Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign ended in defeat
on Sunday, as Newcastle United preserved their top-flight status with a 2-0
success at St James' Park. Moussa Sissoko broke the deadlock in the 54th
minute with a powerful downward header, before Jonas Gutierrez set the seal
on the Geordies' survival in the latter stages with a pinpoint low drive.
Stewart Downing had earlier been denied by Tim Krul, while Kevin Nolan fired
wide from the edge of the box against his old side, but this was well and
truly Newcastle's day. Not that the St James' Park crowd needed any stoking
up, they were almost celebrating the perfect start. Inside 60 seconds,
Emmanuel Riviere pounced on the loose ball from a right-wing cross, but
slashed his effort across the face of goal. On their big day, the hosts were
in no mood to sit back. In fact, for a game of this import, it was an
unusually open beginning. West Ham were giving as good as they got and might
have had an early spot kick. Enner Valencia cushioned Carl Jenkinson's cross
and though he fell to earth under Mike Williamson's challenge, Martin
Atkinson was unmoved. With six minutes on the clock, Riviere had another
dig, this time an acrobatic effort from Daryl Janmaat's centre. The
outcome, however, was much the same, with his volley sailing comfortably
wide of Adrian's near post. Reece Burke then got in the way of Gutierrez's
drive from the edge of the box, before Janmaat fired the rebound wide. But
it was West Ham who fashioned arguably the best chance of the half. Aaron
Cresswell slid it firmly into Stewart Downing's path in the inside left
channel and though the No11 tried to loft it over the advancing Tim Krul, he
rather scuffed it and the 'keeper smothered. As the half ticked on, the pace
inevitably let up. Newcastle were doing nothing of the sort. Jack Colback
swung in a deep cross from the left and Janmaat, arriving late at the far
post, should have done a whole lot better than the header he sent sailing
high and wide. Into first-half stoppage time it went and Janmaat set off on
a purposeful run towards goal but failed to hit the target again, dragging
his strike past Adrian's left-hand upright.
Newcastle twice went close in the opening moments of the second half.
Williamson's looping header from a Colback corner drifted past the far post,
but it was Riviere was passed up the golden opportunity. Janmaat skipped
past Cresswell and squared for the Frenchman, who, with only Adrian to beat,
made the meekest of connections and the chance went begging. But Sissoko
soon spared his teammate's blushes. Gutierrez's left-wing cross was an
inviting one and Sissoko rose above both Reid and Cresswell to power a
downward header beyond Adrian.
In response, Sam Allardyce withdrew Valencia and brought on Morgan
Amalfitano in his stead, but West Ham were struggling to carve out clear
chances. Cole met Jenkinson's cross from the right but nodded well over
Krul's crossbar. Skipper Nolan could have dented his former employer's
survival hopes. Cole's lay-off was perfect and Nolan's connection was good
enough, but while Krul scampered across his goal, the ball trickled beyond
the far post. The hosts, meanwhile, had a gilt-edged chance to settle it
late on. West Ham made a meal of a set piece and when Vurnon Anita robbed
Cresswell his path to Adrian's goal was unimpeded. He unselfishly if
unwisely tried to square it and Adrian was able to gather. The reprieve,
however, was short lived, as Gutierrez drove a low shot into the bottom
corner of Adrian's goal to spark wild celebrations among the Geordie
faithful. For the Hammers, defeat coupled with Crystal Palace's win over
Swansea, means they finish the season in 12th spot.
Newcastle United: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Williamson, Dummett, Anita,
Colback, Gutierrez, Sissoko, Riviere, Cisse
Subs: Woodman, Perez, Ameobi, Cabella, R.Taylor, De Jong, Gouffran
Goals: Sissoko 54, Gutierrez 85
Booked: Sissoko, Gutierrez
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Burke (Tomkins 69), Reid, Cresswell,
Song, Nolan (c), Kouyate (Lee 77), Downing, Valencia (Amalfitano 62), Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Jarvis, Nene
Booked: Amalfitano
Referee: Martin Atkinson
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Reid disappointed with closing defeat
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid admitted Sunday's final game defeat at Newcastle United was a
continuation of West Ham United's recent poor run. After sitting inside the
Barclays Premier League's top four at Christmas, the Hammers have dropped
down the table over the second half of the season, much to the
disappointment of Reid and his teammates. He says ending twelfth will leave
a sour taste in the mouth over the summer, but insists the east Londoners
will return stronger next term. "The last twelve-odd games have been poor
from our point of view and we'll go off on holiday really disappointed,"
said the No2. "It just hasn't been good enough in the latter part of the
season. It's something that we need to correct for when we come back in
after the summer and get back to what it was before Christmas time. "We
started the campaign really well. We've always been safe throughout the
season, but it's just unfortunate that we couldn't push on in the second
half of the season. We just didn't hit the form that we had before
Christmas."
Sunday's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside also marked the end of manager Sam
Allardyce's four years in charge and Reid is grateful for the chance given
to him by the 60-year-old "As players we've always backed him," he
explained. "I've worked with him professionally for four years and he's been
brilliant for me and brilliant for the Club. "He brought the Club up from
the Championship and has been in the Premier League for three years so
it'll be sad to see him go but that's the decision. "Thank you to him, all
he has done has been brilliant and now we all look forward to a new coach
and new season."
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Big Sam says his goodbyes
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has said his goodbyes to West Ham United after the Club
announced that the manager's contract will not be renewed this summer. Big
Sam leaves the Boleyn Ground after four years in charge during which he led
the Hammers to promotion and stabilised the Club in the Barclays Premier
League. On Sunday, his final game in charge saw the Hammers slump to a 2-0
defeat at Newcastle United and slip to a finishing position of 12th in the
table.
After the final whistle, and following discussions between the two parties
on Friday, the Club confirmed that the manager will not return next season
and Big Sam said goodbye to his backroom staff and players, shaking each by
the hand before leaving St James' Park.
Before doing so, he spoke to West Ham TV one final time to assess his four
seasons in east London.
"I've had a wonderful time," Big Sam began. "I think that when the challenge
got laid down I wondered whether coming into a club which had been relegated
was the right thing to do.
"I basically saw what a mess it was, but I'd signed a contract and committed
to the job. I got on with it and the journey, from after the first six
months – which was a real hard slog and graft and wasn't looking that clever
or feeling that comfortable – has only been really that small blip we had
last season with all the injuries that put us down in the relegation zone.
"Everything else has been great progress and I've enjoyed working at the
Club and the owners. I've taken great pride in working with a Club of this
size and the plan of re-establishing it back in the Premier League is what
I've done and what the owners asked me to achieve.
"I built a really good squad in the end. Altogether we've worked extremely
hard to build that squad and I've managed that squad to get into the
position we're in now and it's somebody else's turn.
"It's the right time for both of us. I look forward to the break and not
having to commit myself like you have to commit in this job. At the end of
the day, family is important and you have to sacrifice your family when
you're in this job.
"Time is right for the Club to move on and me to move on and for me to
recharge and refocus on whatever might be in a few months' time."
The manager's reign has been a rollercoaster, with promotion secured via the
Play-Offs, a comfortable tenth-place finish in the first season back in the
Premier League, a relegation battle last term followed by a season of two
halves in 2014/15.
Big Sam's tenure has attracted huge debate among West Ham supporters, so
what would the outgoing manager's message to those fans be on his departure
from E13?
"I think, like at any football club, there is always somebody who is
discontented with what you are doing and I've said before that the club in
itself, in terms of its support, is exceptionally good," he said.
"When things are not going well, they like to make themselves heard and you
accept that as a manager. I think, if you look back at what we've done and
how far we've come, you can't be too dissatisfied.
"You've got to look at the facts and look at what we've built with what
we've had to spend and how hard we've worked – and I'm not just talking
about me, my staff and the players, but the relationship with the owners in
terms of how to get that money for recruitment comes from them and their
support.
"I think we've done great. We've made mistakes but I don't think we've made
too many and, in the end, you've got a younger squad for someone else to
manage which has learnt an awful lot in the last 12 games, particularly
those who were in their first season in the Premier League. Up to Christmas,
they might have been thinking it wasn't as hard as they thought, but they
certainly know it's hard now.
"That experience of the downside will form the basis for the next manager
and hopefully make them better and more consistent for whoever is in charge
next year."
Sunday's game was a microcosm of West Ham's season, starting promisingly
before withering away in disappointing fashion late on.
Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Jonas Gutierrez saw Newcastle stay up and St
James' Park erupt with relief, but for everyone associated with the Hammers,
the feeling was one of wondering what might have been.
So, how did Big Sam assess a campaign very much of two halves?
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," said Big Sam. "Our build-up is fine, but the depth of
our quality of finishing is just not there and that's an area for someone
else now.
"Looking at the overall season, to a certain degree we have overcome the
defensive problems, but on the front line we have not had Diafra Sakho.
Without him, we've found goals hard to come by.
"Because Stewart hasn't kicked on, because Kevin Nolan hasn't done what he
normally does and because Enner Valencia hasn't scored enough goals, that
has been the biggest effect on our results.
"I've had no complaints about the way we have played until the second half
on Sunday, which I thought was really poor. I thought it was poor the way we
went about our task when we had Newcastle very nervous in the first half. We
let them off the hook and that was really disappointing.
"It's for somebody else to take the reins now and take the Club forward."
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West Ham: Sam Allardyce says decision to leave 'was mutual'
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has revealed he planned to leave West Ham United even if the
club had offered to renew his contract. Allardyce's departure was announced
within minutes of the end of West Ham's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United that
saw The Magpies stay in the Premier League.
The 60-year-old has spent four years at West Ham, but the Hammers have
decided not to renew his deal this summer. Allardyce said: "I didn't want to
stay. I suppose you could say it was mutual if they didn't want me to stay
either."
West Ham will now begin the search for a successor, although they look
likely to miss out on top target Rafael Benitez, as the Napoli boss is
linked with Real Madrid. "I thought it was the right time to leave - and
probably the right time for me and the club," added ex-Bolton and Newcastle
boss Allardyce, who now plans to take an extended break from the game.
Allardyce learned of his fate on Friday, but the news was made public on
Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of the 2014-15 Premier League season. In
a statement, joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We would
like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work since arriving
at the Boleyn Ground four years ago.
Allardyce's managerial career
Blackpool (1994-96): 102 games, 44 wins, 35 defeats, 23 draws. Lost in
Division Two play-offs to Bradford
Notts County (1997-99): 145 games, 56 wins, 50 defeats, 39 draws. Relegated
to Division Three but then won the title by 19 points
Bolton (1999-2007): 371 games, 153 wins, 114 defeats, 104 draws. Promoted to
the Premier League and finished sixth
Newcastle (2007-08): 24 games, eight wins, 10 defeats, six draws
Blackburn (2008-10): 90 games, 32 wins, 34 defeats, 24 draws
West Ham (2011-15): 181 games, 68 wins, 67 defeats, 46 draws. Won promotion
to the Premier League
"He leaves the club in a considerably better state than when he arrived and,
for that, the board are truly grateful."
Allardyce said: "I knew it was coming and I have no problems with it. We had
the discussion and I wasn't going to sign a new contract so it was probably
time to move on. "It's done and dusted and we both move on. West Ham have a
big job appointing a new manager moving forward and I have the job of seeing
my family for a change. This job is 24/7 and it's time for me to give the
family a bit more time."
Sullivan and Gold want a new manager to oversee the club's final season at
their current home before a move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17
campaign.
West Ham finishing positions under Allardyce
Finishing positions 2011-12: 3rd Championship (Promoted via play-offs);
2012-13: 10th (of 20) Premier League; 2013-14: 13th; 2014-15: 12th
Record by competition
Premier League - Games: 114; W: 35; D: 28; L: 51; Win%: 31
Championship - Games: 49; W: 27; D: 14; L: 8; Win%: 55
League Cup - Games: 10; W: 5; D: 1; L: 4; Win%: 50
FA Cup - Games: 8; W: 1; D: 3; L: 4; Win%: 13
All - Games: 181; W: 68; D: 46; L: 67; Win%: 38 (Stats: Opta)
The statement was released just minutes after West Ham lost their final
Premier League game of the season 2-0 at Newcastle - a result which ensured
their opponents avoided relegation and meant the Hammers finished 12th.
Allardyce says he has no intention of making a quick return to football,
adding: "For me four years is a long time and I don't want to overstay my
welcome. You have to commit your whole life to being a Premier League
manager. "It's time to have that break. I'm looking to have a break,
recharge the batteries and when the batteries are recharged you are better
prepared to carry on doing the job at this level. "It's not just a job I'm
after, it's the right job. You can never say never but I can't see myself
being in charge of another football club at the start of next season."
West Ham United's supporters made it clear what they felt of the unloved
Allardyce as abuse rained down from the stands at St James' Park as they
lost to Newcastle United. And while it is true the 60-year-old is a
managerial taste that will never be acquired by some, Allardyce can rightly
be pleased with his four years at Upton Park. The brief from owners David
Sullivan and David Gold was to get The Hammers into the Premier League and
keep them there - two missions he accomplished comfortably. Allardyce, in
other words, has done a solid job at West Ham and it will take a lot to move
them even further forward. He may not have been a popular figure among the
fanbase - not that he seemed to care - but this is a manager who did what he
was asked to do. For that he deserves respect and credit.
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'West Ham way' target for new boss after Sam Allardyce exit
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have set a list of criteria as they sift through a shortlist of
candidates to replace Sam Allardyce as manager of the Premier League club.
Allardyce, 60, will not be signing a new deal to remain Hammers boss. Owners
David Gold and David Sullivan want an ambitious boss to take the club to
"the next level" and win trophies. The candidate will be expected to
understand the club, its fans and culture, and can encourage the 'West Ham
way' of playing attacking football. Gold believes the Hammers, who finished
the season 12th, are almost certain to have qualified for the Europa League
via a Uefa Fair Play place.
What is the 'West Ham way'?
Generally thought by some West Ham fans to be a brand of attacking football
where the team goes for goals, such as when the club won the FA Cup three
times between 1965 and 1980 Critics question whether such a philosophy can
exist alongside a target of winning trophies, and bringing young players
through from the club's academy Based on the approach where defenders bring
the ball out from the back as typified by Bobby Moore, and later through the
likes of Alvin Martin and Rio Ferdinand. In his biography, former Manchester
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I hope that before I die someone can
explain the 'West Ham way'. What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the
FA Cup."
Allardyce, after four years with the club in which he won promotion and
ensured Premier League stability but was criticised by some sections of the
fanbase for a supposedly negative approach, was told on Friday his contract
would not be renewed. West Ham are content with taking their time over
appointing a replacement, with the club preparing for their final season at
the Boleyn Ground before moving across East London to the Olympic Stadium in
time for the 2016-17 season. Gold and Sullivan themselves are leading the
hunt for Allardyce's replacement and have drawn up a list of candidates,
although one contender - former Liverpool manager and current Napoli boss
Rafael Benitez - is being strongly linked with a move to Spanish side Real
Madrid. The new boss is likely to oversee a European campaign starting in
July, with Gold saying the club is "99.9% certain" to have reached the
Europa League through the Fair Play criteria, which is expected to be
confirmed this week. Club sources say Gold and Sullivan are looking for a
manager who understands the culture surrounding West Ham, and will be
enthused by the stadium move. The successful candidate will also be expected
to promote the club's academy and give young players a chance to break
through into the first team.
Bookmakers' favourites for West Ham job
Slaven Bilic (Odds as of 23:00 BST, 24 May: 1-2. Age: 46) Wants the job and
has just left Turkish side Besiktas, but has no managerial experience in the
Premier League and would be a big risk. Former head coach of the Croatia
national team, was a popular player at Upton Park in the mid-1990s.
David Moyes (Odds: 4-1. Age: 51) Stock is higher following successful six
months with Real Sociedad after flopping at Manchester United. Did a
creditable job previously at Everton, although may fancy more time in Spain
before any return to the Premier League.
Unai Emery (Odds: 5-1. Age: 43) Sevilla head coach considered a hot
property, and has drawn comparisons with Jose Mourinho. Also linked with a
move to Read Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti is replaced.
Steve McClaren (Odds: 10-1. Age: 54) Former England manager would fit West
Ham owners' prototype of going for managers with top-flight experience.
McClaren's future at Derby County is unclear, although he could be courted
by Newcastle.
line
As players paid tribute to the departing manager, Allardyce said that
attacking options were likely to be a focus for his successor.
"We can't finish and we can't score and that's become ever more apparent in
the last few weeks," he told West Ham's official website.
"Our build-up is fine, but the depth of our quality of finishing is just not
there and that's an area for someone else now."
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West Ham to break the 100k barrier for the right man
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 25th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are preparing to push the boat out in order to land the right
manager to succeed the recently-departed Sam Allardyce.
60-year-old Allardyce ended his four-year association with the Hammers
moments after the final whistle had blown in the match against Newcastle at
St James' Park on Sunday afternoon - a game the hosts won 2-0.
And KUMB understands that the club are prepared to pay a figure well in
excess of top earner Andy Carroll's near-£5million salary in order to secure
the big-name signing required to lead the club into the Olympic Stadium
little more than a year from now.
Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and long-term target Rafa Benitez are three
names hovering near the top of the Board's wish list tonight and would
certainly command a salary close to that figure.
Whilst Benitez remains the favoured candidate of at least one Board member,
despite having expressed interest in the West Ham post he is believed to
favour a return to Real Madrid where he spent seven years as a player during
the 1970s and '80s.
Further along the chain, Benitez's opportunities of returning to the
Bernabeu rest upon Real's decision with regard to 55-year-old Ancelotti, who
is rumoured be facing the sack two years into a three year contract in
Spain. His future will be determined at a meeting later this week.
Should both Benitez and Ancelotti reject West Ham's overtures, Klopp remains
an unlikely yet tantalising prospect.
Although it was suggested last week that he had ruled himself out of the
running, it is now thought that may not be the case - even if the current
Dortmund boss' signature is being sought by a string of top clubs searching
for a new manager this summer.
Who'll fill the Boleyn hotseat next?
Meanwhile last week's odds-on favourite Slaven Bilic remains a further
option should none of the club's main targets accept the vacancy. Out of
contract at the end of the season, the 46-year-old is tempted by the
opportunity to manage in England.
As reported on KUMB last week, Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa has also been
sounded out whilst Seville manager Unai Emery's name continued to be linked
with the post - although reports emerging from Italy on Sunday claimed he
has agreed to join Milan.
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Thanks Sam, say Sullivan and Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham united's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have paid tribute
to Sam Allardyce, on the day that told him he was no longer wanted at West
Ham.
The 60-year-old's association with the club came to an abrupt end after four
years this afternoon when the club confirmed he would not be considered for
a new contract via their website.
And despite having wanted shot of him for several months, Sullivan and
partner Gold jointly released a statement praising his achievements.
"We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce for his valuable work
since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago," they said. "He leaves
the Club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that,
the Board are truly grateful.
"However, we have made the decision not to renew his contract, so we now
have the chance to appoint a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us
into two of the most exciting years in our great Club's history.
"Our target is to recruit a manager that will build a team capable of saying
a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground next year and do justice to the
outstanding surrounds we will call home from August 2016.
"We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates that have
expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a manager with
the credentials to take this Club on to new heights.
"From our point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier
League at present."
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Irons couldn't say goodbye to Sam fast enough!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
In the end it couldn't have been quicker.
The statement had been prepared and was on the official site at precisely
4.50 – that's how badly the board wanted Sam Allardyce gone.
No end of season review…no special board meeting – the decision had been
made weeks back but even this morning ClaretandHugh received a phone call
telling us to say nothing about the fact that he'd be gone within seconds of
the whistle blowing in Newcastle.
We were told: "We need a result up there – do nothing that could impact on
the result but he'll be gone a soon as the game is done."
In fact it was all pretty well known by then but it was none the less pretty
embarrassing when the end finally came!
"Game lost 2-0 – the statement is up and you are no longer our manager."
It's been a long haul but behind the scenes the game has been up for a long
time. And the reasons he was sacked are exactly the same as those the fans
screaming for his departure have held.
The board are desperate to see the West Ham fans being entertained by the
type of football which they and many of us were brought up on. They knew it
wasn't going to happen under the former manager -how good does that sound?
But there was a much bigger reason for the decision to say goodbye to the
old bruiser from Dudley- and as quickly as possible: THE FANS.
Time and again in conversations with leading figures inside the club over
the past few months I was told: "He has not healed that relationship with
them and it is critical. The club is divided down the middle and it can't go
on. We've all had enough."
So the issue that has monopolised us for months and months is no more – it
all has something of a dream like quality about it.
FORMER MANAGER Sam Allardyce is no more – we have our club back at last and
now let's unite and put this dreadful last two years to bed once and for
all.
We all deserve tonight…and we all deserve a rest!
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Unai Emery is bookies second favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
The announcement that West Ham will not be renewing Sam Allardyce's contract
has opened up the betting markets, all keen to make money guessing his
successor. No less than ten bookmakers are now running books on his
replacement.
Slaven Bilic remains the outright odds on favourite across all ten
bookmakers ranging from 1/5 to a more generous 5/6.
A new second favourite has emerged in the shape of Unai Emery being quoted
with odds as short as 5/2 by Sky Bet but as much as 7/1 by Betfair. David
Moyes remains as third favourite followed by Roberto Di Matteo as fourth
favourite.
43 year old Emery made his name as manager of Valencia, winning 49% of his
games in charge before a six-month stint as Spartak Moscow manager. He has
been back in Spain with Sevilla since January 2013, Emery won the Europa
League trophy last season and now has Sevilla in the final of the same
competition again this season. Sevilla finished in fifth place in the La
Liga table.
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Legend Parkes so glad Allardyce has gone!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham legend Phil Parkes is delighted that Sam Allardyce is gone! In a no
punches pulled exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh the brilliant former
keeper declared as we told him the news: "So it's official – thank God." And
he added: "I'm not surprised. I didn't watch the game today just as I have
tried to avoid watching for the past two or three months. I can't watch that
stuff and I have felt so sorry for our fans who have paid to do so. It's
been dreadful."
Parksey poured brutal scorn on every reason for keeping Allardyce declaring:
"They say he keeps teams up but had it not been for a good start we'd have
been in the same position as Newcastle today, or perhaps even worse."I've
never seen him as a safer pair of hands than many but I've seen him provide
come awful football. Some of it has been as bad as anything I've seen at
this club."
Never a lover of the Allardyce 'brand,' Phil finally lost it with him when
the cupped ear incident happened against Hull last season.
He said: "You don't do that to our fans who are the greatest around. He
never bought into the history of this amazing club or the passion of those
fantastic supporters and that was his biggest problem.""John Lyall would
have come out afterwards and apologised to them if a team of his had played
like that and said the opposition should have won as they deserved. John
understood the way West Ham managers behave. Sam didn't. "This has been a
long time coming and I'm glad the Sam era has gone, We deserve a quality
manager for our quality supporters and quality club. But I'll leave it to
the owners to find him.."
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Maiga to return pre season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Maiga came on as a second half substitute for Metz's last game of the season
to complete his season long loan for the French outfit. Despite his
appearance on 56 minutes Metz lost their final game to Lille 4-1. Metz are
relegated from Ligue 1 which former Metz striker Diafra Sakho help them
achieve. In the 2013–14 season Sakho scored 20 goals in 36 appearances as
Metz won the Ligue 2 title. For his performances, Sakho was voted Ligue 2
Player of the Year for the 2013–14 season.
Maiga will now report back for training with West Ham in late June when the
pre season campaign begins unless a new loan deal can be found. Maiga signed
West Ham for a reported £4.7m from Sochaux scoring 6 goals for the Hammers
from 37 appearances.
Metz were thought to paying just £6,000 of Maiga £30,000 per week wages. He
has one year remaining on his West Ham contract worth around £1.5m in wages.
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Daily WHUFC News - Official Statement
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the search for a new manager after the Club
decided not to renew the contract of Sam Allardyce following the conclusion
of the 2014/15 season.
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold will now oversee the
recruitment process for a new manager to lead the Club into one of the most
exciting eras in its history. The Hammers will bid an emotional farewell to
the Boleyn Ground, their home of more than 110 years, next season before the
Club moves to London's premier state-of-the-art 54,000 seater stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in August 2016.
The Board has already compiled a shortlist of replacements for Allardyce and
will be making significant transfer funds available for the successful
candidate.
In a statement, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have paid
tribute to Allardyce's contributions and explained what they will be looking
for in their new manager. "We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce
for his valuable work since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago,"
they said. "He leaves the Club in a considerably better state then when he
arrived and, for that, the Board are truly grateful. "However, we have made
the decision not to renew his contract, so we now have the chance to appoint
a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us into two of the most exciting
years in our great Club's history. "Our target is to recruit a manager that
will build a team capable of saying a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground
next year and do justice to the outstanding surrounds we will call home from
August 2016. "We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates
that have expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a
manager with the credentials to take this Club on to new heights. "From our
point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier League at
present."
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the search for a new manager after the Club
decided not to renew the contract of Sam Allardyce following the conclusion
of the 2014/15 season.
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold will now oversee the
recruitment process for a new manager to lead the Club into one of the most
exciting eras in its history. The Hammers will bid an emotional farewell to
the Boleyn Ground, their home of more than 110 years, next season before the
Club moves to London's premier state-of-the-art 54,000 seater stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in August 2016.
The Board has already compiled a shortlist of replacements for Allardyce and
will be making significant transfer funds available for the successful
candidate.
In a statement, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have paid
tribute to Allardyce's contributions and explained what they will be looking
for in their new manager. "We would like to start by thanking Sam Allardyce
for his valuable work since arriving at the Boleyn Ground four years ago,"
they said. "He leaves the Club in a considerably better state then when he
arrived and, for that, the Board are truly grateful. "However, we have made
the decision not to renew his contract, so we now have the chance to appoint
a new manager with a new philosophy to lead us into two of the most exciting
years in our great Club's history. "Our target is to recruit a manager that
will build a team capable of saying a fitting farewell to the Boleyn Ground
next year and do justice to the outstanding surrounds we will call home from
August 2016. "We have already been impressed with the quality of candidates
that have expressed an interest in the role and fully expect to appoint a
manager with the credentials to take this Club on to new heights. "From our
point of view there isn't a more exciting job in the Premier League at
present."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Daily WHUFC News -Allardyce gone
Allardyce gone - just seconds after the final whistle
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce's contract will not be
renewed this summer. The manager - who saw his side succumb to a
disappointing 2-0 defeat at St James Parl this afternoon - wasn't even given
the opportunity to break the news himself, as West Ham confirmed he will not
be retained as soon as the final whistle sounded. That move - dismissed by
some supporters as "classless" - meant that Allardyce had to face the press
with all fully aware he is now out of a job.
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Sam Allardyce leaves West Ham - three minutes after season ends
West Ham confirm manager has left his post and they are searching for a
replacement within moments of final whistle at Newcastle
By Telegraph Sport
5:01PM BST 24 May 2015
Sam Allardyce has left his position as West Ham manager just three minutes
after the club's season ended at Newcastle. The news was confirmed in a
tweet from West Ham's official Twitter account, posted moments after the
final whistle blew on their 2-0 defeat at St James' Park. The club have been
thwarted in their efforts to persuade Rafael Benitez to join, as the
Spaniard is set to take over at Real Madrid this week as the replacement for
Carlo Ancelotti. That means their attention is likely to turn to Steve
McClaren, Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, their former defender Slaven Bilic and
possible former Manchester United manager David Moyes.
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KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th May 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce's contract will not be
renewed this summer. The manager - who saw his side succumb to a
disappointing 2-0 defeat at St James Parl this afternoon - wasn't even given
the opportunity to break the news himself, as West Ham confirmed he will not
be retained as soon as the final whistle sounded. That move - dismissed by
some supporters as "classless" - meant that Allardyce had to face the press
with all fully aware he is now out of a job.
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Sam Allardyce leaves West Ham - three minutes after season ends
West Ham confirm manager has left his post and they are searching for a
replacement within moments of final whistle at Newcastle
By Telegraph Sport
5:01PM BST 24 May 2015
Sam Allardyce has left his position as West Ham manager just three minutes
after the club's season ended at Newcastle. The news was confirmed in a
tweet from West Ham's official Twitter account, posted moments after the
final whistle blew on their 2-0 defeat at St James' Park. The club have been
thwarted in their efforts to persuade Rafael Benitez to join, as the
Spaniard is set to take over at Real Madrid this week as the replacement for
Carlo Ancelotti. That means their attention is likely to turn to Steve
McClaren, Bournemouth's Eddie Howe, their former defender Slaven Bilic and
possible former Manchester United manager David Moyes.
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Daily WHUFC News - 24th May 2015
Preview - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
In brief
West Ham United travel to the North East to play relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the final game of the 2014/15 season. John Carver's side have their fate in their hands, knowing that a win on Sunday will secure their Premier League status. So long as Hull City don't beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium, the Magpies will be safe whatever the result. As for the Hammers, despite slipping to eleventh following Romelu Lukaku's last minute winner for Everton, they still have a chance of finishing in the top ten. Sam Allardyce, on his return to his former employers, will need a win and hope other results go his way to give his side any chance. Should the Irons win it would take them to a respectable 50 points, their highest total since returning to the top flight. Another aspect for the travelling Hammers is the matter of qualification to the Europa League via the Fair Play League. West Ham, currently in pole position, will want to maintain their clean disciplinary record to ensure Euopean football returns to east London.
Who are they?
Newcastle United have a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in English football. Created in 1881 when local sides Stanley and Rosewood merged together, their first taste of glory came in 1898 when they won promotion to the First Division. They have been crowned First Division champions four times, way back in 1904/05, 1906/07, 1908/09 and 1926/27. Further glory has come in the form of the FA Cup which they have won six times, most recently in 1955. More recently, the Magpies have come close to ending their barren run, finishing second in 1996 and 1997 as well as being FA Cup runners up in 1998 and 1999.
Team news
Newcastle United
Newcastle's slide down the table has not been helped by a lengthy injury list. Adam Armstrong and Siem De Jong (both hip) could make a return to action tomorrow, however Carver will be without Rob Elliot (thigh), Jak Alnwick (wrist), Massadio Haidara and Cheik Tiote (both knee). Steven Taylor (calf) is a long-term absentee, who isn't expected back before October.
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without James Collins (calf) who came off early against Everton, however they are boosted by the return to fitness of James Tomkins. Sam Allardyce will have to choose between in-from Reece Burke or Tomkins to partner Winston Reid at the heart of defence.
The Hammers are still without Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Doneil Henry who will all hopefully be back in action in time for the start of next season.
Referee
Sunday's referee is West Riding registered Martin Atkinson. The highly rated official has been a Premier League referee since 2005, AND in a decade in the top flight he has taken charge of 264 matches, dishing out 892 yellow and 51 red cards. Atkinson's exploits as one of the best referees in the game has been recognised by taking charge of six Champions League games this season, most recently the semi-final first leg between Juventus and Real Madrid. In 45 games in 2014/15, he has given out a total of 174 yellow cards and ten reds. West Ham have a superb record when Atkinson is in charge. This term they are unbeaten in four games. Among them were the famous 2-1 win over Manchester City as well as the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Leicester City and Hull City. Sunday's assistant referees are Mike Mullarkey and Stephen Child, Kevin Friend is the Fourth Official.
One to watch
Newcastle United
Spanish striker Ayoze Perez has impressed in his first year in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in total, and after a relatively dry spell – he scored his first goal of 2015 on 25 April against Swansea City, he has now scored twice in the last four games. The former Tenerife player will want to cap off a promising season with a goal at home. Should he score the winner on Sunday he'll become an instant hero for Newcastle fans.
West Ham United
Kevin Nolan could feature after missing the Everton game. The Hammers' captain is a very popular figure on Tyneside having helped them back into the Premier League. The experienced midfielder is just one goal shy of his 100th league strike.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For directions on how to get to the stadium, click here.
For all the information you need regarding train times, click here for National RaiL website.
Weather
Sunday is set to be a cloudy day with sunny intervals. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a 13C (55F). It should be dry throughout the day, making the long journey slightly easier.
Last meeting
Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
24 August 2013
The last time the two sides played each other at St. James Park was near the beginning of the 2013/14 season.
In a drab game, neither side created much – the Hammers mustered up the single shot on target but it came to nothing.
Newcastle United: Krul, Coloccini, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Debuchy, Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Marveaux (Ameobi 66), Cisse (Gouffran 72), Ameobi
Subs not used: Elliot, Dummett, Gosling, Bigirimana, Vuckic
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Morrison 75), Downing (J Cole 64), Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Diarra, Vaz Te
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Kouyate urges Hammers to dream big
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate insists his beloved Hammers have every right to have high hopes as the Club enters arguably one of the most important eras of its history. Despite an illustrious history, silverware has proved to be illusive for the Irons of late, save for several promotions. However, with the Club's move to the new Stadium just a little over 12 months away, the 25-year-old midfielder believes the Hammers are not far from emulating past glories. "The club is very ambitious. We want to secure European football for our first year in the new Stadium. Anything can happen in football, you just need to believe. "We want to have a good season next year and leave Upton Park in as higher position as possible. We want to make the people happy. The new Stadium is an immense arena, it is perfect for big matches so we need a big season to set ourselves up for that."
Since joining the Hammers from Belgian outfit Anderlecht FC last summer, Kouyate has adapted to life in the Premier League remarkably well. His all-action performances as well as never-say-die attitude have helped him to win over fans and players alike. Further encouragement, if it were needed, is the fact that the Senegalese international has improved as the season has developed. Kouyate capped off an encouraging debut season in east London by winning the Performance of the Season award for his dominating display against Manchester United in February. However, while the larger-than-life character has impressed in his 34 appearances, he is quick to put the collective good of the team over any personal accolades. "It's not very important to be Man of the Match against Everton because we lost the game. I would prefer to have won the match because it was an important game to try and achieve our goal of finishing in the top half. But we lost the game so winning Man of the Match isn't important to me on this occasion."
Talking ahead of the Hammers' final game of the season with an away trip to relegation-threatened Newcastle, Kouyate continued to explain that his teammates are fully focused on trying to finish the season as strongly as possible. Sunday's match will also have a crucial baring on whether the Hammers qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play League. "Our aim is to finish in the top half so we will go to Newcastle, play hard and try to win. We're not thinking about Hull, Newcastle or anyone else but ourselves. "Of course, if we are in the Europa League that will change our holiday plans but in football you need to make sacrifices and I'm willing to sacrifice everything. "I have experience of playing European football when I was at Anderlecht so I know what it's like to play in the biggest competition, it gives you goosebumps. Holidays can wait. I know I'll always pick playing European football over a holiday. Playing in top competitions are what our dreams are made of."
While Kouyate is convinced that the Hammers are on course for a bright future, he was keen to stress how much he has enjoyed his debut season while praising the key role manager Sam Allardyce had in persuading him to choose the Hammers over several European heavyweights.
"I can't speak for the other players, but the reason I am at West Ham is because of the manager. We don't know what will happen in the future, but yes, I would like the manager to stay. "He gave me the chance to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League. If it hadn't been for him, I would probably be playing in Spain for Valencia. Sam did everything he could to persuade me to come here. He took time out from his holiday and made sacrifices to call me so I am very thankful for that. "That personal touch was very important for me. It's been a dream come true for me and my family. The day I told my father I was coming to West Ham, he cried. It was a defining moment in my career and my life. "I love England, I love London, and it's an amazing City. I really love the atmosphere at the Club. I felt very welcome when I arrived here, it feels like home. That's thanks to the staff, the fans and the Chairmen. Also the players of course, especially Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Guy Demel, they helped me to settle in a lot."
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On this day - 24 May
WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Keith Coleman
Born: Washington, County Durham, 24 May 1951
Clubs: Sunderland, West Ham United, KV Mechelen, Darlington, Hendon
Keith Coleman, who collected an European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up medal whilst with the Hammers in 1976, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Born in the North East, he began his career with Sunderland and made his debut in 1971. Two years later he moved on to West Ham United for a £20,000 transfer fee. The full-back played 118 games for the Hammers in all competitions and although he did not play in the 1975 FA Cup win, he was involved throughout the next season's European adventure, which ended in a final defeat by Anderlecht in Brussels.
After his time at the Hammers, he returned to Belgium for two years with KV Mechelen, before ending his playing career with non-league side Hendon.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Premier League
24 May 2009
West Ham United kept hold of their top-half position with a final-day victory over Middlesbrough on this day four years ago. Middlesbrough were in the relegation zone, and needed to win to give themselves hope of avoiding the drop to the second tier, but despite Gary O'Neil's second-half equaliser, they were unable to claim the result they required and went down to the Championship. The Hammers established a 33rd-minute lead through Carlton Cole, and recovered from that second half blow from O'Neil - a future West Ham player - to take all three points thanks to Junior Stanislas. It meant that Gianfranco Zola's men ended with 51 points from their 38 games, enough to secure ninth position in the Premier League table.
Complete record
1947 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
2009 West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 2, Conceded 3
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Sam Allardyce not on revenge mission against Newcastle
Last Updated: 23/05/15 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he will not be on a revenge mission when his West Ham team face his old club Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.
Allardyce's reign on Tyneside ended in disappointment in 2008 when he parted company with the club after just eight months at the helm, a decision that he described as a "shock". West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday knowing that if they win or draw, and Hull beat Manchester United, the Magpies will drop into the Sky Bet Championship. But, Hammers manager Allardyce claims he is not motivated by revenge and is only interested in his own team's fortunes. "It's not about what happens to Newcastle for me. Some have suggested that I'm all up for us winning to send them down, but it's far too far down the road for any of that stuff," he said. "It's been a long time since we parted company and looking back to the past is never what I've been about because you can't affect what happens in the past. You learn from it and move on to the future. "Since Newcastle I've had a fantastic time at Blackburn and then here, at West Ham. It's nearly seven years since I left Newcastle. "I'm up for winning on Sunday for West Ham because that's where I work and we want to finish with the 50 points we targeted at the start of the season. Hopefully we can achieve that goal."
Sunday could be Allardyce's final match as Hammers boss with his contract set to expire this summer, and he admits it has been a frustrating end to the season. "We're all disappointed that we haven't achieved more than we have done," said Allardyce. "We could have had a great season and matched, with a bit more luck, the best season West Ham have had.
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Kevin Nolan ready for 'emotional' day which may relegate Newcastle
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits it will be tough to face former club Newcastle this weekend knowing a West Ham win could relegate the Magpies. Kevin Nolan has already lost once on the Premier League stage this week, and would rather not make it two on Sunday even if it causes pain for a former team. The West Ham captain joined team-mates Joey O'Brien and James Collins at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, on the final night of the Premier League Darts season, to take on rugby legend Mike Tindall in an exhibition darts match. The Hammers trio were soundly defeated by Tindall's impressive performance on the oche, but Nolan is determined he won't be beaten on the football pitch when he returns to the North East to take on Newcastle on Sunday. The 32-year-old spent two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and was part of the team that was relegated from the Premier League under Alan Shearer in 2009. A draw or defeat on Sunday could see John Carver's side go down if Hull beat Manchester United, but Nolan is adamant he will be trying to win the match, even though it will be "strange" to be part of the occasion. "It will be emotional going back up there again," he told Sky Sports at the O2 Arena. "I have such a good rapport with all the fans. It's going to be a bit of a strange one. We have got to do it properly and try and go for the win because we want to finish as high as possible. "But it's such a shame, seeing it from the outside, seeing where they are again after what happened not so long ago. It just shows how easy it is and how tough this league is that you can never ever rest on your laurels and you have to keep plugging away.
"I am hoping for the best for them, I must admit, for all of the great friends and family I have got up there. My little boy's a Geordie, so I am hoping that's going to be OK, but we've just got to go there and be as professional as possible."
Nolan signed for West Ham in 2011 when they had just been relegated to the Championship themselves and says he is proud to have helped the team secure their Premier League status in the past few seasons. The team has lost seven of its last 11 Premier League games, but victory on Sunday could see them secure a top-half finish once again. "We have had such a fantastic three years back in the Premier League," he added. "To not be in and around the relegation scrap, it's been a long time. "First year we bounced right back up, finished 10th, 12th last year and we've got an opportunity to finish 10th again. "That's three solid seasons which have had their ups and downs, but overall since I have come to the club and Sam [Allardyce] has come to the club, we have a lot to be proud of."
Nolan was speaking on stage following an exhibition darts match organised by shirt sponsors Betway ahead of Gary Anderson's victory in the Premier League Darts final. The West Ham players were treated to walk-on-girls, top darts referee Russ Bray and Sky Sports cameras capturing their every move.
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Stewart Downing insists West Ham will not let Newcastle off the hook
Last Updated: 23/05/15 7:49am
SSN
Stewart Downing insisted West Ham United will not take it easy at Newcastle United on Survival Sunday as they bid to end the season on a high. In an interview with Sunday's Soccer Special, the former Liverpool winger reflected on the Hammers' season, which started promisingly but faded as the campaign wore on. West Ham looked to be on course for a top-seven finish after an impressive first half of the season, but a run of just two wins in 15 league games ended such hopes. European qualification is still possible via the Fair Play Table, but Downing is not focusing on anything other than possibly earning the win that relegates Newcastle on Sunday, should Hull beat Manchester United. "We need to get a good result against Newcastle", Downing said. "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League. "We need to finish strong, get a good result and I'm confident we'll get a win at Newcastle."
It has been a difficult season for Newcastle fans on and off the pitch, and should West Ham take the lead at St James' Park, Downing is fully aware of how the terraces will react. "It will be difficult for the new players," he added. "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result. "I am surprised; it's a massive club, isn't it? It's been disappointing for them. The run where they lost a lot of games has obviously affected them. Carver has gone in there trying to do a good job, but it's been difficult for him. "But we have to think about ourselves and win the game."
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Newcastle will have to fight for survival against West Ham, warns Stewart Downing
18:08, 23 MAY 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers are hoping to end their season on a high by defeating the troubled Toon and possibly condemning them to relegation to the Championship
The Mirror
West Ham will not roll over to allow Newcastle their Premier League safety, according to Stewart Downing. Newcastle have to match or better the result of Hull on the final day of the league season to secure their place in the top flight. The Magpies ave only picked up one point out of their last possible 30, which has sent them tumbling down the Premier League table at a rapid rate. West Ham, however, have not been in prolific form themselves having only picked up two league wins since the end of January. But versatile midfielder Downing has warned Newcastle that the Hammers are not going to give them an easy route to safety - as they intend to end their topsy-turvy campaign on a high. Speaking to Sky Sports, Downing said: "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League." Downing says that he is fully prepared for the hostile environment at St. James' Park should West Ham take the lead on Sunday. And he believes that if the Newcastle fans do start turning on their own players, it will only serve to aid the Hammers. He said: "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result." In the other relegation showdown, Hull have to beat Manchester United otherwise they will be relegated to the Championship.
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Newcastle to gamble on half-fit Papiss Cisse against West Ham in desperate bid for survival
22:30, 23 MAY 2015
BY COLIN YOUNG
The Senegal striker hasn't started since early March and John Carver has admitted he shouldn't even be in contention following a knee operation last month
The Mirror
John Carver is ready to gamble on the fitness of top scorer Papiss Cisse in a desperate bid to avoid relegation on Sunday. The stand-in Newcastle boss has admitted the Senegal striker shouldn't even be in consideration for a start in the final day clash with West Ham after a knee operation last month and is clearly not fully fit. But Carver, who insists he has "no regrets" over his reign, and still wants the St James' hot-seat full-time, knows Cisse is his best chance of goals. A win for Newcastle over West Ham will guarantee Premier League football on Tyneside next season. But, if they fail to win, they need Hull City not to beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium to be safe. Cisse's fitness will be vital for Newcastle and Carver said: "Truthfully, we had written him off for the season after what he went through, but he has put himself up for the fight so great, brilliant. "He has come back quicker than expected, but we saw at QPR he wasn't right. But sometimes that happens when you come off the bench. "When you start a game, because your preparation is different and your start is different, you feed into a game better. Gary Speed used to be a dreadful sub. "He was a nightmare. He used to say, 'I'm useless coming in off the bench', so it does vary on individuals. "The fact is Papiss has had another full week's training, going into the game and, if we start him, he will be in a better frame of mind. But he deserves so much credit that he actually wants to be selected and he was so disappointed he didn't start last week, which is testament to him."
Newcastle have won just two of Carver's 19 games in charge and slipped alarmingly down the Premier League table, against a backdrop of fans' protests over Mike Ashley's running of the club. After Sunderland's shock draw at Arsenal on Wednesday, Newcastle are now in an anxious last relegation place showdown with Hull, which seemed implausible when Carver took over from Alan Pardew in January. And he knows he will get updates from the KC Stadium. "I don't think we'll be able to escape from it," he said. "There is everybody in the crowd, you've got Sky there, telling everyone, and members of staff will be running round, but I just have to stay focused on us. "But, as the game develops after half-time, it does come into your way of thinking of certain situations for definite." Even though his job was offered to Steve McClaren after meltdown at Leicester earlier this month, Carver maintains he would do it all again – and still wants the role full-time. He said: "I've been in this job five months and I don't think any other manager would have to deal with the things I've had to deal with in their whole careers, never mind five months. "But, in a really strange way, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I got softened up a little bit when Alan was here and Alan was taking a bit of abuse and I think I got used to it. "It is not a nice thing to accept, but I am definitely a stronger person and, whatever happens on Sunday, I'll be better for it, one way or the other.
"And, if I had the chance again, I would do exactly the same, say yes I want this job and do it my way. I would just like to think I would have a bit more luck and fortune. "I'd still do it all again."
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Carlo Ancelotti is surprise third favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is a surprise joint third favourite this morning to become the next West Ham manager. Although two bookmakers have suspended taking any further money on the next West Ham manager, one of the remaining two bookies, Sky Bet has installed Ancelotti as an unlikely joint 16/1 chance along with Rafa Benitez and Steve McLaren. David Moyes is second favourite at 8/1 but Slaven Bilic remains the massive odds on favourite at 1/4. In his pre match conference Sam Allardyce earlier this week joked Ancelotti would be the next name linked: 'This time though it's more the speculation over the other managers that seem to be taking my position.Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line."
Four years ago Ancelotti said he would manage West Ham. 'I would coach West Ham – why not? It's a challenge to manage a team in the Championship. The atmosphere at West Ham is amazing. It doesn't matter if you manage a top team or a smaller team.It's more important to work. I was happy to train in the second division when I was learning.When you manage, you don't think about the money. It has never been a motivation for me.'
However it appears Ancelotti is planning a sabbatical if he gets the sack. Speaking after yesterday's game he said: "My future is clear in my head, either I stay here at Real Madrid, or I stop for one year."
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Allardyce to leave West Ham on Sunday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Jason Burt writing for the Sunday Telegraph has suggested Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham immediately following Sunday's match against Newcastle. Burt writes: "Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United." He also suggests "West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week."
He says the soon to be former West Ham manager has received "an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal.There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce."
Finally Burt says "What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park."
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Michael Owen predicts a West Ham win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Newcastle Striker Michael Owen predicts a West Ham away win tomorrow at St James Park "You can't just flick a switch and play well because you need to, and recent form tells you that Newcastle are the worst side in the league side at the moment. And by some distance, too." said Owen. "So I think if any side is going to take all three points here then it is West Ham, for all that they have only won away three times this season and are hardly finishing their campaign in blistering form either. I go 1-0 or 2-1 to West Ham"
Meanwhile so called pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts that Newcastle and West Ham will draw 1-1 on Sunday. However Paul Merson predicts a late goal and a West Ham defeat. The Sky pundit says 'if you had to pick one team at home to get a result against, it would be West Ham, without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle – he shouldn't have got sacked there. Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so.The thing is, it's OK Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will nick it with a late goal. 2-1 to Newcastle.
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Benitez put no price on his head
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders have rubbished speculation that Rafa Benitez priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The Daily Mail reported that representatives of Rafa Benitez initially asked for a staggering £6m for West Ham to talk to their client. The article claimed that West Ham top brass were staggered at the request and turned it down flat. A senior source at West Ham responded "NOT TRUE" however the source quipped to Claret and Hugh "He chose Real Madrid ahead of us, not surprising really. After all he is Spanish!"
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Dicks backs Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Legend Julian Dicks has backed Slaven Bilic to be the new West Ham manager. When asked whether Bilic would be a good choice for West Ham, Dicks replied "My opinion is that he's a good choice" asked whether he would be prepared to work along side Bilic in his coaching staff he replied "Yes definitely" but admitted he had lost touch adding "I haven't seen him for about 15 years"
When another West Ham fan questioned about Bilic's lack of Premier League management experience Dicks said "Why need premiership experience? Monk, Koeman didn't and there are managers with vast experience who don't do well" adding "All you want is 100% work rate and commitment."
Dicks speaking from his twitter account was further asked if Bilic was the best man for the job "From a personal point of view, yes as he knows what the fans expect and knows what the clubs about"
Last year Bilic was asked by ITV Sport about tough player image at West Ham and he answered: "I was in a team with Julian Dicks so I was not the hardest one in my team" Over a week ago another West Ham legend also backed Bilic, Alvin Martin told Alan Brazil on Talksport Radio "I wouldn't rule Slaven out. He's been round the game for a while now. He's proved he could do it at international level and club level in difficult circumstances.I know him. He's a highly intelligent and highly motivated individual. I think he would be absolutely perfect for us [West Ham]. Slaven is the outstanding candidate for me."
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Irons squad haven't a clue how FPL works
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Aaron Cresswell has admitted that neither he or the rest of the squad have a clue how the Fair Pay League works. The Hammers look all set to take their place in Europe this summer but how they have managed it is a mystery to everybody. Discussing the competition with FourFourTwo the left back and Hammer of the year said: "To be honest, I don't think anyone really understands it! We haven't been told to pull out of a tackle or anything like that, though. "It's not all down to yellow and red cards – it's also attacking play and stuff like that," he continued. "But we'll assess it at the end of the season and see if we're definitely in it, then we'll sit down and see if we need to plan our summer around it."
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Sam: 'Speculation about me can breed complacency'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Sam Allardyce has come up with a new reason for the devastating loss of Hammers form since Christmas. According to the 60 year old it's to some extent due to his position as boss being under constant scrutiny. Ahead of the match at Newcastle he said: "The speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing room, there's no doubt about that.
"There was speculation like this after the season when we came up, but this time around it's more about all the other managers who seem to be taking my position. Probably the next one will be Carlo Ancelotti. He'll be the next in line. "I can't affect that and by early next week the situation will be sorted. "I've been comfortable with it [the speculation] and don't have a problem with it. As a manager distractions are something that you put aside all the time. "Being paid to do your job is what you're here for. I'm hopeful Newcastle won't be my final game, but we'll wait and see."
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Karren Brady stays quiet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady has stayed remarkably quiet in her weekly football diary in the Saturday Sun newspaper. In her last column before the Premier League season finishes the Lady of Knightsbridge doesn't mention West Ham or manager Sam Allardyce once.
Brady was thought to be Sam's sole ally on the board in recent times but it now appears she has admitted defeat in her attempts to get Allardyce a contract renewal. It is believed she argued against dumping Allardyce as it would be a big business risk so close to moving into the Olympic Stadium but it is thought the shareholders were having none of it after a dismal second half to the season and West Ham fan division on the manager.
Even when Brady mentions Hammers managerial target Jurgen Klopp in her column, she just says he has been linked with the Premier League rather West Ham or 'My club' as she likes to call us. That's politics Karren, sometimes you get outvoted!
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Sullivan and Gold's Spanish planning meeting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
David Gold and David Sullivan will jet off to their annual Marbella retreat next week. The co-chairmen will be looking at their summer plans and fine tuning finances of the transfer market operation in what has become a critical seven days of the club's year. The pair will look at the progress madein the current campaign and at the immediate objectives for the new season -which remain very much under wraps. However, it is likely that once again the club will take advantage of the Vibrac loan arrangement which they have used for several years against Sky TV money to fund their plans and which last season saw them spend around £32 million.
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Sam Allardyce to quit West Ham on Sunday as Rafa Benitez turns club down
Exclusive: Allardyce will leave after final game of the season as Spaniard pulls out of deal following Real Madrid call
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 23 May 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United. In a major twist, West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week.
Real called Benítez, the former Liverpool manager who is leaving Napoli, last Monday to offer him the opportunity to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to be sacked after Saturday's final La Liga match against Getafe. The decision is a serious blow to West Ham, who are now considering their options and have yet to identify a No 1 candidate. But, despite Benitez's decision, there appears to be no chance that Allardyce will stay. Instead the 60-year-old will take a short holiday – he flies out to Spain – and has already received an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal. There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce. Although he would be keen to stay in London he does not want to return to the Championship, which rules out Fulham who have also shown an interest. What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park.
His contract expires this summer and although a meeting has been scheduled between his agent, Mark Curtis, and the club's hierarchy on Monday it is unclear as to whether that will now take place. It may be simply to tie up any loose ends. There is no animosity in Allardyce's departure, with West Ham believing they can move the club forward more effectively with a different manager. However it does represent a risk given his strong track record, gaining promotion and stabilising West Ham in the Premier League, and there will be sympathy towards him. Although Allardyce has not been universally popular with the supporters he is well-liked within the club and by the players.
Allardyce's future at West Ham has been in doubt for months – he almost left at the end of last season before agreeing a new 12-month deal – with the expectation that the highly-ambitious club did not want him to continue as it goes into its last season at Upton Park before it moves to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. West Ham have backed their manager financially. Having lined up a deal to bring in Benítez West Ham are now considering their options. On their list of candidates has been Real Sociedad coach David Moyes, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, former player Slaven Bilic, who is leaving Turkish club Besiktas and former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup whose coaching contract in Qatar is also coming to an end.
Moyes would be a preferred choice but he has consistently stated he intends to stay in Spain – there have been a series of approaches – although a fresh move has not been ruled out, while it seems unlikely Howe will leave his newly-promoted club. The 37-year-old is also considered a risk given his lack of top-flight experience. Bilic has not coached in England but he is available and wants the job and has become an increasingly strong possibility. It is understood he has been sounded out.
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David Sullivan told not to make Tony Pulis West Ham manager
Co-owner talked out of making Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as club's attempts to find right man become increasingly desperate
The Telegraph
By Matt Law6:13PM BST 22 May 2015
David Sullivan has been talked out of making Tony Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham United manager as the club's attempts to find the right man become increasingly desperate. Allardyce has confirmed that he will find out on Monday whether or not his contract is due to be extended, although the 60-year-old could make a statement of his own immediately after the final game of the season against Newcastle United. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, together with vice-chairman Karren Brady, are due to meet on Monday to hold their annual review and discuss the managerial situation. While Allardyce is widely expected to leave, it is far from certain who will replace him with West Ham fearing they will miss out on their top targets. David Moyes has said he wants to stay in Spain and Rafa Benitez has been lined up by Real Madrid, while ambitious names such as Frank de Boer and Jurgen Klopp have not shown any interest in the post.
That has left Sullivan, Gold and Brady looking for alternative candidates and forced to seriously consider former West Ham player Slaven Bilic and ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup. Sullivan threw the name of Pulis into the hat this week, but did not receive encouragement from staff and confidents who do not believe the 57-year-old would offer a significant change from Allardyce. It is understood that Sullivan was also made aware that West Ham's fans would be unhappy with the club targeting West Bromwich Albion manager Pulis, having already voiced their frustrations against Allardyce. Pulis has done a superb job in keeping West Brom up this season and was similarly impressive at Crystal Palace last season. But the former Stoke City manager's style and approach is seen to be too similar to Allardyce at Upton Park.
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Sam Allardyce: My future will be sorted while I'm away - but I look back on four years at West Ham with pride
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 22 May 2015 Updated: 14:37, 23 May 2015
I have a lot of time for John Carver, while Steve Bruce is one of my best mates in football. Sadly, one of them will be in charge of the team who will find themselves in the Championship late on Sunday afternoon — and we at West Ham have a big influence on how things pan out.
My responsibility is neither to Newcastle, who we play at St James' Park, nor Hull City but firmly to West Ham winning and finishing the season with 50 points.
My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend. I will be on holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely, but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and see.
I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the season, to look back on my four years at West Ham.
Progression is always the key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If, however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget.
Since then we have built and established this club in the Premier League from the first season, where we exceeded our expectations by a distance, through to the second season where we probably didn't bring in quite enough players. For six weeks around Christmas, we had to worry about relegation but we pulled back up a couple of months later and there were no more concerns.
Which brings me to this season. The summer recruitment was the best I've experienced as a manager. There is no doubt we could and should have finished higher this season. This squad, as a result of good investment, is the best since I've been at the club and there's never been a week where we've had to look over our shoulders.
It's a great shame we haven't finished the season stronger and last weekend's match against Everton was a perfect example. It's a terrible feeling deep in your gut when, as a manager, you lose a match like that, in the last minute yet again, particularly when you don't deserve to be beaten.
No, we won't finish seventh or eighth as we should have done after our terrific start but overall it's been good progress — better players playing better football, scoring more goals and even though it might only be one, although we hope it's four by the end of Sunday, finishing with more points.
The overall picture is very bright, we have a younger squad who will continue to improve. With similar investment this summer, targeting the right players at the right age, we should continue to make good progress although trying to break into the very top echelon will be extremely difficult given some clubs' financial resources.
As a manager, I'm in it to win it. You stretch yourself as much as you can so that everyone can share in the success. That brings its own rewards, in terms of pride and reputation, and in the knowledge that although you've cut it at previous clubs, you've done it at this club, too.
There's a different mentality at all clubs and I've always taken into account, no matter what anyone says, the type of football the club wants to play. It would be stupid of me to go against the tide of all that tradition and history. It can't be done overnight. Unless you spend £200 million, you have to wait to get what you want.
I enjoy living and working in London. So does Lynn, my wife. If she hadn't wanted to stay here I would have gone at the end of my last contract but we've both been happy to stay as long as we can.
The next big challenge is choosing the next crop of players and how much we spend on them. That's the hardest part of the job today, particularly if they're from abroad.
That's it then for another season. I hope you've enjoyed reading this column half as much as I have writing it.
Enjoy your summer.
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WHUFC.com
In brief
West Ham United travel to the North East to play relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the final game of the 2014/15 season. John Carver's side have their fate in their hands, knowing that a win on Sunday will secure their Premier League status. So long as Hull City don't beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium, the Magpies will be safe whatever the result. As for the Hammers, despite slipping to eleventh following Romelu Lukaku's last minute winner for Everton, they still have a chance of finishing in the top ten. Sam Allardyce, on his return to his former employers, will need a win and hope other results go his way to give his side any chance. Should the Irons win it would take them to a respectable 50 points, their highest total since returning to the top flight. Another aspect for the travelling Hammers is the matter of qualification to the Europa League via the Fair Play League. West Ham, currently in pole position, will want to maintain their clean disciplinary record to ensure Euopean football returns to east London.
Who are they?
Newcastle United have a reputation as one of the biggest clubs in English football. Created in 1881 when local sides Stanley and Rosewood merged together, their first taste of glory came in 1898 when they won promotion to the First Division. They have been crowned First Division champions four times, way back in 1904/05, 1906/07, 1908/09 and 1926/27. Further glory has come in the form of the FA Cup which they have won six times, most recently in 1955. More recently, the Magpies have come close to ending their barren run, finishing second in 1996 and 1997 as well as being FA Cup runners up in 1998 and 1999.
Team news
Newcastle United
Newcastle's slide down the table has not been helped by a lengthy injury list. Adam Armstrong and Siem De Jong (both hip) could make a return to action tomorrow, however Carver will be without Rob Elliot (thigh), Jak Alnwick (wrist), Massadio Haidara and Cheik Tiote (both knee). Steven Taylor (calf) is a long-term absentee, who isn't expected back before October.
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without James Collins (calf) who came off early against Everton, however they are boosted by the return to fitness of James Tomkins. Sam Allardyce will have to choose between in-from Reece Burke or Tomkins to partner Winston Reid at the heart of defence.
The Hammers are still without Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Doneil Henry who will all hopefully be back in action in time for the start of next season.
Referee
Sunday's referee is West Riding registered Martin Atkinson. The highly rated official has been a Premier League referee since 2005, AND in a decade in the top flight he has taken charge of 264 matches, dishing out 892 yellow and 51 red cards. Atkinson's exploits as one of the best referees in the game has been recognised by taking charge of six Champions League games this season, most recently the semi-final first leg between Juventus and Real Madrid. In 45 games in 2014/15, he has given out a total of 174 yellow cards and ten reds. West Ham have a superb record when Atkinson is in charge. This term they are unbeaten in four games. Among them were the famous 2-1 win over Manchester City as well as the 2-0 and 3-0 wins over Leicester City and Hull City. Sunday's assistant referees are Mike Mullarkey and Stephen Child, Kevin Friend is the Fourth Official.
One to watch
Newcastle United
Spanish striker Ayoze Perez has impressed in his first year in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals in total, and after a relatively dry spell – he scored his first goal of 2015 on 25 April against Swansea City, he has now scored twice in the last four games. The former Tenerife player will want to cap off a promising season with a goal at home. Should he score the winner on Sunday he'll become an instant hero for Newcastle fans.
West Ham United
Kevin Nolan could feature after missing the Everton game. The Hammers' captain is a very popular figure on Tyneside having helped them back into the Premier League. The experienced midfielder is just one goal shy of his 100th league strike.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For directions on how to get to the stadium, click here.
For all the information you need regarding train times, click here for National RaiL website.
Weather
Sunday is set to be a cloudy day with sunny intervals. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be a 13C (55F). It should be dry throughout the day, making the long journey slightly easier.
Last meeting
Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
24 August 2013
The last time the two sides played each other at St. James Park was near the beginning of the 2013/14 season.
In a drab game, neither side created much – the Hammers mustered up the single shot on target but it came to nothing.
Newcastle United: Krul, Coloccini, Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Debuchy, Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Marveaux (Ameobi 66), Cisse (Gouffran 72), Ameobi
Subs not used: Elliot, Dummett, Gosling, Bigirimana, Vuckic
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble, Diame (Morrison 75), Downing (J Cole 64), Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Diarra, Vaz Te
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Kouyate urges Hammers to dream big
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate insists his beloved Hammers have every right to have high hopes as the Club enters arguably one of the most important eras of its history. Despite an illustrious history, silverware has proved to be illusive for the Irons of late, save for several promotions. However, with the Club's move to the new Stadium just a little over 12 months away, the 25-year-old midfielder believes the Hammers are not far from emulating past glories. "The club is very ambitious. We want to secure European football for our first year in the new Stadium. Anything can happen in football, you just need to believe. "We want to have a good season next year and leave Upton Park in as higher position as possible. We want to make the people happy. The new Stadium is an immense arena, it is perfect for big matches so we need a big season to set ourselves up for that."
Since joining the Hammers from Belgian outfit Anderlecht FC last summer, Kouyate has adapted to life in the Premier League remarkably well. His all-action performances as well as never-say-die attitude have helped him to win over fans and players alike. Further encouragement, if it were needed, is the fact that the Senegalese international has improved as the season has developed. Kouyate capped off an encouraging debut season in east London by winning the Performance of the Season award for his dominating display against Manchester United in February. However, while the larger-than-life character has impressed in his 34 appearances, he is quick to put the collective good of the team over any personal accolades. "It's not very important to be Man of the Match against Everton because we lost the game. I would prefer to have won the match because it was an important game to try and achieve our goal of finishing in the top half. But we lost the game so winning Man of the Match isn't important to me on this occasion."
Talking ahead of the Hammers' final game of the season with an away trip to relegation-threatened Newcastle, Kouyate continued to explain that his teammates are fully focused on trying to finish the season as strongly as possible. Sunday's match will also have a crucial baring on whether the Hammers qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play League. "Our aim is to finish in the top half so we will go to Newcastle, play hard and try to win. We're not thinking about Hull, Newcastle or anyone else but ourselves. "Of course, if we are in the Europa League that will change our holiday plans but in football you need to make sacrifices and I'm willing to sacrifice everything. "I have experience of playing European football when I was at Anderlecht so I know what it's like to play in the biggest competition, it gives you goosebumps. Holidays can wait. I know I'll always pick playing European football over a holiday. Playing in top competitions are what our dreams are made of."
While Kouyate is convinced that the Hammers are on course for a bright future, he was keen to stress how much he has enjoyed his debut season while praising the key role manager Sam Allardyce had in persuading him to choose the Hammers over several European heavyweights.
"I can't speak for the other players, but the reason I am at West Ham is because of the manager. We don't know what will happen in the future, but yes, I would like the manager to stay. "He gave me the chance to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League. If it hadn't been for him, I would probably be playing in Spain for Valencia. Sam did everything he could to persuade me to come here. He took time out from his holiday and made sacrifices to call me so I am very thankful for that. "That personal touch was very important for me. It's been a dream come true for me and my family. The day I told my father I was coming to West Ham, he cried. It was a defining moment in my career and my life. "I love England, I love London, and it's an amazing City. I really love the atmosphere at the Club. I felt very welcome when I arrived here, it feels like home. That's thanks to the staff, the fans and the Chairmen. Also the players of course, especially Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Guy Demel, they helped me to settle in a lot."
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On this day - 24 May
WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Keith Coleman
Born: Washington, County Durham, 24 May 1951
Clubs: Sunderland, West Ham United, KV Mechelen, Darlington, Hendon
Keith Coleman, who collected an European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up medal whilst with the Hammers in 1976, celebrates his 63rd birthday today. Born in the North East, he began his career with Sunderland and made his debut in 1971. Two years later he moved on to West Ham United for a £20,000 transfer fee. The full-back played 118 games for the Hammers in all competitions and although he did not play in the 1975 FA Cup win, he was involved throughout the next season's European adventure, which ended in a final defeat by Anderlecht in Brussels.
After his time at the Hammers, he returned to Belgium for two years with KV Mechelen, before ending his playing career with non-league side Hendon.
Classic match
West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Premier League
24 May 2009
West Ham United kept hold of their top-half position with a final-day victory over Middlesbrough on this day four years ago. Middlesbrough were in the relegation zone, and needed to win to give themselves hope of avoiding the drop to the second tier, but despite Gary O'Neil's second-half equaliser, they were unable to claim the result they required and went down to the Championship. The Hammers established a 33rd-minute lead through Carlton Cole, and recovered from that second half blow from O'Neil - a future West Ham player - to take all three points thanks to Junior Stanislas. It meant that Gianfranco Zola's men ended with 51 points from their 38 games, enough to secure ninth position in the Premier League table.
Complete record
1947 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
2009 West Ham United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
Played 2, Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 2, Conceded 3
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Sam Allardyce not on revenge mission against Newcastle
Last Updated: 23/05/15 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he will not be on a revenge mission when his West Ham team face his old club Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.
Allardyce's reign on Tyneside ended in disappointment in 2008 when he parted company with the club after just eight months at the helm, a decision that he described as a "shock". West Ham face Newcastle on Sunday knowing that if they win or draw, and Hull beat Manchester United, the Magpies will drop into the Sky Bet Championship. But, Hammers manager Allardyce claims he is not motivated by revenge and is only interested in his own team's fortunes. "It's not about what happens to Newcastle for me. Some have suggested that I'm all up for us winning to send them down, but it's far too far down the road for any of that stuff," he said. "It's been a long time since we parted company and looking back to the past is never what I've been about because you can't affect what happens in the past. You learn from it and move on to the future. "Since Newcastle I've had a fantastic time at Blackburn and then here, at West Ham. It's nearly seven years since I left Newcastle. "I'm up for winning on Sunday for West Ham because that's where I work and we want to finish with the 50 points we targeted at the start of the season. Hopefully we can achieve that goal."
Sunday could be Allardyce's final match as Hammers boss with his contract set to expire this summer, and he admits it has been a frustrating end to the season. "We're all disappointed that we haven't achieved more than we have done," said Allardyce. "We could have had a great season and matched, with a bit more luck, the best season West Ham have had.
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Kevin Nolan ready for 'emotional' day which may relegate Newcastle
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits it will be tough to face former club Newcastle this weekend knowing a West Ham win could relegate the Magpies. Kevin Nolan has already lost once on the Premier League stage this week, and would rather not make it two on Sunday even if it causes pain for a former team. The West Ham captain joined team-mates Joey O'Brien and James Collins at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, on the final night of the Premier League Darts season, to take on rugby legend Mike Tindall in an exhibition darts match. The Hammers trio were soundly defeated by Tindall's impressive performance on the oche, but Nolan is determined he won't be beaten on the football pitch when he returns to the North East to take on Newcastle on Sunday. The 32-year-old spent two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and was part of the team that was relegated from the Premier League under Alan Shearer in 2009. A draw or defeat on Sunday could see John Carver's side go down if Hull beat Manchester United, but Nolan is adamant he will be trying to win the match, even though it will be "strange" to be part of the occasion. "It will be emotional going back up there again," he told Sky Sports at the O2 Arena. "I have such a good rapport with all the fans. It's going to be a bit of a strange one. We have got to do it properly and try and go for the win because we want to finish as high as possible. "But it's such a shame, seeing it from the outside, seeing where they are again after what happened not so long ago. It just shows how easy it is and how tough this league is that you can never ever rest on your laurels and you have to keep plugging away.
"I am hoping for the best for them, I must admit, for all of the great friends and family I have got up there. My little boy's a Geordie, so I am hoping that's going to be OK, but we've just got to go there and be as professional as possible."
Nolan signed for West Ham in 2011 when they had just been relegated to the Championship themselves and says he is proud to have helped the team secure their Premier League status in the past few seasons. The team has lost seven of its last 11 Premier League games, but victory on Sunday could see them secure a top-half finish once again. "We have had such a fantastic three years back in the Premier League," he added. "To not be in and around the relegation scrap, it's been a long time. "First year we bounced right back up, finished 10th, 12th last year and we've got an opportunity to finish 10th again. "That's three solid seasons which have had their ups and downs, but overall since I have come to the club and Sam [Allardyce] has come to the club, we have a lot to be proud of."
Nolan was speaking on stage following an exhibition darts match organised by shirt sponsors Betway ahead of Gary Anderson's victory in the Premier League Darts final. The West Ham players were treated to walk-on-girls, top darts referee Russ Bray and Sky Sports cameras capturing their every move.
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Stewart Downing insists West Ham will not let Newcastle off the hook
Last Updated: 23/05/15 7:49am
SSN
Stewart Downing insisted West Ham United will not take it easy at Newcastle United on Survival Sunday as they bid to end the season on a high. In an interview with Sunday's Soccer Special, the former Liverpool winger reflected on the Hammers' season, which started promisingly but faded as the campaign wore on. West Ham looked to be on course for a top-seven finish after an impressive first half of the season, but a run of just two wins in 15 league games ended such hopes. European qualification is still possible via the Fair Play Table, but Downing is not focusing on anything other than possibly earning the win that relegates Newcastle on Sunday, should Hull beat Manchester United. "We need to get a good result against Newcastle", Downing said. "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League. "We need to finish strong, get a good result and I'm confident we'll get a win at Newcastle."
It has been a difficult season for Newcastle fans on and off the pitch, and should West Ham take the lead at St James' Park, Downing is fully aware of how the terraces will react. "It will be difficult for the new players," he added. "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result. "I am surprised; it's a massive club, isn't it? It's been disappointing for them. The run where they lost a lot of games has obviously affected them. Carver has gone in there trying to do a good job, but it's been difficult for him. "But we have to think about ourselves and win the game."
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Newcastle will have to fight for survival against West Ham, warns Stewart Downing
18:08, 23 MAY 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers are hoping to end their season on a high by defeating the troubled Toon and possibly condemning them to relegation to the Championship
The Mirror
West Ham will not roll over to allow Newcastle their Premier League safety, according to Stewart Downing. Newcastle have to match or better the result of Hull on the final day of the league season to secure their place in the top flight. The Magpies ave only picked up one point out of their last possible 30, which has sent them tumbling down the Premier League table at a rapid rate. West Ham, however, have not been in prolific form themselves having only picked up two league wins since the end of January. But versatile midfielder Downing has warned Newcastle that the Hammers are not going to give them an easy route to safety - as they intend to end their topsy-turvy campaign on a high. Speaking to Sky Sports, Downing said: "Obviously, they're fighting for their lives and it'll be a tough game for us, but as the manager stresses, we need to finish well and let everyone know that we're still fighting to get in the top ten, which was the aim at the start of the season. "I still think we should have got into Europe [via the league] and that's disappointing but obviously we can still get in through the Fair Play League." Downing says that he is fully prepared for the hostile environment at St. James' Park should West Ham take the lead on Sunday. And he believes that if the Newcastle fans do start turning on their own players, it will only serve to aid the Hammers. He said: "Obviously, I've played there before and if we score first, the fans will get on their backs. We have to capitalise on that and I think we'll get the result." In the other relegation showdown, Hull have to beat Manchester United otherwise they will be relegated to the Championship.
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Newcastle to gamble on half-fit Papiss Cisse against West Ham in desperate bid for survival
22:30, 23 MAY 2015
BY COLIN YOUNG
The Senegal striker hasn't started since early March and John Carver has admitted he shouldn't even be in contention following a knee operation last month
The Mirror
John Carver is ready to gamble on the fitness of top scorer Papiss Cisse in a desperate bid to avoid relegation on Sunday. The stand-in Newcastle boss has admitted the Senegal striker shouldn't even be in consideration for a start in the final day clash with West Ham after a knee operation last month and is clearly not fully fit. But Carver, who insists he has "no regrets" over his reign, and still wants the St James' hot-seat full-time, knows Cisse is his best chance of goals. A win for Newcastle over West Ham will guarantee Premier League football on Tyneside next season. But, if they fail to win, they need Hull City not to beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium to be safe. Cisse's fitness will be vital for Newcastle and Carver said: "Truthfully, we had written him off for the season after what he went through, but he has put himself up for the fight so great, brilliant. "He has come back quicker than expected, but we saw at QPR he wasn't right. But sometimes that happens when you come off the bench. "When you start a game, because your preparation is different and your start is different, you feed into a game better. Gary Speed used to be a dreadful sub. "He was a nightmare. He used to say, 'I'm useless coming in off the bench', so it does vary on individuals. "The fact is Papiss has had another full week's training, going into the game and, if we start him, he will be in a better frame of mind. But he deserves so much credit that he actually wants to be selected and he was so disappointed he didn't start last week, which is testament to him."
Newcastle have won just two of Carver's 19 games in charge and slipped alarmingly down the Premier League table, against a backdrop of fans' protests over Mike Ashley's running of the club. After Sunderland's shock draw at Arsenal on Wednesday, Newcastle are now in an anxious last relegation place showdown with Hull, which seemed implausible when Carver took over from Alan Pardew in January. And he knows he will get updates from the KC Stadium. "I don't think we'll be able to escape from it," he said. "There is everybody in the crowd, you've got Sky there, telling everyone, and members of staff will be running round, but I just have to stay focused on us. "But, as the game develops after half-time, it does come into your way of thinking of certain situations for definite." Even though his job was offered to Steve McClaren after meltdown at Leicester earlier this month, Carver maintains he would do it all again – and still wants the role full-time. He said: "I've been in this job five months and I don't think any other manager would have to deal with the things I've had to deal with in their whole careers, never mind five months. "But, in a really strange way, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I got softened up a little bit when Alan was here and Alan was taking a bit of abuse and I think I got used to it. "It is not a nice thing to accept, but I am definitely a stronger person and, whatever happens on Sunday, I'll be better for it, one way or the other.
"And, if I had the chance again, I would do exactly the same, say yes I want this job and do it my way. I would just like to think I would have a bit more luck and fortune. "I'd still do it all again."
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Carlo Ancelotti is surprise third favourite
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 24, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is a surprise joint third favourite this morning to become the next West Ham manager. Although two bookmakers have suspended taking any further money on the next West Ham manager, one of the remaining two bookies, Sky Bet has installed Ancelotti as an unlikely joint 16/1 chance along with Rafa Benitez and Steve McLaren. David Moyes is second favourite at 8/1 but Slaven Bilic remains the massive odds on favourite at 1/4. In his pre match conference Sam Allardyce earlier this week joked Ancelotti would be the next name linked: 'This time though it's more the speculation over the other managers that seem to be taking my position.Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line."
Four years ago Ancelotti said he would manage West Ham. 'I would coach West Ham – why not? It's a challenge to manage a team in the Championship. The atmosphere at West Ham is amazing. It doesn't matter if you manage a top team or a smaller team.It's more important to work. I was happy to train in the second division when I was learning.When you manage, you don't think about the money. It has never been a motivation for me.'
However it appears Ancelotti is planning a sabbatical if he gets the sack. Speaking after yesterday's game he said: "My future is clear in my head, either I stay here at Real Madrid, or I stop for one year."
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Allardyce to leave West Ham on Sunday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Jason Burt writing for the Sunday Telegraph has suggested Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham immediately following Sunday's match against Newcastle. Burt writes: "Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United." He also suggests "West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week."
He says the soon to be former West Ham manager has received "an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal.There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce."
Finally Burt says "What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park."
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Michael Owen predicts a West Ham win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Newcastle Striker Michael Owen predicts a West Ham away win tomorrow at St James Park "You can't just flick a switch and play well because you need to, and recent form tells you that Newcastle are the worst side in the league side at the moment. And by some distance, too." said Owen. "So I think if any side is going to take all three points here then it is West Ham, for all that they have only won away three times this season and are hardly finishing their campaign in blistering form either. I go 1-0 or 2-1 to West Ham"
Meanwhile so called pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts that Newcastle and West Ham will draw 1-1 on Sunday. However Paul Merson predicts a late goal and a West Ham defeat. The Sky pundit says 'if you had to pick one team at home to get a result against, it would be West Ham, without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle – he shouldn't have got sacked there. Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so.The thing is, it's OK Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will nick it with a late goal. 2-1 to Newcastle.
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Benitez put no price on his head
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders have rubbished speculation that Rafa Benitez priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The Daily Mail reported that representatives of Rafa Benitez initially asked for a staggering £6m for West Ham to talk to their client. The article claimed that West Ham top brass were staggered at the request and turned it down flat. A senior source at West Ham responded "NOT TRUE" however the source quipped to Claret and Hugh "He chose Real Madrid ahead of us, not surprising really. After all he is Spanish!"
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Dicks backs Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Legend Julian Dicks has backed Slaven Bilic to be the new West Ham manager. When asked whether Bilic would be a good choice for West Ham, Dicks replied "My opinion is that he's a good choice" asked whether he would be prepared to work along side Bilic in his coaching staff he replied "Yes definitely" but admitted he had lost touch adding "I haven't seen him for about 15 years"
When another West Ham fan questioned about Bilic's lack of Premier League management experience Dicks said "Why need premiership experience? Monk, Koeman didn't and there are managers with vast experience who don't do well" adding "All you want is 100% work rate and commitment."
Dicks speaking from his twitter account was further asked if Bilic was the best man for the job "From a personal point of view, yes as he knows what the fans expect and knows what the clubs about"
Last year Bilic was asked by ITV Sport about tough player image at West Ham and he answered: "I was in a team with Julian Dicks so I was not the hardest one in my team" Over a week ago another West Ham legend also backed Bilic, Alvin Martin told Alan Brazil on Talksport Radio "I wouldn't rule Slaven out. He's been round the game for a while now. He's proved he could do it at international level and club level in difficult circumstances.I know him. He's a highly intelligent and highly motivated individual. I think he would be absolutely perfect for us [West Ham]. Slaven is the outstanding candidate for me."
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Irons squad haven't a clue how FPL works
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Aaron Cresswell has admitted that neither he or the rest of the squad have a clue how the Fair Pay League works. The Hammers look all set to take their place in Europe this summer but how they have managed it is a mystery to everybody. Discussing the competition with FourFourTwo the left back and Hammer of the year said: "To be honest, I don't think anyone really understands it! We haven't been told to pull out of a tackle or anything like that, though. "It's not all down to yellow and red cards – it's also attacking play and stuff like that," he continued. "But we'll assess it at the end of the season and see if we're definitely in it, then we'll sit down and see if we need to plan our summer around it."
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Sam: 'Speculation about me can breed complacency'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C and h
Sam Allardyce has come up with a new reason for the devastating loss of Hammers form since Christmas. According to the 60 year old it's to some extent due to his position as boss being under constant scrutiny. Ahead of the match at Newcastle he said: "The speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing room, there's no doubt about that.
"There was speculation like this after the season when we came up, but this time around it's more about all the other managers who seem to be taking my position. Probably the next one will be Carlo Ancelotti. He'll be the next in line. "I can't affect that and by early next week the situation will be sorted. "I've been comfortable with it [the speculation] and don't have a problem with it. As a manager distractions are something that you put aside all the time. "Being paid to do your job is what you're here for. I'm hopeful Newcastle won't be my final game, but we'll wait and see."
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Karren Brady stays quiet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady has stayed remarkably quiet in her weekly football diary in the Saturday Sun newspaper. In her last column before the Premier League season finishes the Lady of Knightsbridge doesn't mention West Ham or manager Sam Allardyce once.
Brady was thought to be Sam's sole ally on the board in recent times but it now appears she has admitted defeat in her attempts to get Allardyce a contract renewal. It is believed she argued against dumping Allardyce as it would be a big business risk so close to moving into the Olympic Stadium but it is thought the shareholders were having none of it after a dismal second half to the season and West Ham fan division on the manager.
Even when Brady mentions Hammers managerial target Jurgen Klopp in her column, she just says he has been linked with the Premier League rather West Ham or 'My club' as she likes to call us. That's politics Karren, sometimes you get outvoted!
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Sullivan and Gold's Spanish planning meeting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 23, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
David Gold and David Sullivan will jet off to their annual Marbella retreat next week. The co-chairmen will be looking at their summer plans and fine tuning finances of the transfer market operation in what has become a critical seven days of the club's year. The pair will look at the progress madein the current campaign and at the immediate objectives for the new season -which remain very much under wraps. However, it is likely that once again the club will take advantage of the Vibrac loan arrangement which they have used for several years against Sky TV money to fund their plans and which last season saw them spend around £32 million.
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Sam Allardyce to quit West Ham on Sunday as Rafa Benitez turns club down
Exclusive: Allardyce will leave after final game of the season as Spaniard pulls out of deal following Real Madrid call
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 23 May 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Sam Allardyce will leave West Ham United by mutual agreement immediately after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season away to his former club, Newcastle United. In a major twist, West Ham had expected to announce this Tuesday that Rafael Benítez would then take over as their manager. But it is understood that deal has now broken down after a dramatic intervention by Real Madrid last week.
Real called Benítez, the former Liverpool manager who is leaving Napoli, last Monday to offer him the opportunity to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to be sacked after Saturday's final La Liga match against Getafe. The decision is a serious blow to West Ham, who are now considering their options and have yet to identify a No 1 candidate. But, despite Benitez's decision, there appears to be no chance that Allardyce will stay. Instead the 60-year-old will take a short holiday – he flies out to Spain – and has already received an intriguing offer to move into international management and take over as the coach of Nigeria, even though the coach, Stephen Keshi, who has endured a tumultuous time, recently signed a new deal. There is also understood to be a Premier League club who are interested in Allardyce. Although he would be keen to stay in London he does not want to return to the Championship, which rules out Fulham who have also shown an interest. What is clear is that Allardyce is leaving West Ham, after four years in charge, and he is expected to confirm this himself in the media briefings after today's match at St James' Park.
His contract expires this summer and although a meeting has been scheduled between his agent, Mark Curtis, and the club's hierarchy on Monday it is unclear as to whether that will now take place. It may be simply to tie up any loose ends. There is no animosity in Allardyce's departure, with West Ham believing they can move the club forward more effectively with a different manager. However it does represent a risk given his strong track record, gaining promotion and stabilising West Ham in the Premier League, and there will be sympathy towards him. Although Allardyce has not been universally popular with the supporters he is well-liked within the club and by the players.
Allardyce's future at West Ham has been in doubt for months – he almost left at the end of last season before agreeing a new 12-month deal – with the expectation that the highly-ambitious club did not want him to continue as it goes into its last season at Upton Park before it moves to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. West Ham have backed their manager financially. Having lined up a deal to bring in Benítez West Ham are now considering their options. On their list of candidates has been Real Sociedad coach David Moyes, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, former player Slaven Bilic, who is leaving Turkish club Besiktas and former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup whose coaching contract in Qatar is also coming to an end.
Moyes would be a preferred choice but he has consistently stated he intends to stay in Spain – there have been a series of approaches – although a fresh move has not been ruled out, while it seems unlikely Howe will leave his newly-promoted club. The 37-year-old is also considered a risk given his lack of top-flight experience. Bilic has not coached in England but he is available and wants the job and has become an increasingly strong possibility. It is understood he has been sounded out.
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David Sullivan told not to make Tony Pulis West Ham manager
Co-owner talked out of making Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as club's attempts to find right man become increasingly desperate
The Telegraph
By Matt Law6:13PM BST 22 May 2015
David Sullivan has been talked out of making Tony Pulis a shock contender to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham United manager as the club's attempts to find the right man become increasingly desperate. Allardyce has confirmed that he will find out on Monday whether or not his contract is due to be extended, although the 60-year-old could make a statement of his own immediately after the final game of the season against Newcastle United. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, together with vice-chairman Karren Brady, are due to meet on Monday to hold their annual review and discuss the managerial situation. While Allardyce is widely expected to leave, it is far from certain who will replace him with West Ham fearing they will miss out on their top targets. David Moyes has said he wants to stay in Spain and Rafa Benitez has been lined up by Real Madrid, while ambitious names such as Frank de Boer and Jurgen Klopp have not shown any interest in the post.
That has left Sullivan, Gold and Brady looking for alternative candidates and forced to seriously consider former West Ham player Slaven Bilic and ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup. Sullivan threw the name of Pulis into the hat this week, but did not receive encouragement from staff and confidents who do not believe the 57-year-old would offer a significant change from Allardyce. It is understood that Sullivan was also made aware that West Ham's fans would be unhappy with the club targeting West Bromwich Albion manager Pulis, having already voiced their frustrations against Allardyce. Pulis has done a superb job in keeping West Brom up this season and was similarly impressive at Crystal Palace last season. But the former Stoke City manager's style and approach is seen to be too similar to Allardyce at Upton Park.
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Sam Allardyce: My future will be sorted while I'm away - but I look back on four years at West Ham with pride
Evening Standard
SAM ALLARDYCE
Published: 22 May 2015 Updated: 14:37, 23 May 2015
I have a lot of time for John Carver, while Steve Bruce is one of my best mates in football. Sadly, one of them will be in charge of the team who will find themselves in the Championship late on Sunday afternoon — and we at West Ham have a big influence on how things pan out.
My responsibility is neither to Newcastle, who we play at St James' Park, nor Hull City but firmly to West Ham winning and finishing the season with 50 points.
My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend. I will be on holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely, but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and see.
I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the season, to look back on my four years at West Ham.
Progression is always the key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If, however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget.
Since then we have built and established this club in the Premier League from the first season, where we exceeded our expectations by a distance, through to the second season where we probably didn't bring in quite enough players. For six weeks around Christmas, we had to worry about relegation but we pulled back up a couple of months later and there were no more concerns.
Which brings me to this season. The summer recruitment was the best I've experienced as a manager. There is no doubt we could and should have finished higher this season. This squad, as a result of good investment, is the best since I've been at the club and there's never been a week where we've had to look over our shoulders.
It's a great shame we haven't finished the season stronger and last weekend's match against Everton was a perfect example. It's a terrible feeling deep in your gut when, as a manager, you lose a match like that, in the last minute yet again, particularly when you don't deserve to be beaten.
No, we won't finish seventh or eighth as we should have done after our terrific start but overall it's been good progress — better players playing better football, scoring more goals and even though it might only be one, although we hope it's four by the end of Sunday, finishing with more points.
The overall picture is very bright, we have a younger squad who will continue to improve. With similar investment this summer, targeting the right players at the right age, we should continue to make good progress although trying to break into the very top echelon will be extremely difficult given some clubs' financial resources.
As a manager, I'm in it to win it. You stretch yourself as much as you can so that everyone can share in the success. That brings its own rewards, in terms of pride and reputation, and in the knowledge that although you've cut it at previous clubs, you've done it at this club, too.
There's a different mentality at all clubs and I've always taken into account, no matter what anyone says, the type of football the club wants to play. It would be stupid of me to go against the tide of all that tradition and history. It can't be done overnight. Unless you spend £200 million, you have to wait to get what you want.
I enjoy living and working in London. So does Lynn, my wife. If she hadn't wanted to stay here I would have gone at the end of my last contract but we've both been happy to stay as long as we can.
The next big challenge is choosing the next crop of players and how much we spend on them. That's the hardest part of the job today, particularly if they're from abroad.
That's it then for another season. I hope you've enjoyed reading this column half as much as I have writing it.
Enjoy your summer.
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Saturday, May 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd May 2015
On this day - 23 May
WHUFC.com
Classic match
Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United
Division One
23 May 1989
West Ham United's only involvement on this date was not one they would want
to remember - as not only did they suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of
Liverpool, but they also suffered relegation to Division Two as a result.
The Hammers, who had been stuck in the bottom three since the sixth game of
the season, kept their hopes of survival alive the previous weekend with a
2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. But this trip to Anfield, their fourth away
game in succession, would not yield the result they craved. Liverpool took a
20th minute lead through John Aldridge, but West Ham soon hit back through
Leroy Rosenior's 15th goal of the season. That was as good as it got for
West Ham though, as Liverpool pulled away after the hour mark. Ray
Houghton's double set them on their way, before Ian Rush and John Barnes
added late goals to settle it. Liverpool's season still had one more game to
go, and they were pipped to the title by losing out to Arsenal in a
winner-takes-all final fixture.
Complete record
1989 Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 1, Conceded 5
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy thankful for Hammers chance
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham has thanked West Ham United for giving him the opportunity
to embark on what he hopes will be a long and successful managerial career.
The former England striker joined the Hammers in the newly-formed role of
attacking coach last summer, charged with improving the squad's performance
in the final third of the pitch. Working with the likes of Diafra Sakho,
Enner Valencia, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, Sheringham's influence
played a role in West Ham's outstanding opening half to the 2014/15
campaign. After a few years out of the game, Sheringham's season on the
training pitch at Chadwell Heath also inspired him to take the next step in
his career by agreeing to become manager of League Two club Stevenage this
summer. "It's the next logical step for me," the 49-year-old told whufc.com.
"I said to the press on Thursday that coming to West Ham last year felt
right and I've been involved. I'm not exactly a young coach, so it's not as
if I need four or five years in this role or to step up to be an assistant
manager – I need to get out there and manage myself. "This has just come out
of the blue and it feels right. As much as West Ham felt right last year,
this feels right to go and have another challenge."
After a period outside football following his retirement at the end of a
glittering playing career, Sheringham was not 100 per cent sure he wanted to
take on a full-time coaching role. Now, after nine months working part-time
as a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff, he is fully committed to
making a success of being a manager in his own right. "Football is my first
love," he confirmed. "I was given a talent as a kid to play football and I
did everything in my power to be as good as I could as a player, so football
is in my blood. I am involved in the game and I want to be more involved, so
I am going into League Two and we'll see what happens. "Without a doubt, the
chance that Sam and West Ham has given me this season, money can't buy. That
sort of experience will be invaluable to me over the coming years as I carry
on managing. I've been involved in the first team and been able to talk to
players without barriers and I've been involved in every meeting I wanted to
be involved in. "It's been a great experience I'll be forever indebted to
West Ham for that sort of involvement. For an inexperienced coach coming in,
you normally have to work your way up to it, so Sam has done very well for
me."
Early in his time at West Ham, Sheringham identified Sakho as an outstanding
talent, and the Senegal star has responded by scoring 12 goals in his debut
season in English football. With more hard work and better luck on the
injury front, the former UEFA Champions League winner believes the No15
could become a special player. "Without a doubt Diafra has done fantastic
this season, but he can do better. You only have to look at his attitude
because it is top-notch – he doesn't want to lose in training, in games or
his one-to-one battles. I fully expect him to do better next year, even
though he has been exceptional this season. "If I was going to be
ultra-critical, he still needs to work on his left side and he's not too old
to do that. Having said that, he is still a top player with a top attitude
and one to watch, without a doubt."
While Sakho will not be one of them, Sheringham confirmed that he expects to
retain close links with West Ham in his new job, by taking young Hammers on
loan at Stevenage next season. "Without a doubt there are one or two I have
my eye on and hopefully something will come of that throughout next season.
There are a few good 'uns here!"
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View on the Opposition - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Newcastle Chronicles's chief sports writer Lee Ryder gives us the lowdown on
Sunday's opponents Newcastle United
I imagine it's a nervy time for Newcastle fans at the moment, what's the
mood on Tyneside?
Very nervous at the moment. Newcastle can't buy a win at the moment, they
haven't won for three months. With that in mind, a lot of fans will be
keeping an eye on the KC Stadium. They'll be praying for a Man United win
which is quite ironic seeing at they used to be rivals. But that's how it's
panned out.
"West Ham is always a tough game. Sam Allardyce will want to go out on a
high and he used to manager up here. Contemplating what could go wrong does
make you feel a little bit nervous."
Despite the results, who has been in good form recently?
"It's slim picking to be honest with you. Ayoze Perez has got a couple of
goals in the last few games. Jack Colback in midfield has been great all
season despite Newcastle's struggles. After that, you really are scrapping
the barrel. It's up to someone to step up and perform. Will they wake up? We
have to wait and see."
Where has it gone wrong for Newcastle. Was Alan Pardew leaving the turning
point or where the problems before that?
"There were problems before that. Pardew has done great since he joined
Crystal Palace and that has made Newcastle's decline look worse. But if he
had stayed at Newcastle I think there would have been similar problems.
"Alan Pardew had long enough to build his own team, yes they were ninth in
the table but it was a very tight table. It was a bad start to the season, a
bad end to last season and I think he realised the games was up."
What would relegation mean for Newcastle?
"If you look at teams like Wigan, Leeds and Blackpool, there's no guarantee
that you're going to bounce back. Unless a huge investor comes in, I don't
see Mike Ashley leaving the club any time soon. I'm sure they have plans for
next season, potentially a new head coach and new players coming in. I'm
expecting quite a shake up. There's plenty to do and I think the board know
that.
"West Ham fans know exactly what it's like to be relegated. It's certainly
not easy, it's a painful experience. West Ham had to go via the play offs
last time. So there are no guarantees, the Championship is an unforgiving
place. With the money around nowadays it's always going to be difficult."
West Ham won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the season, what do you
remember about that game?
"It was a disappointing day for Newcastle. They didn't create much. Moussa
Sissoko was sent off for two silly yellow cards. They just weren't at it. In
contrast, West Ham were on a good run and they deserved to win. It's not a
game I look back on with much fondness, let's put it that way."
John Carver's side have struggled to win recently
West Ham arguably don't have too much to play for, does that make them an
ideal team to play?
"On paper that's probably how it looks. Newcastle have lost to top teams,
middling teams and bottom teams. They've lost them all and they cannot buy a
win. If West Ham do turn up with their flip flops on then all the better
because they need all the help they can get. West Ham can still finish in
the top ten which isn't a bad achievement and I'm sure that's what they'll
be focused on."
Andy Carroll is injured but Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan are set to feature
on Sunday, what kind of reception can they expect?
"Sam Allardyce always gets a few boos up here, the fans didn't take to his
style of football. Kevin Nolan is a little bit different. He was part of the
promotion winning team, he's a massive legend for a lot of fans because of
that. He scored a lot of goals and helped to stabilize the club and the fans
won't forget his contribution to the club.
"He showed he cared for the Black and White cause. By the same token, he's a
West Ham player and I don't think he would give anything less than 100%.
He's always liable to pop up and get the odd goal or two."
Finally, what is your prediction for the Sunday's score?
"That's a big question. With the way that Newcastle have been playing, I
find it hard to see them winning. They might be able to get a draw and
hopefully Manchester United do us a favour at Hull. I'll go for 1-1 and
Kevin Nolan to get his hundredth goal."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I am looking forward to finishing the season well at Newcastle United on
Sunday afternoon.
I think it's not easy to play this kind of game because we know Newcastle
are in a bad position and need points to stay in the Premier League. Also,
we are not in a good situation because we didn't win for a long time away
from home.
I'm sorry for what has happened to Newcastle but we want to win. We are
professional players and we have to do the job, so we will go into the game
and try to get the result.
We definitely need to produce a performance, because it is a long time since
we did this. In the first few months of the season, we played very well, and
we need to play the same way and finish the season well and make the fans
happy. The fans deserve more because we didn't follow the way we wanted to
follow, so we need to finish well.
I don't know what has happened to Newcastle, because when I look at their
squad I see a lot of good players. I don't know what's wrong. They need
something, because they are not in a good position for their fans or for
their club.
Newcastle is a very big club in England with a very big history. I know a
lot of Cameroon players who have played there and they are always talking
about the club and how they were doing. Today, they are in trouble.
Hopefully for them, they will come out of this situation, but at this moment
it is not good for them because they are playing against us. We are safe,
but we are not in a good situation, so we need to finish well.
At the start of the season, we reached a high level and the people deserve
more because we have not done what we wanted to do, so we have to finish
well. That is what I am saying.
I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone.
You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.
I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.
If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.
In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.
When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing.
Thank you for everything this season,
Alex
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Big Sam on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Big Sam faced the press ahead of the Hammers' trip to Newcastle United in
what is the final round of games this season.
During the press conference, the Gaffer fielded questions on his future,
facing his former employers and reflecting on a positive season at the
Boleyn.
Morning Sam, how have preparations been for this match?
"The lads have had a few days off, but not five. The best way after a long
season is to spend some time at home with the families. They can't get any
fitter. They could do with a physical and mental rest. A few days training
with a reminder of the basics, which we always do.
"It's not about Newcastle for me; some people have suggested I am all up for
winning to try to send them down, I want to win it for West Ham because
that's where I work. I want to finish with a win away from home and finish
with 50 points.
"From a player point of view, James Collins is out (calf), having to leave
the field after a few minutes. There was another fantastic performance from
Reece Burke. James Tomkins is fit to join the squad again. Off we go to
Newcastle tomorrow and we will try to get a result and a win."
But surely it's only human nature for you to want to win this game more than
others?
"It's too far down the road for any of that stuff. It's been a long time
since we parted company. For me, looking back is not what I am really about.
Since Newcastle, I have had a fantastic time at Blackburn Rovers and a
fantastic time here since then, which is nearly seven years. Time flies
doesn't it?"
What do you think Hull fans may think when they hear your players have had
some time off?
"We are all disappointed, none more so than the players and myself that we
have not achieved more than we have. We could have had such a great season.
We could have probably matched, with a bit more luck, nearly the best season
West Ham have had in the Premier League.
"We had the opportunity just after Christmas. We all know, that a few
seconds less we would be at the 58 or 60 points mark. But it's not to be,
which has taught us a lesson, and we have not managed to sustain the
results. The factors are that the squad strength-in-depth, though we have
still played well, because of a shortage of goals, we have not been able to
achieve results that the performances deserve."
There's increasing speculation on your future?
"It will all be sorted on Monday, one way or another. I am not personally
having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the owners. At
this moment in time, because the season has finished so late, I want to take
the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to go away with my
grandchildren. I will shoot off to Spain. Whatever will be will be."
There's been reports that your apartment in Canary Wharf has been sold?
"The apartment was sold. It's bound to bring up speculation, but the
apartment was sold about two months ago. In the contract there was a
two-month notice period, which meant that I should have been out on May 15th
but they extended it to the end of the season. The apartment has been bought
and I had to move out. If you want to ring up the travel agents and ask them
if it has been sold, then do so."
What do you make of Teddy Sheringham leaving for Stevenage, it's a bit of
casualty of all the uncertainly isn't it?
"It's not a casualty. It's a great opportunity for Teddy. Probably getting
involved at football at this club has given him that little bit of a spark.
He's been stimulated, he has enjoyed his time with us and we have enjoyed
having him. That has created an opportunity for him to test his skills as a
manager. All Teddy has to look forward is a lot of hard work and a lot of
sleepless nights."
Do you think the players have been affected by the speculation?
"It's a possibility, speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing
room. It has happened before, perhaps it wasn't quite as much speculation
the first time round after getting promoted. I think I signed my contract on
May 11th, which was discussed slightly before the end of the season.
"This time it's more speculation of all other managers taking my position.
Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line. I
can't affect that. By Monday the situation will be sorted."
Could the owners have helped that?
"It's their decision and you have to abide by that. I'm comfortable with it,
I don't have a problem. Distractions are something you put aside all the
time as a manager to make sure you focus on your position, regardless of
what the speculation.
"Doing the job you are paid to do is what you are here for. So there are
always many distractions when you are a manager of a club of this size. You
have to forget that and deal with the players and get them to play as best
as they can."
Do you hope that this isn't your final game for West Ham?
"I am hopeful it's not my final game. But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."
It's crucial for Hull that you win against Newcastle, isn't it?
"It's not only Hull fans but it's also for my big mate Steve Bruce, if he
wants anyone to win it's me but he has to win himself – that's the most
important thing for Steve.
"I am sure there will be twists and turns throughout the game one way or the
other. I have experienced that once in my management career. We had to play
Middlesbrough on the last game of the season, at Bolton in year two. We knew
if we won that game we would stay up and we managed to do that, 2-1.
,
"It's clear in my mind how difficult that week was. It's a very difficult
week for those boys in that position and players. We are not in that
position, we have to make sure we get 50 points if we can."
Are you surprised that Newcastle are in this position?
"I'm not sure they've played that poorly. The ultimate situation is, is that
you can play as well as you like, but if you don't wins you get put under
severe pressure. Wins can boost confidence but a couple of defeats can
destroy it.
"As a manager, that is the tough side of the game, trying to restore the
confidence. That has been a hugely difficult task for John. He's a great
guy, he is Newcastle through-and-through, he loves the club from top to
bottom. But the players haven't done what they should have done for him and
themselves. That happens, surprises happen at this level, that's why it's
the best league in the world. Apart from the top boys, we can all be
vulnerable to relegation at some stage."
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Newcastle v West Ham United
KO 15:00
22 May 2015
Last updated at 13:41
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Sunday, 24 May
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle defender Mike Williamson is available to face West Ham after
serving a two-match suspension. Siem de Jong could also return to the squad
after a thigh problem but Papiss Cisse is still not fit enough to start
following his knee injury.
West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside after
suffering a calf strain last week. Kevin Nolan returns following a family
bereavement, while James Tomkins is in the squad after recovering from
injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
When Sam Allardyce was sacked as manager of Newcastle United in January
2008, he had been in charge for 21 Premier League games - of which they had
won seven, earning a total of 26 points. John Carver has overseen Newcastle
for a total of 18 Premier League games - of which they have won two, earning
a total of nine points. Someone questioned this week whether Allardyce would
be particularly motivated by the prospect of relegating Newcastle.
Motivated? You'd better believe it. Others would probably find sending
Newcastle down more difficult; perhaps it's just as well that Andy Carroll
is injured. Kevin Nolan wouldn't relish it either - but he's been desperate
to complete his century of league goals ever since he scored his 99th at the
beginning of December. It would be just like football to conjure a scenario
where's Nolan's 100th relegates the team he used to captain. Newcastle's
head coach John Carver has urged his players to avoid TV and social media
this week - but I reckon every last one of them would have been glued to
Sunderland's survival act at Arsenal, whatever the manager said.
Lawro's prediction
"Whether they beat the drop or not, I think people should look at Newcastle
as an example of how not to run a football club." Those who haven't been
hiding under a rock will know by now that Newcastle have taken one point in
10 games. One in ten. They might need three on Sunday. They'll be
desperately hoping that the news from Hull is favourable for them because
there's little disputing that - on form right now - Newcastle are the worst
team in the Premier League. If Hull produce the result they need, then
Newcastle will have to save themselves. Do they have guts, the spirit, the
belief and the desire? Long-time watchers of this once great club tell me
that they fear they do not.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have lost just one of their last four games away to Newcastle.
However, their win in 2012-13 is their sole victory in the last 11 Premier
League trips to St James' Park.
Four of the previous seven meetings between these sides at St James' Park
have ended in a draw.
Newcastle
Newcastle have gone 10 Premier League games without a win (D1, L9) for the
first time since May 2009 - when they were relegated.
They have equalled their Premier League club record of 19 defeats in a
season, set in each of the previous two campaigns.
Newcastle have won just one of their nine league games at St James' Park
under John Carver (D3, L5).
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 league matches.
The Magpies haven't won their final Premier League game of the season since
May 2006 (D2, L5).
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
They have gone 11 league matches without an away victory (D5, L6).
However, they haven't lost to any of the current bottom five this season
(W6, D3).
Sam Allardyce's side have scored just twice in their last five games, while
only Burnley have scored fewer than West Ham's 14 goals in 2015.
The Hammers have dropped points in five of their last 14 games by conceding
goals in the final five minutes.
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Euro 2016 qualifiers: Wales' James Collins out of Belgium game
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Collins will miss Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier
against Belgium in June because of a calf injury. Collins, 31, has been
ruled out of West Ham's final Premier League game of the season at
Newcastle. The former Cardiff City and Aston Villa player suffered the
injury during his side's 2-1 defeat by Everton last Saturday. Chris Coleman
will name his squad for the 12 June qualifier on Tuesday. Collins made his
first appearance in Wales' Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in the 3-0 win over
Israel in March. The centre-half started in place of Hull City's James
Chester, who missed the game after suffering a shoulder injury. Chester, 26,
returned to action for Hull in April but Wales will be without Tottenham
left-back Ben Davies for the Belgium game. Former Swansea City defender
Davies has been ruled out after having surgery on a dislocated shoulder. The
22-year-old defender slipped and fell awkwardly during the Premier League
match away to Southampton. Wales are currently second in Euro 2016
qualifying group B, behind Belgium on goal difference.
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Slaven Bilic backed to be the next West Ham manager
By Tim Clement
Last Updated: 22/05/15 3:49pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic is being backed to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager,
with Sky Bet reporting a surge of bets on the outgoing Besiktas boss taking
the reins at Upton Park. The club's owners David Sullivan and David Gold are
widely expected to confirm that Allardyce's contract, which expires this
summer, will not be extended in a meeting on Monday. Speculation that the
parties will go their separate ways has only increased since the 60-year-old
confirmed he will leave it to his agent to attend the discussions as he
heads off on a family holiday.
Next West Ham manager odds:
Slaven Bilic 5/6, Rafa Benitez 6/1, Steve McClaren 12/1, David Moyes 14/1.
Find the full odds here.
Sky Bet, who make Allardyce 12/1 to still be in charge come the start of
next season, have reported a run of bets on Bilic to be his replacement,
consequently cutting the Croat's odds from 5/1 to 5/6 on Friday afternoon.
Bilic spent a solitary campaign as a player at Upton Park between 1996/97
and has held various managerial positions since retiring in 2001, including
the Croatia national post.
Besiktas have confirmed that he will leave his current position following
the conclusion of the current campaign, which comes to an end next weekend
with the Super Lig title beyond their grasp. Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said:
"Both the situations of Allardyce and Bilic make it appear a logical move,
which seems to have prompted the backing with a lack of concrete links.
"Given the market was only opened recently, we're expecting plenty of
movement as various candidates are linked, but for now at least it is Bilic
who is attracting all of the backing."
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James Tomkins: West Ham won't make it easy for Newcastle
Last Updated: 22/05/15 5:01pm
SSN
James Tomkins says West Ham are determined to beat Newcastle on Survival
Sunday – no matter what the consequences may be for their opponents. Sam
Allardyce's side travel to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon knowing that
victory would relegate Newcastle if Hull City beat Manchester United.
However, defender Tomkins has assured Hull's supporters that West Ham have
set their sights on reaching the 50-point mark in the Premier League, which
could prove enough to secure a top-half finish. He told skysports.com: "The
coaches and everyone at the club are motivated and we are going to work hard
right until the end. We will not let anyone have an easy game, and as
players we'll always give as much as we can. "We want to get to that
50-point mark which was the target we set at the start of the season and if
we can match that it would be ideal, but Newcastle are fighting for their
lives so it'll be a tough game. But they will be expecting a tough game
against us and we don't want to let them down really. "We want to make it
as hard as we possibly can for Newcastle, you cannot be friendly even if the
opposition is fighting for their lives. We need to try to exploit their
weaknesses and make the crowd uneasy."
That crowd unrest at Newcastle has escalated in recent weeks, with a protest
planned to commence in the stadium after the game on Sunday.
And Tomkins is hoping West Ham can use any negativity in the stands to their
advantage. He added: "The atmosphere at St James' is going to be electric
but if we can get on top of them then you will hear some boos and jeers
because Newcastle are a massive club with a massive fan base and we just
want to put as much pressure on them as we can. "It's definitely going to be
very edgy and speaking from experience, the crowd will be edgy at that sort
of time and they'll be expecting a lot from their team." The 26-year-old was
part of the West Ham squad that was relegated at the end of the 2010/11
season, as well as being a key part of their instant return the following
year. And he knows what Sunday's match means to Newcastle and their
followers. He said: "They're a massive team that certainly needs to be in
the Premier League, especially with the supporters they have and the history
of the club. It is all against them at the moment, but the league table
doesn't lie and they are down there for a reason. "It's going to be a hard
game on Sunday for both of us."
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Carlton Cole doesn't know if he will stay at West Ham next season
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:05pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole revealed he still does not know where his
future lies beyond this season. Cole's contract expires at the end of the
season and it is unclear whether he will stay at the club beyond the summer.
No new deal is on the table for the 31-year-old, and speaking on Sky Sports'
Fantasy Football Club, he insisted he has nothing to hide - he just doesn't
know where he will be next season.
"I really don't know [if he is staying]," Cole said. "A year and a half ago
I thought I was leaving, but I am still at West Ham
"You never know in football. If Sam is still there, he will phone me up and
tell me. You don't know what a new manager will do. I am in limbo." The
former Chelsea hitman almost joined up with Tony Pulis at West Brom in the
January transfer window, but the move fell through after the Hammers failed
to bring in another striker – much to Cole's annoyance. "I was there doing
the medical; then I was back home," Cole added. "It was disappointing as I
was going to get some first-team football. "At the time I was not happy
about it, but it was one of those things and I had to get on with it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle v West Ham preview: John Carver desperate for win to guarantee
survival
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:53pm
SSN
Newcastle head into Sunday's clash with West Ham knowing only a win will
absolutely guarantee their Premier League survival. John Carver's men sit
two points above 18th-placed Hull City but with an inferior goal difference,
so a win for Hull and anything but victory for the Magpies will see them
drop to the Championship. Newcastle have lost nine of their last 10 Premier
League outings, leaving them in serious danger of relegation, which looked a
long shot when Carver took over halfway through the season. The Hammers,
meanwhile, also face uncertainty with Sam Allardyce's job the source of
constant speculation, and the manager revealed there will be a meeting on
Monday about his future, although he will not attend personally.
Team news
Mike Williamson returns for the hosts after serving a two-match ban
following his second dismissal of the season at Leicester, and he could be
joined in the squad by midfielder Siem de Jong, who is back in training
after a thigh problem. Striker Papiss Cisse (knee) and winger Rolando Aarons
(hamstring) are fit, if short of match fitness, but goalkeeper Rob Elliot
(thigh), defenders Steven Taylor (calf/shin) and Massadio Haidara (knee),
and midfielder Cheick Tiote (also knee) remain on the sidelines.
West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside, and the
Wales international has also been ruled out of the European Championship
qualifier against Belgium on June 12. Defender James Tomkins returns to the
team, though, after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
Opta facts
John Carver's men have to ignore a poor record against West Ham
Newcastle have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League games versus
West Ham at St James Park (W5 D5).
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five PL matches
against the Magpies.
Newcastle are on the longest current winless run in games on the final day
the Premier League (seven matches).
The last time Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League, the final
day games were played on May 24, Hull faced Man Utd and Sunderland played
Chelsea.
Sam Allardyce has won just two of his last 15 Premier League games (D5 L8).
West Ham have ended the season with a negative goal difference in all 18
Premier League seasons they've featured in before this season. Heading into
the final day at Newcastle they are on minus one, so a win of any kind would
end the run.
Merson's prediction
There will be drama. I just don't think Newcastle are a good team – at all.
But this weekend all comes down to the fans. Newcastle's fans are great but
they have to stick with the team for 90 minutes – not just for 20 minutes.
If you had to pick one team at home to get a result, it would be West Ham,
without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team
but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle –
he shouldn't have got sacked there.
Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan
want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so. The thing is, it's OK
Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the
pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will
nick it with a late goal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Newcastle United are 8/11 for the win they require to guarantee their
safety, with West Ham rated 3/1 to put the Magpies in danger with a draw or
100/30 to take all three points. The Magpies were as long as 200/1 to go
down as recently as the beginning of April, but on the final day they're 9/2
to join Burnley and QPR in the Sky Bet Championship next season. Sam
Allardyce will be eager to get one over his old club, and the Hammers are
6/4 to score first, while Newcastle are 8/1 to come from behind and win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAM'S BACKROOM DISBANDING
By Sean Whetstone 22 May 2015 at 08:15
The disbanding of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff has begun with Teddy
Sheringham unveiled as the new manager of Stevenage yesterday.
Stevenage officially confirmed that West Ham attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham will take over as as Manager in the summer.
The 49 year old former Hammer was appointed West Ham's attacking coach on a
part-time basis back in May 2014.
Asked about the influence of Allardyce's situation at a press conference,
Sheringham said:
'It has probably helped. 'If Sam had been told four months ago that he was
staying in the job he probably would have sorted his backroom staff to stay.
The longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has left things very open. This
chance has come about and it felt right.If Sam had asked me four months ago
I probably would have stayed another year and seen where it had taken me.'
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Teddy later added about Sam:
"(Sam) is still hopeful that something will happen – it happened like that
the last time he was out of contract at West Ham.I don't think it's any
mystery or secret that they have been trying to look for other managers.
Just because… the next contract isn't straight at his feet doesn't mean to
say that it's not going to happen."
In a final twist it appears it was Sam who persuaded Teddy to take the
Stevenage job
"I spoke to my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally,
it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was
from Stevenage he said 'take it'. His endorsement was a big deciding
factor."
Chairman David Sullivan added on West Ham's official website:
""We appointed Teddy as our new attacking coach last summer with a view to
improving our forward play, and I must say he took to the part-time role
with real enthusiasm and commitment, with the likes of Diafra Sakho and
Enner Valencia joining us and working regularly with a man of Teddy's
calibre, we know he will have helped improve their game.While we are
disappointed to be losing Teddy's services, we are happy to have played a
part in developing his coaching skills and will be watching closely as he
embarks on his managerial career at Stevenage."
West Ham Assistant Manager McDonald has been linked with the Blackpool
manager job recently vacated by Lee Clark. The forty-nine year-old was
linked to the Carlisle United recently but chose to remain loyal to the Sam
Allardyce, however this time it could be different with Allardyce's future
uncertain.
McDonald has worked alongside Big Sam at Bolton and Blackburn as well as at
West Ham. He had a successful spell as manager of Carlisle seven years ago
before being sacked just one game into the new season for non-footballing
reasons never fully explained.
Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon has also been linked to another vacant
manager post at Leyton Orient. He has become the surprise 1/2 odds on
favorite?
Orient sacked Italian boss Fabio Liverani last week, following their
relegation from League One. Former Italy international Liverani became
Orient's fourth manager of the season in December when he replaced
compatriot Mauro Milanese. Hendon played for Tottenham, Barnet and Leyton
Orient and had spells managing Barnet and Dover Athletic as well assistant
manager of Gillingham before he joined West Ham in 2011.
Of course we shouldn't read too much into all of this or the fact that Sam
Allardyce moved out of his Docklands flat on Wednesday this week.
This morning Sam cleared up speculation around his moving out of his flat
saying: "It's bound to bring up speculation but the apartment was sold
around two months ago, In the contract there was a two-month notice period
which meant that in actual fact I should have been out on the 15th, but they
extended it for me until the end of the season. The apartment has been
bought and I had to move out one way or the other. I can only say what the
truth is, if you want to ring up (estate agents) Morgan Randall and ask if
the apartment has been sold, give them a ring."
I understand Allardyce flies out to Spain with his wife Lynn on Monday
morning so will not be present at any board meeting held on Monday. His
magnificent Spanish villa on the Costa Blanca is named "Casa St James" which
he paid for with the £4m pay-off he received from Newcastle when they sacked
him. I wonder whether he will be buying a second holiday home called 'Casa
Boleyn' with the estimated £10m in wages and bonuses he is thought to have
earned over the past four years at West Ham?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
teve Bruce: I trust Sam Allardyce to make sure West Ham are up for for
Newcastle's crucial relegation clash
22:30, 22 MAY 2015
BY DAVID ANDERSON , NEIL MCLEMAN
Survival hopes of Bruce's Hull side looked dented when Hammers players were
given string of days off before St James' clash
The Mirror
Steve Bruce claims he trusts West Ham boss Sam Allardyce to do his best to
beat Newcastle. Allardyce appeared to boost Newcastle's survival hopes and
dent Hull's by giving his players a string of days off in the build-up to
Saturday's clash at St James' Park.
But Bruce refused to criticise his old friend and is confident the Hammers
will be properly prepared to face Newcastle. "That's his prerogative," said
Bruce. "It's his business what he does with his players, but Sam's a man of
integrity and honesty and he'll make sure his team are properly prepared for
Newcastle. "He will be wanting to win that game, and he'll make sure his
players go out there and try all they know to get a result."
Allardyce has predicted his team will draw at Newcastle – leaving Bruce to
beat Manchester United and condemn his former club to relegation. West Ham
have gone 11 away games without a win since a victory at West Brom in
December and have scored only twice in their last five games. But Allardyce,
who was sacked by Newcastle in 2008, insisted: "The odds are probably a draw
at the moment. "And I am sure between Newcastle and Hull and whatever the
situation, and how it changes, it will be making either side very, very
nervous. "But for us it is about concentrating on ourselves and trying to
win."
Hull boss Bruce is desperate to avoid having another relegation on his CV
after going down with Birmingham in 2006. Bruce has never beaten his old
club United in 21 attempts as a manager, knows how catastrophic relegation
can be. "Personally, I went down with Birmingham a few years ago, and I
don't want another relegation on my CV because it's tough to live with," he
said. "It's a blot on the copy book, that's for sure, but the worst thing of
all is that when it happens, you have to start all over again, rebuilding
the club from scratch.
"It's going right down to the wire and, if there is to be one final twist,
why shouldn't it be in our favour for once? We're capable, so let's hope we
can pull it off."
Gambling fan David Meyler insists outsiders Hull are worth a punt to win
their battle to beat the drop.The Irish midfielder said: "I sure do like a
bet, and I would certainly put it on at 3-1 that Hull stay up. "I've had
loads of winners at that price, and let's hope my tip this time turns out to
be the biggest and most important of the lot. "There's no reason why it
can't happen, and I still believe in all my team-mates, the manager and all
the staff. "It's going to be tough, for sure, and there's going to be a lot
of tension around the place. But pressure? That just makes me laugh. "In my
mind, pressure is what you put in tyres. This is a game of football, and all
the lads in our dressing-room are really looking forward to it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham need to build a bigger squad to mix it with the Premier
League's big hitters
17:06, 22 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 27-year-old, who looks set to leave Upton Park at the end of his loan
spell, says the Irons need more strength in depth
The Mirror
Alex Song believes West Ham need to scrap their dreams of a shock challenge
to the big guns until they get a better squad. The 27-year-old midfielder is
set to leave Upton Park when his loan spell ends after Sunday's game at
Newcastle as the Hammer have decided not to pursue an option to keep him.
The east Londoners were desperate to tie him down to a permanent deal during
the first half of the season when the club's impressive displays had
insiders dreaming of a surprise Champions League bid. West Ham's results
have dipped dramatically over the second half of the campaign, however, and
Song has been unable to reproduce his early-season form. The club are set to
invest in up to five new players this summer. Song believes fresh blood is a
must to ensure the Hammers have the quality to challenge the likes of
Chelsea , Arsenal or the Manchester clubs. He said: "I am very happy with
the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with the fans, because of
the way they have always welcomed me. I will never forget that, and that's
why I will do my best in this game and finish well and then say 'Goodbye' to
everyone. "I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us
this season. We started playing so well that they wanted more. "I always
said it would be difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from
my time at Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has
to have 25 players. "If you have this and two or three players are injured,
you can replace with the same quality. "I am not saying we don't have
quality, but when you want to look to finish in the top four, you have to
have a very big squad and very good quality of players. "In West Ham we have
very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight for this with the
likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's why we have
dropped many points. "When you are not playing every game like we did with
high intensity at the top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in
every single game. Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next
season. I will always look here to see how West Ham are doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce to skip summit meeting over his future on Monday...to go on
holiday with grandchildren
10:22, 22 MAY 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The Hammers boss is widely expected to depart Upton Park but he will not be
in the UK to discover if he has a future at the club
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will not attend the meeting on Monday to decide his West Ham
future. Instead, the Hammers boss will be in Spain on holiday with his
grandchildren. Big Sam, who will be out of contract next month, will send
his agent Mark Curtis to hear his fate while he heads off to the sun. "It
will all be sorted one way or another on Monday," he said. "I am not
personally having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the
owners. "I want to take the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to
go away with my grandchildren.
"I can meet the owners when I come back. I sacrifice all my family when I do
the job. "I have the opportunity once in the year to be with them, and be
with them on holiday. They live up in the north west and I live down here
and it is rare that I see them. "In my career I rarely saw my own children
growing up so it's always been important to be with them this week - and I
have done that for many years.
"That is important for me. There is the whole summer to sort things out. I
am hopeful it's not my final game. "But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."
The Hammers boss confirmed Mirror Sport stories this week that his squad had
a reduced training schedule before Sunday's visit to Newcastle – and the
meters had been read on the Canary Wharf flat he is selling. Allardyce led
West Ham to promotion in his first season and kept the club in the Premier
League for three seasons as they prepare to move to the Olympic Stadium next
year. "I define my time here as brilliant," he claimed. "It has been an
outstanding experience for me and we will find out next week whether it will
continue or not. "I've done what I have been asked to do and make sure we
have a sustainable football club in The Premier League. "You're always sad
if you leave a football club. But I've outlived the average life of a
manager in the Premier League by a long way. "It's just short of two years
now, the average life of a Premier League manager, because it's been pretty
stable this year. "But if I leave, I'm leaving because my contract runs out.
I don't think I'm going to be leaving by now renewing my contract and saying
they are sacking me. "It's a natural process, but we will find that out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham took Stevenage manager's job on advice of his West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The ex-England striker's move to League Two appears to begin the break-up of
Big Sam's staff ahead of his own expected departure next week
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce persuaded Teddy Sheringham to make the move into management
despite being on the brink of losing his own job. Sheringham, 49, took his
first step on the managerial ladder on Thursday when he was appointed by
League Two Stevenage, kick-starting the break up of Allardyce's West Ham
backroom staff. The Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One
side Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient, as Allardyce's coaches try to sort out their futures ahead of
his expected departure next week. Former Tottenham and Manchester United
star Sheringham - West Ham's attacking coach this season - said: "I spoke to
my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just
Sam. "I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was from
Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His endorsement was a big deciding factor."
Ex-England striker Sheringham, handed a three-year deal by Stevenage,
admitted the doubts over Allardyce's Hammers future contributed too. He
said: "The uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last
four to six months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would
have stayed and seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the
uncertainty has left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has
come about and it felt right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle relegation battle hopes boosted as West Ham players take most of
week off before final-day decider
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hull fans counting on the Hammers to do them a favour on Sunday will be
surprised by their relaxed approach
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has given his West Ham players the week off ahead of their
crucial relegation clash against Newcastle on Sunday. In a move that will
shock Hull City fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the Upton
Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday lunchtime.
Three Hammers stars - James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien - were at
the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena in London on Thursday night
for a celebrity challenge match. Sunday's massive fixtures will decide
whether it's Newcastle or Hull - who are at home to Manchester United - who
join Burnley and QPR in going down to the Championship. Allardyce is set to
part company with West Ham after Sunday's game and Mirror Sport understands
he could go within a few hours of the final whistle. His contract is set to
expire but talks over his future, which had been scheduled for Monday, will
almost certainly be scrapped. Former Newcastle boss Big Sam's move this week
has stunned insiders at West Ham and comes after the club lost to Everton
last Saturday. That result meant the Hammers have won just two of their last
16 matches. The poor run of form over the second half of the season has led
to the club deciding not to renew Allardyce's contract. Mirror Sport
revealed earlier this week that Big Sam spent this week preparing to quit
his Canary Wharf apartment.
Allardyce's backroom staff are already preparing for his departure:
forwards' coach Teddy Sheringham was named as the new boss at Stevenage on
Thursday, No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with Blackpool and first-team coach
Ian Hendon is a contender for the Leyton Orient job.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam on holiday when decision is made
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AN DH
Sam Allardyce has told reporters that he will be on holiday as his future is
decided next week.
He used his London Evening Standard column to say:
"My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend, I will be on
holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely,
but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I
can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and
see."
Speaking to reporters earlier he added:
"My future will be sorted out one way or the other on Monday," said
Allardyce. "I am going away with my grandchildren to Spain, but my agent
will be available to speak to the owners. It will be the owners' decision.
The speculation has possibly affected the players a bit, with all the other
names of managers who are being linked to the job. I'm sure Carlo Ancelotti
will be the next name, but I cannot affect that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons fury over 'holiday' ahead of £1.2m game
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders are furious that the team will get found out through a
lack of training when they face a £1.2 million game at Newcastle this
weekend. Everton and the Irons are on level points at 47 and many in the
club believe every effort should have been made to ensure we finish ahead of
the merseysiders and pocket another £1 million plus in positional money.
Manager Sam Allardyce chose to give the squad much of the week off off
before revealing he was off to Spain with wife Lynn for a holiday with the
grandkids as the club hold their meeting over his future. We were told:
"Obviously if Everton beat Spurs we stay where we are anyway but should we
lose and Palace win against Swansea at Selhurst Park we could lose another
position there. "We owe it to everybody to go up there and really give it a
go and nobody believes that giving players two or three days off when
there's still so much at stake, notably for Newcastle and Burnley, was the
way to go. "Nobody seems to think a million or two pounds is very important
in a game which counts in billions but it can still make a difference.play
right to the very end. It can, for example,buy you a player who can be the
difference to relegation or survival. "There have been a lot of questions
asked about the events of this week and many people are very unhappy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam thinks it's all over- it is NOW!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
EXCLUSIVE
C AND H
West Ham sources received former Sam Allardyce assistant Phil Brown's:
"They're crazy to let him go" outburst on talkSport in stunned silence
before waves of laughter broke out. The Southend boss and former Allardyce
assistant at Bolton had said: ""I think it's crazy that West Ham are letting
him go. He's one of our top English managers," After finally letting the at
out of the bag, Brown added: "A lot of people have pigeon-holed him as a
survival manager which is ludicrous. He's got promotion from the
Championship and not only survived but taken them into the top half. "He
came to West Ham to do a job and nobody can say he hasn't."
However, ClaretandHugh's top contact inside the club laughed: "Crazy to
keep Sam?…crazy?" "No I'm afraid Mr Brown needs to understand we'd be crazy
to keep him – three win in 20 games! It is safe for you to write that it's
over."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown: 'West Ham are letting him go'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce's former assistant Phil Brown just told Adrian Durham & Darren
Gough on Talk sport radio "West Ham are letting him go" when asked about his
good mate Sam Allardyce. The Southend United manager quickly tried to
cover his tracks after he realised his gaff but it appears the cat is well
and truly out of the bag.
Last month Brown heaped praise on his mate Sam saying "Sam has done a
fabulous job. He's always been a manager who does what it says on the tin.
He's bold, brash, hard and he's fair. He tells you what he's going to do and
he does it. You can't argue that he's done anything else at West Ham.
Whether you like him or loathe him, it doesn't matter. He's done exactly
what he said he would do – get them promoted, keep them in the Premier
League and then challenge. He's done it.
"For him not to be rewarded with another contract is just beyond me. I think
that's the reason why the season has begun to peter out and taper off. I
don't think we do appreciate him enough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song says Sorry & Goodbye
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Barcelona loanee Alex Song has penned a farewell blog for the club's
official website in which he appears to hint he will say goodbye to
everyone. He also apologised because the team didn't do what was expected of
them.
"I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone." he told WHUFC.com
"You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.
"I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.
"If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.
"In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.
"When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheri all but lets Sam cat out of bag
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Teddy Sheringham appears to have come as close as it gets to letting cats
out of bags without going the whole hog! Discussing the reasons for taking
his first step into management at Stevenage, he claimed the uncertainty over
the 60 year old's position had contributed to the decision. He said: "The
uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last four to six
months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would have stayed and
seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has
left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has come about and it
felt right."
Meanwhile, the Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One side
Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient. Sheringham added: "I spoke to my family (about taking the
Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an
approach and as soon as I said it was from Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His
endorsement was a big deciding factor."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons uncomfortable with squad "holiday"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's medical staff have been twiddling their thumbs for much of this
week after Sam Allardyce handed the he players an unexpected 'holiday –
first reported here on Monday! Sam Allardyce's move in handing the squad
Sunday Monday and Tuesday off ahead of a crucial clash affecting the
relegation zone on Sunday has not gone down well among Upton Park insiders.
Morning reports even claimed they did not return to the training ground
until today but the newspapers concerned changed that in on line editions
claiming they were in action yesterday. The Mirror said: "In a move that
will shock Hull City fans fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the
Upton Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday
lunchtime." Other sources claimed to ClaretandHugh: "The medical staff are
being paid to get players fit/treat them and there have been no players to
work with for much of the week!" The unexpected break drew the comment from
one insider: "Sam believes that rewards bring results – mind you that hasn't
worked too well since Dubai has it?"
Another said: "Hull City fans may be a little uncomfortable with Sam
Allardyce's relaxed approach given it will be either them or Newcastlewho
join QPR and Burnley in the Championship. Some around here most certainly
are. Three Hammers stars – James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien –
were also reported to be at the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena
in London on Thursday night for a celebrity challenge match although none of
the three are likely to feature on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's farewell speech
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce has used his London Evening Standard to reflect on his four
years at West Ham in something which closely resembles a farewell speech.
"I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the
season, to look back on my four years at West Ham. Progression is always the
key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask
questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you
overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If
they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If,
however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the
money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's
difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has
served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four
years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first
season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs
because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too
quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but
built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at
the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help
win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do
that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they
are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation
everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and
the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players
individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of
intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment
there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who
scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club
in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around
Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz
Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected
the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time
here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over
Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Classic match
Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United
Division One
23 May 1989
West Ham United's only involvement on this date was not one they would want
to remember - as not only did they suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of
Liverpool, but they also suffered relegation to Division Two as a result.
The Hammers, who had been stuck in the bottom three since the sixth game of
the season, kept their hopes of survival alive the previous weekend with a
2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. But this trip to Anfield, their fourth away
game in succession, would not yield the result they craved. Liverpool took a
20th minute lead through John Aldridge, but West Ham soon hit back through
Leroy Rosenior's 15th goal of the season. That was as good as it got for
West Ham though, as Liverpool pulled away after the hour mark. Ray
Houghton's double set them on their way, before Ian Rush and John Barnes
added late goals to settle it. Liverpool's season still had one more game to
go, and they were pipped to the title by losing out to Arsenal in a
winner-takes-all final fixture.
Complete record
1989 Liverpool 5-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 1, Won 0, Drawn 0, Lost 1, Scored 1, Conceded 5
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Teddy thankful for Hammers chance
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham has thanked West Ham United for giving him the opportunity
to embark on what he hopes will be a long and successful managerial career.
The former England striker joined the Hammers in the newly-formed role of
attacking coach last summer, charged with improving the squad's performance
in the final third of the pitch. Working with the likes of Diafra Sakho,
Enner Valencia, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, Sheringham's influence
played a role in West Ham's outstanding opening half to the 2014/15
campaign. After a few years out of the game, Sheringham's season on the
training pitch at Chadwell Heath also inspired him to take the next step in
his career by agreeing to become manager of League Two club Stevenage this
summer. "It's the next logical step for me," the 49-year-old told whufc.com.
"I said to the press on Thursday that coming to West Ham last year felt
right and I've been involved. I'm not exactly a young coach, so it's not as
if I need four or five years in this role or to step up to be an assistant
manager – I need to get out there and manage myself. "This has just come out
of the blue and it feels right. As much as West Ham felt right last year,
this feels right to go and have another challenge."
After a period outside football following his retirement at the end of a
glittering playing career, Sheringham was not 100 per cent sure he wanted to
take on a full-time coaching role. Now, after nine months working part-time
as a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff, he is fully committed to
making a success of being a manager in his own right. "Football is my first
love," he confirmed. "I was given a talent as a kid to play football and I
did everything in my power to be as good as I could as a player, so football
is in my blood. I am involved in the game and I want to be more involved, so
I am going into League Two and we'll see what happens. "Without a doubt, the
chance that Sam and West Ham has given me this season, money can't buy. That
sort of experience will be invaluable to me over the coming years as I carry
on managing. I've been involved in the first team and been able to talk to
players without barriers and I've been involved in every meeting I wanted to
be involved in. "It's been a great experience I'll be forever indebted to
West Ham for that sort of involvement. For an inexperienced coach coming in,
you normally have to work your way up to it, so Sam has done very well for
me."
Early in his time at West Ham, Sheringham identified Sakho as an outstanding
talent, and the Senegal star has responded by scoring 12 goals in his debut
season in English football. With more hard work and better luck on the
injury front, the former UEFA Champions League winner believes the No15
could become a special player. "Without a doubt Diafra has done fantastic
this season, but he can do better. You only have to look at his attitude
because it is top-notch – he doesn't want to lose in training, in games or
his one-to-one battles. I fully expect him to do better next year, even
though he has been exceptional this season. "If I was going to be
ultra-critical, he still needs to work on his left side and he's not too old
to do that. Having said that, he is still a top player with a top attitude
and one to watch, without a doubt."
While Sakho will not be one of them, Sheringham confirmed that he expects to
retain close links with West Ham in his new job, by taking young Hammers on
loan at Stevenage next season. "Without a doubt there are one or two I have
my eye on and hopefully something will come of that throughout next season.
There are a few good 'uns here!"
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View on the Opposition - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Newcastle Chronicles's chief sports writer Lee Ryder gives us the lowdown on
Sunday's opponents Newcastle United
I imagine it's a nervy time for Newcastle fans at the moment, what's the
mood on Tyneside?
Very nervous at the moment. Newcastle can't buy a win at the moment, they
haven't won for three months. With that in mind, a lot of fans will be
keeping an eye on the KC Stadium. They'll be praying for a Man United win
which is quite ironic seeing at they used to be rivals. But that's how it's
panned out.
"West Ham is always a tough game. Sam Allardyce will want to go out on a
high and he used to manager up here. Contemplating what could go wrong does
make you feel a little bit nervous."
Despite the results, who has been in good form recently?
"It's slim picking to be honest with you. Ayoze Perez has got a couple of
goals in the last few games. Jack Colback in midfield has been great all
season despite Newcastle's struggles. After that, you really are scrapping
the barrel. It's up to someone to step up and perform. Will they wake up? We
have to wait and see."
Where has it gone wrong for Newcastle. Was Alan Pardew leaving the turning
point or where the problems before that?
"There were problems before that. Pardew has done great since he joined
Crystal Palace and that has made Newcastle's decline look worse. But if he
had stayed at Newcastle I think there would have been similar problems.
"Alan Pardew had long enough to build his own team, yes they were ninth in
the table but it was a very tight table. It was a bad start to the season, a
bad end to last season and I think he realised the games was up."
What would relegation mean for Newcastle?
"If you look at teams like Wigan, Leeds and Blackpool, there's no guarantee
that you're going to bounce back. Unless a huge investor comes in, I don't
see Mike Ashley leaving the club any time soon. I'm sure they have plans for
next season, potentially a new head coach and new players coming in. I'm
expecting quite a shake up. There's plenty to do and I think the board know
that.
"West Ham fans know exactly what it's like to be relegated. It's certainly
not easy, it's a painful experience. West Ham had to go via the play offs
last time. So there are no guarantees, the Championship is an unforgiving
place. With the money around nowadays it's always going to be difficult."
West Ham won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the season, what do you
remember about that game?
"It was a disappointing day for Newcastle. They didn't create much. Moussa
Sissoko was sent off for two silly yellow cards. They just weren't at it. In
contrast, West Ham were on a good run and they deserved to win. It's not a
game I look back on with much fondness, let's put it that way."
John Carver's side have struggled to win recently
West Ham arguably don't have too much to play for, does that make them an
ideal team to play?
"On paper that's probably how it looks. Newcastle have lost to top teams,
middling teams and bottom teams. They've lost them all and they cannot buy a
win. If West Ham do turn up with their flip flops on then all the better
because they need all the help they can get. West Ham can still finish in
the top ten which isn't a bad achievement and I'm sure that's what they'll
be focused on."
Andy Carroll is injured but Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan are set to feature
on Sunday, what kind of reception can they expect?
"Sam Allardyce always gets a few boos up here, the fans didn't take to his
style of football. Kevin Nolan is a little bit different. He was part of the
promotion winning team, he's a massive legend for a lot of fans because of
that. He scored a lot of goals and helped to stabilize the club and the fans
won't forget his contribution to the club.
"He showed he cared for the Black and White cause. By the same token, he's a
West Ham player and I don't think he would give anything less than 100%.
He's always liable to pop up and get the odd goal or two."
Finally, what is your prediction for the Sunday's score?
"That's a big question. With the way that Newcastle have been playing, I
find it hard to see them winning. They might be able to get a draw and
hopefully Manchester United do us a favour at Hull. I'll go for 1-1 and
Kevin Nolan to get his hundredth goal."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I am looking forward to finishing the season well at Newcastle United on
Sunday afternoon.
I think it's not easy to play this kind of game because we know Newcastle
are in a bad position and need points to stay in the Premier League. Also,
we are not in a good situation because we didn't win for a long time away
from home.
I'm sorry for what has happened to Newcastle but we want to win. We are
professional players and we have to do the job, so we will go into the game
and try to get the result.
We definitely need to produce a performance, because it is a long time since
we did this. In the first few months of the season, we played very well, and
we need to play the same way and finish the season well and make the fans
happy. The fans deserve more because we didn't follow the way we wanted to
follow, so we need to finish well.
I don't know what has happened to Newcastle, because when I look at their
squad I see a lot of good players. I don't know what's wrong. They need
something, because they are not in a good position for their fans or for
their club.
Newcastle is a very big club in England with a very big history. I know a
lot of Cameroon players who have played there and they are always talking
about the club and how they were doing. Today, they are in trouble.
Hopefully for them, they will come out of this situation, but at this moment
it is not good for them because they are playing against us. We are safe,
but we are not in a good situation, so we need to finish well.
At the start of the season, we reached a high level and the people deserve
more because we have not done what we wanted to do, so we have to finish
well. That is what I am saying.
I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone.
You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.
I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.
If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.
In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.
When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing.
Thank you for everything this season,
Alex
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Big Sam on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Big Sam faced the press ahead of the Hammers' trip to Newcastle United in
what is the final round of games this season.
During the press conference, the Gaffer fielded questions on his future,
facing his former employers and reflecting on a positive season at the
Boleyn.
Morning Sam, how have preparations been for this match?
"The lads have had a few days off, but not five. The best way after a long
season is to spend some time at home with the families. They can't get any
fitter. They could do with a physical and mental rest. A few days training
with a reminder of the basics, which we always do.
"It's not about Newcastle for me; some people have suggested I am all up for
winning to try to send them down, I want to win it for West Ham because
that's where I work. I want to finish with a win away from home and finish
with 50 points.
"From a player point of view, James Collins is out (calf), having to leave
the field after a few minutes. There was another fantastic performance from
Reece Burke. James Tomkins is fit to join the squad again. Off we go to
Newcastle tomorrow and we will try to get a result and a win."
But surely it's only human nature for you to want to win this game more than
others?
"It's too far down the road for any of that stuff. It's been a long time
since we parted company. For me, looking back is not what I am really about.
Since Newcastle, I have had a fantastic time at Blackburn Rovers and a
fantastic time here since then, which is nearly seven years. Time flies
doesn't it?"
What do you think Hull fans may think when they hear your players have had
some time off?
"We are all disappointed, none more so than the players and myself that we
have not achieved more than we have. We could have had such a great season.
We could have probably matched, with a bit more luck, nearly the best season
West Ham have had in the Premier League.
"We had the opportunity just after Christmas. We all know, that a few
seconds less we would be at the 58 or 60 points mark. But it's not to be,
which has taught us a lesson, and we have not managed to sustain the
results. The factors are that the squad strength-in-depth, though we have
still played well, because of a shortage of goals, we have not been able to
achieve results that the performances deserve."
There's increasing speculation on your future?
"It will all be sorted on Monday, one way or another. I am not personally
having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the owners. At
this moment in time, because the season has finished so late, I want to take
the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to go away with my
grandchildren. I will shoot off to Spain. Whatever will be will be."
There's been reports that your apartment in Canary Wharf has been sold?
"The apartment was sold. It's bound to bring up speculation, but the
apartment was sold about two months ago. In the contract there was a
two-month notice period, which meant that I should have been out on May 15th
but they extended it to the end of the season. The apartment has been bought
and I had to move out. If you want to ring up the travel agents and ask them
if it has been sold, then do so."
What do you make of Teddy Sheringham leaving for Stevenage, it's a bit of
casualty of all the uncertainly isn't it?
"It's not a casualty. It's a great opportunity for Teddy. Probably getting
involved at football at this club has given him that little bit of a spark.
He's been stimulated, he has enjoyed his time with us and we have enjoyed
having him. That has created an opportunity for him to test his skills as a
manager. All Teddy has to look forward is a lot of hard work and a lot of
sleepless nights."
Do you think the players have been affected by the speculation?
"It's a possibility, speculation can breed some complacency in the dressing
room. It has happened before, perhaps it wasn't quite as much speculation
the first time round after getting promoted. I think I signed my contract on
May 11th, which was discussed slightly before the end of the season.
"This time it's more speculation of all other managers taking my position.
Probably tomorrow it will be Carlo Ancelotti, he will be the next in line. I
can't affect that. By Monday the situation will be sorted."
Could the owners have helped that?
"It's their decision and you have to abide by that. I'm comfortable with it,
I don't have a problem. Distractions are something you put aside all the
time as a manager to make sure you focus on your position, regardless of
what the speculation.
"Doing the job you are paid to do is what you are here for. So there are
always many distractions when you are a manager of a club of this size. You
have to forget that and deal with the players and get them to play as best
as they can."
Do you hope that this isn't your final game for West Ham?
"I am hopeful it's not my final game. But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."
It's crucial for Hull that you win against Newcastle, isn't it?
"It's not only Hull fans but it's also for my big mate Steve Bruce, if he
wants anyone to win it's me but he has to win himself – that's the most
important thing for Steve.
"I am sure there will be twists and turns throughout the game one way or the
other. I have experienced that once in my management career. We had to play
Middlesbrough on the last game of the season, at Bolton in year two. We knew
if we won that game we would stay up and we managed to do that, 2-1.
,
"It's clear in my mind how difficult that week was. It's a very difficult
week for those boys in that position and players. We are not in that
position, we have to make sure we get 50 points if we can."
Are you surprised that Newcastle are in this position?
"I'm not sure they've played that poorly. The ultimate situation is, is that
you can play as well as you like, but if you don't wins you get put under
severe pressure. Wins can boost confidence but a couple of defeats can
destroy it.
"As a manager, that is the tough side of the game, trying to restore the
confidence. That has been a hugely difficult task for John. He's a great
guy, he is Newcastle through-and-through, he loves the club from top to
bottom. But the players haven't done what they should have done for him and
themselves. That happens, surprises happen at this level, that's why it's
the best league in the world. Apart from the top boys, we can all be
vulnerable to relegation at some stage."
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Newcastle v West Ham United
KO 15:00
22 May 2015
Last updated at 13:41
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Sunday, 24 May
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle defender Mike Williamson is available to face West Ham after
serving a two-match suspension. Siem de Jong could also return to the squad
after a thigh problem but Papiss Cisse is still not fit enough to start
following his knee injury.
West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside after
suffering a calf strain last week. Kevin Nolan returns following a family
bereavement, while James Tomkins is in the squad after recovering from
injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
When Sam Allardyce was sacked as manager of Newcastle United in January
2008, he had been in charge for 21 Premier League games - of which they had
won seven, earning a total of 26 points. John Carver has overseen Newcastle
for a total of 18 Premier League games - of which they have won two, earning
a total of nine points. Someone questioned this week whether Allardyce would
be particularly motivated by the prospect of relegating Newcastle.
Motivated? You'd better believe it. Others would probably find sending
Newcastle down more difficult; perhaps it's just as well that Andy Carroll
is injured. Kevin Nolan wouldn't relish it either - but he's been desperate
to complete his century of league goals ever since he scored his 99th at the
beginning of December. It would be just like football to conjure a scenario
where's Nolan's 100th relegates the team he used to captain. Newcastle's
head coach John Carver has urged his players to avoid TV and social media
this week - but I reckon every last one of them would have been glued to
Sunderland's survival act at Arsenal, whatever the manager said.
Lawro's prediction
"Whether they beat the drop or not, I think people should look at Newcastle
as an example of how not to run a football club." Those who haven't been
hiding under a rock will know by now that Newcastle have taken one point in
10 games. One in ten. They might need three on Sunday. They'll be
desperately hoping that the news from Hull is favourable for them because
there's little disputing that - on form right now - Newcastle are the worst
team in the Premier League. If Hull produce the result they need, then
Newcastle will have to save themselves. Do they have guts, the spirit, the
belief and the desire? Long-time watchers of this once great club tell me
that they fear they do not.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have lost just one of their last four games away to Newcastle.
However, their win in 2012-13 is their sole victory in the last 11 Premier
League trips to St James' Park.
Four of the previous seven meetings between these sides at St James' Park
have ended in a draw.
Newcastle
Newcastle have gone 10 Premier League games without a win (D1, L9) for the
first time since May 2009 - when they were relegated.
They have equalled their Premier League club record of 19 defeats in a
season, set in each of the previous two campaigns.
Newcastle have won just one of their nine league games at St James' Park
under John Carver (D3, L5).
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 league matches.
The Magpies haven't won their final Premier League game of the season since
May 2006 (D2, L5).
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
They have gone 11 league matches without an away victory (D5, L6).
However, they haven't lost to any of the current bottom five this season
(W6, D3).
Sam Allardyce's side have scored just twice in their last five games, while
only Burnley have scored fewer than West Ham's 14 goals in 2015.
The Hammers have dropped points in five of their last 14 games by conceding
goals in the final five minutes.
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Euro 2016 qualifiers: Wales' James Collins out of Belgium game
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Collins will miss Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier
against Belgium in June because of a calf injury. Collins, 31, has been
ruled out of West Ham's final Premier League game of the season at
Newcastle. The former Cardiff City and Aston Villa player suffered the
injury during his side's 2-1 defeat by Everton last Saturday. Chris Coleman
will name his squad for the 12 June qualifier on Tuesday. Collins made his
first appearance in Wales' Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in the 3-0 win over
Israel in March. The centre-half started in place of Hull City's James
Chester, who missed the game after suffering a shoulder injury. Chester, 26,
returned to action for Hull in April but Wales will be without Tottenham
left-back Ben Davies for the Belgium game. Former Swansea City defender
Davies has been ruled out after having surgery on a dislocated shoulder. The
22-year-old defender slipped and fell awkwardly during the Premier League
match away to Southampton. Wales are currently second in Euro 2016
qualifying group B, behind Belgium on goal difference.
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Slaven Bilic backed to be the next West Ham manager
By Tim Clement
Last Updated: 22/05/15 3:49pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic is being backed to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager,
with Sky Bet reporting a surge of bets on the outgoing Besiktas boss taking
the reins at Upton Park. The club's owners David Sullivan and David Gold are
widely expected to confirm that Allardyce's contract, which expires this
summer, will not be extended in a meeting on Monday. Speculation that the
parties will go their separate ways has only increased since the 60-year-old
confirmed he will leave it to his agent to attend the discussions as he
heads off on a family holiday.
Next West Ham manager odds:
Slaven Bilic 5/6, Rafa Benitez 6/1, Steve McClaren 12/1, David Moyes 14/1.
Find the full odds here.
Sky Bet, who make Allardyce 12/1 to still be in charge come the start of
next season, have reported a run of bets on Bilic to be his replacement,
consequently cutting the Croat's odds from 5/1 to 5/6 on Friday afternoon.
Bilic spent a solitary campaign as a player at Upton Park between 1996/97
and has held various managerial positions since retiring in 2001, including
the Croatia national post.
Besiktas have confirmed that he will leave his current position following
the conclusion of the current campaign, which comes to an end next weekend
with the Super Lig title beyond their grasp. Sky Bet's Chris Spicer said:
"Both the situations of Allardyce and Bilic make it appear a logical move,
which seems to have prompted the backing with a lack of concrete links.
"Given the market was only opened recently, we're expecting plenty of
movement as various candidates are linked, but for now at least it is Bilic
who is attracting all of the backing."
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James Tomkins: West Ham won't make it easy for Newcastle
Last Updated: 22/05/15 5:01pm
SSN
James Tomkins says West Ham are determined to beat Newcastle on Survival
Sunday – no matter what the consequences may be for their opponents. Sam
Allardyce's side travel to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon knowing that
victory would relegate Newcastle if Hull City beat Manchester United.
However, defender Tomkins has assured Hull's supporters that West Ham have
set their sights on reaching the 50-point mark in the Premier League, which
could prove enough to secure a top-half finish. He told skysports.com: "The
coaches and everyone at the club are motivated and we are going to work hard
right until the end. We will not let anyone have an easy game, and as
players we'll always give as much as we can. "We want to get to that
50-point mark which was the target we set at the start of the season and if
we can match that it would be ideal, but Newcastle are fighting for their
lives so it'll be a tough game. But they will be expecting a tough game
against us and we don't want to let them down really. "We want to make it
as hard as we possibly can for Newcastle, you cannot be friendly even if the
opposition is fighting for their lives. We need to try to exploit their
weaknesses and make the crowd uneasy."
That crowd unrest at Newcastle has escalated in recent weeks, with a protest
planned to commence in the stadium after the game on Sunday.
And Tomkins is hoping West Ham can use any negativity in the stands to their
advantage. He added: "The atmosphere at St James' is going to be electric
but if we can get on top of them then you will hear some boos and jeers
because Newcastle are a massive club with a massive fan base and we just
want to put as much pressure on them as we can. "It's definitely going to be
very edgy and speaking from experience, the crowd will be edgy at that sort
of time and they'll be expecting a lot from their team." The 26-year-old was
part of the West Ham squad that was relegated at the end of the 2010/11
season, as well as being a key part of their instant return the following
year. And he knows what Sunday's match means to Newcastle and their
followers. He said: "They're a massive team that certainly needs to be in
the Premier League, especially with the supporters they have and the history
of the club. It is all against them at the moment, but the league table
doesn't lie and they are down there for a reason. "It's going to be a hard
game on Sunday for both of us."
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Carlton Cole doesn't know if he will stay at West Ham next season
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:05pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole revealed he still does not know where his
future lies beyond this season. Cole's contract expires at the end of the
season and it is unclear whether he will stay at the club beyond the summer.
No new deal is on the table for the 31-year-old, and speaking on Sky Sports'
Fantasy Football Club, he insisted he has nothing to hide - he just doesn't
know where he will be next season.
"I really don't know [if he is staying]," Cole said. "A year and a half ago
I thought I was leaving, but I am still at West Ham
"You never know in football. If Sam is still there, he will phone me up and
tell me. You don't know what a new manager will do. I am in limbo." The
former Chelsea hitman almost joined up with Tony Pulis at West Brom in the
January transfer window, but the move fell through after the Hammers failed
to bring in another striker – much to Cole's annoyance. "I was there doing
the medical; then I was back home," Cole added. "It was disappointing as I
was going to get some first-team football. "At the time I was not happy
about it, but it was one of those things and I had to get on with it."
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Newcastle v West Ham preview: John Carver desperate for win to guarantee
survival
Last Updated: 22/05/15 8:53pm
SSN
Newcastle head into Sunday's clash with West Ham knowing only a win will
absolutely guarantee their Premier League survival. John Carver's men sit
two points above 18th-placed Hull City but with an inferior goal difference,
so a win for Hull and anything but victory for the Magpies will see them
drop to the Championship. Newcastle have lost nine of their last 10 Premier
League outings, leaving them in serious danger of relegation, which looked a
long shot when Carver took over halfway through the season. The Hammers,
meanwhile, also face uncertainty with Sam Allardyce's job the source of
constant speculation, and the manager revealed there will be a meeting on
Monday about his future, although he will not attend personally.
Team news
Mike Williamson returns for the hosts after serving a two-match ban
following his second dismissal of the season at Leicester, and he could be
joined in the squad by midfielder Siem de Jong, who is back in training
after a thigh problem. Striker Papiss Cisse (knee) and winger Rolando Aarons
(hamstring) are fit, if short of match fitness, but goalkeeper Rob Elliot
(thigh), defenders Steven Taylor (calf/shin) and Massadio Haidara (knee),
and midfielder Cheick Tiote (also knee) remain on the sidelines.
West Ham defender James Collins will miss the trip to Tyneside, and the
Wales international has also been ruled out of the European Championship
qualifier against Belgium on June 12. Defender James Tomkins returns to the
team, though, after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
Opta facts
John Carver's men have to ignore a poor record against West Ham
Newcastle have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League games versus
West Ham at St James Park (W5 D5).
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five PL matches
against the Magpies.
Newcastle are on the longest current winless run in games on the final day
the Premier League (seven matches).
The last time Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League, the final
day games were played on May 24, Hull faced Man Utd and Sunderland played
Chelsea.
Sam Allardyce has won just two of his last 15 Premier League games (D5 L8).
West Ham have ended the season with a negative goal difference in all 18
Premier League seasons they've featured in before this season. Heading into
the final day at Newcastle they are on minus one, so a win of any kind would
end the run.
Merson's prediction
There will be drama. I just don't think Newcastle are a good team – at all.
But this weekend all comes down to the fans. Newcastle's fans are great but
they have to stick with the team for 90 minutes – not just for 20 minutes.
If you had to pick one team at home to get a result, it would be West Ham,
without a doubt. I would be backing Newcastle to go down if it was any team
but West Ham. The only thing is, Sam Allardyce is going back to Newcastle –
he shouldn't have got sacked there.
Would he love to send them down? I'm going to say yes. Would Kevin Nolan
want to send Newcastle down? I don't think so. The thing is, it's OK
Allardyce wanting to send them down but the players are the ones on the
pitch. There will be drama. It will be tight all the way but Newcastle will
nick it with a late goal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Newcastle United are 8/11 for the win they require to guarantee their
safety, with West Ham rated 3/1 to put the Magpies in danger with a draw or
100/30 to take all three points. The Magpies were as long as 200/1 to go
down as recently as the beginning of April, but on the final day they're 9/2
to join Burnley and QPR in the Sky Bet Championship next season. Sam
Allardyce will be eager to get one over his old club, and the Hammers are
6/4 to score first, while Newcastle are 8/1 to come from behind and win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAM'S BACKROOM DISBANDING
By Sean Whetstone 22 May 2015 at 08:15
The disbanding of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff has begun with Teddy
Sheringham unveiled as the new manager of Stevenage yesterday.
Stevenage officially confirmed that West Ham attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham will take over as as Manager in the summer.
The 49 year old former Hammer was appointed West Ham's attacking coach on a
part-time basis back in May 2014.
Asked about the influence of Allardyce's situation at a press conference,
Sheringham said:
'It has probably helped. 'If Sam had been told four months ago that he was
staying in the job he probably would have sorted his backroom staff to stay.
The longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has left things very open. This
chance has come about and it felt right.If Sam had asked me four months ago
I probably would have stayed another year and seen where it had taken me.'
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Teddy later added about Sam:
"(Sam) is still hopeful that something will happen – it happened like that
the last time he was out of contract at West Ham.I don't think it's any
mystery or secret that they have been trying to look for other managers.
Just because… the next contract isn't straight at his feet doesn't mean to
say that it's not going to happen."
In a final twist it appears it was Sam who persuaded Teddy to take the
Stevenage job
"I spoke to my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally,
it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was
from Stevenage he said 'take it'. His endorsement was a big deciding
factor."
Chairman David Sullivan added on West Ham's official website:
""We appointed Teddy as our new attacking coach last summer with a view to
improving our forward play, and I must say he took to the part-time role
with real enthusiasm and commitment, with the likes of Diafra Sakho and
Enner Valencia joining us and working regularly with a man of Teddy's
calibre, we know he will have helped improve their game.While we are
disappointed to be losing Teddy's services, we are happy to have played a
part in developing his coaching skills and will be watching closely as he
embarks on his managerial career at Stevenage."
West Ham Assistant Manager McDonald has been linked with the Blackpool
manager job recently vacated by Lee Clark. The forty-nine year-old was
linked to the Carlisle United recently but chose to remain loyal to the Sam
Allardyce, however this time it could be different with Allardyce's future
uncertain.
McDonald has worked alongside Big Sam at Bolton and Blackburn as well as at
West Ham. He had a successful spell as manager of Carlisle seven years ago
before being sacked just one game into the new season for non-footballing
reasons never fully explained.
Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon has also been linked to another vacant
manager post at Leyton Orient. He has become the surprise 1/2 odds on
favorite?
Orient sacked Italian boss Fabio Liverani last week, following their
relegation from League One. Former Italy international Liverani became
Orient's fourth manager of the season in December when he replaced
compatriot Mauro Milanese. Hendon played for Tottenham, Barnet and Leyton
Orient and had spells managing Barnet and Dover Athletic as well assistant
manager of Gillingham before he joined West Ham in 2011.
Of course we shouldn't read too much into all of this or the fact that Sam
Allardyce moved out of his Docklands flat on Wednesday this week.
This morning Sam cleared up speculation around his moving out of his flat
saying: "It's bound to bring up speculation but the apartment was sold
around two months ago, In the contract there was a two-month notice period
which meant that in actual fact I should have been out on the 15th, but they
extended it for me until the end of the season. The apartment has been
bought and I had to move out one way or the other. I can only say what the
truth is, if you want to ring up (estate agents) Morgan Randall and ask if
the apartment has been sold, give them a ring."
I understand Allardyce flies out to Spain with his wife Lynn on Monday
morning so will not be present at any board meeting held on Monday. His
magnificent Spanish villa on the Costa Blanca is named "Casa St James" which
he paid for with the £4m pay-off he received from Newcastle when they sacked
him. I wonder whether he will be buying a second holiday home called 'Casa
Boleyn' with the estimated £10m in wages and bonuses he is thought to have
earned over the past four years at West Ham?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
teve Bruce: I trust Sam Allardyce to make sure West Ham are up for for
Newcastle's crucial relegation clash
22:30, 22 MAY 2015
BY DAVID ANDERSON , NEIL MCLEMAN
Survival hopes of Bruce's Hull side looked dented when Hammers players were
given string of days off before St James' clash
The Mirror
Steve Bruce claims he trusts West Ham boss Sam Allardyce to do his best to
beat Newcastle. Allardyce appeared to boost Newcastle's survival hopes and
dent Hull's by giving his players a string of days off in the build-up to
Saturday's clash at St James' Park.
But Bruce refused to criticise his old friend and is confident the Hammers
will be properly prepared to face Newcastle. "That's his prerogative," said
Bruce. "It's his business what he does with his players, but Sam's a man of
integrity and honesty and he'll make sure his team are properly prepared for
Newcastle. "He will be wanting to win that game, and he'll make sure his
players go out there and try all they know to get a result."
Allardyce has predicted his team will draw at Newcastle – leaving Bruce to
beat Manchester United and condemn his former club to relegation. West Ham
have gone 11 away games without a win since a victory at West Brom in
December and have scored only twice in their last five games. But Allardyce,
who was sacked by Newcastle in 2008, insisted: "The odds are probably a draw
at the moment. "And I am sure between Newcastle and Hull and whatever the
situation, and how it changes, it will be making either side very, very
nervous. "But for us it is about concentrating on ourselves and trying to
win."
Hull boss Bruce is desperate to avoid having another relegation on his CV
after going down with Birmingham in 2006. Bruce has never beaten his old
club United in 21 attempts as a manager, knows how catastrophic relegation
can be. "Personally, I went down with Birmingham a few years ago, and I
don't want another relegation on my CV because it's tough to live with," he
said. "It's a blot on the copy book, that's for sure, but the worst thing of
all is that when it happens, you have to start all over again, rebuilding
the club from scratch.
"It's going right down to the wire and, if there is to be one final twist,
why shouldn't it be in our favour for once? We're capable, so let's hope we
can pull it off."
Gambling fan David Meyler insists outsiders Hull are worth a punt to win
their battle to beat the drop.The Irish midfielder said: "I sure do like a
bet, and I would certainly put it on at 3-1 that Hull stay up. "I've had
loads of winners at that price, and let's hope my tip this time turns out to
be the biggest and most important of the lot. "There's no reason why it
can't happen, and I still believe in all my team-mates, the manager and all
the staff. "It's going to be tough, for sure, and there's going to be a lot
of tension around the place. But pressure? That just makes me laugh. "In my
mind, pressure is what you put in tyres. This is a game of football, and all
the lads in our dressing-room are really looking forward to it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham need to build a bigger squad to mix it with the Premier
League's big hitters
17:06, 22 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 27-year-old, who looks set to leave Upton Park at the end of his loan
spell, says the Irons need more strength in depth
The Mirror
Alex Song believes West Ham need to scrap their dreams of a shock challenge
to the big guns until they get a better squad. The 27-year-old midfielder is
set to leave Upton Park when his loan spell ends after Sunday's game at
Newcastle as the Hammer have decided not to pursue an option to keep him.
The east Londoners were desperate to tie him down to a permanent deal during
the first half of the season when the club's impressive displays had
insiders dreaming of a surprise Champions League bid. West Ham's results
have dipped dramatically over the second half of the campaign, however, and
Song has been unable to reproduce his early-season form. The club are set to
invest in up to five new players this summer. Song believes fresh blood is a
must to ensure the Hammers have the quality to challenge the likes of
Chelsea , Arsenal or the Manchester clubs. He said: "I am very happy with
the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with the fans, because of
the way they have always welcomed me. I will never forget that, and that's
why I will do my best in this game and finish well and then say 'Goodbye' to
everyone. "I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us
this season. We started playing so well that they wanted more. "I always
said it would be difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from
my time at Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has
to have 25 players. "If you have this and two or three players are injured,
you can replace with the same quality. "I am not saying we don't have
quality, but when you want to look to finish in the top four, you have to
have a very big squad and very good quality of players. "In West Ham we have
very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight for this with the
likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's why we have
dropped many points. "When you are not playing every game like we did with
high intensity at the top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in
every single game. Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next
season. I will always look here to see how West Ham are doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce to skip summit meeting over his future on Monday...to go on
holiday with grandchildren
10:22, 22 MAY 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The Hammers boss is widely expected to depart Upton Park but he will not be
in the UK to discover if he has a future at the club
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will not attend the meeting on Monday to decide his West Ham
future. Instead, the Hammers boss will be in Spain on holiday with his
grandchildren. Big Sam, who will be out of contract next month, will send
his agent Mark Curtis to hear his fate while he heads off to the sun. "It
will all be sorted one way or another on Monday," he said. "I am not
personally having a meeting. But my agent will be available to speak to the
owners. "I want to take the only opportunity I have, which is half term, to
go away with my grandchildren.
"I can meet the owners when I come back. I sacrifice all my family when I do
the job. "I have the opportunity once in the year to be with them, and be
with them on holiday. They live up in the north west and I live down here
and it is rare that I see them. "In my career I rarely saw my own children
growing up so it's always been important to be with them this week - and I
have done that for many years.
"That is important for me. There is the whole summer to sort things out. I
am hopeful it's not my final game. "But we will wait and see. The full
situation will be resolved next week and we will take it from there."
The Hammers boss confirmed Mirror Sport stories this week that his squad had
a reduced training schedule before Sunday's visit to Newcastle – and the
meters had been read on the Canary Wharf flat he is selling. Allardyce led
West Ham to promotion in his first season and kept the club in the Premier
League for three seasons as they prepare to move to the Olympic Stadium next
year. "I define my time here as brilliant," he claimed. "It has been an
outstanding experience for me and we will find out next week whether it will
continue or not. "I've done what I have been asked to do and make sure we
have a sustainable football club in The Premier League. "You're always sad
if you leave a football club. But I've outlived the average life of a
manager in the Premier League by a long way. "It's just short of two years
now, the average life of a Premier League manager, because it's been pretty
stable this year. "But if I leave, I'm leaving because my contract runs out.
I don't think I'm going to be leaving by now renewing my contract and saying
they are sacking me. "It's a natural process, but we will find that out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham took Stevenage manager's job on advice of his West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The ex-England striker's move to League Two appears to begin the break-up of
Big Sam's staff ahead of his own expected departure next week
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce persuaded Teddy Sheringham to make the move into management
despite being on the brink of losing his own job. Sheringham, 49, took his
first step on the managerial ladder on Thursday when he was appointed by
League Two Stevenage, kick-starting the break up of Allardyce's West Ham
backroom staff. The Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One
side Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient, as Allardyce's coaches try to sort out their futures ahead of
his expected departure next week. Former Tottenham and Manchester United
star Sheringham - West Ham's attacking coach this season - said: "I spoke to
my family (about taking the Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just
Sam. "I told him I'd had an approach and as soon as I said it was from
Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His endorsement was a big deciding factor."
Ex-England striker Sheringham, handed a three-year deal by Stevenage,
admitted the doubts over Allardyce's Hammers future contributed too. He
said: "The uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last
four to six months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would
have stayed and seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the
uncertainty has left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has
come about and it felt right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle relegation battle hopes boosted as West Ham players take most of
week off before final-day decider
22:30, 21 MAY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Hull fans counting on the Hammers to do them a favour on Sunday will be
surprised by their relaxed approach
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has given his West Ham players the week off ahead of their
crucial relegation clash against Newcastle on Sunday. In a move that will
shock Hull City fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the Upton
Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday lunchtime.
Three Hammers stars - James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien - were at
the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena in London on Thursday night
for a celebrity challenge match. Sunday's massive fixtures will decide
whether it's Newcastle or Hull - who are at home to Manchester United - who
join Burnley and QPR in going down to the Championship. Allardyce is set to
part company with West Ham after Sunday's game and Mirror Sport understands
he could go within a few hours of the final whistle. His contract is set to
expire but talks over his future, which had been scheduled for Monday, will
almost certainly be scrapped. Former Newcastle boss Big Sam's move this week
has stunned insiders at West Ham and comes after the club lost to Everton
last Saturday. That result meant the Hammers have won just two of their last
16 matches. The poor run of form over the second half of the season has led
to the club deciding not to renew Allardyce's contract. Mirror Sport
revealed earlier this week that Big Sam spent this week preparing to quit
his Canary Wharf apartment.
Allardyce's backroom staff are already preparing for his departure:
forwards' coach Teddy Sheringham was named as the new boss at Stevenage on
Thursday, No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with Blackpool and first-team coach
Ian Hendon is a contender for the Leyton Orient job.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam on holiday when decision is made
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AN DH
Sam Allardyce has told reporters that he will be on holiday as his future is
decided next week.
He used his London Evening Standard column to say:
"My future at West Ham will be decided after this weekend, I will be on
holiday with my grandchildren, something I'm looking forward to immensely,
but my representatives will be talking to the club. There's nothing more I
can say on that. I'm not in control of the situation so we'll just wait and
see."
Speaking to reporters earlier he added:
"My future will be sorted out one way or the other on Monday," said
Allardyce. "I am going away with my grandchildren to Spain, but my agent
will be available to speak to the owners. It will be the owners' decision.
The speculation has possibly affected the players a bit, with all the other
names of managers who are being linked to the job. I'm sure Carlo Ancelotti
will be the next name, but I cannot affect that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons fury over 'holiday' ahead of £1.2m game
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham insiders are furious that the team will get found out through a
lack of training when they face a £1.2 million game at Newcastle this
weekend. Everton and the Irons are on level points at 47 and many in the
club believe every effort should have been made to ensure we finish ahead of
the merseysiders and pocket another £1 million plus in positional money.
Manager Sam Allardyce chose to give the squad much of the week off off
before revealing he was off to Spain with wife Lynn for a holiday with the
grandkids as the club hold their meeting over his future. We were told:
"Obviously if Everton beat Spurs we stay where we are anyway but should we
lose and Palace win against Swansea at Selhurst Park we could lose another
position there. "We owe it to everybody to go up there and really give it a
go and nobody believes that giving players two or three days off when
there's still so much at stake, notably for Newcastle and Burnley, was the
way to go. "Nobody seems to think a million or two pounds is very important
in a game which counts in billions but it can still make a difference.play
right to the very end. It can, for example,buy you a player who can be the
difference to relegation or survival. "There have been a lot of questions
asked about the events of this week and many people are very unhappy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam thinks it's all over- it is NOW!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
EXCLUSIVE
C AND H
West Ham sources received former Sam Allardyce assistant Phil Brown's:
"They're crazy to let him go" outburst on talkSport in stunned silence
before waves of laughter broke out. The Southend boss and former Allardyce
assistant at Bolton had said: ""I think it's crazy that West Ham are letting
him go. He's one of our top English managers," After finally letting the at
out of the bag, Brown added: "A lot of people have pigeon-holed him as a
survival manager which is ludicrous. He's got promotion from the
Championship and not only survived but taken them into the top half. "He
came to West Ham to do a job and nobody can say he hasn't."
However, ClaretandHugh's top contact inside the club laughed: "Crazy to
keep Sam?…crazy?" "No I'm afraid Mr Brown needs to understand we'd be crazy
to keep him – three win in 20 games! It is safe for you to write that it's
over."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown: 'West Ham are letting him go'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce's former assistant Phil Brown just told Adrian Durham & Darren
Gough on Talk sport radio "West Ham are letting him go" when asked about his
good mate Sam Allardyce. The Southend United manager quickly tried to
cover his tracks after he realised his gaff but it appears the cat is well
and truly out of the bag.
Last month Brown heaped praise on his mate Sam saying "Sam has done a
fabulous job. He's always been a manager who does what it says on the tin.
He's bold, brash, hard and he's fair. He tells you what he's going to do and
he does it. You can't argue that he's done anything else at West Ham.
Whether you like him or loathe him, it doesn't matter. He's done exactly
what he said he would do – get them promoted, keep them in the Premier
League and then challenge. He's done it.
"For him not to be rewarded with another contract is just beyond me. I think
that's the reason why the season has begun to peter out and taper off. I
don't think we do appreciate him enough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song says Sorry & Goodbye
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Barcelona loanee Alex Song has penned a farewell blog for the club's
official website in which he appears to hint he will say goodbye to
everyone. He also apologised because the team didn't do what was expected of
them.
"I am very happy with the way things have gone at West Ham, especially with
the fans, because of the way they have always welcomed me. I will never
forget that, and that's why I will do my best in this game and finish well
and then say 'Goodbye' to everyone." he told WHUFC.com
"You never know what might happen, but it has been a pleasure for me to be
here and wear this shirt. I will always have a part of my heart in West Ham
because I have enjoyed my time here a lot, with the way the fans have been
behind me.
"I am sorry because we maybe didn't do what they expected of us this season.
We started playing so well that they wanted more. I always said it would be
difficult because we don't have a big squad, so I know from my time at
Arsenal and Barcelona that, when you want to win, the squad has to have 25
players.
"If you have this and two or three players are injured, you can replace with
the same quality. I am not saying we don't have quality, but when you want
to look to finish in the top four, you have to have a very big squad and
very good quality of players.
"In West Ham we have very good players, but we don't have the squad to fight
for this with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or the Manchester clubs. That's
why we have dropped many points.
"When you are not playing every game like we did with high intensity at the
top level, it's not easy to reach 100 per cent in every single game.
Hopefully West Ham will manage to do even better next season. I will always
look here to see how West Ham are doing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheri all but lets Sam cat out of bag
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Teddy Sheringham appears to have come as close as it gets to letting cats
out of bags without going the whole hog! Discussing the reasons for taking
his first step into management at Stevenage, he claimed the uncertainty over
the 60 year old's position had contributed to the decision. He said: "The
uncertainty has carried on for everyone at West Ham for the last four to six
months. If Sam had asked me four months ago I probably would have stayed and
seen where it had taken me. "But longer it has gone on, the uncertainty has
left things very open and this chance (at Stevenage) has come about and it
felt right."
Meanwhile, the Hammers No2 Neil McDonald is in talks with League One side
Blackpool and Ian Hendon is a contender for the top job at fourth-tier
Leyton Orient. Sheringham added: "I spoke to my family (about taking the
Stevenage job) but professionally, it was just Sam. I told him I'd had an
approach and as soon as I said it was from Stevenage he said 'take it'. "His
endorsement was a big deciding factor."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons uncomfortable with squad "holiday"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's medical staff have been twiddling their thumbs for much of this
week after Sam Allardyce handed the he players an unexpected 'holiday –
first reported here on Monday! Sam Allardyce's move in handing the squad
Sunday Monday and Tuesday off ahead of a crucial clash affecting the
relegation zone on Sunday has not gone down well among Upton Park insiders.
Morning reports even claimed they did not return to the training ground
until today but the newspapers concerned changed that in on line editions
claiming they were in action yesterday. The Mirror said: "In a move that
will shock Hull City fans fans hoping for the Irons to do them a favour, the
Upton Park club will have their second session of the week on Friday
lunchtime." Other sources claimed to ClaretandHugh: "The medical staff are
being paid to get players fit/treat them and there have been no players to
work with for much of the week!" The unexpected break drew the comment from
one insider: "Sam believes that rewards bring results – mind you that hasn't
worked too well since Dubai has it?"
Another said: "Hull City fans may be a little uncomfortable with Sam
Allardyce's relaxed approach given it will be either them or Newcastlewho
join QPR and Burnley in the Championship. Some around here most certainly
are. Three Hammers stars – James Collins, Kevin Nolan and James O'Brien –
were also reported to be at the Premier League darts finale at the O2 arena
in London on Thursday night for a celebrity challenge match although none of
the three are likely to feature on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's farewell speech
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 22, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce has used his London Evening Standard to reflect on his four
years at West Ham in something which closely resembles a farewell speech.
"I would just like to take this opportunity, in this final column of the
season, to look back on my four years at West Ham. Progression is always the
key word for any manager when he joins a new club. To do that, he must ask
questions and find the answers. What are the difficulties? How do you
overcome them? How do you achieve the targets set by the owners?
The ambition of the owners has to be balanced by financial availability. If
they want to move forward quickly then you have to spend more money. If,
however, you want to progress at a steadier pace, then you have to spend the
money available more wisely. If you have little or no funds, then it's
difficult to move forward at all.
There's always been investment since I've been here and that money has
served the club very well in terms of bringing in players. Over the four
years, the player turnover has been astronomical, particularly in that first
season in the Championship.
That presents a huge task for the manager and you see many lose their jobs
because, as their critics often say: "There was too much change, too
quickly."
We made those wholesale changes and not only coped in that first season but
built a better team, one good enough to go back up to the Premier League at
the first attempt. I had signed a two-year contract and my task was to help
win promotion in that time. One of the hardest things in football is to do
that in the first year — very few achieve that — but we managed it.
You can't over-exaggerate the feeling of depression around a club when they
are relegated and West Ham were no exception. There was desolation
everywhere and you have to help rebuild the confidence, both of the club and
the players — and do it quickly.
I remember sitting down at our pre-season camp, talking to the players
individually, and 50 per cent wanted to leave.
We needed to work hard and quickly and the club sent out a big statement of
intent when we signed Kevin Nolan. I thought the club's financial commitment
there was fantastic, signing an experienced Premier League player — one who
scores goals and is a great captain — and convincing him to come to a club
in the Championship.
That gave us a rock-solid base on which to build and then, later, around
Christmas when the goals dried up, we signed Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz
Te, with Ricardo in particular adding that scoring power.
I thought then we were headed for automatic promotion but no one expected
the surge from Reading, who came up on the rails and pipped us.
The play-offs did, however, provide me with my greatest moments of my time
here at West Ham. The pleasure and delight of that play-off final win over
Blackpool is a memory I will never, ever forget."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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