
off, because his initial impression in English football has been a very
positive one.
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WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is calling on West Ham United fans to support Football Fighting
Ebola. The Hammers striker co-founded the campaign in late 2014 to raise
funds to battle the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed
thousands of people across West Africa. Cole, whose parents were both born
in the region, feels a personal duty to fight the disease and has joined
forces with fellow England international Nathaniel Clyne to host a Football
Fighting Ebola fundraising event in central London on Sunday 12 April. The
reception will raise funds for the King's Sierra Leone Partnership, which is
providing volunteer doctors and nurses and medical expertise and supplies
for hospitals in the country's capital, Freetown. While the Ebola outbreak,
which surfaced in Guinea in late 2013, was thought to be on the wane, new
fears of the disease re-appearing and spreading to new parts of Guinea,
Sierra Leone and neighbouring Liberia have been raised in recent weeks.
"Everyone can see what is happening out in West Africa," Cole began. "My Mum
is from Sierra Leone and my Dad is from Nigeria and the region holds a big
place in my heart. "My uncle Duncan is still living out there working and
trying to help with aid in the area, and I'm doing my best by getting
involved in Football Fighting Ebola. "Myself and Nathaniel Clyne are
Ambassadors and we will attending the fundraiser, which will be hosted by my
good friend Godfrey Torto, who co-founded the campaign and who has helped me
with all my other fundraisers in the past. "Hopefully we can raise some
money to help the people out there in West Africa."
Aside from inviting his West Ham teammates to back Football Fighting Ebola
on social media, Cole has also been working alongside actor Idris Elba,
whose own parents are from Sierra Leone and Ghana. As part of the Africa
United campaign, London-based Elba has filmed television commercials
instructing residents of the affected countries to help prevent the spread
of Ebola, which is transmitted through bodily fluids. Meanwhile, Cole and
other footballers have been wearing shirts with the names of healthcare
workers on the backs. "I've done a load of other stuff with Idris Elba as
well to aid the workers out there, because they don't get any recognition
for what they are doing. "We are just trying to help in any way we can to
fight Ebola, because we need to get this crisis over and done with as soon
as possible."
Tickets for the Football Fighting Ebola fundraising reception, which will
take place at Searcy's in Knightsbridge from 6.30pm on Sunday 12 April, are
priced at £100 per person and available here.
Alternatively, you can donate £10 to the King's Sierra Leone Project by
texting 'StopEbola' to 70030.
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Former Player Blog - Tony Cottee
WHUFC.com
Tony Cottee scored 146 goals for the Hammers
Hello everyone,
We face one of my old clubs, Leicester City, at the King Power Stadium on
Saturday and it's a massive game for them considering they are bottom of the
table as things stand. Leicester are just not taking their chances and
that's been their problem all season. They had a slow start to the season,
then famously beat Manchester United 5-3 in a fantastic game, but then they
had a dip in form and have been struggling in the bottom three ever since.
Aside from the odd game, Leicester have got a big problem with scoring
goals. They paid a lot of money for Leonardo Ulloa and he started well, but
he has faded off a little bit. They also paid a lot of money for the
Croatian Andrej Kramaric and he got a couple of goals when he first came
into the team but hasn't scored for a while. They've also got David Nugent
and Jamie Vardy as well, so they have got a lot of forward players there but
they have struggled to take their chances and convert draws into wins.
If they had converted some of them, they would be higher up the league. I
always felt it was going to be a difficult season for them, because coming
up from the Championship is always tough. The main aim for a club like
Leicester is to finish 17th or above, even if it comes down to the last kick
of the season, just stay in the Premier League. They have still got a chance
of doing that, but they've got to start taking chances and winning games.
If you look at their squad, you would say it has enough quality in it to
stay in the Premier League, but you've got to get results. Speaking from
experience, even though it is 15 years since I played in the Premier League,
I am sure every single game is a hard slog because it is a physically and
mentally demanding league.
You have to be on your game every week and if you are in a
relegation-threatened team, it happens too often that you are not quite on
your game as an individual or as a team and you go three goals down and you
start playing and can't make up the goals. It's a difficult league and
you've got to be on your game. Yes, there is enough quality in that squad,
but you have got to get the results. There has been some turmoil with Nigel
Pearson and you've got to have stability at a football club to get the best
out of the players. Yes, I believe Leicester can stay up but they are
certainly making hard work of it. Talking of Nigel, I think he has done
well. He took over and got Leicester promoted with a really great season
last year. He has got his own unique way of managing, I think it is fair to
say. I was in his press conferences and it is interesting to listen to him.
You don't always get what you want out of him, but it's always an
interesting interview when you watch him. He likes to manage from the stands
and has been criticised for that, but I don't get it because you get a
better view from the stand. If that's what he wants to do, then as long as
you're in contact with the bench, I don't see it as a problem.
As I say, he has a unique way of managing but he'll ultimately be judged on
results. It's a harsh world out there and everyone wants immediate success
and to stay in the Premier League, but it's immensely difficult for
Leicester to do that. There are a lot of teams scrapping away to try to keep
their heads above water. I hope it doesn't happen, but if Leicester do get
relegated there will be big pressure on Nigel and I think he is big enough
to handle that pressure. When you are relegated, there are no guarantees
that you will come back up. I cover the Championship games week-in, week-out
for Sky and I turn up not knowing who is going to beat who. I covered a game
recently between Fulham and Derby and everyone was expecting Derby to win
four or five-nil, yet Fulham won two-nil. Fulham, Cardiff and Norwich have
all had difficult times this season and once you drop into the Championship
there is no guarantee you will get out of it.
No-one should under-estimate the job Sam did in getting the Club back into
the Premier League after just one season out of it. We did it the best
possible way by winning the Play-Off final at Wembley – a great day my two
sons still talk about now. We did a great job getting back because the
Championship is a really tough league and it's somewhere you don't want to
go back to. We've had a good season and don't need to talk about relegation.
We were safe by Christmas and that's where we want to be as a football club,
looking up above us and seeing if we can compete with the top seven and for
a place in the Europa League. We need to steady the ship and gradually build
for the coming years.
Enjoy the game on Saturday. Come on you Irons!
Tony Cottee
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Jenkinson stars in U21 victory
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson gave a Man of the Match performance as England U21 twice came
from behind to defeat old rivals Germany 3-2 in an international friendly at
Middlesbrough on Monday night. Gareth Southgate's team had to show plenty of
spirit after Germany started impressively and Philipp Hofmann gave the
visitors an early lead. England rallied with Jenkinson, who was a used
substitute in Friday's victory in the Czech Republic, laying on the leveller
for Manchester United's Jesse Lingaard. Shortly after the interval England
found themselves behind again with Hofmann once more the man to strike. Just
as before, England responded strongly with two goals inside the final ten
minutes turning the contest around. Nathan Redmond swept in the second
equaliser from twelve yards, then, with seven minutes left to play,
Jenkinson fed Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, who beat Barcelona stopper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen to seal the success. England's attentions now turn to
the summer's U21 European Championships in the Czech Republic, with
Jenkinson hoping to play his part.
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Valencia and Nene welcomed in Essex
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2015
By: Staff Writer
A large crowd assembled in Basildon's Eastgate Shopping Centre this
afternoon to greet Hammers stars Enner Valencia and recent arrival Nene. The
South American duo generated huge interest in South East Essex when they
made a guest appearance at the club's newest store, which is a 100 yards or
so away from where West Ham's former shop used to be. An orderly queue that
formed outside the store from around 2pm had doubled back on itself by the
time the players arrived an hour later. They remained on site to meet and
greet Hammers fans - both young and old! - for around two hours, before
calling it a day.
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West Ham register 12 point improvement on last term
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have accrued 12 points more this season than from the
corresponding matches in 2013/14.
With just eight games of the current campaign left to play, Sam Allardyce's
Class of 2015 are a dozen points clear of the total achieved last season
from the equivalent opposition.
The Hammers have improved on their corresponding results from 2013/14 on no
less than ten occasions (replacing relegated teams with promoted teams) -
and on only five occasions have they fared worse that last season.
With a further 24 points left to play for, the Hammers are currently just 15
points behind the club's record Premier League total of 57, achieved some 16
years ago during Harry Redknapp's reign.
That was enough to catapult West Ham into European competition in the late
nineties - a feat only likely to be emulated this year via the UEFA Fair
Play table, which West Ham currently lead.
On the Up: Better Than Last Season
1. Crystal Palace (a) 3pts (last season 0pts) +3pts
2. Hull City (a) 1pt (0pts) +1pt
3. Liverpool (h) 3pts 3-1 (0pts) +3pts
4. Burnley (a) 3pts (Fulham, 0pts) +3pts
5. Man City (h) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
6. Stoke City 1pt (0pts) +1pt
7. Newcastle Utd (h) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
8. West Brom (a) 3pts (0pts) +3pts
9. Man Utd (h) 1pt (0pts) +1pt
10. Sunderland (h) 3pts (1pt) +2pts
Total: +23pts
On The Slide: Worse Than Last Season
1. Tottenham (h) 0pts (last season 3pts) -3pts
2. Southampton (h) 0pts (3pts) -3pts
3. Sunderland (a) 1pt (3pts) -2pts
4. Chelsea (a) 0pts (1pt) -1pt
5. Tottenham (a) 1pt (3pts) -2pts
Total: -11pts
The Same As It Ever Was
1. Man Utd (a) 0pts (0pts)
2. QPR (h) 3pts (Cardiff, 3pts)
3. Aston Villa (h) 1pt (1pt)
4. Everton (a) 0pts (0pts)
5. Swansea (h) 3pts (3pts)
6. Leicester (h) 3pts (Norwich, 3pts)
7. Arsenal (h) 0pts (0pts)
8. West Brom (h) 1pt (1pt)
9. Swansea (a) 1pt (1pt)
10. Hull CIty (h) 3pts (3pts)
11. Liverpool (a) 0pts (0pts)
12. Southampton (a) 1pt (1pt)
13. Crystal Palace (h) 0pts (0pts)
14. Arsenal (a) 0pts (0pts)
Still To Play
1. Leicester (a) (Norwich, 0pts)
2. Stoke City (h) (0pts)
3. Man City (a) (0pts)
4. QPR (a) (Cardiff, 3pts)
5. Burnley (h) (Fulham, 3pts)
6. Aston Villa (a) (3pts)
7. Everton (h) (0pts)
8. Newcastle (a) (1pt)
Total last season: 10pts
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Diafra Sakho eager to become West Ham's first goalscorer at the Olympic
Stadium
17:18, 31 March 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Senegal striker, who has had an impressive first season at the club,
also aims to be the last scorer at Upton Park before the Irons move out next
year
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho wants to carve his name into West Ham legend by becoming the
first scorer at the club's new stadium. The Senegal striker, who has had an
impressive first season at the club, also aims to be the last scorer at
Upton Park before the Irons move out next year.
West Ham are gearing up for an emotional final campaign at the Boleyn before
their move to the 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2016. They
are looking to brink in more firepower this summer with his international
team-mate Moussa Konate among the candidates. But Sakho wants to be the man
who makes history when the club kick off in their new arena. The former Metz
forward, who has scored 12 goals this season, said: "Everyone dreams of
playing there. "I would even like to score the first goal in the new
stadium. That would be amazing. "I hope to score the last goal at Upton Park
as well and then the first one at the Olympic Stadium. You have to be
ambitious.
To go from 35,000 to 54,000 is massive. I think season tickets are going to
go very quickly this year. That's for sure." West Ham's impressive first
half of the season led to growing optimism within the club that they could
launch a shock bid for the Champions League places. They have fallen away
during the second half of the season with their most recent victory, 1-0
over Sunderland , only their second in 12 matches. Sakho, however, maintains
the Hammers will be stronger for the experience next season. He also
insisted the club will be striving to ensure the club are able to conclude
their tenure at Upton Park by taking European football into the Olympic
Stadium.
"It's the club's objective at the moment to play European football at the
new stadium. We as players are here to make that happen. We'll give it our
all in the next year to get there.
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Right lads action this time please – not words!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I remember laughing out loud when I was told by a Boleyn big hitter a few
weeks ago: "Don't worry about our finishing position – we have an easy run
in and will end up in the top eight!" I guess if we consider games against
relegation threatened teams such as Leicester City, QPR and Aston Villa (
all away) , Manchester City (away) and an end of season game at Newcastle as
easy then all will be well.
Stoke City, Burnley and Everton at home aren't the easiest either with the
Clarets in particular fighting hard in every game to secure their Premier
League future. But there we are, it's all in the eyes of the beholder
although personally I can't see any genuine gimmees on our run-in although
I find it hard to believe that QPR won't be beaten and anything other that a
win on Saturday would be hard to take. Morgan Amalfitano – like most players
before games – says the right things but we know all about words and
actions. He says:"We have a lot of games against the teams below us, but
that's not going to be easy. You have to be focused and we will be against
Leicester." "We've had a week's rest due to the international break and
hopefully we will be able to follow the last game and build on the win we
had against Sunderland at home, because we need that. "Maybe it is not good
to have that break straight away after a win, but we will see. The rest
could do us good." As he says: "We'll see" but after the mid-season slump
the fans deserve a big finish. Let's hope it really is about the action
this time and not all those well rehearsed words.
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Valencia "chat" despite watertight contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has been told he will be going nowhere this summer despite
murmurings that Chelsea retain an interest. Valencia was at the centre of
transfer speculation in January that he could be on his way to Stamford
Bridge but no formal bid was tabled. However, Upton Park sources have again
heard "some agent talk" that the Ecuador striker may be on Jose Mourinho's
summer wanted list. We were told: "The same people who originated the chat
last time – basically agents – are at it again and no doubt it will all
start to fizz up when the window gets underway. "Enner has a watertight
contract with the club – there are no escape clauses involved – and he's
going nowhere. He has had a campaign of adjustment and we expect to see the
finished article next season. "He has been settling into a very different
way of life and that takes time. We are looking forward to seeing him reach
his full potential at West Ham United."
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Irons linked to Senegal striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Irons are this morning (Tues) reported as being ready to make a summer
move for Senegal striker Moussa Konate. There has been no formal
confirmation but the claim is he is also of interest to Newcastle and Aston
villa after replacing Diafra Sakho at January's Africa Cup of Nations. The
6ft 21 year old came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win
over Ghana and has scored 11 times in 17 appearances for his club, Swiss
side FC Sion, this season.
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Hammers on Senegal striker link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham today moved quickly to dispel speculation surrounding their
possible interest in Senegal striker Moussa Konate. The story emerged this
morning, probably as a result of the growing Senegal connection, but top
insiders were quick to knock the rumour down There has been no formal
comment on the story until now but when ClaretandHugh approached it's best
source inside the club we were told: "There's nothing in that whatsoever –
someone has a rich imagination." Newcastle and Aston Villa are reported as
being interested but we are entirely convinced Upton Park is not a
destination for the guy who replaced Diafra Sakho at January's Africa Cup of
Nations.
He came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win over Ghana and
has scored 11 times in 17 appearances for his club, Swiss side FC Sion, this
season.
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Amalfitano: Why I signed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Morgan Amalfitano is a very happy Hammer! Having earned himself a new deal
the Frenchman – speaking better English at any time over his time at West
Brom on loan and now a full time Iron – has spoken of his delight at being a
permanent part of Upton Park scene. He told the official site: ""It was good
to sign because I like England and English football, The Premier League is
the best I think and I wanted to stay and try to improve my game again. "I
feel happy here, my family do too and I want to learn better English. London
is a very nice place and in my head it was that reason that I decided to
sign a new deal. "I think the club is right for me and I would like to give
as much as I can back. As long as I do my best that is all I need to do." He
could have ended with a quick chorus of 'Maybe it's because i'm a Londoner'
but not sure the English stretched that far!
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Sullivan open to Hammers defender Doneil Henry leaving on loan
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham are happy for Doneil Henry to rejoin Blackburn Rovers next season.
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has told the Lancashire Telegraph
that Doneil Henry could be loaned out again next campaign, as he continues
to adapt to English football. Henry has already been on a temporary spell at
Blackburn Rovers this season, but injury cut his time at the Championship
club short. That was a disappointment for all parties, as Henry was
performing well at Blackburn, but Sullivan's words today should boost Gary
Bowyer's side.
Bowyer has made no secret of his desire to re-sign the Canadian defender for
next term, and it seems that West Ham would be open to the move. "If he's
ready for the Premier League then he could get a chance, otherwise it might
be that he goes out on loan again to gain more experience," he said. West
Ham already have a number of defensive options, with the likes of Winston
Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins all ahead of Henry in the pecking
order and therefore the powerful defender's chances of breaking through in
the near future seem slim. It means that the likelihood is that Blackburn
could be in luck if they do continue their pursuit of the 21-year-old. If
Henry does leave on loan again he will be hoping to pick up where he left
off, because his initial impression in English football has been a very
positive one.
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Tuesday, March 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st March 2015
Reid - 'It's going to be amazing'
WHUFC.com
Having recently penned a new long-term deal, West Ham United defender
Winston Reid looks set to be a major part of the Club's move to their
impressive new Stadium in Stratford. West Ham are now just a year-and-a-half
away from making the switch from the Boleyn Ground and Reid paid a visit to
the former Olympic Stadium last week as part of the announcement of
Lycamobile's extended partnership with the Club. The 26-year-old centre back
is impressed with the progress made at the stadium and cannot wait to run
out there for the first time in claret and blue. "A lot's changed since I
was last here 18 months ago," he explained. "There's no grass on the pitch,
but when you look around they're towards finishing the stadium so it's
exciting. "You can see there have been improvements made, and I'm looking
forward to eventually coming in here and playing a game. "The roof looks
impressive, as does everything they've done so far and the people are
working all around the day to make it an amazing place. "I can envisage
myself playing here in 18 months' time. We'll be eager to get on with it and
playing in front of 54,000 West Ham fans will be amazing. "Even now it's
really good, but this will take the Club to a new level and take the team to
a new level as well hopefully. "Getting a better and bigger stadium will
improve us. It's definitely exciting times ahead."
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First team stars to attend Fans' Forum
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce ticketing details for an exclusive
free fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders and Academy/Youth Academy Members
at the Boleyn Ground with Hammers stars Adrian, James Collins and Carlton
Cole on Tuesday 7 April at 6.30pm. The trio will be on hand to answer
questions on all manner of West Ham subjects as the squad prepare to face
Stoke City at home the following Saturday.
You could quiz Adrian on how he has settled into life in London over an
outstanding first two seasons with the Hammers, Cole on his long and
successful West Ham career or Collins on keeping out the league's top
strikers. This, the second fans' forum of the season, continues a regular
series of events throughout the campaign, keeping fans abreast of all the
goings on at the Club. The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and
after there will be an informal opportunity for supporters to meet the
players, collect autographs and take photos.
A pay bar will be in operation on the evening. Tickets will be allocated on
a strictly first come, first served basis at a rate of one per successful
applicant with a capacity of 300 attendees. Please note, Under-16s must be
accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
To secure one of the places available for this exclusive event, please call
the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The Club will announce, via
whufc.com, as and when all spaces are filled.
Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for
consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly
stating if it is for Adrian, Carlton Cole or James Collins.
If your question is selected we will then come to you on the night so please
ensure you remember what you send in!
*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras.
Please note that due to the Bank Holiday, physical tickets will not be
issued for the event, so supporters who secure a place should bring their
Season Ticket and booking confirmation with them.
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Ladies lose at Gillingham
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies suffered a 3-2 FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division defeat at Gillingham Ladies on Sunday. Winger Lily Mellors had put
the Hammers ahead with just four minutes on the clock, before Ashlee Hincks
and Lauren Phillips turned the game on its head with goals of their own for
the Gills. West Ham dragged themselves level when April Bowers fired past
Courtney Shanley from distance, before Ellie Manning popped up with the
winner shortly thereafter to secure a surprise win for the home side. Ladies
boss Julian Dicks made just one change to the starting line-up that had
defeated the same opponents 5-1 in Essex just ten days earlier. Vicky King
came in to replace the injured Ruby Baxter, while new signing Kayleigh
Xidhas was named on the bench. It took the Hammers little more than three
minutes when a deflection in the midfield saw the ball slip through the home
defence into the path of Mellors, who composed herself and finished for her
third goal in the two games against Gillingham. West Ham goalkeeper Nikki
Duncan then saved from Louise Lorton, but she was powerless to prevent
Hincks from smashing the equalizer in via the underside of the crossbar
moments later. Just before half-time, Gillingham went ahead when Phillips
finished after the home side had twice hit the frame of the goal in the
build-up.
After the break, the Hammers came out and played into a strong wind, but
they overcame that problem to hit the crossbar themselves through Mellors'
shot. With 68 minutes gone, Bowers did fashion an equaliser, picking up the
ball 25 yards out and beating Shanley with a venomous shot. Just when Dicks
and his players might have had hopes of winning the game, however, they
found themselves behind again when Hincks whipped in a right-wing cross and
manning bundled past Duncan at the far post. The unexpected defeat left the
Ladies manager unhappy, as he explained: "It's a disappointing result anyway
but it is made even more hard-hitting by the fact that we beat this team 5-1
at home recently. The performance that the girls put in wasn't good enough
for us to deserve any sort of positive result. "With me, it's all about
passing and tempo. Whether that's in training or in matches, you need to be
able to pass the ball and do it quickly to put the pressure on your
opponent. In this game, I could've played with my knee the way it is and I
wouldn't have had to run. That's how slow it was! "In the past few weeks,
we've played some teams that are below us in the league and haven't got
anything from those games. Now, the girls have got a tough run-in towards
the end of the season which includes a London FA Capital Cup final and is
nothing changes over the next few weeks, then they will continue to get
nothing from the games."
The Ladies will be hoping for a better result when they travel to Cardiff
City Ladies on Sunday 5 April, with kick off at 2pm.
Ladies: Duncan, King (Xidhas), Revell, Little, Bottom, Bowers, Stimson,
Mellors (Smith), Blanchflower, Kinsman, Sherwood
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U17s held in final Abu Dhabi fixture
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U17s were held to a goalless draw by host club Al Ain FC in
their final group game of the Hazza bin Zayed International Football
Tournament in Abu Dhabi. After triumphing 1-0 in their opener against
Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, the young Hammers played a real game of two
halves against Spanish outfit Espanyol in their second fixture, going down
3-1. Idris Kanu was on target against Reysol, while Jahmal Hector-Ingram
scored against Espanyol, but West Ham could not find a way through against
Al Ain, denying them a place in the final or third/fourth-place match. On
Saturday, Assistant Academy Manager James Rowe, his staff and the squad
attended the tournament's gala dinner, where former Hammer Frederic Kanoute,
who now runs an Academy in nearby Dubai, was the guest of honour. West Ham's
Korrey Henry asked Kanoute about how young players should adjust to life in
the Premier League, with Kanoute also giving kind words about his time at
the Boleyn Ground. The two group winners will contest the final on Monday,
with West Ham returning to England on Tuesday to prepare for the Barclays
U18 Premier League Tier 2 Play-Off trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Saturday 11 April (12noon).
The four other clubs taking part in the tournament were Internazionale
(Italy), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Al Afriqi (Tunisia) and Al Ahly (Egypt).
Waleed Al Hosani, Member of the Organising Committee, said: "All teams have
various strengths that they bring with them to Al Ain, which we anticipate,
will be beneficial to the tournament as a whole." Alongside the Hazza bin
Zayed International Football Tournament, a festival of football is being
hosted by the UAE's most successful club, Al Ain FC, including an amateur
competition for local clubs and a coaches' clinic hosted by renowned Dutch
coach Raymond Verheijen. Known locally as Al Zaeem ('The Boss'), Al Ain have
won the Arabian Gulf League trophy eleven times, the H.H. The President's
Cup trophy six times, the UAE FA Cup on three occasions and the Arabian Gulf
Cup. Al Ain FC is the only Emirati club to have won the AFC Champions
League, doing so in 2003.
For more information, follow @HBZstadium on Twitter.
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Hammers pair feature in charity match
WHUFC.com
West Ham United pair Kevin Nolan and Stewart Downing were both involved in a
charity game involving the likes of Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry and Fernando
Torres at Anfield on Sunday.
The duo lined-up on opposite sides as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher
brought teams together for a game in aid of various charitable organisations
in Liverpool.
Nolan was on Gerrard's team, while Downing featured for Carragher in the
game which ended 2-2. Gerrard scored twice, while Mario Balotelli and Didier
Drogba were also on target.
Guy Demel also featured in action on Sunday, turning out for David Jarolim's
testimonial at his former club Hamburg.
On the international stage, Diego Poyet played his second game of the week
for Uruguay U20 on Sunday and made his first start as the South Americans
suffered a 1-0 defeat against Uzbekistan.
James Collins started on Saturday as Wales defeated Israel 3-0 to give their
hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 a major boost.
Also on Saturday, Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal defeated Ghana 2-1 in a
friendly, Sam Howes played in England U18s' 6-1 victory against Switzerland
and Josh Cullen played the 90 minutes of Republic of Ireland U19s' narrow
3-2 defeat to Germany.
On Monday, Carl Jenkinson will hope to feature as England U21 take on
Germany in Middlesbrough.
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Song, Jenkinson, Nolan and Downing: Mondays News
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 30th March 2015
By: Staff Writer #2
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Chelsea 'are considering a £10m summer transfer raid for Barcelona
midfielder Alex Song'
Alex Song has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Chelsea.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/29/chelsea-are-considering-a-10m-summer-transfer-
raid-for-barcelona-midfielder-alex-song-5126037/
Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson 'will be told he is free to join West Ham on
a permanent deal this summer'
Carl Jenkinson will be told he is free to make a permanent switch to West
Ham this summer.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/29/arsenal-defender-carl-jenkinson-will-be-told-h
e-is-free-to-join-west-ham-on-a-permanent-deal-this-summer-5126006/
Hammers pair feature in charity match
West Ham United pair Kevin Nolan and Stewart Downing were both involved in a
charity game involving the likes of Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry and Fernando
Torres at Anfield on Sunday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/29-March/Hammers-pair-feature-
in-charity-match
Chelsea line up SHOCK move for former Arsenal star as Nemanja Matic back-up
JOSE MOURINHO is weighing up a move for Barcelona's Alex Song at the end of
the season, according to reports.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/567107/Alex-Song-Chelsea-transfer-ne
ws
WEST HAM OFFERED EUROPEAN LIFELINE?
Sam Allardyce's sides are known to be physical, aggressive and in-your-face,
partial to the odd crunching tackle which inevitably leads to the odd yellow
or even red card being brandished.
http://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/west-ham/west-ham-on-course-fo
r-european-qualification
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CLUB OR COUNTRY?
By Tony Hanna 30 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
It may be difficult for younger fans to comprehend that the following
question I am going to ask used to be a difficult one. It would be my bet
that today's answers would deliver a landslide result yet a few decades ago
it would have probably eventuated in a hung parliament. So to the question.
"What would you rather. West Ham win the (PL) league or England win the
World Cup?"
Certainly, following the Nations long lived celebrations on winning the 1966
World Cup the answer would have probably swung to England. It was a time
when our National pride was at an all time high. The whole country
celebrated and eating baked beans on toast still felt like a three hat
experience. Just how much it meant to everyone radiated through to our core
with the disappointment of defeat when trying to retain the Cup in 1970.
Giving up a 2-0 lead against West Germany in the quarter final was like a
dagger to the heart.
Back in those days many England games were shown live on free to air
television. Certainly all the World Cup games were on the box although for
most in '66 and '70 it was still in black and white. In contrast none of the
league games were shown live and if you did not get to games you had to rely
on the BBC and ITV showing highlights and goals only from selected matches.
This was an era when many football fans would prefer an FA Cup to a League
title. The Cup was really something back in those days as was the European
Cup Winners Cup.
But what of today? Unlike yesteryear, domestic football is everywhere.
Depending on where you live in the World or what internet streams you are
prepared to risk, you can watch any and every game played each weekend. The
back page coverage of football has now turned into many pages and the
internet now provides sites like these if you want another dose of the
football drug. Some of the best footballers from all over the World now play
the game on our shores and the whole game has been revolutionised. Forty
five years ago the players that were selected for England were the best of
what the domestic league had to offer and there were plenty to choose from
as the vast majority were English. In recent times some of the players
selected can't even get a decent run in their club team due to the foreign
influx.
Perhaps too, the English public has got fed up with the same old, same old
stuff from the National side. A failure to perform in the big games and a
seemingly too often passive approach from the players has hardly inspired.
There appears to be a lop sided system in place where unless the players are
playing for the top sides they won't be selected. It makes it a bit more
special to follow England if there is a player from the club you support in
the set up and quite a few clubs in the Premier League seem starved of this
opportunity.
So, what would you rather? If you are not English, please feel free to
comment on your own National team.
Please note due to holiday commitments this will be my last article until
May.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lining up summer transfer swoop for 21-year-old Senegal striker
Moussa Konate
22:30, 30 March 2015 By Darren Lewis
The forward has netted 11 times in 17 games for Swiss side FC Sion this
season, attracting attention from the Upton Park club
The Mirror
West Ham are poised to make a summer move for Senegal striker Moussa Konate
. The 21-year-old – who replaced the Irons' injured Diafra Sakho at
January's Africa Cup of Nations – has also attracted interest from Newcastle
and Aston Villa. The 6ft marksman enhanced his glowing reputation on
Saturday when he came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win
over Ghana. Konate has also netted 11 times in 17 appearances for his club,
Swiss side FC Sion, this season. His is keen to play in the Premier League
Hammers are equally determined to land him following the success of Sakho ,
bought for just £4.7million from Metz last summer. Sakho has hit 12 goals in
24 appearances this season, including seven in as many matches and the
winner in West Ham's last game, a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Hammers
co-chairman David Sullivan has already revealed that the club are seeking
more firepower in the summer after having their bid for European football
hampered by injury to Andy Carroll. Outlining the club's summer strategy to
fans, he said last week: "I think we need goalscorers, a right back and
maybe a central defender."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager hunt delays player targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Transfer gossip is always fun but as the season winds down that's exactly
what it is at West Ham right now – GOSSIP – nothing more, nothing less. With
the club's managerial situation almost certainly in a state of transition no
names we read at this stage of things can be taken in any way seriously. I
mention this only because at the same time as I was earlier writing that the
managerial hunt was still going on and that Rafa Benitez was a hopeful
rather than optimistic target,new player faces were being put in the frame.
One was Parma striker Ishak Belfodil who had apparently become a target amid
claims Torino have entered the running for him. The report adds that " the
Hammers are determined to strengthen their forward line," a strange claim
given David Sullivan has admitted defensive signings will be the priority.
Take it all with a pinch of salt because with every passing day it looks as
if a new man – whoever that maybe – is on the way in anything you may or may
not read in the media is speculative at the very best. Expect the action to
stay in towards the end of May or early June when some serious decisions
will have been made.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons new boss: The French connection grows
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marseilles boss Marco Bielsa is very back in the frame to become the next
Irons boss. The Argentinian boss is enjoying a highly successful season in
the French Ligue and the club is currently sitting in third place – one
point behind Lyon in second and two behind leaders PSG.
The team scored a fine 4-0 away win at RC Lens over the weekend as the
Hammers continue to monitor the former Argentine and Chile national team
chief. The 59 year old has been on the Hammers list of candidates to replace
Sam Allardyce at the end of the season for some weeks but ClaretandHugh has
learned his 'star' is in the ascendancy right now. We were told today: "He
doesn't fit the required criteria exactly in that he has no Premier League
experience but he is doing a superb job in France and his track record is
excellent. "He keeps coming back onto the radar and it would be no surprise
to see a formal inquiry made to speak with him." His flamboyant personality
has made him a favourite of the media in past years and he is a very
demonstrative individual who wears his heart on his sleeve.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on the Rafa link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still tracking Rafa Benitez as a replacement for Sam Allardyce
at the end of the season but fear they will be unable to attract the former
Liverpool boss. Benitez is definitely keen on a Premier League return after
what is seen as a disappointing season with Napoli who sit in fifth place in
Serie A – twenty points off leaders Juventus. And the 1-1 home draw against
17th Atalanta at the weekend only cranked up the pressure on the former Kop
boss. With his family still in Liverpool – where they are very settled –
Benitez was reported by former Kop keeper Pepe Reina – as being ready to
make a PL return. And sources inside West Ham admitted to ClaretandHugh this
morning that he is a manager who would be very much a target were he
available. However one added: "Our understanding is that he wants either
Liverpool or Manchester City. He's a top manager and most clubs would be
interested but whether we could attract him is another question. "
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song at centre of mischievous Chelsea link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mischief-making reports that Chelsea are keen to get involved in moves for
Alex Song are wide of the mark. With genuine news thin on the ground right
now – yes we admit it – some media outlets have been creating a story out of
very little suggesting the Hammers are no longer interested in the
midfielder. Not true! Talks with Barcelona will start within four weeks
assuming Song decides he would be open to an Upton Park move and should a
fee be found suitable then personal terms will be discussed with the player.
Should Jose Mourinho show any interest at any time – as is being suggested
by the Spanish tabloid Sport but to which currently there is no substance –
the 27 year old would be very much a squad player. The Hammers would be
ready to make him top man and possibly offer him the captain's armband as
they head for the Olympic Stadium in 2017. We have reported previously that
it is of course all down to fees and personal terms with a source telling
Claretandhugh: "He's a top player and we would be keen to talk to Barca soon
and later Alex if the numbers add up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neville awards Arsenal's Jenkinson MOTM in superb England Under-21 win
HITC
Che Thomas
England Under-21s beat Germany 3-2 in a terrific match at the Riverside
Stadium, and the West Ham loan star was a standout performer.
Phil Neville is a former player that knows a thing or two about what makes a
top fullback. The former Manchester United and Everton man played at left
and right back for many years before retiring in 2013, and he told BT Sport
how impressed he was with one young member of the fullback's union after an
impressive attacking performance on Monday night. Commentating on England
Under-21s 3-2 win over Germany in Middlesbrough, the 59-cap defender
highlighted the work done by Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on the right side of
defence as the home team twice came from behind to seal victory. The
right-back was a real threat down the wing for England, and Jenkinson
managed to set up Jesse Lingard's goal for the equaliser at 1-1, as well
James Ward-Prowse's late winner. "He's been like a right-winger at times
against Germany," Neville said of Jenkinson. "He's been fantastic tonight.
Rampaging down the right hand side at every opportunity. "With the two goals
he set up and driving raids down that right hand side, he just shaded man of
the match over [Nathan] Redmond."
It was no surprise that Neville gave the nod to Jenkinson, whose attacking
instincts from fullback were an impressive feature of England's performance,
and the United graduate paid tribute to the West Ham loanee by awarding him
man of the match. It's easy for people to forget about the former Charlton
defender, given the clamour that surrounded Calum Chambers' early
performances at Arsenal, but Jenkinson has been a solid performer for West
Ham this season, and it might be worthwhile Arsene Wenger keep an eye on his
youngster's performances in the European Championship finals in Czech
Republic this summer, before he entertains the idea of selling the
23-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham player Jack Collison still chasing his footballing dream
Injuries have badly disrupted the Wales midfielder's career but he is
determined to find another club despite being released by Ipswich Town in
December
Jacob Steinberg
Monday 30 March 2015 12.08 BST Last modified on Monday 30 March 2015 15.16
BST
Jack Collison is reminiscing about the start of his obsession with football.
He remembers that he always had a ball at his feet, whether he was going to
the shops or to the park, and that he would dribble around the cushions at
home, pretending he was Paul Scholes.
Chelsea were his team and he idolised Gianfranco Zola. "I was that kid
playing football 24/7, whether it was volleying a ball against my mum's
walls or knocking her vases over," Collison says. "I put a golf ball through
the front window once."
Collison is looking and sounding a little sheepish as he confesses to these
sins and this should be a heartwarming tale of how he saw his dream of
becoming a professional footballer come true. But this is a story with a
twist as jarring as the one that led to the former West Ham United
midfielder dislocating his right kneecap against Wigan Athletic in March
2009, a cruel and desperately unlucky injury that changed the course of a
career that was heading in a different direction at the time. "People have
this vision of footballers having an easy life," Collison says and he is
about to debunk that theory.
Collison is 26 and he should be approaching his prime. Alan Curbishley gave
him his debut for West Ham in a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on New Year's Day in
2008 and Collison started to establish himself as a prominent member of the
first team when Zola, his childhood hero, was appointed manager later that
year.
Yet injuries have taken their toll on a player whose ability meant that he
was once linked with a move to Arsenal, and Collison has not played a
competitive match since last May. West Ham released him with a heavy heart
at the end of last season and although Ipswich Town handed him a short-term
contract in September, he injured his left knee in a practice match and was
unable to make a single appearance for Mick McCarthy's side. He was released
in December and Collison now finds himself training on his own every day,
pushing his body and his mind as he looks for a new club. He has had a
couple of offers but he is prepared to be patient, continue his fitness work
and wait until the summer before committing to anything. It is a lonely and
frustrating existence.
Collison is not the kind of person who wants sympathy. He has a fiancee,
watching The Lion King with his two-year-old daughter, Lucia, puts a smile
on his face, he has a solid group of people around him and he is keeping
himself busy. He has just opened the Jack Collison Soccer School with an old
friend, plans to take his Uefa B licence in the summer and reveals that he
is studying for a degree in sports writing and broadcasting.
Yet when he recalls how excited he was when he made his debut against
Arsenal, how Curbishley caught him and James Tomkins in the lift on the
morning of the game and told them that they were on the bench, it is hard
not to feel sorry for him. "I remember going to warm up down the touchline
and the Arsenal fans didn't have a clue who we were and we got quite a bit
of stick: 'Oh, you two look like hairdressers,'" Collison says. "We had a
great set of barnets. We quite enjoyed that and before I knew it Freddie
Ljungberg was going off and it was: 'Right, you're going on, enjoy it ...
try and get near Fàbregas if you can.' I didn't get anywhere near him."
When Zola replaced Curbishley in September 2008, Collison became a fixture
in the side and on 19 November 2008 he made his debut for Wales in a 1-0
victory away to Denmark, the first of 17 caps.
On 1 March 2009, he scored West Ham's winner in a 1-0 victory over
Manchester City. It was a fine goal, a beautifully judged lob over Shay
Given, but the injury came three days later. West Ham were closing in on
another three points, this time away to Wigan, when Collison controlled a
clearance from Robert Green on his chest and collapsed in agony by the right
touchline. There was no one near him but his studs seemed to get caught in
the turf, causing his knee to buckle and give way. It was a freak accident.
"I think that was a big turning point," Collison says. "Ever since then I've
had to be very careful with myself. At the time, I was flying and loving my
football. I was enjoying playing under my hero as a kid and the boys were
doing well in the league."
He returned two months later, but it was too soon. "Injuries are part of the
game, but it was a serious injury," Collison says. "Looking back, that was a
massive mistake. It's hard to tell a 20-year-old kid you can go one way
about it and you'll be back in a couple of months, or you go the long way,
have the surgery and miss over a year of football.
"I think it's hard. I was 20 and I was playing week-in, week-out in the
Premier League. At the end of the day, it's all in the past. It's happened
now. It's hard to tell someone they should stop playing and no one said
maybe you think should about your future rather than trying to play again in
a couple of months time."
It was a difficult time for Collison, both on and off the pitch. Tragedy
stuck at the start of the following season when his father, Ian, was killed
in a motorcycle accident while he was on his way to watch Collison play
against Tottenham Hotspur. Collison found out after the game and two days
later he walked off in tears at the end of a League Cup match against
Millwall at Upton Park.
He continued to play, but his knee was bothering him and he underwent
surgery in March 2010. He was out for 14 months, Zola was sacked and Avram
Grant took West Ham down. The game that sealed their fate, a 3-2 defeat at
Wigan in May 2011, was Collison's first start of the season.
"There's a different way for an injured player to be," he says. "Though
you're around the boys a lot, it's very lonely. People would try and talk to
you and build you up, but you need to get in the right mindset and realise
you're on your own now. This is what I'm going to do, this is what it's
going to take. You have to focus so much energy on coming back. I had a lot
of good people around me, but they're not the ones going in watching the
boys training and doing the hours in the gym. Then you've got treatment,
then you've got to go down the swimming pool and then spend all night icing
your knee. It's very lonely. Times like that aren't easy."
Collison pauses for a moment and searches for the right words. "It's
heartbreaking," he says, softly and without a hint of melodrama.
"One of my most difficult moments was when my agent came to me pick me up
after my operation," he says. "I'd been in for two days and they said I
should stay, but I just wanted to get home. I was in the back of the car and
I was nearly in tears, I was in so much pain on the way back. I just wanted
to get home and start my recovery away from the hospital. Over a 14-month
period there was lots of progress and then a setback. Two steps forward, one
step back. You think you're getting close and you're still a mile off. You
get outside and something else crops up. It's tough.
"I kept a blog every day, of every single bit of treatment that I did, from
day one to 14 months later. I've got about three or four books of that. I
was really focused about getting back."
Sam Allardyce replaced Grant, and Collison had a productive season as West
Ham battled their way out of the Championship. He scored both goals when
they beat Cardiff City 2-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final and
played in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the final, even though he was
struggling with a shoulder injury. "It was a bit of a patch-up job," he
says. "I had a jab on the day of the game. I was fully strapped up. I could
hardly move to be honest but there was no way I wasn't going to go out
there; you would have had to shoot me in both legs.
"Near the end I was dribbling with the ball. I got cramp in both legs and I
fell over on my shoulder. I was in agony. Kevin Nolan picked me up and said:
'What are you doing?' But Winston Reid was there to mop up. Then I fell over
the boards when we were celebrating."
West Ham were back in the Premier League but his knee was bothering him
again. He missed the first three months of the season and when he scored
West Ham's goal in a 5-1 defeat at Arsenal in January 2013, he ran straight
to the bench and celebrated with the physio, Andy Rolls.
Yet his form was patchy and West Ham decided to let him go at the end of
last season. Collison's response? He said farewell to supporters by
publishing a 2,800-word open letter on West Ham's website and the feedback
was so positive that it made him want to see whether he could work in the
media one day.
"I'm going to be picking your brains," he jokes. "I've always been
interested in writing and the radio, because obviously it's something that
comes with football. I've always kept blogs and diaries, but it's been more
private. After I wrote the letter to the West Ham fans, which took me a
while, I had a lot of feedback. I got an email from the PFA, who have been
fantastic, about their sports writing degree, so I thought let's have a
crack at it and see how it goes. I'm about four or five months into it.
"It's a bit harder than I expected. The workload's really gone up and we've
got a little group of 10 of us. It's ex-pros through the PFA. Chris
Iwelumo's doing it and a few others. We've just started doing small pieces,
little articles. We've been working on interview techniques and then in the
summer it moves into the television and radio side of it."
Collison loves to write. "I found that it was a good way to sometimes let
off a bit off steam," he says. "I sometimes wrote about my games, it just
depended on what mood I was in. Sometimes I would go ages without writing
and sometimes I'd be writing every day. It might be a little paragraph or
sometimes I might really get into one and get all my feelings and thoughts
out on the page.
"I've never published anything. The letter to the West Ham fans is the only
thing I've put out there. I felt that was quite therapeutic. It was nice to
get everything out and close the chapter on a long time at West Ham.
"I've got pages and pages of stuff on my computer. I'm actually working on a
book with Kit Carson, who used to be my youth coach at Peterborough and
Cambridge. We're working on something at the moment, to try and bring some
of the stuff together and see where we go with that. I've got everything,
from debuts, from bad games, from coming back from injury, from being
injured."
The soccer school has also given Collison a buzz. "One of my friends who I
played with at Cambridge, Russell Short, we were just having a conversation
one day," he says. "I had a lot of time on my hands and he's a semi-pro now
and we just thought it would be great to set it up. I know how fantastic it
was for me as a youngster to go to something like that. They have the
opportunity to get trained by ex-pros and I do as much as I can. I have
David Blackmore, an ex-West Ham academy goalkeeper, coming in with the
goalies. They just enjoy their football, which I think every kid wants.
"They're normal schoolkids. It's not to find the best players. We're in a
great position where if we find a little gem we can help them out. It would
be amazing. Imagine having a kid coming from your soccer school going on to
a pro club and then doing well. But the three days we have had so far, I got
so much enjoyment out of it. It's such a great feeling seeing how happy the
kids were and how much they were enjoying it."
Collison's main target, however, is to find a new club. He feels strong and
he knows his body now. "I've spent a lot of time researching," he says. "If
you wanted to talk about knees, I could probably talk about them for 10
hours."
And despite everything that has happened, he has remained positive. "I don't
think I have any choice," Collison says. "If ever I have a day where I feel
down, I just go and look at my daughter. She's my first child. It's so great
watching her grow and her personality grow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Having recently penned a new long-term deal, West Ham United defender
Winston Reid looks set to be a major part of the Club's move to their
impressive new Stadium in Stratford. West Ham are now just a year-and-a-half
away from making the switch from the Boleyn Ground and Reid paid a visit to
the former Olympic Stadium last week as part of the announcement of
Lycamobile's extended partnership with the Club. The 26-year-old centre back
is impressed with the progress made at the stadium and cannot wait to run
out there for the first time in claret and blue. "A lot's changed since I
was last here 18 months ago," he explained. "There's no grass on the pitch,
but when you look around they're towards finishing the stadium so it's
exciting. "You can see there have been improvements made, and I'm looking
forward to eventually coming in here and playing a game. "The roof looks
impressive, as does everything they've done so far and the people are
working all around the day to make it an amazing place. "I can envisage
myself playing here in 18 months' time. We'll be eager to get on with it and
playing in front of 54,000 West Ham fans will be amazing. "Even now it's
really good, but this will take the Club to a new level and take the team to
a new level as well hopefully. "Getting a better and bigger stadium will
improve us. It's definitely exciting times ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
First team stars to attend Fans' Forum
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce ticketing details for an exclusive
free fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders and Academy/Youth Academy Members
at the Boleyn Ground with Hammers stars Adrian, James Collins and Carlton
Cole on Tuesday 7 April at 6.30pm. The trio will be on hand to answer
questions on all manner of West Ham subjects as the squad prepare to face
Stoke City at home the following Saturday.
You could quiz Adrian on how he has settled into life in London over an
outstanding first two seasons with the Hammers, Cole on his long and
successful West Ham career or Collins on keeping out the league's top
strikers. This, the second fans' forum of the season, continues a regular
series of events throughout the campaign, keeping fans abreast of all the
goings on at the Club. The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and
after there will be an informal opportunity for supporters to meet the
players, collect autographs and take photos.
A pay bar will be in operation on the evening. Tickets will be allocated on
a strictly first come, first served basis at a rate of one per successful
applicant with a capacity of 300 attendees. Please note, Under-16s must be
accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
To secure one of the places available for this exclusive event, please call
the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The Club will announce, via
whufc.com, as and when all spaces are filled.
Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for
consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly
stating if it is for Adrian, Carlton Cole or James Collins.
If your question is selected we will then come to you on the night so please
ensure you remember what you send in!
*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras.
Please note that due to the Bank Holiday, physical tickets will not be
issued for the event, so supporters who secure a place should bring their
Season Ticket and booking confirmation with them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies lose at Gillingham
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies suffered a 3-2 FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division defeat at Gillingham Ladies on Sunday. Winger Lily Mellors had put
the Hammers ahead with just four minutes on the clock, before Ashlee Hincks
and Lauren Phillips turned the game on its head with goals of their own for
the Gills. West Ham dragged themselves level when April Bowers fired past
Courtney Shanley from distance, before Ellie Manning popped up with the
winner shortly thereafter to secure a surprise win for the home side. Ladies
boss Julian Dicks made just one change to the starting line-up that had
defeated the same opponents 5-1 in Essex just ten days earlier. Vicky King
came in to replace the injured Ruby Baxter, while new signing Kayleigh
Xidhas was named on the bench. It took the Hammers little more than three
minutes when a deflection in the midfield saw the ball slip through the home
defence into the path of Mellors, who composed herself and finished for her
third goal in the two games against Gillingham. West Ham goalkeeper Nikki
Duncan then saved from Louise Lorton, but she was powerless to prevent
Hincks from smashing the equalizer in via the underside of the crossbar
moments later. Just before half-time, Gillingham went ahead when Phillips
finished after the home side had twice hit the frame of the goal in the
build-up.
After the break, the Hammers came out and played into a strong wind, but
they overcame that problem to hit the crossbar themselves through Mellors'
shot. With 68 minutes gone, Bowers did fashion an equaliser, picking up the
ball 25 yards out and beating Shanley with a venomous shot. Just when Dicks
and his players might have had hopes of winning the game, however, they
found themselves behind again when Hincks whipped in a right-wing cross and
manning bundled past Duncan at the far post. The unexpected defeat left the
Ladies manager unhappy, as he explained: "It's a disappointing result anyway
but it is made even more hard-hitting by the fact that we beat this team 5-1
at home recently. The performance that the girls put in wasn't good enough
for us to deserve any sort of positive result. "With me, it's all about
passing and tempo. Whether that's in training or in matches, you need to be
able to pass the ball and do it quickly to put the pressure on your
opponent. In this game, I could've played with my knee the way it is and I
wouldn't have had to run. That's how slow it was! "In the past few weeks,
we've played some teams that are below us in the league and haven't got
anything from those games. Now, the girls have got a tough run-in towards
the end of the season which includes a London FA Capital Cup final and is
nothing changes over the next few weeks, then they will continue to get
nothing from the games."
The Ladies will be hoping for a better result when they travel to Cardiff
City Ladies on Sunday 5 April, with kick off at 2pm.
Ladies: Duncan, King (Xidhas), Revell, Little, Bottom, Bowers, Stimson,
Mellors (Smith), Blanchflower, Kinsman, Sherwood
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U17s held in final Abu Dhabi fixture
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U17s were held to a goalless draw by host club Al Ain FC in
their final group game of the Hazza bin Zayed International Football
Tournament in Abu Dhabi. After triumphing 1-0 in their opener against
Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, the young Hammers played a real game of two
halves against Spanish outfit Espanyol in their second fixture, going down
3-1. Idris Kanu was on target against Reysol, while Jahmal Hector-Ingram
scored against Espanyol, but West Ham could not find a way through against
Al Ain, denying them a place in the final or third/fourth-place match. On
Saturday, Assistant Academy Manager James Rowe, his staff and the squad
attended the tournament's gala dinner, where former Hammer Frederic Kanoute,
who now runs an Academy in nearby Dubai, was the guest of honour. West Ham's
Korrey Henry asked Kanoute about how young players should adjust to life in
the Premier League, with Kanoute also giving kind words about his time at
the Boleyn Ground. The two group winners will contest the final on Monday,
with West Ham returning to England on Tuesday to prepare for the Barclays
U18 Premier League Tier 2 Play-Off trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Saturday 11 April (12noon).
The four other clubs taking part in the tournament were Internazionale
(Italy), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Al Afriqi (Tunisia) and Al Ahly (Egypt).
Waleed Al Hosani, Member of the Organising Committee, said: "All teams have
various strengths that they bring with them to Al Ain, which we anticipate,
will be beneficial to the tournament as a whole." Alongside the Hazza bin
Zayed International Football Tournament, a festival of football is being
hosted by the UAE's most successful club, Al Ain FC, including an amateur
competition for local clubs and a coaches' clinic hosted by renowned Dutch
coach Raymond Verheijen. Known locally as Al Zaeem ('The Boss'), Al Ain have
won the Arabian Gulf League trophy eleven times, the H.H. The President's
Cup trophy six times, the UAE FA Cup on three occasions and the Arabian Gulf
Cup. Al Ain FC is the only Emirati club to have won the AFC Champions
League, doing so in 2003.
For more information, follow @HBZstadium on Twitter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers pair feature in charity match
WHUFC.com
West Ham United pair Kevin Nolan and Stewart Downing were both involved in a
charity game involving the likes of Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry and Fernando
Torres at Anfield on Sunday.
The duo lined-up on opposite sides as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher
brought teams together for a game in aid of various charitable organisations
in Liverpool.
Nolan was on Gerrard's team, while Downing featured for Carragher in the
game which ended 2-2. Gerrard scored twice, while Mario Balotelli and Didier
Drogba were also on target.
Guy Demel also featured in action on Sunday, turning out for David Jarolim's
testimonial at his former club Hamburg.
On the international stage, Diego Poyet played his second game of the week
for Uruguay U20 on Sunday and made his first start as the South Americans
suffered a 1-0 defeat against Uzbekistan.
James Collins started on Saturday as Wales defeated Israel 3-0 to give their
hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016 a major boost.
Also on Saturday, Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal defeated Ghana 2-1 in a
friendly, Sam Howes played in England U18s' 6-1 victory against Switzerland
and Josh Cullen played the 90 minutes of Republic of Ireland U19s' narrow
3-2 defeat to Germany.
On Monday, Carl Jenkinson will hope to feature as England U21 take on
Germany in Middlesbrough.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song, Jenkinson, Nolan and Downing: Mondays News
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 30th March 2015
By: Staff Writer #2
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Chelsea 'are considering a £10m summer transfer raid for Barcelona
midfielder Alex Song'
Alex Song has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Chelsea.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/29/chelsea-are-considering-a-10m-summer-transfer-
raid-for-barcelona-midfielder-alex-song-5126037/
Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson 'will be told he is free to join West Ham on
a permanent deal this summer'
Carl Jenkinson will be told he is free to make a permanent switch to West
Ham this summer.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/03/29/arsenal-defender-carl-jenkinson-will-be-told-h
e-is-free-to-join-west-ham-on-a-permanent-deal-this-summer-5126006/
Hammers pair feature in charity match
West Ham United pair Kevin Nolan and Stewart Downing were both involved in a
charity game involving the likes of Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry and Fernando
Torres at Anfield on Sunday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/29-March/Hammers-pair-feature-
in-charity-match
Chelsea line up SHOCK move for former Arsenal star as Nemanja Matic back-up
JOSE MOURINHO is weighing up a move for Barcelona's Alex Song at the end of
the season, according to reports.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/567107/Alex-Song-Chelsea-transfer-ne
ws
WEST HAM OFFERED EUROPEAN LIFELINE?
Sam Allardyce's sides are known to be physical, aggressive and in-your-face,
partial to the odd crunching tackle which inevitably leads to the odd yellow
or even red card being brandished.
http://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/west-ham/west-ham-on-course-fo
r-european-qualification
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CLUB OR COUNTRY?
By Tony Hanna 30 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
It may be difficult for younger fans to comprehend that the following
question I am going to ask used to be a difficult one. It would be my bet
that today's answers would deliver a landslide result yet a few decades ago
it would have probably eventuated in a hung parliament. So to the question.
"What would you rather. West Ham win the (PL) league or England win the
World Cup?"
Certainly, following the Nations long lived celebrations on winning the 1966
World Cup the answer would have probably swung to England. It was a time
when our National pride was at an all time high. The whole country
celebrated and eating baked beans on toast still felt like a three hat
experience. Just how much it meant to everyone radiated through to our core
with the disappointment of defeat when trying to retain the Cup in 1970.
Giving up a 2-0 lead against West Germany in the quarter final was like a
dagger to the heart.
Back in those days many England games were shown live on free to air
television. Certainly all the World Cup games were on the box although for
most in '66 and '70 it was still in black and white. In contrast none of the
league games were shown live and if you did not get to games you had to rely
on the BBC and ITV showing highlights and goals only from selected matches.
This was an era when many football fans would prefer an FA Cup to a League
title. The Cup was really something back in those days as was the European
Cup Winners Cup.
But what of today? Unlike yesteryear, domestic football is everywhere.
Depending on where you live in the World or what internet streams you are
prepared to risk, you can watch any and every game played each weekend. The
back page coverage of football has now turned into many pages and the
internet now provides sites like these if you want another dose of the
football drug. Some of the best footballers from all over the World now play
the game on our shores and the whole game has been revolutionised. Forty
five years ago the players that were selected for England were the best of
what the domestic league had to offer and there were plenty to choose from
as the vast majority were English. In recent times some of the players
selected can't even get a decent run in their club team due to the foreign
influx.
Perhaps too, the English public has got fed up with the same old, same old
stuff from the National side. A failure to perform in the big games and a
seemingly too often passive approach from the players has hardly inspired.
There appears to be a lop sided system in place where unless the players are
playing for the top sides they won't be selected. It makes it a bit more
special to follow England if there is a player from the club you support in
the set up and quite a few clubs in the Premier League seem starved of this
opportunity.
So, what would you rather? If you are not English, please feel free to
comment on your own National team.
Please note due to holiday commitments this will be my last article until
May.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lining up summer transfer swoop for 21-year-old Senegal striker
Moussa Konate
22:30, 30 March 2015 By Darren Lewis
The forward has netted 11 times in 17 games for Swiss side FC Sion this
season, attracting attention from the Upton Park club
The Mirror
West Ham are poised to make a summer move for Senegal striker Moussa Konate
. The 21-year-old – who replaced the Irons' injured Diafra Sakho at
January's Africa Cup of Nations – has also attracted interest from Newcastle
and Aston Villa. The 6ft marksman enhanced his glowing reputation on
Saturday when he came off the bench to score twice in his country's 2-1 win
over Ghana. Konate has also netted 11 times in 17 appearances for his club,
Swiss side FC Sion, this season. His is keen to play in the Premier League
Hammers are equally determined to land him following the success of Sakho ,
bought for just £4.7million from Metz last summer. Sakho has hit 12 goals in
24 appearances this season, including seven in as many matches and the
winner in West Ham's last game, a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Hammers
co-chairman David Sullivan has already revealed that the club are seeking
more firepower in the summer after having their bid for European football
hampered by injury to Andy Carroll. Outlining the club's summer strategy to
fans, he said last week: "I think we need goalscorers, a right back and
maybe a central defender."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager hunt delays player targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Transfer gossip is always fun but as the season winds down that's exactly
what it is at West Ham right now – GOSSIP – nothing more, nothing less. With
the club's managerial situation almost certainly in a state of transition no
names we read at this stage of things can be taken in any way seriously. I
mention this only because at the same time as I was earlier writing that the
managerial hunt was still going on and that Rafa Benitez was a hopeful
rather than optimistic target,new player faces were being put in the frame.
One was Parma striker Ishak Belfodil who had apparently become a target amid
claims Torino have entered the running for him. The report adds that " the
Hammers are determined to strengthen their forward line," a strange claim
given David Sullivan has admitted defensive signings will be the priority.
Take it all with a pinch of salt because with every passing day it looks as
if a new man – whoever that maybe – is on the way in anything you may or may
not read in the media is speculative at the very best. Expect the action to
stay in towards the end of May or early June when some serious decisions
will have been made.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons new boss: The French connection grows
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marseilles boss Marco Bielsa is very back in the frame to become the next
Irons boss. The Argentinian boss is enjoying a highly successful season in
the French Ligue and the club is currently sitting in third place – one
point behind Lyon in second and two behind leaders PSG.
The team scored a fine 4-0 away win at RC Lens over the weekend as the
Hammers continue to monitor the former Argentine and Chile national team
chief. The 59 year old has been on the Hammers list of candidates to replace
Sam Allardyce at the end of the season for some weeks but ClaretandHugh has
learned his 'star' is in the ascendancy right now. We were told today: "He
doesn't fit the required criteria exactly in that he has no Premier League
experience but he is doing a superb job in France and his track record is
excellent. "He keeps coming back onto the radar and it would be no surprise
to see a formal inquiry made to speak with him." His flamboyant personality
has made him a favourite of the media in past years and he is a very
demonstrative individual who wears his heart on his sleeve.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on the Rafa link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still tracking Rafa Benitez as a replacement for Sam Allardyce
at the end of the season but fear they will be unable to attract the former
Liverpool boss. Benitez is definitely keen on a Premier League return after
what is seen as a disappointing season with Napoli who sit in fifth place in
Serie A – twenty points off leaders Juventus. And the 1-1 home draw against
17th Atalanta at the weekend only cranked up the pressure on the former Kop
boss. With his family still in Liverpool – where they are very settled –
Benitez was reported by former Kop keeper Pepe Reina – as being ready to
make a PL return. And sources inside West Ham admitted to ClaretandHugh this
morning that he is a manager who would be very much a target were he
available. However one added: "Our understanding is that he wants either
Liverpool or Manchester City. He's a top manager and most clubs would be
interested but whether we could attract him is another question. "
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song at centre of mischievous Chelsea link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mischief-making reports that Chelsea are keen to get involved in moves for
Alex Song are wide of the mark. With genuine news thin on the ground right
now – yes we admit it – some media outlets have been creating a story out of
very little suggesting the Hammers are no longer interested in the
midfielder. Not true! Talks with Barcelona will start within four weeks
assuming Song decides he would be open to an Upton Park move and should a
fee be found suitable then personal terms will be discussed with the player.
Should Jose Mourinho show any interest at any time – as is being suggested
by the Spanish tabloid Sport but to which currently there is no substance –
the 27 year old would be very much a squad player. The Hammers would be
ready to make him top man and possibly offer him the captain's armband as
they head for the Olympic Stadium in 2017. We have reported previously that
it is of course all down to fees and personal terms with a source telling
Claretandhugh: "He's a top player and we would be keen to talk to Barca soon
and later Alex if the numbers add up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neville awards Arsenal's Jenkinson MOTM in superb England Under-21 win
HITC
Che Thomas
England Under-21s beat Germany 3-2 in a terrific match at the Riverside
Stadium, and the West Ham loan star was a standout performer.
Phil Neville is a former player that knows a thing or two about what makes a
top fullback. The former Manchester United and Everton man played at left
and right back for many years before retiring in 2013, and he told BT Sport
how impressed he was with one young member of the fullback's union after an
impressive attacking performance on Monday night. Commentating on England
Under-21s 3-2 win over Germany in Middlesbrough, the 59-cap defender
highlighted the work done by Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on the right side of
defence as the home team twice came from behind to seal victory. The
right-back was a real threat down the wing for England, and Jenkinson
managed to set up Jesse Lingard's goal for the equaliser at 1-1, as well
James Ward-Prowse's late winner. "He's been like a right-winger at times
against Germany," Neville said of Jenkinson. "He's been fantastic tonight.
Rampaging down the right hand side at every opportunity. "With the two goals
he set up and driving raids down that right hand side, he just shaded man of
the match over [Nathan] Redmond."
It was no surprise that Neville gave the nod to Jenkinson, whose attacking
instincts from fullback were an impressive feature of England's performance,
and the United graduate paid tribute to the West Ham loanee by awarding him
man of the match. It's easy for people to forget about the former Charlton
defender, given the clamour that surrounded Calum Chambers' early
performances at Arsenal, but Jenkinson has been a solid performer for West
Ham this season, and it might be worthwhile Arsene Wenger keep an eye on his
youngster's performances in the European Championship finals in Czech
Republic this summer, before he entertains the idea of selling the
23-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham player Jack Collison still chasing his footballing dream
Injuries have badly disrupted the Wales midfielder's career but he is
determined to find another club despite being released by Ipswich Town in
December
Jacob Steinberg
Monday 30 March 2015 12.08 BST Last modified on Monday 30 March 2015 15.16
BST
Jack Collison is reminiscing about the start of his obsession with football.
He remembers that he always had a ball at his feet, whether he was going to
the shops or to the park, and that he would dribble around the cushions at
home, pretending he was Paul Scholes.
Chelsea were his team and he idolised Gianfranco Zola. "I was that kid
playing football 24/7, whether it was volleying a ball against my mum's
walls or knocking her vases over," Collison says. "I put a golf ball through
the front window once."
Collison is looking and sounding a little sheepish as he confesses to these
sins and this should be a heartwarming tale of how he saw his dream of
becoming a professional footballer come true. But this is a story with a
twist as jarring as the one that led to the former West Ham United
midfielder dislocating his right kneecap against Wigan Athletic in March
2009, a cruel and desperately unlucky injury that changed the course of a
career that was heading in a different direction at the time. "People have
this vision of footballers having an easy life," Collison says and he is
about to debunk that theory.
Collison is 26 and he should be approaching his prime. Alan Curbishley gave
him his debut for West Ham in a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on New Year's Day in
2008 and Collison started to establish himself as a prominent member of the
first team when Zola, his childhood hero, was appointed manager later that
year.
Yet injuries have taken their toll on a player whose ability meant that he
was once linked with a move to Arsenal, and Collison has not played a
competitive match since last May. West Ham released him with a heavy heart
at the end of last season and although Ipswich Town handed him a short-term
contract in September, he injured his left knee in a practice match and was
unable to make a single appearance for Mick McCarthy's side. He was released
in December and Collison now finds himself training on his own every day,
pushing his body and his mind as he looks for a new club. He has had a
couple of offers but he is prepared to be patient, continue his fitness work
and wait until the summer before committing to anything. It is a lonely and
frustrating existence.
Collison is not the kind of person who wants sympathy. He has a fiancee,
watching The Lion King with his two-year-old daughter, Lucia, puts a smile
on his face, he has a solid group of people around him and he is keeping
himself busy. He has just opened the Jack Collison Soccer School with an old
friend, plans to take his Uefa B licence in the summer and reveals that he
is studying for a degree in sports writing and broadcasting.
Yet when he recalls how excited he was when he made his debut against
Arsenal, how Curbishley caught him and James Tomkins in the lift on the
morning of the game and told them that they were on the bench, it is hard
not to feel sorry for him. "I remember going to warm up down the touchline
and the Arsenal fans didn't have a clue who we were and we got quite a bit
of stick: 'Oh, you two look like hairdressers,'" Collison says. "We had a
great set of barnets. We quite enjoyed that and before I knew it Freddie
Ljungberg was going off and it was: 'Right, you're going on, enjoy it ...
try and get near Fàbregas if you can.' I didn't get anywhere near him."
When Zola replaced Curbishley in September 2008, Collison became a fixture
in the side and on 19 November 2008 he made his debut for Wales in a 1-0
victory away to Denmark, the first of 17 caps.
On 1 March 2009, he scored West Ham's winner in a 1-0 victory over
Manchester City. It was a fine goal, a beautifully judged lob over Shay
Given, but the injury came three days later. West Ham were closing in on
another three points, this time away to Wigan, when Collison controlled a
clearance from Robert Green on his chest and collapsed in agony by the right
touchline. There was no one near him but his studs seemed to get caught in
the turf, causing his knee to buckle and give way. It was a freak accident.
"I think that was a big turning point," Collison says. "Ever since then I've
had to be very careful with myself. At the time, I was flying and loving my
football. I was enjoying playing under my hero as a kid and the boys were
doing well in the league."
He returned two months later, but it was too soon. "Injuries are part of the
game, but it was a serious injury," Collison says. "Looking back, that was a
massive mistake. It's hard to tell a 20-year-old kid you can go one way
about it and you'll be back in a couple of months, or you go the long way,
have the surgery and miss over a year of football.
"I think it's hard. I was 20 and I was playing week-in, week-out in the
Premier League. At the end of the day, it's all in the past. It's happened
now. It's hard to tell someone they should stop playing and no one said
maybe you think should about your future rather than trying to play again in
a couple of months time."
It was a difficult time for Collison, both on and off the pitch. Tragedy
stuck at the start of the following season when his father, Ian, was killed
in a motorcycle accident while he was on his way to watch Collison play
against Tottenham Hotspur. Collison found out after the game and two days
later he walked off in tears at the end of a League Cup match against
Millwall at Upton Park.
He continued to play, but his knee was bothering him and he underwent
surgery in March 2010. He was out for 14 months, Zola was sacked and Avram
Grant took West Ham down. The game that sealed their fate, a 3-2 defeat at
Wigan in May 2011, was Collison's first start of the season.
"There's a different way for an injured player to be," he says. "Though
you're around the boys a lot, it's very lonely. People would try and talk to
you and build you up, but you need to get in the right mindset and realise
you're on your own now. This is what I'm going to do, this is what it's
going to take. You have to focus so much energy on coming back. I had a lot
of good people around me, but they're not the ones going in watching the
boys training and doing the hours in the gym. Then you've got treatment,
then you've got to go down the swimming pool and then spend all night icing
your knee. It's very lonely. Times like that aren't easy."
Collison pauses for a moment and searches for the right words. "It's
heartbreaking," he says, softly and without a hint of melodrama.
"One of my most difficult moments was when my agent came to me pick me up
after my operation," he says. "I'd been in for two days and they said I
should stay, but I just wanted to get home. I was in the back of the car and
I was nearly in tears, I was in so much pain on the way back. I just wanted
to get home and start my recovery away from the hospital. Over a 14-month
period there was lots of progress and then a setback. Two steps forward, one
step back. You think you're getting close and you're still a mile off. You
get outside and something else crops up. It's tough.
"I kept a blog every day, of every single bit of treatment that I did, from
day one to 14 months later. I've got about three or four books of that. I
was really focused about getting back."
Sam Allardyce replaced Grant, and Collison had a productive season as West
Ham battled their way out of the Championship. He scored both goals when
they beat Cardiff City 2-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final and
played in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the final, even though he was
struggling with a shoulder injury. "It was a bit of a patch-up job," he
says. "I had a jab on the day of the game. I was fully strapped up. I could
hardly move to be honest but there was no way I wasn't going to go out
there; you would have had to shoot me in both legs.
"Near the end I was dribbling with the ball. I got cramp in both legs and I
fell over on my shoulder. I was in agony. Kevin Nolan picked me up and said:
'What are you doing?' But Winston Reid was there to mop up. Then I fell over
the boards when we were celebrating."
West Ham were back in the Premier League but his knee was bothering him
again. He missed the first three months of the season and when he scored
West Ham's goal in a 5-1 defeat at Arsenal in January 2013, he ran straight
to the bench and celebrated with the physio, Andy Rolls.
Yet his form was patchy and West Ham decided to let him go at the end of
last season. Collison's response? He said farewell to supporters by
publishing a 2,800-word open letter on West Ham's website and the feedback
was so positive that it made him want to see whether he could work in the
media one day.
"I'm going to be picking your brains," he jokes. "I've always been
interested in writing and the radio, because obviously it's something that
comes with football. I've always kept blogs and diaries, but it's been more
private. After I wrote the letter to the West Ham fans, which took me a
while, I had a lot of feedback. I got an email from the PFA, who have been
fantastic, about their sports writing degree, so I thought let's have a
crack at it and see how it goes. I'm about four or five months into it.
"It's a bit harder than I expected. The workload's really gone up and we've
got a little group of 10 of us. It's ex-pros through the PFA. Chris
Iwelumo's doing it and a few others. We've just started doing small pieces,
little articles. We've been working on interview techniques and then in the
summer it moves into the television and radio side of it."
Collison loves to write. "I found that it was a good way to sometimes let
off a bit off steam," he says. "I sometimes wrote about my games, it just
depended on what mood I was in. Sometimes I would go ages without writing
and sometimes I'd be writing every day. It might be a little paragraph or
sometimes I might really get into one and get all my feelings and thoughts
out on the page.
"I've never published anything. The letter to the West Ham fans is the only
thing I've put out there. I felt that was quite therapeutic. It was nice to
get everything out and close the chapter on a long time at West Ham.
"I've got pages and pages of stuff on my computer. I'm actually working on a
book with Kit Carson, who used to be my youth coach at Peterborough and
Cambridge. We're working on something at the moment, to try and bring some
of the stuff together and see where we go with that. I've got everything,
from debuts, from bad games, from coming back from injury, from being
injured."
The soccer school has also given Collison a buzz. "One of my friends who I
played with at Cambridge, Russell Short, we were just having a conversation
one day," he says. "I had a lot of time on my hands and he's a semi-pro now
and we just thought it would be great to set it up. I know how fantastic it
was for me as a youngster to go to something like that. They have the
opportunity to get trained by ex-pros and I do as much as I can. I have
David Blackmore, an ex-West Ham academy goalkeeper, coming in with the
goalies. They just enjoy their football, which I think every kid wants.
"They're normal schoolkids. It's not to find the best players. We're in a
great position where if we find a little gem we can help them out. It would
be amazing. Imagine having a kid coming from your soccer school going on to
a pro club and then doing well. But the three days we have had so far, I got
so much enjoyment out of it. It's such a great feeling seeing how happy the
kids were and how much they were enjoying it."
Collison's main target, however, is to find a new club. He feels strong and
he knows his body now. "I've spent a lot of time researching," he says. "If
you wanted to talk about knees, I could probably talk about them for 10
hours."
And despite everything that has happened, he has remained positive. "I don't
think I have any choice," Collison says. "If ever I have a day where I feel
down, I just go and look at my daughter. She's my first child. It's so great
watching her grow and her personality grow."
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