On this day - 9 September
WHUFC.com
Classic match
Aston Villa 2-4 West Ham United
Division One
9 September 1961
The Hammers travelled to Birmingham to take on Aston Villa on this day in
1961, having won two, drawn two and lost two in a balanced start to the new
campaign.
Their record would be improved with a strong display at Villa Park, which
saw them run in four goals to collect both points on offer in front of a
32,000-strong crowd.
Centre forward John Dick scored twice, while Tony Scott and Alan Sealey were
also on target on a successful afternoon for the Londoners, helped by two
errors by home goalkeeper Geoff Sidebottom. Those mistakes helped West Ham
twice come from behind during a topsy-turvy game which saw all six goals
scored in the second half.
Vic Crowe put the home side in front a minute after the break, but Dick
equalised within 60 seconds. Peter McParland made it 2-1 to Villa on 58
minutes, only for Scott to equalise again on 62 and Dick to put the Hammers
ahead for the first time on 64. Sealey would seal the points, fittingly,
with 16 minutes remaining.
Villa and the Hammers would be locked together in the Division One table for
much of the 1961/62 season, with the two claret and blue clubs finishing in
seventh and eighth place respectively.
Complete record - 9 September
1922 West Ham United 4-0 Rotherham County (Division Two)
1929 West Ham United 5-1 Newcastle United (Division One)
1933 West Ham United 1-2 Burnley (Division Two)
1935 West Ham United 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue (Division Two)
1936 Newcastle United 5-3 West Ham United (Division Two)
1946 Fulham 3-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Blackburn Rovers 1-3 West Ham United (Division Two)
1957 West Ham United 0-3 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1959 Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1961 Aston Villa 2-4 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1967 Sunderland 1-5 West Ham United (Division One)
1972 Chelsea 1-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1978 Burnley 3-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1989 West Ham United 1-1 Swindon Town (Division Two)
1998 West Ham United 3-4 Wimbledon (Premier League)
Played 16, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Scored 39, Conceded 31
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Woods - Randolph has got his just rewards
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Goalkeeping Coach Chris Woods has nothing but praise for the
way Darren Randolph kept his composure to keep a clean sheet against
Liverpool and hopes to see him keep out the Newcastle forwards on Monday
night. Randolph did not enjoy the best of starts to life in the Premier
League when the Hammers suffered a 4-3 home defeat against Bournemouth. But
the Republic of Ireland international refused to let his confidence drop and
bounced back in style when he played his part in a memorable 3-0 away win
over Liverpool at Anfield.
Woods says it was just rewards for the hard work he has put into training
since he joined the Club during the summer and with Adrian serving the final
game of his three-match ban, Randolph has another chance to impress Slaven
Bilic and show that he should be a first-team regular.
Woods said: "After the Bournemouth game he worked hard on the training
ground and his confidence was still high going into the Liverpool game. "He
didn't have a lot to do but when he was called upon. he did very well and
coming out of the game his confidence will be even better. He works hard at
his game and he got his just rewards. "He made some important saves against
Bournemouth but the goals went in and he couldn't do anything about them.
All credit that he has dug in and concentrated on what he needed to do."
The spirit among the camp has been sky high over the international break
following the victory at Anfield and Woods is now hoping the team can record
their first home win of the season and make it a night to remember under the
lights when they face Newcastle. Woods added: "There is no substitute for
hard work and you need to take your chances when they come along which we
have done in the two away games. We need to build on that and keep moving
forward. "I have been going there (to Liverpool) as a coach for the last 15
years and never got a victory so it was very nice to come away with the
three points. "It is such a formidable place to go and get the victory and
it is one that should stick in the memory of the players. "It is nice to go
into an international break having a good result because you enjoy that
time. We want to keep the momentum going and hopefully we can do that
against Newcastle."
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Dickens' tale of two clubs
WHUFC.com
Broadcaster Ian 'Moose' Abrahams begins a week-long series of interviews
with the players who became West Ham United's Boys of '86 – starting with a
revealing conversation with midfielder Alan Dickens…
When a subject was suggested to me for today's Moose Meets… I thought he had
a great idea. I said to myself 'It is a far, far better thing that I do,
than I have ever done' in speaking to Dickens – not Charles, but Alan.
You see, as Alan will explain to you, his time at Upton Park could be summed
up in true Dickensian language: "It was the best of times, it was the worst
of times."
I met Alan earlier in the week in the home dressing room here at the Boleyn
Ground – an area which has changed considerably since the early 1980s, when
Alan made his debut.
Tall, with an eye for goal from midfield and wearing No10, having come
through the ranks he was seen as the next Trevor Brooking.
I put it to Alan that there were Great Expectations on him when he got into
the first team.
"I think at the time, being a young player and with Trevor Brooking being
such an amazing footballer, it was an honour and a privilege to be linked
with his name," said Alan.
"It kind of happened when I was 13 or 14 when I played district games and
people said that I played a bit like Trevor and it kind of stuck. But, as
time went on it became a real burden.
"I was bought up watching Trevor play and he was outstanding. Even in
training he was a fantastic footballer and I think the shoes were too big
for me to fill."
Despite being labelled the next Brooking, Dickens never spoke to the Hammers
legend.
"I never, ever spoke to Trevor about football at all. I was a young
apprentice while Trevor was here so never spoke to him about football. I
don't know why, but he never said for me to do this or to do that.
"I think, as young players at West Ham, you were in awe of the first team
players, you were bought up that way. We knocked on the dressing room door
and asked if we could pick up the kit, and being a fan they were my idols –
not just Trevor but the likes of Billy Bonds too."
Dickens career began with him winning the FA Youth Cup in 1981. Alan told me
he was still a schoolboy at the time and went to school the day after
lifting the trophy!
His first-team debut came against Notts County at Meadow Lane in December
1982.
"We had a lot of injuries and John Lyall told me on the Friday that I was
going to play. Notts County were quite a decent team, but I don't think I
was nervous, I was just looking forward to it.
"All my family all drove up to Nottingham to watch, but I didn't know until
I got home afterwards that they got stuck in traffic and didn't get there
until half-time, and I scored after six minutes so it was a real
disappointment for me and for them.
"It was such a surreal day. I can't remember anything really about the game
or even the goal, but I think I got the bus home from Upton Park and I
remember standing in my street, thinking 'Did that really happen?'.
"No-one was at home for me to talk to as they were coming back from the
game. I went out that night with my mates to a party and didn't believe it
had happened until I saw the papers the next day, and even then thought 'Was
that really me?'."
The first chapter in Dickens' career had been written and the rest of the
season was a success.
"I stayed in the team and played 15 games that season, scoring six goals,
but I didn't realise what was happening. You don't realise when you're 18
what's going on – you just go out and play football.
"The money never came into it. When I broke into the first team, I was still
an apprentice and think I got £25 a week."
Alan was a member of the side which finished third in 1985/86 but, in 1989,
left for Chelsea. Looking back, Stamford Bridge proved to be a bit of a
Bleak House for Alan.
Born and bought up in the East End, why did the self-confessed Hammers fan
leave for west London?
"I look back and ask the same question to myself," said Alan with a heavy
sigh, "the main reason was that John Lyall got the sack that summer and
there was a whisper that Lou Macari was going to be the manager and that
things were going to change at West Ham.
"I had no intentions of leaving whatsoever, but I was friends with the son
of the Chelsea manager Bobby Campbell and he rang me lots of times saying he
wanted me to join.
"Even when I signed for Chelsea, I should have been on such a high, but the
feeling was never there and I thought to myself I perhaps should have stayed
where I was.
"I was 24, had been bought up in West Ham, still lived round the corner, my
Mum was round the corner and perhaps I should have stayed here."
Contrary to popular opinion it was not injuries that meant Alan was not a
success at Stamford Bridge. In fact, Alan is completely honest – it was
probably down to him.
"I should've been a little bit stronger, Chelsea's changing room was
completely different to West Ham's. At West Ham, everyone looked out for
each other, while at Chelsea it was every man for himself and I'm not very
good at that. I like being part of a team.
"They had some strong personalities – Graham Roberts had been at Spurs,
Peter Nicholas was the captain of Wales, there were Kerry Dixon, Dennis Wise
and Andy Townsend, all strong characters. They'd been the top players at
their teams and all wanted to be the top man. If you didn't look after
yourself, you got left behind and I got left behind. I have no regrets. It
makes you the person you are."
There's always MORE you could write when it comes to Dickens. Alan's story
is a real down to earth, honest story.
Speaking to Dickens was a novel idea ahead, and his story is one of how the
grass isn't always greener elsewhere.
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U18s unlucky against Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s were unlucky to lose 1-0 to their Arsenal counterparts
after a strong performance went unrewarded. From the first minute to the
last, the young Hammers looked to dominate possession however it was the
hosts who took the lead shortly before half-time after a ball into the box
was inadvertently turned in by defender Tunji Akinola. Under the watchful
eye of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who has recently re-joined the club in
a coaching capacity, it was former Gunner George Dobson who went close to
breaking the deadlock after ten minutes. The midfielder burst through the
defence, and baring down on goal, forced an excellent save from the Arsenal
goalkeeper. Buoyed by the early chance, the Hammers grew in confidence with
Marcus Browne and Dobson dominating the midfield. Despite being in the
ascendency, it was the hosts Arsenal who took the lead in somewhat fortunate
circumstances as Akinola, who had an impressive game, could do nothing to
stop a cross deflect off his outstretched leg and past Tim Brown. After the
break, the Hammers refused to be cowed and they responded strongly. Defender
Declan Rice, only recently returned from Ireland U17 international duty in
Hungary, went close with a header. Browne swung in a teasing delivery which
Rice, candidate for man of the match, attacked viciously, yet saw it fly
just over the bar. Young striker Idris Kanu also went close, reacting
quickest to Browne's parried long-distance effort, he fired just wide from
an acute angle. The U18s are next in action a week on Saturday when they
host Chelsea at Little Heath on Saturday 19 September.
U18: Brown, Sylvestre, Borg, Carter (Eggleton), Akinola, Rice, Powell,
Dobson, Kanu (Henry), Browne, Diangana (Lewis)
Subs not used: Boness (GK)
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Keepers battle it out
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United keepers stayed behind for an extra challenge after
training and West Ham TV was on hand to see who came out on top.
Goalkeeping Coach Chris Woods had just put Adrian, Darren Randolph and
Raphael Spiegel through their paces in an intense session at the Club's
training ground. But he also decided to join in on the fun as the keepers
battled each other in a crossbar challenge.
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Boys of '86 set for Boleyn return
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will continue to bid a fond farewell to the Boleyn Ground
with the second themed match of the season for the visit of Newcastle United
on Monday 14 September.
The Hammers will honour the Boys of '86 – the squad of players who achieved
the Club's best-ever league finish of third in the old Division One exactly
30 years ago.
The likes of Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie, Ray Stewart, Alan Devonshire,
Alan Dickens and Mark Ward will all be back at the Boleyn for the Barclays
Premier League clash with the Magpies - for which a VERY LIMITED number of
tickets remain available to buy here.
The Boys of '86 thrashed Monday's visitors 8-1 in April 1986, with Alvin
Martin scoring a hat-trick past three different goalkeepers! Send your own
memories of that famous season to programme@westhamunited.co.uk and the best
will be included in Monday's Official Programme.
To get you in the mood for what promises to be a memorable evening of
nostalgia, we will be building up to the big game – which will be screened
live in the UK by Sky Sports and across the world – with a host of features
across our digital and social media platforms.
Hammer Time – The popular Hammer Time panel show will see Boys of '86
captain Alvin Martin joined by long-serving Daily Mirror reporter and West
Ham fan Steve Stammers, who was in the Press Box throughout that
unforgettable campaign.
Interviews – Broadcaster and programme columnist Ian 'Moose' Abrahams has
interviewed many of the Boys of '86 over recent seasons, and we will be
bringing you the best of those interviews on West Ham TV and whufc.com each
and every day between now and 14 September.
Highlights and Goals – We will be broadcasting highlights and goals from our
favourite Boys of '86 matches throughout the week leading up to the visit of
Newcastle United, including the day Alvin Martin scored a unique hat-trick
past three different Magpies goalkeepers!
Competition – We want you to be involved, too! Follow us on Twitter
@whufc_official and submit photos of your favourite Boys of '86 memorabilia
– programmes, ticket stubs, shirts or signed photos, for example – using the
hashtag #MyBoysof86 and the best entries will win a special prize!
Star Guests – The Boys of '86 will be back at the Boleyn Ground on the night
itself and will be presented to the crowd. West Ham TV will be there to
cover this fantastic occasion, so make sure you log-in or subscribe now –
completely free of charge!
Programme – Monday's 100-page Official Programme for the visit of Newcastle
United will feature exclusive interviews, photos and much more Boys of '86
themed content, along with all the latest news from West Ham United. You can
order online here now, or pick up a copy in or around the Boleyn Ground on
matchday, priced £3.50.
Social Media - We want you to get involved on the night too, so please pull
on your original or retro kit from the best league season in West Ham United
history and send us a photo on Twitter or Instgram using the hashtag
#Boysof86.
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Kevin Nolan: Former West Ham midfielder trains with Leyton Orient
BBC.co.uk
Kevin Nolan is training with League Two side Leyton Orient. The 33-year-old
midfielder is looking for a new club after recently leaving West Ham by
mutual consent. "It is great to have such a model professional in Kevin at
the club and I am more than happy for Kevin to come in and train with the
squad," Orient boss Ian Hendon told the club's website. "It is good for our
players to be training with a vastly experienced and talented Premier League
midfielder." Nolan made 157 appearances for West Ham, scoring 31 goals,
following his arrival from Newcastle in June 2011. The Hammers won promotion
to the top flight in his first season at Upton Park. He left after being
told he would not be guaranteed first-team football under manager Slaven
Bilic.
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Oh no, not again! Taylor to take Newcastle clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The chances of West Ham United's forthcoming Premier League meeting with
Newcastle United passing without major controversy have taken a major blow
after it was confirmed that Anthony Taylor has been appointed as referee.
The bumbling official, who hails from Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester was
responsible for dismissing goalkeeper Adrian against Leicester City last
month - a decision that West Ham failed to overturn upon appeal. Taylor was
also responsible for the ludicrous dismissals of West Ham's Carlton Cole and
Everton's Darren Gibson in a Premier League meeting at the Boleyn Ground in
December 2012. And slightly more recently, in April 2014, the 36-year-old
was savaged once more by Hammers fans following his performance in a 2-1
home defeat against Liverpool - a game in which he awarded two incredibly
weak penalties to the visitors; game-changing decisions that swung the match
in their favour.
KUMB.com's match report from the game - headed 'West Ham Utd 1-2 Anthony
Taylor' - recalled how "the cretinous halfwit" incensed home fans with his
performance on the day. "Once again it was the man in the middle who was to
ultimately decide the outcome of the game," it read. "For without his
intervention Liverpool, who failed to score from open play, may well have
gone home empty-handed."
A Premier League referee since 2010, Taylor has taken charge of three top
flight fixtures thus far this season in which he has shown 13 yellow cards
and just the one red (to West Ham's Adrian).
Last season his tally of 115 yellow cards was only beaten by Mike Dean and
Martin Atkinson. And since being appointed by the PGMOL five years ago, he
had averaged one red card every five games.
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Former Chelsea and West Ham striker Carlton Cole banned from driving for the
third time
12:46, 8 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 12:50, 8 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Cole found himself in hot water after failing to tell police who was behind
the wheel of his Jaguar when it was clocked doing 33mph in a 20mph zone
The Mirror
Former Premier League star Carlton Cole has been banned from driving for two
years. The ex- Chelsea and West Ham striker found himself in hot water after
failing to tell police who was behind the wheel of his Jaguar when it was
clocked doing 33mph in a 20mph zone in central London. City of London
magistrates heard Cole, who is currently in the US after being released by
the Hammers in the summer, was asked to produce his ID on two occasions, but
failed to respond to either police notice. The 31-year-old claimed he was
"highly disorganised and does not deal with his post efficiently" but
insisted he had returned the form on time. Cole had requested for the
hearing to be adjourned. However, the former England international was hit
with a third ban in as many years, and ordered to pay £300 in fines and
costs.
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David Sullivan has no plans to sell West Ham
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Sullivan repeats that he has no plans to sell West Ham when the club
moves to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers' majority shareholder insists he
is in for the long haul and is desperate to establish the club as one of the
best teams in the country before eventually handing over to his sons.
In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with our friends over at Blowing
Bubbles Monthly, the 66-year-old claimed he would only ever consider selling
up if the deal would allow a huge injection of cash into the club's playing
squad. 'If the King of Saudi Arabia or a multi, multi-billionaire – like the
owners of Manchester City – wanted to take over and I felt it was for the
good of the club, I would step aside but I really don't think that will ever
happen. 'There aren't many multi, multi-billionaires left out there that are
interested in football and haven't already got a club. In fact I don't think
there is one that exists!'
Elsewhere in the September issue of the magazine, Sky Sports' Bianca
Westwood defends former captain Kevin Nolan in her column.
'I think he deserves a bit more respect and gratitude than he has received.
Some fans feel that, because they go to the games and pay good money, they
can say and do what they want. But these people have to remember that the
players are only human. One thing you can never accuse him of was being
lazy. He worked hard for the team and did everything he could.'
Elsewhere George Parris writes in his column that West Ham now have the best
squad ever compiled by the club in living memory and Nottingham Forest fan
John Payne explains why West Ham have got a gem in Michail Antonio. Blowing
Bubbles also asks whether or not West Ham were right to throw the towel in
on their Euro dream and if Morgan Amalfitano should get a chance to redeem
himself
The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for
FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
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DG's dignity at "porn" jibe
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has responded with dignity to a jibe from a Twitter follower
declaring West Ham is "a club built on porn." It followed a comment from
celebrity fan, comic,James Corbyn, who had tweeted he was "pretty sure this
is the best transfer deadline day @whufc_official have ever had. Thank you
@davidgold David Sullivan and Karen Brady x"
That immediately drew out a certain Joe Peelgrini who snarled viciously:
"Club built on porn."
DG – who has seen more than his share of such malice on Twitter responded
with huge integrity to put @pellerspad in his place.
He declared: "Our club is built on tradition, a passion to succeed a fan
base that is unequalled and lead by men with belief. dg"
Very well said David. It's a tired old charge anyway showing as much
originality as the Tottenham Hotspur front line!
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Exclusive: Irons squad member out in the cold!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Morgan Amalfitano is still out in the cold with manager Slaven Bilic and
continues to train with the Under 21 squad despite getting a first team
squad number!. The boss exiled the midfielder to the Development Squad on
disciplinary grounds after it emerged the Frenchman missed a team meeting.
Amalfitano was also reported by many media outlets as having given the
manager attitude when Bilic questioned him about his absence.. And the
outcome was that the manager banned the 30 year old training ground at
Chadwell Heath and was later reported as saying: "I have to protect the
team." The reports added him as saying: "My first job is to protect the team
and keep them as a unit. If I feel that someone is damaging it in that way I
have to react and I have done that. It was quiet meeting between the two
of us. I had to do it to keep the harmony. He's not back training with the
first-team. He's not in the first-team anymore." It was believed that his
inclusion in the first team squad had seen the two bury their differences
but ClaretandHugh learned this morning that is not the case. A highly placed
source told us that the midfielder continues to train with the youngsters
and there had been no solution to the problem He explained that Matt Jarvis'
departure ftom the club was the only reason that Amalfitano would not have
been named in the squad.. We were told exclusively:" We have 25 players and
under the rules you have to allocate. Had we not loaned out Matt Jarvis he
would have been in the squad and Morgan wouldn't."
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Irons look at emergency loan window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are unlikely to be using the Football League's emergency loan
window to move on any of their big earners. James Collins and Joey O'Brien
are among those who were thought to be in line for possible moves into the
Championship under the window which opens tomorrow (Wed). But ClaretandHugh
was told there was little chance at present of either making a switch.
Collins has been linked with a possible move to QPR in the summer but
ClaretandHugh was told that he was unready to take the step down a division.
We were told: "It's James' decision but unless he has a change a change of
heart it's unlikely to happen."The player is in the last year of his Irons
contract which expires in June 0f 2016
Joey O'Brien has had plenty of injury problems in recent times and it
remains to be seen if any inquiries come for the defender but it seems more
likely that any movement outwards will be among younger squad members. The
20 clubs of the Premier League can loan players out to the Football League
sides which could prove mutually beneficial. The top flight side's players
gain valuable on-field experience, while the Football League teams could get
an undiscovered gem to help them gain promotion or avoid relegation.
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Wednesday, September 9
Tuesday, September 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th September 2015
Burke scores first senior goal
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke scored his first senior goal in Bradford City's 2-1 win away at
Oldham Athletic. The 18-year-old coolly slotted the ball home after 21
minutes to help the Bantams on their way to a valuable away win, extending
their unbeaten run to three games. Devante Cole scored his second goal in
two appearances to seal the win for the West Yorkshire side. Jon Mills
notched a late consolation goal but it was too little, too late. Bradford
are now up to tenth in League One. Elsewhere, young midfielder Moses Makasi
came on for Harry Morgan in the Clarets 2-2 draw with Havant &
Waterlooville. The Essex side raced to a two goal lead by half-time thanks
to goals from Billy Bricknell and a Lee Sawyer penalty. Chelmsford are
currently sixth in the National League South with 14 points from the opening
eight games.
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Tomkins - Moses will be a big signing for the Club
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is relishing the chance to link up
with his former England team-mate Victor Moses and feels he will be a major
signing for the Club this season. Tomkins has fond memories of playing
alongside the talented winger for the England Under-21 side and has remained
good friends with the 24-year-old. Moses completed a season-long loan move
to the Hammers last week from Chelsea and hopes to establish a regular
first-team place at the Boleyn Ground. Tomkins has already joked that Moses
is a nightmare to play against in training and knows the ability that he
will bring to the side this season. Tomkins said: "I know Victor Moses well
fairly well from our time playing together for England. "He was brilliant
for Stoke last season and is a nightmare to mark. The lads have already seen
that in training. He can be a match winner on his day and I will try and
help him settle in as I know him well. "He is a similar age to me and he
wants to play games. He is playing for a massive club like Chelsea and they
have offered him a new deal which shows what they think of him. "But for him
to come here and play first-team football is something he is seeking to do.
"I think it is good business for the Club and we have strengthened areas of
the squad that we needed to and it was great recruitment."
Tomkins is also looking forward to seeing Alex Song back at the Boleyn
Ground and hopes he can repeat the form which saw him earn rave reviews in
the first half of last season. Tomkins added: "If we can get him playing
like we did when he started here last year he was unbelievable. He comes
here with massive experience and hopefully he can do the same with us. "He
knows the Club and it is a great for us that we managed to sign him. The
squad is looking much bigger and stronger now."
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Randolph - We can be a match for any team
WHUFC.com
West Ham United keeper Darren Randolph believes his side can be a match for
any team in the Premier League when they are producing their best form.
Randolph is currently away with the Republic of Ireland squad but he is
still celebrating his part in helping the Hammers come away with a memorable
3-0 win over Liverpool last week. The 28-year-old keeper was thrilled to be
part of the team that recorded the first victory at Anfield since 1963 and
got the Club's season back on track following consecutive home defeats
against Leicester and Bournemouth. Randolph looks set to keep his place in
the side as Adrian is serving the last game of his three game suspension
against Newcastle next Monday. And the talented keeper feels his team can
achieve big things this season if they continue to show the same level of
performance that has seen them come away with emphatic wins over Arsenal and
Liverpool at the start of the campaign. Randolph said: "It was disappointing
to lose the two home games but it shows what we can do when everyone is at
the top of their game. "We showed what we are capable of and it was no
different against Liverpool. "It was a great victory and that sums up
football in the space of a week. I don't think anyone would have though that
would happen. "It was a great performance and similar to the Arsenal game
and we got the win. "The chairman came in the dressing room and said I
wasn't going to get paid as I didn't have to make a save to make! "All the
boys worked extremely hard throughout the game to stop any kind of danger
and we deserved the win and a clean sheet. It was my best game in a West Ham
shirt."
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Kouyate rumours dismissed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Reports suggesting that Chiekhou Kouyate may be unsettled at West Ham have
been dismissed.
The Senegal international was rumoured to be unsettled in the wake of
interest from fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham, who were reported to
have made a transfer deadline day bid of £15million for the 25-year-old
midfielder.
However a source close to the West Ham number eight told KUMB.com that there
was no truth whatsoever to the gossip - and that Kouyate remained determined
to continue his flourishing career at the Boleyn Ground.
"Cheik Kouyate is not unsettled at all," our source revealed. "He loves the
club and it is both unfair and absolute nonsense to suggest that he is
unsettled."
The midfielder, who moved from Anderlecht to West Ham little more than a
year ago scored the first goal in his country's 2-0 win over Namibia in
Windhoek on Saturday.
The win strengthened Senegal's grip on Group K of the 2017 Afcon qualifying
group, which also includes Burundi and Niger.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer in the Old Bailey dock
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
A former West Ham player has been accused of glassing a bouncer in Notting
Hill after an argument over the parking of his female friend's Porsche, a
court heard today.The Old Bailey heard claims that Izzy Iriekpen, 33,
allegedly lashed out when he was approached by door staff outside the venue.
The former Hammer, who played for the West Ham Academy between 1998 and
2003, half punched Ymer Topuzi in the mouth before smashing a glass or
bottle over the head of Simon Williams, jurors heard. The row was sparked
when Iriekpen began talking to a young woman who blocked the pavement
outside the bar with her black Porsche, the court was told. When Iriekpen
was arrested he told police: "I did it in self defence." He denies common
assault wounding with intent and an alternative charge of unlawful
wounding.The trial continues.
Iriekpen joined West Ham as a trainee in August 1998 and was part of West
Ham's Youth Cup winning team of 1999 that included the likes of Michael
Carrick and Joe Cole. Injuries disrupted his seasons with West Ham as he
twice broke down with cruciate ligament problems. He took loan periods with
Leyton Orient and Cambridge United in 2002–03, making 21 league and cup
appearances and scoring three goals. Despite being viewed as a promising
prospect, he was released in June 2003 without playing a single senior game
for the Hammers because of injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supporters' coalition refuses to back down on OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The Government's statement last week rejecting a call for a public inquiry
into the Olympic Stadium agreement has been condemned as "wholly inadequate"
by a coalition of 14 football Supporters' Trusts. The coalition had set up a
petition on the UK Government website, calling for a public inquiry into the
terms of the deal.
"This statement only recycles arguments we have previously heard from the
London Legacy Development Corporation and West Ham United," said the
coalition. "The facts we have uncovered need to be addressed by the
Government. This statement ignores them. It is wholly inadequate. The
Government claims the contract has been widely scrutinised. Yet the taxpayer
continues to be denied sight of it. The Government speaks of 'profits'
flowing to the taxpayer, yet we have shown that no profit comes from West
Ham's rental because matchday overheads normally paid by clubs are in this
case paid by the taxpayer."
The Information Commissioner has still to rule on whether the rental
agreement cannot be released to the public because it is "commercially
sensitive". The coalition has sent detailed submissions to the ICO which
challenge the assertion that disclosure of the contract would cause
commercial damage.
"We are currently obtaining professional verification of new information
which appears to cast further doubt on the value of the deal for the
taxpayer," said the coalition. "As soon as we are confident of the facts and
their implications we will make a further announcement. It would surely be
in the Government's interest to release the entire contract. If it continues
to fall to concerned citizens to uncover the facts, drip by drip, the
impression of a cover-up will grow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan keeps four London clubs waiting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Kevin Nolan has snubbed the chance of a move to LA Galaxy where he would
team up with one of his best mates in the game, Steven Gerrard.,
Nolan has snubbed the leading American team because he isn't ready to move
away from London at this stage.
And that has also put Bournemouth – – who ClaretandHugh reported exclusively
had held talks with him – out of the running to grab the 33 year old who is
now being sought as an out of contract player by a quartet of the capital's
clubs.
Crystal Palace, Watford, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford are all keen to
talk to the former Hammers skipper who will take his time before deciding
his next move.
A friend of the Liverpool-born midfielder told ClaretandHugh the veteran had
been approached by both Bournemouth and Galaxy but had rejected the chance
of both.
He said:"He's turned them both down despite being a big pal of Steve's. He's
not ready to leave London at this stage and will talk to the interested
clubs up here.
"The four clubs are Palace, Rangers, Brentford and Rangers but he's
seemingly in no big hurry to make his mind up – he will take his time."
Nolan saw the remainder of his West Ham contract paid up over the last
couple of weeks athough a club source declared: "He received around 75 per
cent of what be was due."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons look to January window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are refusing to rule out more January signings despite looking to
have their deepest squad in many years.
There remains a feel good factor inside the club and an impatience to get on
with the season again with things looking so good right now.
And ClaretandHugh's top source at the club believes that it's quite possible
the club may be in the January transfer window as they bid to consolidate
their strength in depth position.
The club told ClaretandHugh exclusively this morning they would not rule out
some more activity and our man said: "We look pretty well off in most
positions now but you never say never.
"If the right player/s came along we'd be active again despite being very
happy with what we've done in the summer window.
"We are determined to ensure that we remain as unaffected by injury crises
etc as it's possible to be,"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Reece Burke scored his first senior goal in Bradford City's 2-1 win away at
Oldham Athletic. The 18-year-old coolly slotted the ball home after 21
minutes to help the Bantams on their way to a valuable away win, extending
their unbeaten run to three games. Devante Cole scored his second goal in
two appearances to seal the win for the West Yorkshire side. Jon Mills
notched a late consolation goal but it was too little, too late. Bradford
are now up to tenth in League One. Elsewhere, young midfielder Moses Makasi
came on for Harry Morgan in the Clarets 2-2 draw with Havant &
Waterlooville. The Essex side raced to a two goal lead by half-time thanks
to goals from Billy Bricknell and a Lee Sawyer penalty. Chelmsford are
currently sixth in the National League South with 14 points from the opening
eight games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins - Moses will be a big signing for the Club
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is relishing the chance to link up
with his former England team-mate Victor Moses and feels he will be a major
signing for the Club this season. Tomkins has fond memories of playing
alongside the talented winger for the England Under-21 side and has remained
good friends with the 24-year-old. Moses completed a season-long loan move
to the Hammers last week from Chelsea and hopes to establish a regular
first-team place at the Boleyn Ground. Tomkins has already joked that Moses
is a nightmare to play against in training and knows the ability that he
will bring to the side this season. Tomkins said: "I know Victor Moses well
fairly well from our time playing together for England. "He was brilliant
for Stoke last season and is a nightmare to mark. The lads have already seen
that in training. He can be a match winner on his day and I will try and
help him settle in as I know him well. "He is a similar age to me and he
wants to play games. He is playing for a massive club like Chelsea and they
have offered him a new deal which shows what they think of him. "But for him
to come here and play first-team football is something he is seeking to do.
"I think it is good business for the Club and we have strengthened areas of
the squad that we needed to and it was great recruitment."
Tomkins is also looking forward to seeing Alex Song back at the Boleyn
Ground and hopes he can repeat the form which saw him earn rave reviews in
the first half of last season. Tomkins added: "If we can get him playing
like we did when he started here last year he was unbelievable. He comes
here with massive experience and hopefully he can do the same with us. "He
knows the Club and it is a great for us that we managed to sign him. The
squad is looking much bigger and stronger now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph - We can be a match for any team
WHUFC.com
West Ham United keeper Darren Randolph believes his side can be a match for
any team in the Premier League when they are producing their best form.
Randolph is currently away with the Republic of Ireland squad but he is
still celebrating his part in helping the Hammers come away with a memorable
3-0 win over Liverpool last week. The 28-year-old keeper was thrilled to be
part of the team that recorded the first victory at Anfield since 1963 and
got the Club's season back on track following consecutive home defeats
against Leicester and Bournemouth. Randolph looks set to keep his place in
the side as Adrian is serving the last game of his three game suspension
against Newcastle next Monday. And the talented keeper feels his team can
achieve big things this season if they continue to show the same level of
performance that has seen them come away with emphatic wins over Arsenal and
Liverpool at the start of the campaign. Randolph said: "It was disappointing
to lose the two home games but it shows what we can do when everyone is at
the top of their game. "We showed what we are capable of and it was no
different against Liverpool. "It was a great victory and that sums up
football in the space of a week. I don't think anyone would have though that
would happen. "It was a great performance and similar to the Arsenal game
and we got the win. "The chairman came in the dressing room and said I
wasn't going to get paid as I didn't have to make a save to make! "All the
boys worked extremely hard throughout the game to stop any kind of danger
and we deserved the win and a clean sheet. It was my best game in a West Ham
shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate rumours dismissed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Reports suggesting that Chiekhou Kouyate may be unsettled at West Ham have
been dismissed.
The Senegal international was rumoured to be unsettled in the wake of
interest from fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham, who were reported to
have made a transfer deadline day bid of £15million for the 25-year-old
midfielder.
However a source close to the West Ham number eight told KUMB.com that there
was no truth whatsoever to the gossip - and that Kouyate remained determined
to continue his flourishing career at the Boleyn Ground.
"Cheik Kouyate is not unsettled at all," our source revealed. "He loves the
club and it is both unfair and absolute nonsense to suggest that he is
unsettled."
The midfielder, who moved from Anderlecht to West Ham little more than a
year ago scored the first goal in his country's 2-0 win over Namibia in
Windhoek on Saturday.
The win strengthened Senegal's grip on Group K of the 2017 Afcon qualifying
group, which also includes Burundi and Niger.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer in the Old Bailey dock
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
A former West Ham player has been accused of glassing a bouncer in Notting
Hill after an argument over the parking of his female friend's Porsche, a
court heard today.The Old Bailey heard claims that Izzy Iriekpen, 33,
allegedly lashed out when he was approached by door staff outside the venue.
The former Hammer, who played for the West Ham Academy between 1998 and
2003, half punched Ymer Topuzi in the mouth before smashing a glass or
bottle over the head of Simon Williams, jurors heard. The row was sparked
when Iriekpen began talking to a young woman who blocked the pavement
outside the bar with her black Porsche, the court was told. When Iriekpen
was arrested he told police: "I did it in self defence." He denies common
assault wounding with intent and an alternative charge of unlawful
wounding.The trial continues.
Iriekpen joined West Ham as a trainee in August 1998 and was part of West
Ham's Youth Cup winning team of 1999 that included the likes of Michael
Carrick and Joe Cole. Injuries disrupted his seasons with West Ham as he
twice broke down with cruciate ligament problems. He took loan periods with
Leyton Orient and Cambridge United in 2002–03, making 21 league and cup
appearances and scoring three goals. Despite being viewed as a promising
prospect, he was released in June 2003 without playing a single senior game
for the Hammers because of injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supporters' coalition refuses to back down on OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The Government's statement last week rejecting a call for a public inquiry
into the Olympic Stadium agreement has been condemned as "wholly inadequate"
by a coalition of 14 football Supporters' Trusts. The coalition had set up a
petition on the UK Government website, calling for a public inquiry into the
terms of the deal.
"This statement only recycles arguments we have previously heard from the
London Legacy Development Corporation and West Ham United," said the
coalition. "The facts we have uncovered need to be addressed by the
Government. This statement ignores them. It is wholly inadequate. The
Government claims the contract has been widely scrutinised. Yet the taxpayer
continues to be denied sight of it. The Government speaks of 'profits'
flowing to the taxpayer, yet we have shown that no profit comes from West
Ham's rental because matchday overheads normally paid by clubs are in this
case paid by the taxpayer."
The Information Commissioner has still to rule on whether the rental
agreement cannot be released to the public because it is "commercially
sensitive". The coalition has sent detailed submissions to the ICO which
challenge the assertion that disclosure of the contract would cause
commercial damage.
"We are currently obtaining professional verification of new information
which appears to cast further doubt on the value of the deal for the
taxpayer," said the coalition. "As soon as we are confident of the facts and
their implications we will make a further announcement. It would surely be
in the Government's interest to release the entire contract. If it continues
to fall to concerned citizens to uncover the facts, drip by drip, the
impression of a cover-up will grow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan keeps four London clubs waiting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Kevin Nolan has snubbed the chance of a move to LA Galaxy where he would
team up with one of his best mates in the game, Steven Gerrard.,
Nolan has snubbed the leading American team because he isn't ready to move
away from London at this stage.
And that has also put Bournemouth – – who ClaretandHugh reported exclusively
had held talks with him – out of the running to grab the 33 year old who is
now being sought as an out of contract player by a quartet of the capital's
clubs.
Crystal Palace, Watford, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford are all keen to
talk to the former Hammers skipper who will take his time before deciding
his next move.
A friend of the Liverpool-born midfielder told ClaretandHugh the veteran had
been approached by both Bournemouth and Galaxy but had rejected the chance
of both.
He said:"He's turned them both down despite being a big pal of Steve's. He's
not ready to leave London at this stage and will talk to the interested
clubs up here.
"The four clubs are Palace, Rangers, Brentford and Rangers but he's
seemingly in no big hurry to make his mind up – he will take his time."
Nolan saw the remainder of his West Ham contract paid up over the last
couple of weeks athough a club source declared: "He received around 75 per
cent of what be was due."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons look to January window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are refusing to rule out more January signings despite looking to
have their deepest squad in many years.
There remains a feel good factor inside the club and an impatience to get on
with the season again with things looking so good right now.
And ClaretandHugh's top source at the club believes that it's quite possible
the club may be in the January transfer window as they bid to consolidate
their strength in depth position.
The club told ClaretandHugh exclusively this morning they would not rule out
some more activity and our man said: "We look pretty well off in most
positions now but you never say never.
"If the right player/s came along we'd be active again despite being very
happy with what we've done in the summer window.
"We are determined to ensure that we remain as unaffected by injury crises
etc as it's possible to be,"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Monday, September 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th September 2015
Ladies chopped down in New Forest
WHUFC.com
Forest Green Rovers midfielder Kirsty Richardson struck late on to steal the
points as West Ham Ladies fell to a 1-0 FA Women's Premier League Southern
defeat on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers came out strong at Slimbridge AFC
and could have taken the lead on several occasions through midfielder
Shirvae Edwards and strikers Lily Mellors and Whitney Locke, but were
punished in the second period as Richardson's long-range punt found the
bottom corner of the net.
After picking up their first result of the season a week earlier against
lower league Crystal Palace in the FA Women's Premier League Cup Determining
Round, manager Marc Nurse made two changes to the team that defeated the
Eagles 3-0. Hannah Wheeler and midfielder Danni Ritson were replaced by
Kayleigh Xidhas and regular Development Squad striker Locke.
Within the opening ten minutes in the New Forest, the Hammers had two golden
opportunities to open the scoring. First, midfielder Kelley Blanchflower
poked wide from 18 yards after fantastic build-up play by Emma Sherwood and
captain Stacey Little, before Locke beat Rovers goalkeeper Abbie Morrisey to
the ball before firing over the bar with the net gaping.
The visitors continued to push forward throughout the first half and had
further chances to get themselves ahead through Mellors and Edwards, but
neither managed to force Morrisey into a save.
Down the other end of the pitch, Forest Green striker Charlotte King and
twin midfielders Karolayne and Kayanne Castro-Alencar were trying to cause
problems but Xidhas, Katie Bottom, Kerry Stimson and Danica Revell stood
strong to deny the hosts.
After the break, the Hammers were still having the lion's share of the
chances in front of goal but Little volleyed over from 18 yards before
Sherwood's effort was blocked by Morrisey.
With just over 20 minutes left to play, Nurse's side got lucky when
Richardson managed to beat the offside trap and round goalkeeper Aditi
Chauhan, but she fell whilst shooting and failed to hit the target.
Eight minutes later, the Hammers gave Richardson far too much space to shoot
from 20 yards and although the majority in attendance, including Chauhan,
thought the ball was going to trickle wide, her shot found the bottom corner
of the net to give the hosts the lead.
West Ham tried to get back into the game in the final ten minutes but their
attempts unfortunately met the same conclusion as earlier chances by failing
to beat Morrisey in the Forest Green goal.
Nurse's team will hope to pick up their first league points of the season
when they host local rivals C&K Basildon at AFC Hornchurch on Thursday 10
September at 7:45pm. Tickets are available online right now or on the gate
next week!
Ladies: Chauhan, Bottom, Stimson, Revell, Xidhas, Little (c), Blanchflower
(Miller), Sherwood, Edwards (Anderson-James), Mellors, Locke (Scott)
Subs not used: Ritson, Wheeler
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Determined Dobson seeking first victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder George Dobson was left with mixed feelings after
the Hammers settled for a 0-0 Barclays U18 Premier League draw with
high-flying Leicester City at Little Heath on Saturday afternoon. The
Hammers were the brighter of the two teams throughout the game and could
have won the game by converting one of several golden opportunities, but
Dobson, along with striker Idris Kanu and midfielder Marcus Browne failed to
punish their opponents. However, holding a Leicester side that entered the
game with a 100 per cent record, Dobson said the squad were pleased with a
point. "We are obviously glad that we got the draw but we definitely feel
like we deserved more from the game," admitted Dobson. "For the majority of
the game, I felt like we were the much better team and were on top of them
quite a lot so it does make it slightly disappointing that we only managed
to draw. "Having said that, we came up against a really good team in
Leicester so you have to be pleased with the result and we can take
positives from this performance into our next league fixture on Tuesday at
Arsenal."
The Hammers are yet to taste victory in their four U18 Premier League South
matches so far this season and Dobson, who joined over the summer from
Arsenal, believes the squad are playing well but struggling to put the ball
in the back of the net. "The whole team have been working hard in training
and you can already start to notice a difference," continued Dobson. "As the
season progresses, the results will improve as the players get better and
fitter. "At the moment, we seem to be struggling with taking our chances
when they come round and the thing is that, when we do start taking our
chances more, I think we'll be able to start beating teams comfortably.
"Sometimes in football, you have to just keep working hard and as soon as a
couple of goals start going in, then loads of goals will start going in.
"We are playing well and taking positives from every game into the next
fixture. For example against Leicester, we dominated the whole game against
a team that have started the season really well with three wins out of three
and probably should have actually won."
The U18s' next league fixture is against Dobson's former club Arsenal and,
after featuring for the full 90 minutes in the Development Squad's 5-0
defeat at The Emirates just over a week ago, the 17-year-old is focused on
helping the U18s pick up their first victory of the season. We had a
disappointing result at The Emirates recently, losing 5-0 in the U21s but
for me, the most important thing now is for us to head to Arsenal on Tuesday
looking to get our first U18 win of the season."
Since joining the Hammers back in July, Dobson revealed that he is enjoying
every minute representing the club that he supported as a boy and hopes to
one day progress through the ranks and become a first-team regular for West
Ham. "I have loved every minute of my time at West Ham so far and really
couldn't think of a better place for me to be playing my football at the
moment. "I enjoy coming into training everyday and working on my
performances and fitness as a player so that's the immediate target for me
for the near future.
"My fitness has been a big thing that I've been trying to work on because
I've noticed previously that during games when I get to the 65-70 minute
mark is when I seem to hit a wall. It's in those last 20 minutes when
players can get sloppy because they are tired and give the ball away so it's
something that I'm working hard on and as I get more game time under my
belt, I'll become a fitter player and cut those mistakes out of my game. "As
a player, you don't just want to settle for playing U18s football the whole
time because although when selected for the U18s, I'd always give 100 per
cent, any footballer would want to be progressing and playing at a higher
level.
"I've already featured twice for the U21s this season so hopefully I can
keep myself performing to a high standard and get quite a few more games
before the end of the season. "The opportunities that players like Reece
Oxford have had to play at first team level show any Academy players that if
you've got the ability and regularly perform well, the chance is there that
you could progress and be called on one day. "For me, the dream is to be
playing regular first team football for West Ham in the future and that's
what I'm always constantly working towards. I'm not expecting it anytime
soon but you never know what the future holds."
The Hammers travel to London Colney to face Arsenal U18 on Tuesday 8th
September, with kick-off scheduled for midday.
U18s: T Brown, Sylvestre, Pask (Rice 46), Akinola, Neufville, Carter,
Browne, Dobson, Diangana (Henry 68), Borg, Kanu
Subs not used: Eggleton, Lewis, Boness
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio happy to be home
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio is looking forward to performing in front of the same West
Ham United fans he sat alongside as a boy. The winger paid visits to the
Boleyn Ground as a youngster, joining his football-mad friends in making the
trip from his south west London home to the east London home of the Hammers.
More than a decade later, Antonio has returned to E13, but this time he will
be performing on the pitch rather than sitting in the stands – and the
former Nottingham Forest star cannot wait. "I'm buzzing and finally happy to
be back in London at a massive club," the new No30 told West Ham TV. "I've
always been around London and I came to a couple of games here when I was
younger, so I'm happy to be finally here and at a club I watched when I was
younger. "I've picked West Ham because I'm home. It's London and I'm
comfortable here and I think that's where I'll play my best football. I have
seen the way the manager plays and I reckon I can flourish here. "Growing
up, I wanted to be around the best and have competition and being at West
Ham there is lots of good competition. The last result, winning 3-0 at
Liverpool, showed that I am coming to a great team that's established in the
Premier League and hopefully I can put my mark down here at the club."
Antonio may not have played in the Barclays Premier League before, but the
winger has become a regular highlight reel on Football League highlights
shows during his time with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. Having
started his career with non-league Tooting & Mitcham United, the 25-year-old
knows the value of hard work to go alongside his undoubted ability. "If I
have the opportunity to go at my full-back I will go. I am the sort of
player who picks the ball up and runs and tries to get crosses in or a shot
at goal. I got 15 goals and 13 assists last season, and I've got four goals
in four starts this season, so hopefully I can keep that going and the goals
coming. "I can play either side or in the hole, or sometimes as the big man,
it depends on where the manager chooses to play me. I'm a person who, as
long as I've got the shirt, I'll play. "I put my career path down to hard
work, really. I didn't have the technique so I've worked on it every day. I
was in non-league and went to school, so I didn't really get the opportunity
to learn the basics. "I've always been raw and have been doing raw stuff.
I've always had the pace and the power and now my technique is starting to
work, so hopefully I can show it and everyone can see what I can do."
Antonio became one of four players signed on Deadline Day, joining Alex
Song, Nikica Jelavic and Victor Moses in coming through the John Lyall
Gates, and he says it is an exciting time to be part of West Ham United. "We
have done very well in the market and hopefully adding me to the table will
help us push on and see where we can get. "I'm not scared by this challenge.
I will come in and put the hard work in and put my heart on my sleeve and
wherever it gets me, it gets me. "I'm not the sort of person to let things
affect me. I'll let my own ability take me where I can go and if it doesn't
stop me, hopefully I can flourish."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUemployee's ClaretandHugh column
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
So it is almost a week on from the transfer window and it has proven to be a
very successful one for the club. I think when you include all the players
we have signed throughout the summer we couldn't have really asked for much
more.
The four new players signed on deadline day were exactly what we needed.
Although he is injured we are all aware of the qualities that Alex Song
brings to us. He was determined to join us and his sons play for our
academy. The transfer would have probably been a permanent deal had it not
been for his injury. The club didn't want to take the gamble yet of making
the transfer permanent when his recovery from the injury isn't known. He
should return to fitness in October and will give us another fantastic
option in central midfield.
Michail Antonio is a player who has had brilliant reviews in the
championship and he will bring much needed pace and power from the wing. He
also has a very good scoring record for a winger and naturally creates a lot
of chances for others.
Another wing addition Victor Moses was extremely well rated at Stoke City
last season. Their fans were very keen for him to return to The Potteries
and when I asked Matthew Etherington whether he was a good signing for us he
gave a very glowing report. In his earlier years he was linked with all the
top clubs from the continent and has obviously played for Chelsea and
Liverpool in England.
Nikicia Jelavic joined for around £3m from Hull to become a backup
forward-or more to the likes of Sakho, Carroll and Valenica. When you think
of it like that he is a good player to have to call upon. He has worked with
Slaven Bilic at international level and they have a very good working
relationship. Tony Henry our head of recruitment also signed him for Everton
and knows what he can bring.
It has to be said that despite much criticism David Sullivan produced the
goods in the window. We now have strong competition and squad depth in every
position, something which we haven't had for many years. This will be seen
against Newcastle where we will have a much stronger bench than the
Liverpool game with Andy Carroll also returning. I personally wouldn't
change a winning team, especially one that has won 3-0 at Anfield. I am very
glad the window is over, as those of you who follow me will recall, I spent
most days tweeting out the transfer news, so I am grateful for the break
from that!
This week I had the opportunity to chat to a builder/carpenter who is
currently working at the Olympic Stadium and he gave me an interesting
insight into the current spending situation around the project and explained
that his early concerns about the stadium have been quashed.
"On my first visit I was inducted in a group of 30 men it took three hours
for this to be completed, considering the wages that I know of ranging from
£18-£25 per hour it was my first insight into why this is running at such a
cost.
The first time I walked out onto the pitch I was gutted yes it's an
athletics stadium, yes the pitch was a long way away. I took some pics of
the retractable seating done some measurements and was a bit relieved.
Everything that was done up to the anniversary games was temporary from the
carpentry to the stands not being commissioned (signed off for use) as they
are powered. If anybody went to the games they would have seen the unsightly
dark brown plywood everywhere, well my point being a lot of money was spent
on a temporary fix.
As soon as that was finished it was all ripped out, hundreds of thousands of
pounds for 2 days of Athletics. Then there is the temporary work for the
rugby last weekend, this included the walk ways and backs of stands to the
north south and east, scaffolders carpenters and the seating crew, seats
having to be pulled into place due to not being powered costing time and
money. Again hundreds of thousands of pounds wasted for a three hour event.
All of which is being dismantled at more cost to the tax payer, now
finishing touches for the RWC are going ahead.
My point being I'm sick of hearing how WHU are getting cushy deal when in
fact, from what I've seen, it's the Athletics and Rugby so far that are. It
will also take 7 days to transform from athletics to football mode, 100 men
approximately working night and day. This is not a guess, a well-known fact
for the people that work there. So are the Athletics covering the high cost
of transformations?
I'm positive and hope you are as well after visiting, for me the retractable
seating works. I know it sounds cheesy but it somehow connects the upper
tier as well by being closer. Also the east stand extended tier can easily
be replicated on the west, solving that gap problem. The screens do have
large gaps but wait for us to get in there and solve that too"
This week we have seen an overwhelming response to a number of West Ham
sites who have asked for donations to sponsor West Ham ladies players, so
that it can help the club to grow and reach the potential that it is
showing. I have been amazed at the response and I have now pledged to donate
some to Jonjo's charity work and the DT38 foundation too both significant to
West Ham and myself personally as well. My link is here if you would also
like to support these great causes gofundme.com/ExWHUEmployeeany
contribution is greatly appreciated.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio supported Hammers as a boy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New signing Michail Antonio who joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest
for £6m has confirmed he was a West Ham fan as a young boy visiting the
Boleyn ground a couple of times with his mates.
Antonio told WHUFC.com "I'm buzzing and finally happy to be back in London
at a massive club, I've always been around London and I came to a couple of
games here when I was younger, so I'm happy to be finally here and at a club
I watched when I was younger."
"I've picked West Ham because I'm home. It's London and I'm comfortable here
and I think that's where I'll play my best football. I have seen the way the
manager plays and I reckon I can flourish here."
"Growing up, I wanted to be around the best and have competition and being
at West Ham there is lots of good competition. The last result, winning 3-0
at Liverpool, showed that I am coming to a great team that's established in
the Premier League and hopefully I can put my mark down here at the club."
"If I have the opportunity to go at my full-back I will go. I am the sort of
player who picks the ball up and runs and tries to get crosses in or a shot
at goal. I got 15 goals and 13 assists last season, and I've got four goals
in four starts this season, so hopefully I can keep that going and the goals
coming."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicksy terminates Twitter account
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Julian Dicks has been reported as having deactivated his Twitter account.
The no nonsense defender has been regularly answering virtually every
inquiry thrown at him by the fans in his usual forthright and light-hearted
manner. But according to one follower he has now quit because he was asked
sarcastic questions which have presumably irritated the Irons coach.
ClaretandHugh checked this morning to see whether the @JULIAN3DICKS had
decided to reinstate himself on the social network but was met with a
message declaring "this page does not exist." Follower @OwenWHU claimed in a
tweet: "Dicks has actually deactivated because of grown men asking if his
visa is sorted for Europe away games. Nice one guys.."
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Frankie Mc prepares for "emotional night"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Frank McAvennie has been looking forward to a Boleyn reunion at the next
home game against Newcastle for weeks. The club's goalscoring legend will be
among those walking out in front of the Upton Park hordes on the night of
the 14th, inevitably alongside his goal scoring buddy from 30 years ago Tony
Cottee. ClaretandHugh blogger Frank told us: "The years just roll away when
we too get together. It really is as though it was yesterday. "I live up in
Scotland now but I always get down when I can and Tone and me still have a
big friendship. It's going to be a great night." The Newcastle game could
see the Irons grab their first game at home this season and with the old
boys on parade it's no surprise to see it chosen as the TV game. Frankie
believes it's going to be a hugely emotional night and said: "All we want to
go with it is that first win." The 1985-86 campaign saw manager John Lyall
lead the club to their highest ever league finish, coming a close third
behind Liverpool and Everton. That particular Hammers team won 26 of their
42 games and finished with 84 points, two behind the Toffees and four behind
the Reds, who claimed a famous double. Lyall's incredible team went on to
became known as 'The Boys of 86.' ClaretandHugh has learned that among the
legends hoping to make an appearance are Frankie, Cottee, Phil Parkes, Tony
Gale, Alan Devonshire and Alvin Martin.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whoops – sorry DG so we'll say it for you!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Well having got caught out by a fake David Gold account we'll say it for
him: "The people who drove Julian Dicks off Twitter are indeed 'morons' who
should take their support elsewhere." We apologise to DG for mistakenly not
noticing that account we quoted him on was not accompanied by a tick to show
that it was real. However, that only serves to help us understand why Dicksy
has decided to leave the social networking operation.
Our story has since been taken down. Julian who always been accessible (as
shown right) and answered every question before reportedly being driven off
by some pretty sarcastic remarks. Given the number of requests he received
to support various charitable efforts along with inquries for freebies, he
has apparently decided to call it a day. Those who have driven the Irons
hero off have done everybody who followed him a huge disservice. The
response to us making a mistake in quoting a fake DG received a pretty
typical response and was greeted with gleeful lols and delighted: "You got
it wrong" finger-pointing comments."
It's not a problem to us and if it gave a few people a laugh GREAT! However,
that a club legend has had enough and been driven off because of abuse
from trolls is pretty sad and we understand completely why he has
deactivated his account. The majority of Twitter followers are great and use
it as it should be used but there's some -as demonstrated here – who possess
a mentality which 99 per cent of people wouldn't entertain in the real world
so why let them into your living room via a keyboard.
We understand the reasons Dicksy – you have bigger fish to fry than sit
around puttng up with such nonsense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium: £200,000 is better than nothing!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
A newspaper revealed today that the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC) will only receive a £200,000 profit from the Olympic Stadium.
The Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed that internal LLDC paperwork shows
they expect to make a profit of only £200,000 in 2016-17 from all activity
at the Olympic Stadium. That will include not just from West Ham games but
athletics events, concerts and probably some rugby, baseball and motor
sport.
This news shouldn't come as a complete shock to many as the LLDC CEO David
Goldstone recently revealed at a London Assembly budget committee that the
former Olympic Stadium was only planned to break even on it's running costs
so a £200,000 profit would be a bonus on his previous statement. Mr
Goldstone also revealed that the cost of rebuilding the Olympic Stadium will
recovered from the wider redevelopment of the Olympic Stadium and not
necessarily from the stadium itself.
Weeds2Although the figure of £702m is widely reported as the cost of the
Olympic Stadium, you have to remember that the first £430m was the cost of
building the Olympic Stadium for the London Olympics and therefore nothing
to do with West Ham or other legacy uses. Around another £56m was set aside
in the Olympic Stadium budget to convert the Stadium post games to a 25,000
seater Athletics stadium so the real difference to build a multi use Stadium
which includes football is £199m.
The wider development of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park is expected to
bring in up to £1 billion over time while the London Olympics itself has
estimated to contribute up to £3 billion to the UK Economy so there is no
reason why the taxpayers will not receive a return on their investment long
term. Unfortunately West Ham seem to get mentioned in every headline like it
somehow our fault or we are to blame for the costs to the taxpayer.
Without West Ham, the Stadium would be a white elephant with weeds growing
in it like the Athens Olympic Stadium pictured above. West Ham's 99 year
agreement with E20 Stadium LLP will help bring money, jobs and worldwide
recognition to the Stadium and wide Olympic park. It will help underpin the
success and prosperity of the whole area.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burke scores for Bradford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C AND H
Hammer Reece Burke scored his first goal for Bradford City on loan on
Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 win over Oldham. The 19-year-old moved to
Bradford on loan until September 20th 2015, Burke opened the scoring with a
goal in the 21st minute. Following the match Burke took to Twitter posting a
message sayinh: "Glad we got the 3 points today also buzzing to score my
first senior goal! On to the next one."
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Bilic prepares Toon triple whammy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic looks set to unleash his three new boys against Newcastle next
Monday. With so much excitement in the transfer window it's deeply
frustrating to be travelling through an international break. And it's even
annoying to have to wait until after next weekend before having a possible
chance to assess the impact our new signings may have on the Premier League.
However, we have reports that Nikicia Jelavic, Mchail Antonio, and Victor
Moses (above) are all fit and training with the first team squad. David Gold
– in reporting the news – told ClaretandHugh: "It's very exciting. The three
are looking sharp and with Andy Carroll set to be available we finally look
to be over several of our problems. "We can't wait for the Newcastle game."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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https://www.avast.com/antivirus
WHUFC.com
Forest Green Rovers midfielder Kirsty Richardson struck late on to steal the
points as West Ham Ladies fell to a 1-0 FA Women's Premier League Southern
defeat on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers came out strong at Slimbridge AFC
and could have taken the lead on several occasions through midfielder
Shirvae Edwards and strikers Lily Mellors and Whitney Locke, but were
punished in the second period as Richardson's long-range punt found the
bottom corner of the net.
After picking up their first result of the season a week earlier against
lower league Crystal Palace in the FA Women's Premier League Cup Determining
Round, manager Marc Nurse made two changes to the team that defeated the
Eagles 3-0. Hannah Wheeler and midfielder Danni Ritson were replaced by
Kayleigh Xidhas and regular Development Squad striker Locke.
Within the opening ten minutes in the New Forest, the Hammers had two golden
opportunities to open the scoring. First, midfielder Kelley Blanchflower
poked wide from 18 yards after fantastic build-up play by Emma Sherwood and
captain Stacey Little, before Locke beat Rovers goalkeeper Abbie Morrisey to
the ball before firing over the bar with the net gaping.
The visitors continued to push forward throughout the first half and had
further chances to get themselves ahead through Mellors and Edwards, but
neither managed to force Morrisey into a save.
Down the other end of the pitch, Forest Green striker Charlotte King and
twin midfielders Karolayne and Kayanne Castro-Alencar were trying to cause
problems but Xidhas, Katie Bottom, Kerry Stimson and Danica Revell stood
strong to deny the hosts.
After the break, the Hammers were still having the lion's share of the
chances in front of goal but Little volleyed over from 18 yards before
Sherwood's effort was blocked by Morrisey.
With just over 20 minutes left to play, Nurse's side got lucky when
Richardson managed to beat the offside trap and round goalkeeper Aditi
Chauhan, but she fell whilst shooting and failed to hit the target.
Eight minutes later, the Hammers gave Richardson far too much space to shoot
from 20 yards and although the majority in attendance, including Chauhan,
thought the ball was going to trickle wide, her shot found the bottom corner
of the net to give the hosts the lead.
West Ham tried to get back into the game in the final ten minutes but their
attempts unfortunately met the same conclusion as earlier chances by failing
to beat Morrisey in the Forest Green goal.
Nurse's team will hope to pick up their first league points of the season
when they host local rivals C&K Basildon at AFC Hornchurch on Thursday 10
September at 7:45pm. Tickets are available online right now or on the gate
next week!
Ladies: Chauhan, Bottom, Stimson, Revell, Xidhas, Little (c), Blanchflower
(Miller), Sherwood, Edwards (Anderson-James), Mellors, Locke (Scott)
Subs not used: Ritson, Wheeler
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Determined Dobson seeking first victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder George Dobson was left with mixed feelings after
the Hammers settled for a 0-0 Barclays U18 Premier League draw with
high-flying Leicester City at Little Heath on Saturday afternoon. The
Hammers were the brighter of the two teams throughout the game and could
have won the game by converting one of several golden opportunities, but
Dobson, along with striker Idris Kanu and midfielder Marcus Browne failed to
punish their opponents. However, holding a Leicester side that entered the
game with a 100 per cent record, Dobson said the squad were pleased with a
point. "We are obviously glad that we got the draw but we definitely feel
like we deserved more from the game," admitted Dobson. "For the majority of
the game, I felt like we were the much better team and were on top of them
quite a lot so it does make it slightly disappointing that we only managed
to draw. "Having said that, we came up against a really good team in
Leicester so you have to be pleased with the result and we can take
positives from this performance into our next league fixture on Tuesday at
Arsenal."
The Hammers are yet to taste victory in their four U18 Premier League South
matches so far this season and Dobson, who joined over the summer from
Arsenal, believes the squad are playing well but struggling to put the ball
in the back of the net. "The whole team have been working hard in training
and you can already start to notice a difference," continued Dobson. "As the
season progresses, the results will improve as the players get better and
fitter. "At the moment, we seem to be struggling with taking our chances
when they come round and the thing is that, when we do start taking our
chances more, I think we'll be able to start beating teams comfortably.
"Sometimes in football, you have to just keep working hard and as soon as a
couple of goals start going in, then loads of goals will start going in.
"We are playing well and taking positives from every game into the next
fixture. For example against Leicester, we dominated the whole game against
a team that have started the season really well with three wins out of three
and probably should have actually won."
The U18s' next league fixture is against Dobson's former club Arsenal and,
after featuring for the full 90 minutes in the Development Squad's 5-0
defeat at The Emirates just over a week ago, the 17-year-old is focused on
helping the U18s pick up their first victory of the season. We had a
disappointing result at The Emirates recently, losing 5-0 in the U21s but
for me, the most important thing now is for us to head to Arsenal on Tuesday
looking to get our first U18 win of the season."
Since joining the Hammers back in July, Dobson revealed that he is enjoying
every minute representing the club that he supported as a boy and hopes to
one day progress through the ranks and become a first-team regular for West
Ham. "I have loved every minute of my time at West Ham so far and really
couldn't think of a better place for me to be playing my football at the
moment. "I enjoy coming into training everyday and working on my
performances and fitness as a player so that's the immediate target for me
for the near future.
"My fitness has been a big thing that I've been trying to work on because
I've noticed previously that during games when I get to the 65-70 minute
mark is when I seem to hit a wall. It's in those last 20 minutes when
players can get sloppy because they are tired and give the ball away so it's
something that I'm working hard on and as I get more game time under my
belt, I'll become a fitter player and cut those mistakes out of my game. "As
a player, you don't just want to settle for playing U18s football the whole
time because although when selected for the U18s, I'd always give 100 per
cent, any footballer would want to be progressing and playing at a higher
level.
"I've already featured twice for the U21s this season so hopefully I can
keep myself performing to a high standard and get quite a few more games
before the end of the season. "The opportunities that players like Reece
Oxford have had to play at first team level show any Academy players that if
you've got the ability and regularly perform well, the chance is there that
you could progress and be called on one day. "For me, the dream is to be
playing regular first team football for West Ham in the future and that's
what I'm always constantly working towards. I'm not expecting it anytime
soon but you never know what the future holds."
The Hammers travel to London Colney to face Arsenal U18 on Tuesday 8th
September, with kick-off scheduled for midday.
U18s: T Brown, Sylvestre, Pask (Rice 46), Akinola, Neufville, Carter,
Browne, Dobson, Diangana (Henry 68), Borg, Kanu
Subs not used: Eggleton, Lewis, Boness
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio happy to be home
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio is looking forward to performing in front of the same West
Ham United fans he sat alongside as a boy. The winger paid visits to the
Boleyn Ground as a youngster, joining his football-mad friends in making the
trip from his south west London home to the east London home of the Hammers.
More than a decade later, Antonio has returned to E13, but this time he will
be performing on the pitch rather than sitting in the stands – and the
former Nottingham Forest star cannot wait. "I'm buzzing and finally happy to
be back in London at a massive club," the new No30 told West Ham TV. "I've
always been around London and I came to a couple of games here when I was
younger, so I'm happy to be finally here and at a club I watched when I was
younger. "I've picked West Ham because I'm home. It's London and I'm
comfortable here and I think that's where I'll play my best football. I have
seen the way the manager plays and I reckon I can flourish here. "Growing
up, I wanted to be around the best and have competition and being at West
Ham there is lots of good competition. The last result, winning 3-0 at
Liverpool, showed that I am coming to a great team that's established in the
Premier League and hopefully I can put my mark down here at the club."
Antonio may not have played in the Barclays Premier League before, but the
winger has become a regular highlight reel on Football League highlights
shows during his time with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. Having
started his career with non-league Tooting & Mitcham United, the 25-year-old
knows the value of hard work to go alongside his undoubted ability. "If I
have the opportunity to go at my full-back I will go. I am the sort of
player who picks the ball up and runs and tries to get crosses in or a shot
at goal. I got 15 goals and 13 assists last season, and I've got four goals
in four starts this season, so hopefully I can keep that going and the goals
coming. "I can play either side or in the hole, or sometimes as the big man,
it depends on where the manager chooses to play me. I'm a person who, as
long as I've got the shirt, I'll play. "I put my career path down to hard
work, really. I didn't have the technique so I've worked on it every day. I
was in non-league and went to school, so I didn't really get the opportunity
to learn the basics. "I've always been raw and have been doing raw stuff.
I've always had the pace and the power and now my technique is starting to
work, so hopefully I can show it and everyone can see what I can do."
Antonio became one of four players signed on Deadline Day, joining Alex
Song, Nikica Jelavic and Victor Moses in coming through the John Lyall
Gates, and he says it is an exciting time to be part of West Ham United. "We
have done very well in the market and hopefully adding me to the table will
help us push on and see where we can get. "I'm not scared by this challenge.
I will come in and put the hard work in and put my heart on my sleeve and
wherever it gets me, it gets me. "I'm not the sort of person to let things
affect me. I'll let my own ability take me where I can go and if it doesn't
stop me, hopefully I can flourish."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUemployee's ClaretandHugh column
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
So it is almost a week on from the transfer window and it has proven to be a
very successful one for the club. I think when you include all the players
we have signed throughout the summer we couldn't have really asked for much
more.
The four new players signed on deadline day were exactly what we needed.
Although he is injured we are all aware of the qualities that Alex Song
brings to us. He was determined to join us and his sons play for our
academy. The transfer would have probably been a permanent deal had it not
been for his injury. The club didn't want to take the gamble yet of making
the transfer permanent when his recovery from the injury isn't known. He
should return to fitness in October and will give us another fantastic
option in central midfield.
Michail Antonio is a player who has had brilliant reviews in the
championship and he will bring much needed pace and power from the wing. He
also has a very good scoring record for a winger and naturally creates a lot
of chances for others.
Another wing addition Victor Moses was extremely well rated at Stoke City
last season. Their fans were very keen for him to return to The Potteries
and when I asked Matthew Etherington whether he was a good signing for us he
gave a very glowing report. In his earlier years he was linked with all the
top clubs from the continent and has obviously played for Chelsea and
Liverpool in England.
Nikicia Jelavic joined for around £3m from Hull to become a backup
forward-or more to the likes of Sakho, Carroll and Valenica. When you think
of it like that he is a good player to have to call upon. He has worked with
Slaven Bilic at international level and they have a very good working
relationship. Tony Henry our head of recruitment also signed him for Everton
and knows what he can bring.
It has to be said that despite much criticism David Sullivan produced the
goods in the window. We now have strong competition and squad depth in every
position, something which we haven't had for many years. This will be seen
against Newcastle where we will have a much stronger bench than the
Liverpool game with Andy Carroll also returning. I personally wouldn't
change a winning team, especially one that has won 3-0 at Anfield. I am very
glad the window is over, as those of you who follow me will recall, I spent
most days tweeting out the transfer news, so I am grateful for the break
from that!
This week I had the opportunity to chat to a builder/carpenter who is
currently working at the Olympic Stadium and he gave me an interesting
insight into the current spending situation around the project and explained
that his early concerns about the stadium have been quashed.
"On my first visit I was inducted in a group of 30 men it took three hours
for this to be completed, considering the wages that I know of ranging from
£18-£25 per hour it was my first insight into why this is running at such a
cost.
The first time I walked out onto the pitch I was gutted yes it's an
athletics stadium, yes the pitch was a long way away. I took some pics of
the retractable seating done some measurements and was a bit relieved.
Everything that was done up to the anniversary games was temporary from the
carpentry to the stands not being commissioned (signed off for use) as they
are powered. If anybody went to the games they would have seen the unsightly
dark brown plywood everywhere, well my point being a lot of money was spent
on a temporary fix.
As soon as that was finished it was all ripped out, hundreds of thousands of
pounds for 2 days of Athletics. Then there is the temporary work for the
rugby last weekend, this included the walk ways and backs of stands to the
north south and east, scaffolders carpenters and the seating crew, seats
having to be pulled into place due to not being powered costing time and
money. Again hundreds of thousands of pounds wasted for a three hour event.
All of which is being dismantled at more cost to the tax payer, now
finishing touches for the RWC are going ahead.
My point being I'm sick of hearing how WHU are getting cushy deal when in
fact, from what I've seen, it's the Athletics and Rugby so far that are. It
will also take 7 days to transform from athletics to football mode, 100 men
approximately working night and day. This is not a guess, a well-known fact
for the people that work there. So are the Athletics covering the high cost
of transformations?
I'm positive and hope you are as well after visiting, for me the retractable
seating works. I know it sounds cheesy but it somehow connects the upper
tier as well by being closer. Also the east stand extended tier can easily
be replicated on the west, solving that gap problem. The screens do have
large gaps but wait for us to get in there and solve that too"
This week we have seen an overwhelming response to a number of West Ham
sites who have asked for donations to sponsor West Ham ladies players, so
that it can help the club to grow and reach the potential that it is
showing. I have been amazed at the response and I have now pledged to donate
some to Jonjo's charity work and the DT38 foundation too both significant to
West Ham and myself personally as well. My link is here if you would also
like to support these great causes gofundme.com/ExWHUEmployeeany
contribution is greatly appreciated.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio supported Hammers as a boy
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New signing Michail Antonio who joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest
for £6m has confirmed he was a West Ham fan as a young boy visiting the
Boleyn ground a couple of times with his mates.
Antonio told WHUFC.com "I'm buzzing and finally happy to be back in London
at a massive club, I've always been around London and I came to a couple of
games here when I was younger, so I'm happy to be finally here and at a club
I watched when I was younger."
"I've picked West Ham because I'm home. It's London and I'm comfortable here
and I think that's where I'll play my best football. I have seen the way the
manager plays and I reckon I can flourish here."
"Growing up, I wanted to be around the best and have competition and being
at West Ham there is lots of good competition. The last result, winning 3-0
at Liverpool, showed that I am coming to a great team that's established in
the Premier League and hopefully I can put my mark down here at the club."
"If I have the opportunity to go at my full-back I will go. I am the sort of
player who picks the ball up and runs and tries to get crosses in or a shot
at goal. I got 15 goals and 13 assists last season, and I've got four goals
in four starts this season, so hopefully I can keep that going and the goals
coming."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicksy terminates Twitter account
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Julian Dicks has been reported as having deactivated his Twitter account.
The no nonsense defender has been regularly answering virtually every
inquiry thrown at him by the fans in his usual forthright and light-hearted
manner. But according to one follower he has now quit because he was asked
sarcastic questions which have presumably irritated the Irons coach.
ClaretandHugh checked this morning to see whether the @JULIAN3DICKS had
decided to reinstate himself on the social network but was met with a
message declaring "this page does not exist." Follower @OwenWHU claimed in a
tweet: "Dicks has actually deactivated because of grown men asking if his
visa is sorted for Europe away games. Nice one guys.."
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Frankie Mc prepares for "emotional night"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Frank McAvennie has been looking forward to a Boleyn reunion at the next
home game against Newcastle for weeks. The club's goalscoring legend will be
among those walking out in front of the Upton Park hordes on the night of
the 14th, inevitably alongside his goal scoring buddy from 30 years ago Tony
Cottee. ClaretandHugh blogger Frank told us: "The years just roll away when
we too get together. It really is as though it was yesterday. "I live up in
Scotland now but I always get down when I can and Tone and me still have a
big friendship. It's going to be a great night." The Newcastle game could
see the Irons grab their first game at home this season and with the old
boys on parade it's no surprise to see it chosen as the TV game. Frankie
believes it's going to be a hugely emotional night and said: "All we want to
go with it is that first win." The 1985-86 campaign saw manager John Lyall
lead the club to their highest ever league finish, coming a close third
behind Liverpool and Everton. That particular Hammers team won 26 of their
42 games and finished with 84 points, two behind the Toffees and four behind
the Reds, who claimed a famous double. Lyall's incredible team went on to
became known as 'The Boys of 86.' ClaretandHugh has learned that among the
legends hoping to make an appearance are Frankie, Cottee, Phil Parkes, Tony
Gale, Alan Devonshire and Alvin Martin.
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Whoops – sorry DG so we'll say it for you!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Well having got caught out by a fake David Gold account we'll say it for
him: "The people who drove Julian Dicks off Twitter are indeed 'morons' who
should take their support elsewhere." We apologise to DG for mistakenly not
noticing that account we quoted him on was not accompanied by a tick to show
that it was real. However, that only serves to help us understand why Dicksy
has decided to leave the social networking operation.
Our story has since been taken down. Julian who always been accessible (as
shown right) and answered every question before reportedly being driven off
by some pretty sarcastic remarks. Given the number of requests he received
to support various charitable efforts along with inquries for freebies, he
has apparently decided to call it a day. Those who have driven the Irons
hero off have done everybody who followed him a huge disservice. The
response to us making a mistake in quoting a fake DG received a pretty
typical response and was greeted with gleeful lols and delighted: "You got
it wrong" finger-pointing comments."
It's not a problem to us and if it gave a few people a laugh GREAT! However,
that a club legend has had enough and been driven off because of abuse
from trolls is pretty sad and we understand completely why he has
deactivated his account. The majority of Twitter followers are great and use
it as it should be used but there's some -as demonstrated here – who possess
a mentality which 99 per cent of people wouldn't entertain in the real world
so why let them into your living room via a keyboard.
We understand the reasons Dicksy – you have bigger fish to fry than sit
around puttng up with such nonsense.
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Olympic Stadium: £200,000 is better than nothing!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
A newspaper revealed today that the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC) will only receive a £200,000 profit from the Olympic Stadium.
The Mail on Sunday exclusively revealed that internal LLDC paperwork shows
they expect to make a profit of only £200,000 in 2016-17 from all activity
at the Olympic Stadium. That will include not just from West Ham games but
athletics events, concerts and probably some rugby, baseball and motor
sport.
This news shouldn't come as a complete shock to many as the LLDC CEO David
Goldstone recently revealed at a London Assembly budget committee that the
former Olympic Stadium was only planned to break even on it's running costs
so a £200,000 profit would be a bonus on his previous statement. Mr
Goldstone also revealed that the cost of rebuilding the Olympic Stadium will
recovered from the wider redevelopment of the Olympic Stadium and not
necessarily from the stadium itself.
Weeds2Although the figure of £702m is widely reported as the cost of the
Olympic Stadium, you have to remember that the first £430m was the cost of
building the Olympic Stadium for the London Olympics and therefore nothing
to do with West Ham or other legacy uses. Around another £56m was set aside
in the Olympic Stadium budget to convert the Stadium post games to a 25,000
seater Athletics stadium so the real difference to build a multi use Stadium
which includes football is £199m.
The wider development of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park is expected to
bring in up to £1 billion over time while the London Olympics itself has
estimated to contribute up to £3 billion to the UK Economy so there is no
reason why the taxpayers will not receive a return on their investment long
term. Unfortunately West Ham seem to get mentioned in every headline like it
somehow our fault or we are to blame for the costs to the taxpayer.
Without West Ham, the Stadium would be a white elephant with weeds growing
in it like the Athens Olympic Stadium pictured above. West Ham's 99 year
agreement with E20 Stadium LLP will help bring money, jobs and worldwide
recognition to the Stadium and wide Olympic park. It will help underpin the
success and prosperity of the whole area.
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Burke scores for Bradford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 6, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C AND H
Hammer Reece Burke scored his first goal for Bradford City on loan on
Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 win over Oldham. The 19-year-old moved to
Bradford on loan until September 20th 2015, Burke opened the scoring with a
goal in the 21st minute. Following the match Burke took to Twitter posting a
message sayinh: "Glad we got the 3 points today also buzzing to score my
first senior goal! On to the next one."
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Bilic prepares Toon triple whammy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic looks set to unleash his three new boys against Newcastle next
Monday. With so much excitement in the transfer window it's deeply
frustrating to be travelling through an international break. And it's even
annoying to have to wait until after next weekend before having a possible
chance to assess the impact our new signings may have on the Premier League.
However, we have reports that Nikicia Jelavic, Mchail Antonio, and Victor
Moses (above) are all fit and training with the first team squad. David Gold
– in reporting the news – told ClaretandHugh: "It's very exciting. The three
are looking sharp and with Andy Carroll set to be available we finally look
to be over several of our problems. "We can't wait for the Newcastle game."
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Sunday, September 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th September 2015
Foxes frustrate U18s
WHUFC.com
West Ham United wasted a number of golden opportunities as they settled for
a 0-0 Barclays U18 Premier League draw with Leicester City at Little Heath.
In a competitive fixture, the Hammers had several chances to grab a victory
through striker Idris Kanu, midfielder George Dobson and substitute Declan
Rice, but failed to beat Leicester goalkeeper Max Bramley. The Hammers made
four changes to the side that suffered a 3-1 defeat at Norwich City a week
earlier. Rice, along with Jake Eggleton, Joe Powell and Jahmal Hector-Ingram
were replaced by Kanu, Dobson, Vashon Neufville and Grady Diangana. With
just seconds on the clock, the Hammers launched the first attack of the game
and almost caught their visitors sleeping. After Dobson and Diangana linked
up well, the ball was threaded through to Kanu, who forced a low save from
Bramley. After just five minutes, it was the trio of Dobson, Diangana and
Kanu that linked up once again but the latter fired his shot wide. West Ham
were creating chances and were denied by the woodwork when Diangana's shot
from over 20 yards beat Bramley but bounced clear off the crossbar.
Leicester had gone close a couple of times themselves and could have led on
22 minutes when Layton Ndukwu's corner found the free head of Alex Pascanu,
but the centre-half nodded high over the bar from six yards. The Foxes were
twice denied by excellent sliding challenges from Neufville, before West Ham
wasted two more chances to break the deadlock as Dobson headed over and
Diangana dragged Marcus Browne's through ball wide – albeit after the
assistant had raised a flag for offside. Rice, fresh from Ireland U17 duty
in Hungary this week, replaced Josh Pask at half-time, and West Ham resumed
their unsuccessful assault on the Leicester goal. Browne's cross-field pass
found captain Noha Sylvestre, who powered forward into space but fired a
shot over the crossbar. The lively Browne (pictured, above) was involved
again moments later, collecting Bramley's sliced backpass before being
tackled and fouled by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area. The stopper
escaped a red card and then saved Browne's free-kick!
Akinola, birthday boy Oscar Borg, Browne and Rice all fired shots off target
as the Hammers continued to lay siege to the Foxes goal, but they were
forced to settle for a point when the former was sent-off for a second
bookable offence. The Hammers, who are still looking for their first victory
of the season, will travel to London Colney to face Arsenal on Tuesday 8
September, with kick-off at midday.
U18s: T Brown, Sylvestre, Akinola, Pask (Rice 46), Neufville, Dobson,
Carter, Diangana (Henry 68), Browne, Borg, Kanu
Subs not used: Eggleton, Lewis
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goal of the Month - August
WHUFC.com
The time has come to select your West Ham United Goal of the Month for
August 2015!
West Ham TV was on hand to catch all the best strikes of the opening month
of the Barclays Premier League season, with five of the best selected for
you to choose from…
The contenders
Cheikhou Kouyate v Arsenal (A), Barclays Premier League, 9 August 2015
The Senegal midfielder timed his run perfectly to power his header past a
stranded Petr Cech from Dimitri Payet's right-wing free-kick.
Mauro Zarate v Arsenal (A), Barclays Premier League, 9 August 2015
The Argentine forward showed tenacity to win the ball from Gunners
midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before firing a low shot inside Petr
Cech's left-hand post to complete a stunning victory at the Emirates.
Dimitri Payet v Leicester City (H), Barclays Premier League, 15 August 2015
While the final result might not have been what West Ham United wanted, the
France international showed his quality by collecting Cheikhou Kouyate's
pass, dropping his shoulder to lose his man and smashing an unstoppable shot
high into the net.
Modibo Maiga v AFC Bournemouth (H), Barclays Premier League, 22 August 2015
The Mali forward ended his West Ham United career on a high by collecting
the ball 40 yards from goal, beating three men and sliding a well-placed
shot past Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
Diafra Sakho v Liverpool (A), Barclays Premier League, 29 August 2015
The Senegal striker showed his clinical class yet again by running at the
Liverpool defence and unleashing a low strike through the legs of Martin
Skrtel and past the despairing dive of Reds stopper Simon Mignolet
Vote here :
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/September/4-September/Goal-of-the-Mo
nth-August
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QPR's Charlie Austin says David Sullivan remarks felt like personal attack
Last Updated: 05/09/15 12:36pm
SSN
Charlie Austin thinks David Sullivan's comments saying he was a risk as a
signing because of knee problems was a personal attack on him.
QPR striker Charlie Austin admits he was "hurt" by comments from West Ham
co-owner David Sullivan questioning his fitness. Sullivan ruled out a move
for the 26-year-old during the transfer window as he said it was too much of
a risk for the Hammers. The businessman questioned Austin's long-term
fitness after he failed a medical at Hull in 2013 and also his goalscoring
ability. "I was disappointed, I felt hurt because I felt like it was an
attack on myself," Austin told Soccer AM. "But these things happen and I'll
put it to the back of my mind."
Asked whether he thought Sullivan should have apologised, Austin said: "When
do you ever hear of a football club chairman apologising directly to a
player? I wasn't expecting an apology."
Following a summer of speculation around his future, Austin opted to remain
with QPR as they bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League. The
striker, who has netted four goals in the Championship this season, said:
"I've trained hard with all this going on, I have got my head down and
worked hard for QPR and luckily enough we have got 10 points from 15 so far.
"Chris (Ramsey, QPR manager) has pulled me in and we have had conversations
throughout the window; he can't really say a lot because I've been top
scorer in the Championship so far!"
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Nolan "in talks"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Kevin Nolan is understood to have held talks with Bournemouth boss Eddie
Howe today. The former Irons skipper as an out of contract player is
available to sign terms with any interested club and the Cherries are
believed to fancy the 33 year old. A source close to the player told
ClaretandHugh exclusively that the midfieder was on the south coast to meet
the newly promoted Bournemouth boss. He said:"He was at the club today. No
decision has been taken but talks are definitely underway and it would be
no surprise were he to join them."
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Irons rubbish new Spurs link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have tonight rubbished speculation that Emmanuel Adebayor could yet
be joining the Hammers. Some media outlets are reporting that with his
absence from the Tottenham squad list and the possibility of his contract
being paid off, the Irons may move in on him as an out of contract player.
But there's next to no chance of that happening with a club source telling
ClaretandHugh that the squad is now completed and the spending all done. He
said: "We've looked at that particular option and when everybody is fit we
have enough strikers. We are happy with what we have.. "The Adebayor option
hasn't arisen anyway and he is still on the Spurs payroll. We are fine and
won't be revisiting that situation."
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Austin raps "no apologies" Sullivan again!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Charlie Austin has reopened the David Sullivan "injury" issue claiming the
Irons co-chairman had mounted an "attack" on him In our view he'd be better
off leaving sleeping dogs lie. But he's right about on thing – the Hammers
chairman will certainly not be apologising to him, and is standing by
exactly what he told ClaretandHugh in an exclusive question and answer
session. The QPR striker – for reasons best known to himself – has re-opened
the subject in a Sky Sports interview. It's difficult to understand why as
it only focuses on the subject which, from his point of view, is surely best
left alone. DS – answering genuine fan questions in a KUMB podcast gave the
injury issue as his reason for not getting involved in any bids for him and
cited a failed medical two years with Hull City as one reason along with
additional concerns. However, talking to Sky Sports Austin claims he was
"hurt" adding he didn't expect an apology saying "Someone of his status
apologising is not heard of, so I didn't expect an apology." He's not wrong
about that as the Upton Park chairman, remains unapologetic not, as Austin
claims because of his status, but because he doesn't believe there's
anything for which he needs to say "sorry." He told ClaretandHugh that
despite David Gold apologising for that and the Joey Barton controversy in a
radio broadcast he wouldn't be doing so. He said: "I certainly wouldn't be
apologising because I don't have anything to apologise for." That's his
position so fair enough. Frankly, Charlie this is leading you nowhere and
merely drawing attention to the very thing should be burying – that supposed
injury. It perhaps will be noted by some that West Ham weren't alone in
their seeming reluctance to pay the £15 million being asked by Rangers.
Hopefully from Austin's point of view – that's the last word. Regularly
dragging it up will surely do him no good.
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Bilic sends a secret note to Brady
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karen Brady has revealed how Slaven Bilic thanked her
and the board for the summer transfer business with a discreet note. Writing
in her Sun football diary this morning Lady Brady of Knightsbridge said "He
sent me a note saying: 'Good job Karren. We've done well. Thanks!' The first
time in 25 years a manager has done that." West Ham are thought to invested
net transfer and loan fees in excess of £37m this summer with a similar
amount again over the lifetime of the incoming players contracts in wages.
By anyone's calculations it is a massive amount. When Claret and Hugh
recently asked Chairman David Sullivan whether the board planned to spend so
much, he revealed exclusively "NO, but we realised how important this
season was for the club and we've dug deep !"
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Slav's 'secret note' shows a man of principle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic hopes his popularity when he was a West Ham player will help
him seal the manager's jobIf David Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady
weren't sure what they were getting when they appointed Slaven Bilic as
manager, they do now.
For make no mistake, Slav is not your typical "we set our stall out and
showed character and everything at the football club" type of bloke. He
speaks four languages, is polite, courteous, should learn to 'speak a little
more loudly' according to Julian Dicks, is a believer in God and a Socialist
who believes in fair dos for all.
Oh and besides all that he loves rock n roll. What's not to like?
Now I'm not saying you have to share all of that to act in a decent and
proper way but in Slav's case it demonstrates that he lives by his
principles.
This became apparent today when Karen Brady revealed that he had sent her a
note following the closure of the transfer window which read: "Good job
Karren. We've done well. Thanks!'
The first time in 25 years a manager has done that."
There really was no need to do that but Slaven is cut from different cloth –
man of quality!
Football too often doesn't live by the best principles. It's about money,
greed, controversy and self interest generally speaking. So how refreshing
to find such human decency at the heart of our club.
This is a man whose attitude will bind a team together as he he adopts the
kind of man management techniques which demand absolute respect.
I'm glad Karen Brady revealed the existence of the note for it's a
confirmation of the quality of guy we have leading us into the most exciting
and critical period of our history. Call me soft but I appreciate deeply
held old school values.
I've yet to hear the manager plead injuries or bad refereeing for poor
results and has taken two massive victories entirely in his stride.
I'm a fully paid up fan of the man on and off the pitch and believe he will
be around as manager of this club for a very long time to come.
He will get it right home and away, of that I'm convinced and take us to the
next level and beyond.
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Will this team end Irons poor home form?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's home form has come under the microscope from fans and former
players alike as we have all tried to get our head around the four results
so far. And in this ClaretandHugh special former hero Tony Cottee has spoken
about how our Boleyn form can become as effective as the displays we have
seen at Arsenal and Liverpool.
TC is keen to point out he sees absolutely no problems for the squad in
terms of league position and believes "we will comfortably placed in mid
season at the end. Here's how he discussed and reasoned the problem:
"I've always been a firm believer in two up front – everyone should know
that by now – and given a completely clean bill of health I'd revert to
Sakho and Valencia as they were the most successful partnership for the club
in a lot of years at the start of last season.
With no Valencia available the answer may well be to play Lanzini or Zarate
alongside 'Sak' with Payet in behind of course. That really does look a
very good set-up and with the lad Antonio on board we have a fabulous option
perhaps on the bench. "I've seen him at Forest and trust me he is a very
powerful player who can cause many problems for defences on his day. "We
have Andy Carroll back for Newcastle and it will be fascinating to see how
Slaven uses him. It's one we're all waiting on. However, I honestly don't
think the problemis up front but at the back where the defenders simply have
to cut out some very bad mistakes. Much has been made of it being a
formation problem with a lack of width and players not tucking in behind but
that over elaborates the issue. First and foremost defenders are paid to
defend and there have been some awful mistakes. Cut those out and the rest
of the lads can go forward with confidence." "There are many options
available to the boss now and I know he will sort it but here would be my
starting line-up for Newcastle who MAKE NO MISTAKE will come to park the bus
and catch us on the break:
(4-1-3-2) Randolph; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble; Kouyate,
Obiang, Payet; Sakho, Lanzini.
Among the subs definitely on the bench would be Carroll, Antonio, Zarate
and Reece Oxford.
Ok, that's TC s line-up. Now give us yours!
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Injury News: Alex Song could be fit by October
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham chairman David Gold has revealed Alex Song should be fit by October
which is earlier than expected if his prediction comes true. Asked when Song
would be fit to play for West Ham again by one Hammers fan on Twitter Gold
replied "I'm hoping Song will be available in October"
Asked further whether we will sign Alex Song and/or Victor Moses on
permanent transfers at the end of the season. Gold diplomatically answered
"Anything is possible"
Head of West Ham Sports and Medicine Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke recently
explained "Alex underwent ankle surgery in June and has been working very
hard on his rehabilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to step
up his recovery to the next level soon.We are grateful that he has put his
trust in the medical department here at West Ham and are looking forward to
seeing him back out on the pitch."
48 hours ago, Gold revealed Enner Valencia could also be making his comeback
in October with Andy Carroll due back in September.
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Carroll makes plan a non starter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has revealed that there will be no holding Andy Carroll back from
action. The question of giving the big man extra time to recover from his
latest injury episode is now a non starter. A few week ago the club appeared
to be treading a route towards November in order to give their record
signing as much time as humanly possible to ensure he suffered no setbacks
on the pitch. But that plan has gone right out of the window as Gold
explained to ClaretandHugh when declaring the big man was due to return for
the Newcastle game. He said: "He is absolutely chomping at the bit and the
plan is for him to be back for Newcastle. He's hugely determined and fully
fit. "Understandably, the lad is desperate to get out there and we have been
told by the head of our medical team that he is fine and ready.
"We are all delighted for him. He's had so much bad luck one way or another
and now we are looking forward to a couple of seasons or more with a fully
fit AC available."
It's likely his role will be restricted to that of sub on his first couple
of games with both newcomer Nikicia Jelavic available and Mauro Zarate set
to return from injury.
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Naked Moncs leaves squad helpless with laughter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
John Moncur has always been known as one of the wackiest and edgiest guys to
turn out in the claret and blue. But Moncs went right over the top when he
got the hump with Harry Redknapp and his training ground rules at the height
of his Irons years. Julian Dicks and Don Hutchison shared a very amusing
story which recalled the midfielder's sometimes odd behaviour on Hammer Time
(http://bit.ly/1IN2Kn2).
Hutchison revealed that Harry had a rule that everybody had to be at the
training ground to pick up their training kit by 10 am. He said: "Moncs
arrived five minutes late and when he asked the kit man for his gear he was
told "sorry John I can't do it!"
Moncur's response was out of the 'crazy cartoon' category and got hold of
the 'paint' used to mark out the touchlines and goals etc.
He then proceeded and poured it all over himself before running out onto the
training pitch completely naked apart from football boots!"
It was one of the few occasions that Mr Redknapp was left entirely
speechless and shocked as the lads collapsed into fits of helpless laughter.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United wasted a number of golden opportunities as they settled for
a 0-0 Barclays U18 Premier League draw with Leicester City at Little Heath.
In a competitive fixture, the Hammers had several chances to grab a victory
through striker Idris Kanu, midfielder George Dobson and substitute Declan
Rice, but failed to beat Leicester goalkeeper Max Bramley. The Hammers made
four changes to the side that suffered a 3-1 defeat at Norwich City a week
earlier. Rice, along with Jake Eggleton, Joe Powell and Jahmal Hector-Ingram
were replaced by Kanu, Dobson, Vashon Neufville and Grady Diangana. With
just seconds on the clock, the Hammers launched the first attack of the game
and almost caught their visitors sleeping. After Dobson and Diangana linked
up well, the ball was threaded through to Kanu, who forced a low save from
Bramley. After just five minutes, it was the trio of Dobson, Diangana and
Kanu that linked up once again but the latter fired his shot wide. West Ham
were creating chances and were denied by the woodwork when Diangana's shot
from over 20 yards beat Bramley but bounced clear off the crossbar.
Leicester had gone close a couple of times themselves and could have led on
22 minutes when Layton Ndukwu's corner found the free head of Alex Pascanu,
but the centre-half nodded high over the bar from six yards. The Foxes were
twice denied by excellent sliding challenges from Neufville, before West Ham
wasted two more chances to break the deadlock as Dobson headed over and
Diangana dragged Marcus Browne's through ball wide – albeit after the
assistant had raised a flag for offside. Rice, fresh from Ireland U17 duty
in Hungary this week, replaced Josh Pask at half-time, and West Ham resumed
their unsuccessful assault on the Leicester goal. Browne's cross-field pass
found captain Noha Sylvestre, who powered forward into space but fired a
shot over the crossbar. The lively Browne (pictured, above) was involved
again moments later, collecting Bramley's sliced backpass before being
tackled and fouled by the goalkeeper outside the penalty area. The stopper
escaped a red card and then saved Browne's free-kick!
Akinola, birthday boy Oscar Borg, Browne and Rice all fired shots off target
as the Hammers continued to lay siege to the Foxes goal, but they were
forced to settle for a point when the former was sent-off for a second
bookable offence. The Hammers, who are still looking for their first victory
of the season, will travel to London Colney to face Arsenal on Tuesday 8
September, with kick-off at midday.
U18s: T Brown, Sylvestre, Akinola, Pask (Rice 46), Neufville, Dobson,
Carter, Diangana (Henry 68), Browne, Borg, Kanu
Subs not used: Eggleton, Lewis
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Goal of the Month - August
WHUFC.com
The time has come to select your West Ham United Goal of the Month for
August 2015!
West Ham TV was on hand to catch all the best strikes of the opening month
of the Barclays Premier League season, with five of the best selected for
you to choose from…
The contenders
Cheikhou Kouyate v Arsenal (A), Barclays Premier League, 9 August 2015
The Senegal midfielder timed his run perfectly to power his header past a
stranded Petr Cech from Dimitri Payet's right-wing free-kick.
Mauro Zarate v Arsenal (A), Barclays Premier League, 9 August 2015
The Argentine forward showed tenacity to win the ball from Gunners
midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before firing a low shot inside Petr
Cech's left-hand post to complete a stunning victory at the Emirates.
Dimitri Payet v Leicester City (H), Barclays Premier League, 15 August 2015
While the final result might not have been what West Ham United wanted, the
France international showed his quality by collecting Cheikhou Kouyate's
pass, dropping his shoulder to lose his man and smashing an unstoppable shot
high into the net.
Modibo Maiga v AFC Bournemouth (H), Barclays Premier League, 22 August 2015
The Mali forward ended his West Ham United career on a high by collecting
the ball 40 yards from goal, beating three men and sliding a well-placed
shot past Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc.
Diafra Sakho v Liverpool (A), Barclays Premier League, 29 August 2015
The Senegal striker showed his clinical class yet again by running at the
Liverpool defence and unleashing a low strike through the legs of Martin
Skrtel and past the despairing dive of Reds stopper Simon Mignolet
Vote here :
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/September/4-September/Goal-of-the-Mo
nth-August
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QPR's Charlie Austin says David Sullivan remarks felt like personal attack
Last Updated: 05/09/15 12:36pm
SSN
Charlie Austin thinks David Sullivan's comments saying he was a risk as a
signing because of knee problems was a personal attack on him.
QPR striker Charlie Austin admits he was "hurt" by comments from West Ham
co-owner David Sullivan questioning his fitness. Sullivan ruled out a move
for the 26-year-old during the transfer window as he said it was too much of
a risk for the Hammers. The businessman questioned Austin's long-term
fitness after he failed a medical at Hull in 2013 and also his goalscoring
ability. "I was disappointed, I felt hurt because I felt like it was an
attack on myself," Austin told Soccer AM. "But these things happen and I'll
put it to the back of my mind."
Asked whether he thought Sullivan should have apologised, Austin said: "When
do you ever hear of a football club chairman apologising directly to a
player? I wasn't expecting an apology."
Following a summer of speculation around his future, Austin opted to remain
with QPR as they bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League. The
striker, who has netted four goals in the Championship this season, said:
"I've trained hard with all this going on, I have got my head down and
worked hard for QPR and luckily enough we have got 10 points from 15 so far.
"Chris (Ramsey, QPR manager) has pulled me in and we have had conversations
throughout the window; he can't really say a lot because I've been top
scorer in the Championship so far!"
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Nolan "in talks"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Kevin Nolan is understood to have held talks with Bournemouth boss Eddie
Howe today. The former Irons skipper as an out of contract player is
available to sign terms with any interested club and the Cherries are
believed to fancy the 33 year old. A source close to the player told
ClaretandHugh exclusively that the midfieder was on the south coast to meet
the newly promoted Bournemouth boss. He said:"He was at the club today. No
decision has been taken but talks are definitely underway and it would be
no surprise were he to join them."
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Irons rubbish new Spurs link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have tonight rubbished speculation that Emmanuel Adebayor could yet
be joining the Hammers. Some media outlets are reporting that with his
absence from the Tottenham squad list and the possibility of his contract
being paid off, the Irons may move in on him as an out of contract player.
But there's next to no chance of that happening with a club source telling
ClaretandHugh that the squad is now completed and the spending all done. He
said: "We've looked at that particular option and when everybody is fit we
have enough strikers. We are happy with what we have.. "The Adebayor option
hasn't arisen anyway and he is still on the Spurs payroll. We are fine and
won't be revisiting that situation."
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Austin raps "no apologies" Sullivan again!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Charlie Austin has reopened the David Sullivan "injury" issue claiming the
Irons co-chairman had mounted an "attack" on him In our view he'd be better
off leaving sleeping dogs lie. But he's right about on thing – the Hammers
chairman will certainly not be apologising to him, and is standing by
exactly what he told ClaretandHugh in an exclusive question and answer
session. The QPR striker – for reasons best known to himself – has re-opened
the subject in a Sky Sports interview. It's difficult to understand why as
it only focuses on the subject which, from his point of view, is surely best
left alone. DS – answering genuine fan questions in a KUMB podcast gave the
injury issue as his reason for not getting involved in any bids for him and
cited a failed medical two years with Hull City as one reason along with
additional concerns. However, talking to Sky Sports Austin claims he was
"hurt" adding he didn't expect an apology saying "Someone of his status
apologising is not heard of, so I didn't expect an apology." He's not wrong
about that as the Upton Park chairman, remains unapologetic not, as Austin
claims because of his status, but because he doesn't believe there's
anything for which he needs to say "sorry." He told ClaretandHugh that
despite David Gold apologising for that and the Joey Barton controversy in a
radio broadcast he wouldn't be doing so. He said: "I certainly wouldn't be
apologising because I don't have anything to apologise for." That's his
position so fair enough. Frankly, Charlie this is leading you nowhere and
merely drawing attention to the very thing should be burying – that supposed
injury. It perhaps will be noted by some that West Ham weren't alone in
their seeming reluctance to pay the £15 million being asked by Rangers.
Hopefully from Austin's point of view – that's the last word. Regularly
dragging it up will surely do him no good.
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Bilic sends a secret note to Brady
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Vice Chairman Karen Brady has revealed how Slaven Bilic thanked her
and the board for the summer transfer business with a discreet note. Writing
in her Sun football diary this morning Lady Brady of Knightsbridge said "He
sent me a note saying: 'Good job Karren. We've done well. Thanks!' The first
time in 25 years a manager has done that." West Ham are thought to invested
net transfer and loan fees in excess of £37m this summer with a similar
amount again over the lifetime of the incoming players contracts in wages.
By anyone's calculations it is a massive amount. When Claret and Hugh
recently asked Chairman David Sullivan whether the board planned to spend so
much, he revealed exclusively "NO, but we realised how important this
season was for the club and we've dug deep !"
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Slav's 'secret note' shows a man of principle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic hopes his popularity when he was a West Ham player will help
him seal the manager's jobIf David Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady
weren't sure what they were getting when they appointed Slaven Bilic as
manager, they do now.
For make no mistake, Slav is not your typical "we set our stall out and
showed character and everything at the football club" type of bloke. He
speaks four languages, is polite, courteous, should learn to 'speak a little
more loudly' according to Julian Dicks, is a believer in God and a Socialist
who believes in fair dos for all.
Oh and besides all that he loves rock n roll. What's not to like?
Now I'm not saying you have to share all of that to act in a decent and
proper way but in Slav's case it demonstrates that he lives by his
principles.
This became apparent today when Karen Brady revealed that he had sent her a
note following the closure of the transfer window which read: "Good job
Karren. We've done well. Thanks!'
The first time in 25 years a manager has done that."
There really was no need to do that but Slaven is cut from different cloth –
man of quality!
Football too often doesn't live by the best principles. It's about money,
greed, controversy and self interest generally speaking. So how refreshing
to find such human decency at the heart of our club.
This is a man whose attitude will bind a team together as he he adopts the
kind of man management techniques which demand absolute respect.
I'm glad Karen Brady revealed the existence of the note for it's a
confirmation of the quality of guy we have leading us into the most exciting
and critical period of our history. Call me soft but I appreciate deeply
held old school values.
I've yet to hear the manager plead injuries or bad refereeing for poor
results and has taken two massive victories entirely in his stride.
I'm a fully paid up fan of the man on and off the pitch and believe he will
be around as manager of this club for a very long time to come.
He will get it right home and away, of that I'm convinced and take us to the
next level and beyond.
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Will this team end Irons poor home form?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's home form has come under the microscope from fans and former
players alike as we have all tried to get our head around the four results
so far. And in this ClaretandHugh special former hero Tony Cottee has spoken
about how our Boleyn form can become as effective as the displays we have
seen at Arsenal and Liverpool.
TC is keen to point out he sees absolutely no problems for the squad in
terms of league position and believes "we will comfortably placed in mid
season at the end. Here's how he discussed and reasoned the problem:
"I've always been a firm believer in two up front – everyone should know
that by now – and given a completely clean bill of health I'd revert to
Sakho and Valencia as they were the most successful partnership for the club
in a lot of years at the start of last season.
With no Valencia available the answer may well be to play Lanzini or Zarate
alongside 'Sak' with Payet in behind of course. That really does look a
very good set-up and with the lad Antonio on board we have a fabulous option
perhaps on the bench. "I've seen him at Forest and trust me he is a very
powerful player who can cause many problems for defences on his day. "We
have Andy Carroll back for Newcastle and it will be fascinating to see how
Slaven uses him. It's one we're all waiting on. However, I honestly don't
think the problemis up front but at the back where the defenders simply have
to cut out some very bad mistakes. Much has been made of it being a
formation problem with a lack of width and players not tucking in behind but
that over elaborates the issue. First and foremost defenders are paid to
defend and there have been some awful mistakes. Cut those out and the rest
of the lads can go forward with confidence." "There are many options
available to the boss now and I know he will sort it but here would be my
starting line-up for Newcastle who MAKE NO MISTAKE will come to park the bus
and catch us on the break:
(4-1-3-2) Randolph; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble; Kouyate,
Obiang, Payet; Sakho, Lanzini.
Among the subs definitely on the bench would be Carroll, Antonio, Zarate
and Reece Oxford.
Ok, that's TC s line-up. Now give us yours!
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Injury News: Alex Song could be fit by October
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham chairman David Gold has revealed Alex Song should be fit by October
which is earlier than expected if his prediction comes true. Asked when Song
would be fit to play for West Ham again by one Hammers fan on Twitter Gold
replied "I'm hoping Song will be available in October"
Asked further whether we will sign Alex Song and/or Victor Moses on
permanent transfers at the end of the season. Gold diplomatically answered
"Anything is possible"
Head of West Ham Sports and Medicine Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke recently
explained "Alex underwent ankle surgery in June and has been working very
hard on his rehabilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to step
up his recovery to the next level soon.We are grateful that he has put his
trust in the medical department here at West Ham and are looking forward to
seeing him back out on the pitch."
48 hours ago, Gold revealed Enner Valencia could also be making his comeback
in October with Andy Carroll due back in September.
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Carroll makes plan a non starter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has revealed that there will be no holding Andy Carroll back from
action. The question of giving the big man extra time to recover from his
latest injury episode is now a non starter. A few week ago the club appeared
to be treading a route towards November in order to give their record
signing as much time as humanly possible to ensure he suffered no setbacks
on the pitch. But that plan has gone right out of the window as Gold
explained to ClaretandHugh when declaring the big man was due to return for
the Newcastle game. He said: "He is absolutely chomping at the bit and the
plan is for him to be back for Newcastle. He's hugely determined and fully
fit. "Understandably, the lad is desperate to get out there and we have been
told by the head of our medical team that he is fine and ready.
"We are all delighted for him. He's had so much bad luck one way or another
and now we are looking forward to a couple of seasons or more with a fully
fit AC available."
It's likely his role will be restricted to that of sub on his first couple
of games with both newcomer Nikicia Jelavic available and Mauro Zarate set
to return from injury.
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Naked Moncs leaves squad helpless with laughter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
John Moncur has always been known as one of the wackiest and edgiest guys to
turn out in the claret and blue. But Moncs went right over the top when he
got the hump with Harry Redknapp and his training ground rules at the height
of his Irons years. Julian Dicks and Don Hutchison shared a very amusing
story which recalled the midfielder's sometimes odd behaviour on Hammer Time
(http://bit.ly/1IN2Kn2).
Hutchison revealed that Harry had a rule that everybody had to be at the
training ground to pick up their training kit by 10 am. He said: "Moncs
arrived five minutes late and when he asked the kit man for his gear he was
told "sorry John I can't do it!"
Moncur's response was out of the 'crazy cartoon' category and got hold of
the 'paint' used to mark out the touchlines and goals etc.
He then proceeded and poured it all over himself before running out onto the
training pitch completely naked apart from football boots!"
It was one of the few occasions that Mr Redknapp was left entirely
speechless and shocked as the lads collapsed into fits of helpless laughter.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Saturday, September 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th September 2015
On this day - 5 September – WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Tony Carr MBE
Born: Bow, 5 September 1950
West Ham United's Academy Director Tony Carr MBE celebrates his birthday
today.
Carr first joined the Club in 1966, when he was signed as a youth player.
However, injury meant that he had not made a senior appearance when he left
to join Barnet in 1971. There, he made 13 appearances and scored one goal
before he returned to the Boleyn Ground as a youth coach under John Lyall in
1973. Carr has overseen the development of Academy graduates such as Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, to name but a
few, as well as current first-team players Mark Noble, James Tomkins and
Jack Collison during his time with the Hammers. Carr was awarded a
Testimonial in 2009, and was also made an MBE for his services to football
in the Queen's Birthday Honours List the following year. He is now West Ham
United Ambassador, in his 42nd season of service to the Academy of Football.
Classic match
Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United
Division One
5 September 1981
West Ham United followed up a 4-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur with
another victory on the road against Sunderland at Roker Park.
David Cross was the hero against Spurs, netting all four goals, and he was
on target again when they took on the Black Cats. Paul Goddard also scored
as the newly-promoted Hammers maintained their unbeaten start to the
1981/82 Division One season.
Despite their good early season form, this win was one of only five on their
travels all season as they finished the campaign in ninth place.
Complete record
1921 Bradford Park Avenue 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1925 Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 0-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1936 Blackpool 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1949 West Ham United 1-2 Southampton (Division One)
1953 West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Division One)
1959 West Ham United 1-2 Leeds United (Division One)
1960 West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United (Division One)
1964 Stoke City 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1967 Everton 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1970 West Ham United 1-2 Everton (Division One)
1981 Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 1-1 Liverpool (Division One)
1992 West Ham United 2-1 Watford (Division One)
2000 Sunderland 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 15, Won 4, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Scored 15, Conceded 2
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Lanzini happy with 'special' goal – WHUFC.com
Despite only being at the Club for a few months, Argentine midfielder Manuel
Lanzini has certainly hit the ground running. While eyebrows may have been
raised when Slaven Bilic brought the 22-year-old to east London from United
Arab Emirates-based Al Jariza, the former River Plate man has demonstrated
his pedigree, scoring twice in two starts. Having opened his account against
Astra Giurgiu, he famously scored the Hammers' opener against Liverpool
after just three minutes. Speaking at a Store Signing at the Club's Official
Lakeside Thurrock store, Lanzini spoke of his delight at opening his Premier
League account: "It was very special, for myself and for the team. We won
and we played very well, and it was important too. "I am very happy and I
hope it keeps going like that. I'm very happy. The Club and the Premier
League are excellent; the people have been very polite to me. I came from a
different background but I am enjoying this a lot."
While the Argentinian U20 international has settled in well at the Boleyn
Ground, he continued to say that he hoped this was just the start of a
special season for both himself and the Club. As the Hammers are already two
home games into their final season in E13, Lanzini said he was focusing on
making the most of each game. "I try to enjoy London as much as I can, but I
try to rest and keep focus to be ready for my job. This is why I am here! "I
will always do my best to show respect to the fans and the Club. It will
help establish a good relationship with the fans. "I'm grateful for the
support that they are showing to us. I heard that there is a long waiting
list to get a season ticket for next year in the new Stadium. This is really
good for the Club."
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Captain Sylvestre ready for Foxes – WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s return to action after a weekend off Premier League
action with a home game against table toppers Leicester City. The Foxes have
made a strong start to their campaign, winning all three of their opening
games, scoring ten goals in the process. One player likely to feature is
midfielder and captain Noha Sylvestre: "We've been training really well
recently, obviously we need to win this weekend so everyone is working hard.
"The second years are really setting an example for the new first years
coming through. We're all trying to lead the team and I can feel the good
atmosphere around the squad at the moment."
The Swiss U17 international has played in every game of the season so far
and continued to say how much he is enjoying his role as U18 captain.
"I'm really enjoying it. I like to take risks with my ability and to push
myself. I like talking on the pitch and making sure everything is going
alright. I like to think I can motivate the younger players around me and
encourage them. "Leicester are top of the table so we know they're a strong
team, it's always been a difficult game whenever I've come up against
Leicester. But I think we have enough to do well on Saturday, everyone will
work really hard and I hope we will get a win."
On top of his newfound responsibility, Sylvestre was one of the more senior
players who made the journey to the Netherlands last week which faced AZ
Alkmaar and FC Groningen. Reflecting on the experience, the 17-year-old said
he thought the weekend away would stand them in good stead for this
Saturday's match with the Foxes. "I really enjoyed the trip to Holland, it
was a good experience. The games were pretty tough because we came up
against some first team players who were 23, and we were much younger so it
was a good challenge. In the second game, we were much, much better. We kept
the ball well and only lost out to a last minute penalty which was unlucky.
"We were good against Tottenham where we drew 1-1 but we could have played
much better against Fulham and Norwich. We know where we need to improve and
we should demonstrate that this by getting the three points."
Having made a strong start to the season, Sylvestre is hoping this is just
the start of a big season as he hopes to bridge the gap between the U18s and
U21s. The ambitious midfielder finished by saying: "My targets for this
season are to try and get a few games for the U21s while captaining the U18s
as much as possible and setting an example to the younger players. The
target by the end of the season is to be an established U21 player."
West Ham United U18s host Leicester City at Little Heath, kick off 12pm.
Admission is FREE for all fans so come down and see some of the stars of the
future!
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Jack Sullivan Column –WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views
to the official website in a regular column...
Hello everyone,
It has been an incredible few days and I didn't think it could get any
better following our memorable 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend. But my
dad and everyone behind the scenes have made it a great end to the transfer
window and we were able to bring in four major new signings before the
deadline closed. To be fair my dad has been extremely busy throughout the
summer trying to bring in new players and all the fans can now see what we
were working towards. These deals are not straight forward and my dad can
spend hours trying to negotiate a deal and then for whatever reason it
doesn't happen. But thankfully all his hard word paid off in the end and if
you look at our squad, it is much stronger than what it was last year. We
have got lots of different options throughout the team and the quality of
our bench is going to be so much better now. We are going to see more
attacking football. I asked my dad what his starting XI would be now and he
couldn't name it – I was the same !!
We have got so much competition for places and there is real strength in
depth which is what you need at this level. I am thrilled that we were able
to do a deal to bring Alex Song back to the Club. There is every chance he
will be back to the player he was in the first half of last season. Even
though he is injured at the moment, we still wanted to sign him and that
shows how much we rate him. You can learn a lot from someone like him as he
has played at the highest level and has Champions League experience. He can
teach the other players and I'm sure the youngsters in the squad will be
looking up to someone like him. He can pass the ball and open up defences
and there are not many better than him. A big signing like Song shows the
Club is heading in the right direction.
Victor Moses is another great signing. He has the hunger to do well and is
unplayable at times. We have been working hard on that deal for a number of
weeks and fought off some big clubs who were also desperate to sign him. But
like Song, we managed to clinch his signature and he can see the ambition
that we have. We have already beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away from home
and there was no luck from us in either game. Someone like Moses can see
there is a lot of quality in the squad. The fans are going to be excited by
the signing of Nottingham Forest winger Michail Antonio and he has great
potential. He has come from non-league to the very top. He scored a lot of
goals in the Championships and created a number of assists last season and
Forest didn't want to sell him. But we wanted him to come to us and his
personality has shown that he is not prepared to give up and wants to
compete at the highest level. We also solved our striking problems by
bringing in Nikica Jelavic and Slaven was keen to bring him to the Club. The
manager knows everything about him and he has scored goals in the Premier
League before. He will put more pressure on Sakho and Carroll and give us
real competition for places in the forward line. I'm sure there a lot of
Clubs in the top flight that would have liked to have signed him. The
players we have brought in make us so much stronger.
All this followed a remarkable victory at Anfield and ending 52-years
without a win over Liverpool. I will remember the celebrations at the final
whistle for a long time to come and even seeing David Gold head down to the
tunnel and towards the West Ham fans behind the goal. I'm still not sure how
he managed to get down there !! But the away fans were magnificent as
always and we cannot thank them enough for all their support. Everyone can
see that the squad has so much enthusiasm and we are playing fast-flowing
football. Dimitri Payet was outstanding and Manuel Lanzini was superb. He
was not frightened of anyone and showed he can tackle as well. The whole
midfield was so strong and I have to pay special tribute to Cheikhou Kouyate
who was so strong and looks so dangerous when he drives with the ball into
the opposing half. I was so pleased for Sakho to get his first league goal
and it all went to plan. It really shook up the Liverpool defence who didn't
expect it. There is no reason why can't we push on and have a really good
season this year.
Why can't we do really well in the cup competitions and make this a season
to remember – especially in our final ever year at the Boleyn Ground.
We are welcoming back the Boys of 86' for the next home game against
Newcastle so it will be another great night. I look forward to speaking with
you all again soon.
Jack
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Joe Cole back at the Academy – WHUFC.com
West Ham legend Joe Cole made an emotional return to the Club's Academy
training ground this week and came out on top once again after he passed his
UEFA B coaching licence. Cole is already thinking about his next move in the
game when he eventually hangs up his boots and would love the chance to go
into management. The former England star will never forget his breakthrough
into first-team action and the chance he was given by Tony Carr when he made
his way through the Club's famous Academy alongside the likes of Rio
Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard. Cole, who is currently playing
for Aston Villa was back in east London and faced the final assessment when
he coached the Academy's Under 15/16's. The 33-year-old impressed as he put
the youngsters through their paces and relished the chance to pass on his
vast knowledge of the game. Cole said: "It is nerve-wracking because it is
not something I am used to. I really enjoyed coaching and it has sparked
something inside of me. I want to stay in the game when I finish eventually
and you need to get these badges. "Once you play for West Ham you are always
part of the family and I'm sure I will be back one day in some capacity. "It
was great to see all the old faces and seeing some old friends. All the top
clubs bring players through and West Ham have a good tradition of doing it
and they need to keep improving. "West Ham need to keep producing players
and everyone here is doing well."
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International round up – WHUFC.com
Hammers' goalkeeper Darren Randolph is set to start for his native Ireland
after impressing in his two Premier League appearances for the Claret and
Blues. Having joined West Ham in the summer, the 28-year-old was the Irons'
best player against Bournemouth before putting in another assured display
away at Liverpool. The Greens will travel to minnows Gibraltar with Martin
O'Neills men knowing they need a win to keep their chances of qualifying for
France 2016 alive. After six games, Ireland are in fourth with nine points,
behind Poland, Germany and Scotland.
Meanwhile fellow goalkeeper Sam Howes is also in international action. The
highly rated youngster will travel with his Three Lions' teammates to face
arch-rivals Germany before playing their Croatian counterparts on Monday 7
September.
Senegalese duo Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate return to international
action against Namibia in the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek. Les
Lions approach the game in good form having won their last three consecutive
games. Just three days later, they face South Africa in a friendly match in
Johannesburg. Kick off on Tuesday 8 September is 7pm local time.
Stephen Hendrie has been called up to the Scottish U21 squad to face
Northern Ireland in their UEFA European Championship Qualifier while Martin
Samuelsen's Norway U18 lost 2-1 to Sweden. They face Denmark on Saturday,
kick off is 1pm.
Defender James Collins was unused substitute in Wales' 1-0 win over Cyprus.
Gareth Bale's 82nd minute header sealed the victory which leaves Chris
Coleman's men, ranked 9th in the FIFA rankings, one win away from
qualification.
U17 midfielder Declan Rice came on as a substitute in Ireland's 0-0 draw
away in Hungary.
Hammers in International action
5pm, Sunday 6th – James Collins' Wales could secure a spot at France 2016
with a win against Israel at the Millennium stadium.
12.30pm, Monday 7th – Winston Reid's All Whites play Myanmar in a friendly
7pm – Sam Howes's England U19 face their Croatian counterparts
7.30pm – Reece Burke could make his U20 debut when the Three Lions play
Czech Republic
5pm, Tuesday 8th – Josh Cullen's Ireland U21 travel to Andorra
7pm, Tuesday 8th – Sakho and Kouyate's Senegal play South Africa
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Chadwell Chatter – WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Well, what a week it has been! Not only did we win 3-0 at Liverpool and do
some fantastic business in the transfer window, but I also managed to make
my Barclays Premier League debut and sign a new long-term contract with my
club, West Ham United. Our win at Liverpool was fully deserved, too. The
boys were saying in the dressing room afterwards that they didn't really
have a chance because we restricted them well. We looked a constant threat
really, every time we got the ball. When they got it, we looked resilient
and they didn't get a sniff to be honest. I would like to thank the gaffer
a lot for chucking me on for my Premier League debut. It was amazing, and
hopefully it's the first of many and I can repay him the favour sometime
soon.
It was a surreal feeling straight after the game, what with us not having
won at Anfield for a long, long time, so to go there and win 3-0 and get on
the pitch for a few minutes at the end made for one of the best days of my
life. I'm absolutely chuffed. I managed to swap shirts with James Milner at
the final whistle, but then I had a bit of a panic because I wanted to keep
my Premier League debut shirt too! Luckily, I was able to get it back so
it'll be great to have two shirts, one for my Premier League debut and also
one from a full international like James.
After beating Arsenal at the Emirates and Liverpool an Anfield, we can go
into every game believing we can win it. People probably expected us to be
on six points by now but not in the way we've done it! We've proved we can
beat the best teams and there's no doubt in the changing room that the
results at home will come. We've proved it to ourselves and everyone else
that we can mix it with the best of them.
On a personal level, I know I've got a long way to go. Obviously the U21s
isn't quite the same as playing in front of 45,000 fans. When I get the
opportunities, I need to do my best and show what I can do. On Monday, I
was delighted to sign a new contract until 2018, which was great. West Ham
is my club and I want to be here for as long as possible, so to have this
security means I can concentrate 100 per cent on my football and not worry
where I will be playing for the next few seasons. We are currently on an
international break and I was honoured to be called up by Republic of
Ireland U21s for the first time and I hope to be involved on Friday night
when we take on Qatar U23s in Bury. We play in Andorra next week in our
second 2017 European Championship qualifier – in the same stadium where I
played for West Ham against FC Lusitans back in July in the Europa League!
It'll be funny to go back to Andorra, as it's a place I thought I'd never go
to in my life but I'll have gone there twice in a few weeks! It's my first
U21 call-up so hopefully that'll go well and we'll get another win like West
Ham did. The boys beat Lithuania in their first qualifier, so we want to
build on that and keep our 100 per cent record going.
Have a great weekend.
Josh
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Andy Carroll in contention to face former club – KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Perma-crock Andy Carroll is set to return to West Ham United's match day
squad on Monday week in order to face former club Newcastle United. The
Hammers number nine, who has made just 27 Premier League starts since
becoming the club's record signing more than two years ago is set to make
the bench - at least - when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground. The news
was hinted at by co-Chairman David Gold in response to a fan's question via
Twitter. DG also revealed that Enner Valencia, who was still in plaster a
week ago is seto make his return sometime in October, as previously planned.
West Ham ar scheduled to face Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on
Monday, 14th September.
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Lifeline for Amalfitano
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Morgan Amalfitano may have been banished to train with the reserves, but he
has been handed an unexpected lifeline by manager Slaven Bilic. Three weeks
ago it was revealed that the French winger had been ordered to train with
the club's youngsters after he fell foul of Bilic's rules and rergulations,
implemented when he arrivd at the club in the summer. However Bilic has
handed an olive branch to the 30-year-old by including him in West Ham's
25-man squad for the current Premier League season. Amalfitano has been
granted the numbet 18 shirt by Bilic in this year's squad list, which also
sees Alex Song given the number four shirt and fellow new arrival Victor
Moses handed the number 20, previously worn by Guy Demel. Meanwhil Nikica
Jelavic will wear the previously vacant number 26 shirt, whilst Michail
Antonio takes number 30 - Alex Song's 2014/15 squad number.
The full list is as follows; last season's squad numbers in brackets (where
applicable):
1 (GK) Darren Randolph (n/a)
2 (DF) Winston Reid (2)
3 (DF) Aaron Cresswell (3)
4 (MF) Alex Song (30)
5 (DF) James Tomkins (5)
6 Retired
7 Unused
8 (MF) Cheikhou Kouyate (8)
9 (FW) Andy Carroll (9)
10 (FW) Mauro Zarate (10)
11 (FW) Enner Valencia (31)
12 (DF) Carl Jenkinson (18)
13 (GK) Adrian (13)
14 (MF) Pedro Obiang (n/a)
15 (FW) Diafra Sakho (15)
16 (MF) Mark Noble (16)
17 (DF) Joey O'Brien (17)
18 (MF) Morgan Amalfitano (21)
19 (DF) James Collins (19)
20 (MF) Victor Moses (n/a)
21 (DF) Angelo Ogbonna (n/a)
22 Unused
23 Unused
24 Unused
25 (DF) Doneil Henry (n/a)
26 (FW) NIkica Jelavic (n/a)
27 (MF) Dimitri Payet (n/a)
28 (MF) Manuel Lanzini (n/a)
29 Unused
30 (MF) Michail Antonio (n/a)
31 Unused
32 (DF) Reece Burke (32)
33 Unused
34 (GK) Raphael Spiegel (34)
35 (DF) Reece Oxford
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Nay, nay and thrice nay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The Government has rejected calls from supporters of other London football
clubs to investigate the circumstances in which West Ham were granted
tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. Supporters from clubs such as Charlton,
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea called upon the Government to re-examine the
deal which awarded West Ham a 99-year lease and anchor tenancy of the
stadium last year. However the appeal - which was signed by some 24,000
people - was rejected by HMG, who insisted that the contract had already
been "tested in court". A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media
and Sport said: "West Ham United has a concession at the stadium and their
contributions reflect that status. "The contract, awarded after an open
public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court. "The
stadium remains in public ownership and the profits from its multiple uses
will flow to the taxpayer." West Ham are scheduled to move to Stratford next
summer in time for the beginning of the 2016/17 Premier League season.
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Parksey tells Slav he must sort home sickness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Phil Parkes has told boss Slaven Bilic he has to quickly find a system which
will ensure that visiting teams are broken down at the Boleyn. Obviously
pleased with the away form, Parksey wants to see the gaffer get it right at
home very soon and said: "A 4-4-2 would be lovely but a 4-3-3 is probably
more likely. He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We have creative players
and should be able to break teams down but it didn't look good against
either Leicester or Bournemouth. In the case of the Cherries they are a team
that has to attack or get found out but we need to work out a system that
sorts teams out at the Boleyn. "We don't want it becoming like the promotion
season when we won away from home regularly but allowed teams to sit and
found we couldn't break them down at home. "We had a decent transfer window
although I've never been sure about Jelavic Slaven seems to think he knows
his game and can get him performing so fingers crossed. "The strikers are
coming back quickly now so hopefully all will be well but it's a challenge
to Slav and one he has to meet – I believe he will."
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Gold: Carroll should be on the bench for Newcastle
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold says Andy Carroll is working hard and he is
hopeful that Carroll will be on the subs bench for the Newcastle game at
the Boleyn Ground on the 14th September after the International break. David
Gold was responding to one Hammers fan on twitter who asked whether Carroll
would be back in time for Newcastle. Gold replied "He is working hard and he
is determined. I am hopeful he will be on the bench"
Gold also shared he expects a top ten finish for West Ham in the Premier
League table this season telling his 123,000 followers: "I will be
disappointed if we don't finish in the top half of the table but I'm hopeful
that we will do better."
Gold also suggested that rival supporters who started a petition demanding a
public inquiry into the Olympic Stadium should be more productive with their
time. When asked by one West Ham fan 'What do you think of people signing
a petition for our new stadium to be a debate in parliament?'
Gold said "I think it would be more productive if they were to apply
themselves to something more worthwhile. dg"
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Moses promotes the wrong Krays film
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Victor Moses hasn't got off to the greatest starts with West Ham Chairman
David Sullivan by promoting the wrong Krays film on his twitter account to
his 716,000 followers this morning. Moses posted 'Looking forward to seeing
this with a picture of Krays film Legend.'
Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall when the winger meets his new employer
following that one – what a plonker – Del Boy stuff Victor! Sullivan is the
main investor in the £3m 'Rise of the Krays' film which was released on
Monday. Alex Song promoted the 'Rise of the Krays film' on his instagram
yesterday to his 803,000 followers getting over 6,000 likes showing he knows
which side his bread is buttered.
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Injury News: Valencia due back in October
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold was the bringer of good news on his twitter
account late last night night telling his 123,000 followers that Enner
Valencia has told him he will be back in October. Gold tweeted out "I saw
Valencia today working very hard in the Gym. He told me he will be back in
October."
Previously it was thought that the Hammers could be without Valencia until
December, missing the first four months of the season after the club
admitted there remained a possibility he may yet require an operation.
Last month Valencia told Ecuadorian radio station, La Deportiva 'West Ham
seem to have forgotten that I'm injured. But they don't let me speak to
another doctor. I don't understand why West Ham doctors are doing this to
me,'The truth is that West Ham have not been supporting me.'
He later issued a clarification telling WHUFC.com : "I have had a number
of consultation meetings with specialists in London, accompanied by members
of the Club's medical staff, and they have always kept me updated me on my
injury. It has been a frustrating time, but I would like to make clear that
I have the utmost respect and confidence in the Club's medical team and the
specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the
Club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage. I will continue
to work as hard as I can with them to return to help the team as quickly as
possible, and continue the good start I made to the season."
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Parkesy: "I checked Randolph out for DS"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and h
Former Hammers goalkeeping hero Phil Parkes is delighted he gave chairman
David Sullivan a good reference on Darren Randolph. Speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh 'Parksey' revealed the co-chairman had asked him to check the
former Birmingham City stopper out which he did twice last season. And he
said that having watched him in games against Blackburn Rovers and Watford,
he had no hesitation in giving the 28 year old a thumbs up. He said: "I
checked Randolph out for DS after he asked me to have a look at him and he
impressed me enough games to recommend him as a number two. Randolph"He can
be a bit flamboyant – there's a bit of the Tim Howard in him – but I think
he's proved my judgement correct over the last couple of games. "It was
unfortunate that he came up against Birmingham first home against whom he
has such a poor record but he couldn't be faulted for the goals and made
some good saves. Liverpool of course was something else again!. "He's not
going to dislodge Adrian but as a number two he's going to really push him
which Jussie Jaaskalain was never going to do. "He had his early doubters
during the Europa Cup matches but he's shown himself to be very decent and I
for one am very pleased"
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Irons not surprised by Government decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are not in the least surprised the government has rejected pleas
from numerous Supporters' Trusts for a public enquiry into the Olympic
Stadium bidding process. A petition backed by a host of supporters' trusts,
including Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, Charlton, Leyton
Orient and others plus Manchester United, Aston Villa, Norwich City,
Everton, Leicester City looked to be gathering pace.
But an official statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
confirming the Government's decision, said: "The contract, awarded after an
open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.
"Following the completion of its transformation programme the Stadium will
be – unlike so many previous Olympic Stadiums – a world-class multi-use
arena with a long-term future, and one that won't require continuous support
from the taxpayer.
"West Ham United will only access the full stadium facilitiaes for and
shortly ahead of home matches, anticipated to be an average of 25 games a
year. The stadium's other anchor concession-holder, British Athletics, has a
concession for one month a year. The stadium will be available for
commercial and other uses at all times outside of these existing
commitments."
The Hammers have always remained untroubled by the moves and a top insider
said this morning: " This was not unexpected was it? The government 's
response simply repeats facts which speak for themselves. "There's never
been an issue as far as we are concerned. We're not surprised by the
government's reaction."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Anniversary
Name: Tony Carr MBE
Born: Bow, 5 September 1950
West Ham United's Academy Director Tony Carr MBE celebrates his birthday
today.
Carr first joined the Club in 1966, when he was signed as a youth player.
However, injury meant that he had not made a senior appearance when he left
to join Barnet in 1971. There, he made 13 appearances and scored one goal
before he returned to the Boleyn Ground as a youth coach under John Lyall in
1973. Carr has overseen the development of Academy graduates such as Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, to name but a
few, as well as current first-team players Mark Noble, James Tomkins and
Jack Collison during his time with the Hammers. Carr was awarded a
Testimonial in 2009, and was also made an MBE for his services to football
in the Queen's Birthday Honours List the following year. He is now West Ham
United Ambassador, in his 42nd season of service to the Academy of Football.
Classic match
Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United
Division One
5 September 1981
West Ham United followed up a 4-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur with
another victory on the road against Sunderland at Roker Park.
David Cross was the hero against Spurs, netting all four goals, and he was
on target again when they took on the Black Cats. Paul Goddard also scored
as the newly-promoted Hammers maintained their unbeaten start to the
1981/82 Division One season.
Despite their good early season form, this win was one of only five on their
travels all season as they finished the campaign in ninth place.
Complete record
1921 Bradford Park Avenue 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1925 Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 0-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1936 Blackpool 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1949 West Ham United 1-2 Southampton (Division One)
1953 West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Division One)
1959 West Ham United 1-2 Leeds United (Division One)
1960 West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United (Division One)
1964 Stoke City 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1967 Everton 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1970 West Ham United 1-2 Everton (Division One)
1981 Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 1-1 Liverpool (Division One)
1992 West Ham United 2-1 Watford (Division One)
2000 Sunderland 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 15, Won 4, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Scored 15, Conceded 2
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Lanzini happy with 'special' goal – WHUFC.com
Despite only being at the Club for a few months, Argentine midfielder Manuel
Lanzini has certainly hit the ground running. While eyebrows may have been
raised when Slaven Bilic brought the 22-year-old to east London from United
Arab Emirates-based Al Jariza, the former River Plate man has demonstrated
his pedigree, scoring twice in two starts. Having opened his account against
Astra Giurgiu, he famously scored the Hammers' opener against Liverpool
after just three minutes. Speaking at a Store Signing at the Club's Official
Lakeside Thurrock store, Lanzini spoke of his delight at opening his Premier
League account: "It was very special, for myself and for the team. We won
and we played very well, and it was important too. "I am very happy and I
hope it keeps going like that. I'm very happy. The Club and the Premier
League are excellent; the people have been very polite to me. I came from a
different background but I am enjoying this a lot."
While the Argentinian U20 international has settled in well at the Boleyn
Ground, he continued to say that he hoped this was just the start of a
special season for both himself and the Club. As the Hammers are already two
home games into their final season in E13, Lanzini said he was focusing on
making the most of each game. "I try to enjoy London as much as I can, but I
try to rest and keep focus to be ready for my job. This is why I am here! "I
will always do my best to show respect to the fans and the Club. It will
help establish a good relationship with the fans. "I'm grateful for the
support that they are showing to us. I heard that there is a long waiting
list to get a season ticket for next year in the new Stadium. This is really
good for the Club."
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Captain Sylvestre ready for Foxes – WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s return to action after a weekend off Premier League
action with a home game against table toppers Leicester City. The Foxes have
made a strong start to their campaign, winning all three of their opening
games, scoring ten goals in the process. One player likely to feature is
midfielder and captain Noha Sylvestre: "We've been training really well
recently, obviously we need to win this weekend so everyone is working hard.
"The second years are really setting an example for the new first years
coming through. We're all trying to lead the team and I can feel the good
atmosphere around the squad at the moment."
The Swiss U17 international has played in every game of the season so far
and continued to say how much he is enjoying his role as U18 captain.
"I'm really enjoying it. I like to take risks with my ability and to push
myself. I like talking on the pitch and making sure everything is going
alright. I like to think I can motivate the younger players around me and
encourage them. "Leicester are top of the table so we know they're a strong
team, it's always been a difficult game whenever I've come up against
Leicester. But I think we have enough to do well on Saturday, everyone will
work really hard and I hope we will get a win."
On top of his newfound responsibility, Sylvestre was one of the more senior
players who made the journey to the Netherlands last week which faced AZ
Alkmaar and FC Groningen. Reflecting on the experience, the 17-year-old said
he thought the weekend away would stand them in good stead for this
Saturday's match with the Foxes. "I really enjoyed the trip to Holland, it
was a good experience. The games were pretty tough because we came up
against some first team players who were 23, and we were much younger so it
was a good challenge. In the second game, we were much, much better. We kept
the ball well and only lost out to a last minute penalty which was unlucky.
"We were good against Tottenham where we drew 1-1 but we could have played
much better against Fulham and Norwich. We know where we need to improve and
we should demonstrate that this by getting the three points."
Having made a strong start to the season, Sylvestre is hoping this is just
the start of a big season as he hopes to bridge the gap between the U18s and
U21s. The ambitious midfielder finished by saying: "My targets for this
season are to try and get a few games for the U21s while captaining the U18s
as much as possible and setting an example to the younger players. The
target by the end of the season is to be an established U21 player."
West Ham United U18s host Leicester City at Little Heath, kick off 12pm.
Admission is FREE for all fans so come down and see some of the stars of the
future!
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Jack Sullivan Column –WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views
to the official website in a regular column...
Hello everyone,
It has been an incredible few days and I didn't think it could get any
better following our memorable 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend. But my
dad and everyone behind the scenes have made it a great end to the transfer
window and we were able to bring in four major new signings before the
deadline closed. To be fair my dad has been extremely busy throughout the
summer trying to bring in new players and all the fans can now see what we
were working towards. These deals are not straight forward and my dad can
spend hours trying to negotiate a deal and then for whatever reason it
doesn't happen. But thankfully all his hard word paid off in the end and if
you look at our squad, it is much stronger than what it was last year. We
have got lots of different options throughout the team and the quality of
our bench is going to be so much better now. We are going to see more
attacking football. I asked my dad what his starting XI would be now and he
couldn't name it – I was the same !!
We have got so much competition for places and there is real strength in
depth which is what you need at this level. I am thrilled that we were able
to do a deal to bring Alex Song back to the Club. There is every chance he
will be back to the player he was in the first half of last season. Even
though he is injured at the moment, we still wanted to sign him and that
shows how much we rate him. You can learn a lot from someone like him as he
has played at the highest level and has Champions League experience. He can
teach the other players and I'm sure the youngsters in the squad will be
looking up to someone like him. He can pass the ball and open up defences
and there are not many better than him. A big signing like Song shows the
Club is heading in the right direction.
Victor Moses is another great signing. He has the hunger to do well and is
unplayable at times. We have been working hard on that deal for a number of
weeks and fought off some big clubs who were also desperate to sign him. But
like Song, we managed to clinch his signature and he can see the ambition
that we have. We have already beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away from home
and there was no luck from us in either game. Someone like Moses can see
there is a lot of quality in the squad. The fans are going to be excited by
the signing of Nottingham Forest winger Michail Antonio and he has great
potential. He has come from non-league to the very top. He scored a lot of
goals in the Championships and created a number of assists last season and
Forest didn't want to sell him. But we wanted him to come to us and his
personality has shown that he is not prepared to give up and wants to
compete at the highest level. We also solved our striking problems by
bringing in Nikica Jelavic and Slaven was keen to bring him to the Club. The
manager knows everything about him and he has scored goals in the Premier
League before. He will put more pressure on Sakho and Carroll and give us
real competition for places in the forward line. I'm sure there a lot of
Clubs in the top flight that would have liked to have signed him. The
players we have brought in make us so much stronger.
All this followed a remarkable victory at Anfield and ending 52-years
without a win over Liverpool. I will remember the celebrations at the final
whistle for a long time to come and even seeing David Gold head down to the
tunnel and towards the West Ham fans behind the goal. I'm still not sure how
he managed to get down there !! But the away fans were magnificent as
always and we cannot thank them enough for all their support. Everyone can
see that the squad has so much enthusiasm and we are playing fast-flowing
football. Dimitri Payet was outstanding and Manuel Lanzini was superb. He
was not frightened of anyone and showed he can tackle as well. The whole
midfield was so strong and I have to pay special tribute to Cheikhou Kouyate
who was so strong and looks so dangerous when he drives with the ball into
the opposing half. I was so pleased for Sakho to get his first league goal
and it all went to plan. It really shook up the Liverpool defence who didn't
expect it. There is no reason why can't we push on and have a really good
season this year.
Why can't we do really well in the cup competitions and make this a season
to remember – especially in our final ever year at the Boleyn Ground.
We are welcoming back the Boys of 86' for the next home game against
Newcastle so it will be another great night. I look forward to speaking with
you all again soon.
Jack
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Joe Cole back at the Academy – WHUFC.com
West Ham legend Joe Cole made an emotional return to the Club's Academy
training ground this week and came out on top once again after he passed his
UEFA B coaching licence. Cole is already thinking about his next move in the
game when he eventually hangs up his boots and would love the chance to go
into management. The former England star will never forget his breakthrough
into first-team action and the chance he was given by Tony Carr when he made
his way through the Club's famous Academy alongside the likes of Rio
Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard. Cole, who is currently playing
for Aston Villa was back in east London and faced the final assessment when
he coached the Academy's Under 15/16's. The 33-year-old impressed as he put
the youngsters through their paces and relished the chance to pass on his
vast knowledge of the game. Cole said: "It is nerve-wracking because it is
not something I am used to. I really enjoyed coaching and it has sparked
something inside of me. I want to stay in the game when I finish eventually
and you need to get these badges. "Once you play for West Ham you are always
part of the family and I'm sure I will be back one day in some capacity. "It
was great to see all the old faces and seeing some old friends. All the top
clubs bring players through and West Ham have a good tradition of doing it
and they need to keep improving. "West Ham need to keep producing players
and everyone here is doing well."
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International round up – WHUFC.com
Hammers' goalkeeper Darren Randolph is set to start for his native Ireland
after impressing in his two Premier League appearances for the Claret and
Blues. Having joined West Ham in the summer, the 28-year-old was the Irons'
best player against Bournemouth before putting in another assured display
away at Liverpool. The Greens will travel to minnows Gibraltar with Martin
O'Neills men knowing they need a win to keep their chances of qualifying for
France 2016 alive. After six games, Ireland are in fourth with nine points,
behind Poland, Germany and Scotland.
Meanwhile fellow goalkeeper Sam Howes is also in international action. The
highly rated youngster will travel with his Three Lions' teammates to face
arch-rivals Germany before playing their Croatian counterparts on Monday 7
September.
Senegalese duo Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate return to international
action against Namibia in the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek. Les
Lions approach the game in good form having won their last three consecutive
games. Just three days later, they face South Africa in a friendly match in
Johannesburg. Kick off on Tuesday 8 September is 7pm local time.
Stephen Hendrie has been called up to the Scottish U21 squad to face
Northern Ireland in their UEFA European Championship Qualifier while Martin
Samuelsen's Norway U18 lost 2-1 to Sweden. They face Denmark on Saturday,
kick off is 1pm.
Defender James Collins was unused substitute in Wales' 1-0 win over Cyprus.
Gareth Bale's 82nd minute header sealed the victory which leaves Chris
Coleman's men, ranked 9th in the FIFA rankings, one win away from
qualification.
U17 midfielder Declan Rice came on as a substitute in Ireland's 0-0 draw
away in Hungary.
Hammers in International action
5pm, Sunday 6th – James Collins' Wales could secure a spot at France 2016
with a win against Israel at the Millennium stadium.
12.30pm, Monday 7th – Winston Reid's All Whites play Myanmar in a friendly
7pm – Sam Howes's England U19 face their Croatian counterparts
7.30pm – Reece Burke could make his U20 debut when the Three Lions play
Czech Republic
5pm, Tuesday 8th – Josh Cullen's Ireland U21 travel to Andorra
7pm, Tuesday 8th – Sakho and Kouyate's Senegal play South Africa
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Chadwell Chatter – WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Well, what a week it has been! Not only did we win 3-0 at Liverpool and do
some fantastic business in the transfer window, but I also managed to make
my Barclays Premier League debut and sign a new long-term contract with my
club, West Ham United. Our win at Liverpool was fully deserved, too. The
boys were saying in the dressing room afterwards that they didn't really
have a chance because we restricted them well. We looked a constant threat
really, every time we got the ball. When they got it, we looked resilient
and they didn't get a sniff to be honest. I would like to thank the gaffer
a lot for chucking me on for my Premier League debut. It was amazing, and
hopefully it's the first of many and I can repay him the favour sometime
soon.
It was a surreal feeling straight after the game, what with us not having
won at Anfield for a long, long time, so to go there and win 3-0 and get on
the pitch for a few minutes at the end made for one of the best days of my
life. I'm absolutely chuffed. I managed to swap shirts with James Milner at
the final whistle, but then I had a bit of a panic because I wanted to keep
my Premier League debut shirt too! Luckily, I was able to get it back so
it'll be great to have two shirts, one for my Premier League debut and also
one from a full international like James.
After beating Arsenal at the Emirates and Liverpool an Anfield, we can go
into every game believing we can win it. People probably expected us to be
on six points by now but not in the way we've done it! We've proved we can
beat the best teams and there's no doubt in the changing room that the
results at home will come. We've proved it to ourselves and everyone else
that we can mix it with the best of them.
On a personal level, I know I've got a long way to go. Obviously the U21s
isn't quite the same as playing in front of 45,000 fans. When I get the
opportunities, I need to do my best and show what I can do. On Monday, I
was delighted to sign a new contract until 2018, which was great. West Ham
is my club and I want to be here for as long as possible, so to have this
security means I can concentrate 100 per cent on my football and not worry
where I will be playing for the next few seasons. We are currently on an
international break and I was honoured to be called up by Republic of
Ireland U21s for the first time and I hope to be involved on Friday night
when we take on Qatar U23s in Bury. We play in Andorra next week in our
second 2017 European Championship qualifier – in the same stadium where I
played for West Ham against FC Lusitans back in July in the Europa League!
It'll be funny to go back to Andorra, as it's a place I thought I'd never go
to in my life but I'll have gone there twice in a few weeks! It's my first
U21 call-up so hopefully that'll go well and we'll get another win like West
Ham did. The boys beat Lithuania in their first qualifier, so we want to
build on that and keep our 100 per cent record going.
Have a great weekend.
Josh
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Andy Carroll in contention to face former club – KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Perma-crock Andy Carroll is set to return to West Ham United's match day
squad on Monday week in order to face former club Newcastle United. The
Hammers number nine, who has made just 27 Premier League starts since
becoming the club's record signing more than two years ago is set to make
the bench - at least - when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground. The news
was hinted at by co-Chairman David Gold in response to a fan's question via
Twitter. DG also revealed that Enner Valencia, who was still in plaster a
week ago is seto make his return sometime in October, as previously planned.
West Ham ar scheduled to face Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on
Monday, 14th September.
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Lifeline for Amalfitano
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Morgan Amalfitano may have been banished to train with the reserves, but he
has been handed an unexpected lifeline by manager Slaven Bilic. Three weeks
ago it was revealed that the French winger had been ordered to train with
the club's youngsters after he fell foul of Bilic's rules and rergulations,
implemented when he arrivd at the club in the summer. However Bilic has
handed an olive branch to the 30-year-old by including him in West Ham's
25-man squad for the current Premier League season. Amalfitano has been
granted the numbet 18 shirt by Bilic in this year's squad list, which also
sees Alex Song given the number four shirt and fellow new arrival Victor
Moses handed the number 20, previously worn by Guy Demel. Meanwhil Nikica
Jelavic will wear the previously vacant number 26 shirt, whilst Michail
Antonio takes number 30 - Alex Song's 2014/15 squad number.
The full list is as follows; last season's squad numbers in brackets (where
applicable):
1 (GK) Darren Randolph (n/a)
2 (DF) Winston Reid (2)
3 (DF) Aaron Cresswell (3)
4 (MF) Alex Song (30)
5 (DF) James Tomkins (5)
6 Retired
7 Unused
8 (MF) Cheikhou Kouyate (8)
9 (FW) Andy Carroll (9)
10 (FW) Mauro Zarate (10)
11 (FW) Enner Valencia (31)
12 (DF) Carl Jenkinson (18)
13 (GK) Adrian (13)
14 (MF) Pedro Obiang (n/a)
15 (FW) Diafra Sakho (15)
16 (MF) Mark Noble (16)
17 (DF) Joey O'Brien (17)
18 (MF) Morgan Amalfitano (21)
19 (DF) James Collins (19)
20 (MF) Victor Moses (n/a)
21 (DF) Angelo Ogbonna (n/a)
22 Unused
23 Unused
24 Unused
25 (DF) Doneil Henry (n/a)
26 (FW) NIkica Jelavic (n/a)
27 (MF) Dimitri Payet (n/a)
28 (MF) Manuel Lanzini (n/a)
29 Unused
30 (MF) Michail Antonio (n/a)
31 Unused
32 (DF) Reece Burke (32)
33 Unused
34 (GK) Raphael Spiegel (34)
35 (DF) Reece Oxford
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Nay, nay and thrice nay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The Government has rejected calls from supporters of other London football
clubs to investigate the circumstances in which West Ham were granted
tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. Supporters from clubs such as Charlton,
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea called upon the Government to re-examine the
deal which awarded West Ham a 99-year lease and anchor tenancy of the
stadium last year. However the appeal - which was signed by some 24,000
people - was rejected by HMG, who insisted that the contract had already
been "tested in court". A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media
and Sport said: "West Ham United has a concession at the stadium and their
contributions reflect that status. "The contract, awarded after an open
public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court. "The
stadium remains in public ownership and the profits from its multiple uses
will flow to the taxpayer." West Ham are scheduled to move to Stratford next
summer in time for the beginning of the 2016/17 Premier League season.
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Parksey tells Slav he must sort home sickness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Phil Parkes has told boss Slaven Bilic he has to quickly find a system which
will ensure that visiting teams are broken down at the Boleyn. Obviously
pleased with the away form, Parksey wants to see the gaffer get it right at
home very soon and said: "A 4-4-2 would be lovely but a 4-3-3 is probably
more likely. He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We have creative players
and should be able to break teams down but it didn't look good against
either Leicester or Bournemouth. In the case of the Cherries they are a team
that has to attack or get found out but we need to work out a system that
sorts teams out at the Boleyn. "We don't want it becoming like the promotion
season when we won away from home regularly but allowed teams to sit and
found we couldn't break them down at home. "We had a decent transfer window
although I've never been sure about Jelavic Slaven seems to think he knows
his game and can get him performing so fingers crossed. "The strikers are
coming back quickly now so hopefully all will be well but it's a challenge
to Slav and one he has to meet – I believe he will."
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Gold: Carroll should be on the bench for Newcastle
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold says Andy Carroll is working hard and he is
hopeful that Carroll will be on the subs bench for the Newcastle game at
the Boleyn Ground on the 14th September after the International break. David
Gold was responding to one Hammers fan on twitter who asked whether Carroll
would be back in time for Newcastle. Gold replied "He is working hard and he
is determined. I am hopeful he will be on the bench"
Gold also shared he expects a top ten finish for West Ham in the Premier
League table this season telling his 123,000 followers: "I will be
disappointed if we don't finish in the top half of the table but I'm hopeful
that we will do better."
Gold also suggested that rival supporters who started a petition demanding a
public inquiry into the Olympic Stadium should be more productive with their
time. When asked by one West Ham fan 'What do you think of people signing
a petition for our new stadium to be a debate in parliament?'
Gold said "I think it would be more productive if they were to apply
themselves to something more worthwhile. dg"
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Moses promotes the wrong Krays film
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Victor Moses hasn't got off to the greatest starts with West Ham Chairman
David Sullivan by promoting the wrong Krays film on his twitter account to
his 716,000 followers this morning. Moses posted 'Looking forward to seeing
this with a picture of Krays film Legend.'
Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall when the winger meets his new employer
following that one – what a plonker – Del Boy stuff Victor! Sullivan is the
main investor in the £3m 'Rise of the Krays' film which was released on
Monday. Alex Song promoted the 'Rise of the Krays film' on his instagram
yesterday to his 803,000 followers getting over 6,000 likes showing he knows
which side his bread is buttered.
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Injury News: Valencia due back in October
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold was the bringer of good news on his twitter
account late last night night telling his 123,000 followers that Enner
Valencia has told him he will be back in October. Gold tweeted out "I saw
Valencia today working very hard in the Gym. He told me he will be back in
October."
Previously it was thought that the Hammers could be without Valencia until
December, missing the first four months of the season after the club
admitted there remained a possibility he may yet require an operation.
Last month Valencia told Ecuadorian radio station, La Deportiva 'West Ham
seem to have forgotten that I'm injured. But they don't let me speak to
another doctor. I don't understand why West Ham doctors are doing this to
me,'The truth is that West Ham have not been supporting me.'
He later issued a clarification telling WHUFC.com : "I have had a number
of consultation meetings with specialists in London, accompanied by members
of the Club's medical staff, and they have always kept me updated me on my
injury. It has been a frustrating time, but I would like to make clear that
I have the utmost respect and confidence in the Club's medical team and the
specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the
Club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage. I will continue
to work as hard as I can with them to return to help the team as quickly as
possible, and continue the good start I made to the season."
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Parkesy: "I checked Randolph out for DS"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and h
Former Hammers goalkeeping hero Phil Parkes is delighted he gave chairman
David Sullivan a good reference on Darren Randolph. Speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh 'Parksey' revealed the co-chairman had asked him to check the
former Birmingham City stopper out which he did twice last season. And he
said that having watched him in games against Blackburn Rovers and Watford,
he had no hesitation in giving the 28 year old a thumbs up. He said: "I
checked Randolph out for DS after he asked me to have a look at him and he
impressed me enough games to recommend him as a number two. Randolph"He can
be a bit flamboyant – there's a bit of the Tim Howard in him – but I think
he's proved my judgement correct over the last couple of games. "It was
unfortunate that he came up against Birmingham first home against whom he
has such a poor record but he couldn't be faulted for the goals and made
some good saves. Liverpool of course was something else again!. "He's not
going to dislodge Adrian but as a number two he's going to really push him
which Jussie Jaaskalain was never going to do. "He had his early doubters
during the Europa Cup matches but he's shown himself to be very decent and I
for one am very pleased"
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Irons not surprised by Government decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are not in the least surprised the government has rejected pleas
from numerous Supporters' Trusts for a public enquiry into the Olympic
Stadium bidding process. A petition backed by a host of supporters' trusts,
including Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, Charlton, Leyton
Orient and others plus Manchester United, Aston Villa, Norwich City,
Everton, Leicester City looked to be gathering pace.
But an official statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
confirming the Government's decision, said: "The contract, awarded after an
open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.
"Following the completion of its transformation programme the Stadium will
be – unlike so many previous Olympic Stadiums – a world-class multi-use
arena with a long-term future, and one that won't require continuous support
from the taxpayer.
"West Ham United will only access the full stadium facilitiaes for and
shortly ahead of home matches, anticipated to be an average of 25 games a
year. The stadium's other anchor concession-holder, British Athletics, has a
concession for one month a year. The stadium will be available for
commercial and other uses at all times outside of these existing
commitments."
The Hammers have always remained untroubled by the moves and a top insider
said this morning: " This was not unexpected was it? The government 's
response simply repeats facts which speak for themselves. "There's never
been an issue as far as we are concerned. We're not surprised by the
government's reaction."
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