Scudamore - West Ham United are leading the way
WHUFC.com
Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore believes the power of
the West Ham United badge makes them one of the best in the country when it
comes to their work with the local community. The Premier League help fund
161 Clubs throughout the leagues going right down to the Conference. But
Scudamore is adamant that the Hammers are one of the best Clubs in the
country for creating the best schemes for youngsters and has nothing but
praise for the work that the West Ham United Foundation have done over the
last 25-years. Scudamore, speaking in his speech at the Houses of
Parliament, said: "Some of their schemes are leading the way among the 161
clubs. "That's the power of football, it's the power of the West Ham badge.
It's the power of the Foundation, it's the power of those schemes. "It does
go on like this across the whole country and there a lot of other clubs
doing the same, but I don't think there's any single club I could name that
does it to the depth and to the breadth and with the real commitment that
West Ham do it. I commend it to you. "The work they do with schools – 35 of
which are being touched by West Ham's foundation and 3000 people in a year
are being touched by one club. It is about changing people's lives."
West Ham TV spoke exclusively with Scudamore at the Foundation anniversary
this week at the Houses of Parliament and had nothing but praise for the
amazing job they are doing with the local community. Scudamore added: "We
fund 161 clubs but you always feel with the central money that comes West
Ham's way, they leverage it more and make the most of it. "These are not
simple schemes but because West Ham means so much to them and engages them,
it makes such a difference to their lives. "It is about all ages, both men
and women in equal numbers and it crosses all social divides. It will expand
when they move to the new Stadium and more people in London are positively
impacted by the work. "I think they will achieve even more than what they
have achieved already. What they have achieved already is remarkable and
commendable."
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Boleyn Memories - Bobby Zamora
WHUFC.com
While Carlos Tevez stole most of the headlines during West Ham United's
'Great Escape' from relegation in 2006/07, another striker played arguable
as bigger role in the Hammers' amazing late-season renaissance. Bobby
Zamora scored five goals in West Ham's final ten Premier League matches,
including vital winners at Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal and at home to
Everton. Speaking to West Ham TV ahead of Saturday's visit of the Toffees,
the Brighton & Hove Albion forward joked that he and not Tevez should have
been crowned Hammer of the Year at the season's end. "We had a strong team
and with the team that we had certainly should have done better, and it was
only when we came under pressure when we showed what we were all about with
our run at the end of the season," the 34-year-old recalled. "We took a lot
of good scalps and put in a lot of good performances." "How Tevez got
Player of the Year, with the number of goals I got, I don't know! No,
seriously, Tevs done brilliant and he was a pleasure to play alongside as
well!"
Zamora scored eleven goals in total as Alan Curbishley's side used a run of
seven victories in their final nine league matches to stave off relegation
in unforgettable style. Eight years on and the striker is still banging in
the goals, having returned to first club Brighton this summer, and helped
the Seagulls climb into the midst of the Championship promotion race. That
is familiar ground for the Barking-born Zamora, who fired West Ham back to
the Premier League through a Play-Off final winner against Preston North End
in 2005. "I don't think we ever thought we were going to lose. I really
thought that and had confidence and belief in the lads and that continued
through both legs of the semi-final and the final," he explained. "It was
instinct, really. It wasn't a clean hit but those are the ones that go in!
It done the 'keeper and ended up in the back of the net. It was then about
holding on and hanging on and we never had any doubts about the lads at the
back."
He repeated the trick for Queens Park Rangers in 2014 and is now hoping to
make it a hat-trick of promotions under the management of another former
Hammer, Chris Hughton, with Brighton. The scorer of 40 goals in 152 Claret
and Blue appearances, Zamora remains a popular figure at the Boleyn Ground –
the stadium he visited as a childhood Hammers fan. "I used to play for the
team I support and it was strange on my home debut, playing out on bthe
pitch and 'Bubbles' being sung," he told West Ham TV. "It was nice and to
score was great. It started well and I absolutely loved my time there."
Looking forward, Zamora believes West Ham's move to the former Olympic
Stadium in Stratford will be beneficial to the team he has supported all his
life. "I think the Club is going to grow, I really think so" he concluded.
"There is a lot of tradition at Upton Park, but if they keep going the way
they are, they are going to fill out the stadium. "The more the merrier,
really. The more West Ham fans we can get in there, the better, and
hopefully we can get some Champions League football in there."
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Ladies face Albion challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham Ladies are hoping for a healthy crowd when they face Brighton &
Hove Albion at Hornchurch FC this weekend. The Hammers play host to one of
the league's in-form sides and will feature their three new Italian stars -
Erika Campesi, Romina Pinna and international midfielder Giulia Ferrandi,
who will be making her return from suspension. A win for WHL - who have
taken four points from their last two FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division outings - would propel the team back towards mid-table following a
difficult start to the campaign. The game kicks off at 2pm this Sunday, 8
November; tickets are priced at just £5 for adults and £1 for children. Hot
food and a large bar will be available to supporters, meaning fans may watch
the entire match in cosy surroundings, should temperatures drop this
weekend! Half time entertainment will be supplied as usual by the
Haverettes All Girl Marching Band.
* In other women's football news, former West Ham Ladies duo Stacey Little
and Kayleigh Xidhas have joined Southern League rivals C&K Basildon LFC. The
pair made their debuts for their new club in a 3-2 defeat against Lewes LFC
last weekend.
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Young Hammer nominated for monthly award
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's rising star Reece Burke has been shortlisted for October's
League One Player of the Month award. 19-year-old Burke, who is currently on
loan at Bradford City helped the Bantams to two clean sheets last month and
played in each of their five league outings, winning three and drawing two.
The 11 points gained by the Valley Parade side during October lifted them to
within three points of the League One play-off zone. Burke is up against
Coventry City striker Adam Armstrong, Millwall attacker Aiden O'Brien and
Peterborough United's Jon Taylor. Burke was injured during last weekend's
meeting with Blackpool, but still received praise from his manager Phil
Parkinson. "He did great to go out and start the second half," he said. "We
are delighted with his contribution and the fact that he put himself up for
playing in the second half, unfortunately he couldn't quite see the game
through."
There was further good news for Bradford with the news that manager
Parkinson has also been nominated for a monthly award; he faces competition
from Gary Caldwell of Wigan Athletic, Chesterfield's Dean Saunders and
Scunthorpe United manager Mark Robins. The winner of both awards will be
made this Friday, 6th November.
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Andy Carroll keen to reignite England career with West Ham goals
Last Updated: 04/11/15 10:09am
SSN
Andy Carroll says he knows staying fit and scoring goals for West Ham is the
only way to reignite his England career after two years of injury problems.
The 26-year-old took great relief in scoring his first goal for 10 months
against Chelsea as West Ham beat the Blues 2-1 at Upton Park last month.
Previously Slaven Bilic's side had impressed in away wins against Manchester
City, Arsenal and Liverpool this season but struggled for consistency at
home. Carroll came off the bench to head the winner against Jose Mourinho's
side and is hoping he has put his injury worries behind him. "It was really
important, the home record wasn't the best before then and beating Chelsea
at home, it's a great feeling, and for me personally to get a goal again
it's great," Carroll told Sky Sports News HQ. "It was tough, it was hard
[being out injured]. I just had to concentrate on getting back and I had my
friends and family there to help me and support me. "It was a nightmare, a
tough time but I'm over it now and want to move on and keep myself healthy."
Carroll has scored twice in nine appearances for England. On his chances of
an England recall, Carroll added: "That's obviously in the back of my head
but I think at the moment I'm concentrating on being fit and scoring goals
at West Ham and that's the only thing that will lead me there." The striker
also promised West Ham fans that he will not make any more defensive errors
like the one that led to Watford's opener in their 2-0 win last weekend. He
failed to clear inside his own penalty area when he tried to turn Nathan
Aké, but was dispossessed before Odion Ighalo finished from close range.
"Terrible decision from me," Carroll said. "Obviously I'm there to do a job
and I didn't do the job which I should have done and got rid of the ball and
it is a mistake that won't happen again."
Elsewhere, the striker believes Steve McClaren is the man to lead Newcastle
to safety after a poor start to the season. Carroll, who left Newcastle to
join Liverpool for £35m in 2011, thinks his former club will stay up this
season. He said: "I think they will. It's tough; they haven't been getting
the results that they need but I think the manager will turn it around."
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Major Irons midfield selection scrap on cards
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
Alex Song has been training with the first team since Sunday and is hopeful
he will make a return to the West Ham bench for the game against Everton at
the weekend. The Hammers are very keen to see the midfield ace back in
action as quickly as possible ahead of a summer decision on whether his loan
deal is to be made permanent. We were told this morning that it would be a
"disappointment" if the player wasn't on the bench as he has been training
with the first team all week. The question of who makes way of course has
occupied fans' minds for sometime and it begins to look as though that
player will be captain Mark Noble. Mark has been subbed during the last five
games and looks the most vulnerable of those who may be forced to make way.
We were told: "On the face of it that looks how it's likely to work out but
it's a brave man who would call Slaven's team selection. "It's important
Alex gets games as the club has to make a decision on whether he gets a
permanent deal for next season and the sooner he is up to speed the better."
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Hammers unhappy with Collins challenge
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
James Collins will not face an internal inquiry over his dismissal from the
Watford match on Saturday but has left club insiders very unhappy. Collins
charged into the back of Hornets striker Ighalo in reckless fashion and was
immediately red-carded in the second half. Given the state of the game with
the Irons at 2-0 down it was the final nail in the team's coffin and it has
not gone down well. A key insider told ClaretandHugh: "It's not the first
time this year – we had a not entirely different situation in Europe when he
was sent off for two yellow cards against Astra Giurgiu. "It wasn't just
frustration against Watford. The fact is he lost his rag, as he is prone to.
He's worked hard to make his presence felt and played well when it arrived
he took his chance but that was a bad challenge. "He won't find any kind of
disciplinary action from the club but he's let himself down and he has now
moved down the line again. It was not good and very counter-productive after
all his hard work."
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Slav looks set to ring changes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic could return to what is his know preferred central defensive
partnership this week with Winston Reid again teamed up with £8 million
signing Angelo Ogbonna. Nether has featured over recent games because of
injury with Reid suffering a hip/thigh injury and Ogbonna suffering a
hamstring injury. But with James Collins blotting his copybook big style
against Watford and James Tomkins seeing his performance dip against
Watford, the Reid/Ogbonna pairing could now be renewed. ClaretandHugh was
given an update on the pair by a top insider this morning and we were told:
"Slaven has total faith in his medical staff and simply won't risk players
if there is any danger of a recurrence of injury. "Both players have been
training with the firs team squad this season and could both be involved on
Saturday. "James has done little wrong apart from the mistake which led to
the second goal last week but I think it's fair to say that Reid and Ogbonna
have always been the No 1 partnership in Slaven's mind. "If the medics give
them both the thumbs up then I'd expect them both to play.
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Hammers set to recall loan "colossus"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham may be set to recall Reece Burke from his Bradford City loan spell
in January. The 19 year old has been hailed as a 'colossus' for the League
One club on various Bantams forums having signed three monthly loan deals
since arriving. The Irons have been regularly monitoring his progress and
are thrilled with that they are seeing from him who made his West Ham first
team debut in the League last season. Although the Irons are well placed at
central defence the youngster is seen as a key part of the club's future and
could be brought back as a fourth choice central defender behind Winston
Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and James Tomkins. A West Ham insider told
ClaretandHugh: "Eveything we have seen and been told is very promising for
Reece. He's had a tremendous season for them so far. These youngsters often
leave their parent club as boys and return as men. "We will see what happens
with players as the transfer window approaches but it's quite likely we will
recall Reece."
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Sakho Everton fitness update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho has still not been handed the all-clear for the match against
Everton this weekend. The striker – having learned that police will take no
action against him after a recent arrest – will be given until Saturday
morning to show he has fully recovered from the hip "tweak" he felt in
training he felt before the game against Watford. And should he not make it
then Enner Valencia looks certain to take his place as the striker putting
in the hard miles aimed at stretching the Everton defence. And that in turn
will mean Andy Carroll will return to the bench after a disappointing 90
minutes against Watford at Vicarage Rad on Saturday. ClaretandHugh learned
this morning that the chances of Sakho's involvement are around 60/40 in his
favour as the hip issue has "not entirely gone way." A source told us: "He
has a real chance which is encouraging because at one stage it looked like a
definite two game absence. "Enner Valencia – having had a decent run-out on
Saturday is now virtually match fit and more similar in style to Sakho so
may get a shout to do that job if it's required."
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Spurs, West Ham battle for Islam Slimani, despite astronomical release
clause
HITC
Olly Dawes
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are reportedly pursuing Sporting
Lisbon ace Islam Slimani. According to Algerian newspaper Le Buteur,
Tottenham and West Ham are both looking to sign Sporting Lisbon striker
Islam Slimani. Slimani, 27, starred in his native Algeria with CR
Belouizdad, before moving on to Portugal with Sporting Lisbon back in 2013 -
and he hasn't looked back since. The 6ft 2in striker scored ten goals in his
first season for the Sporting, and followed that up with 15 goals in all
competitions last season, making a big improvement. Now under new manager
Jorge Jesus, Slimani has started the season in superb form, scoring eight
goals in 19 appearances - and his exploits are seemingly attracting
interest. Algerian newspaper Le Buteur report that Tottenham and West Ham,
two teams who have had a long-standing interest in Slimani, are once again
looking to sign him during the transfer window, as they look to improve
their attacking options. However, it's stated that Slimani has a €40m
(£28.4m) release clause in his contract, and Sporting will refuse to sell
for anything below that figure. That's an astronomical fee for a 27-year-old
striker who is unproven outside of Algeria or Portugal, meaning both Spurs
and West Ham may have to look elsewhere. The Hammers don't necessarily need
attacking reinforcements given that Slaven Bilic has the likes of Diafra
Sakho, Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate, Andy Carroll and Nikica Jelavic at his
disposal, but Slimani could be a top target if any of those players were to
leave or suffer an injury. Meanwhile, Spurs clearly still need a striker to
help ease the burden on Harry Kane, and an experienced forward like Slimani,
who boasts impressive aerial ability, would be a potentially ideal player to
come off the bench and offer something different to Mauricio Pochettino's
attack. Either club would have to stump up big money though, and many fans
would argue that spending money on QPR's Charlie Austin would be a better
move, considering his proven Premier League record.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 5
Wednesday, November 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th November 2015
Westley - Plenty of positives to take away
WHUFC.com
Following the Development Squad's 2-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion on
Monday night, Academy director Terry Westley reflected on a good well done.
From start to finish, the young Hammers gave their all and they were
rewarded, in what was one of their best performances in recent memory, with
all three points. Speaking after the game, Westley spoke of his pride at
such a commanding display: "I'm pleased with the way we played, take away
the win, whatever the result tonight, it's about how you play, how you go
about the job of preparing them for senior football. Tonight, we did all of
that, and we won the game, so that's an added bonus. "First half we were
terrific, we were better than good. We passed the ball very well and
dominated possession."
On a night where there were plenty of positives for everyone connected to
Claret and Blue, Westley praised the number of youngsters who were given an
opportunity. Schoolboy Idris Kanu, still just 15, caught the eye on his U21
debut, while Declan Rice, 16, demonstrated his capability during his first
U21 start. Westley continued: "If something really sums up what we are all
about it is this: the centre-forward is 15, the centre-half is 16. They
(Brighton) were an older, quite an established team tonight. It was about
playing youth team players. "George Dobson, Marcus Browne and the goalkeeper
Sam Howes are all still youth team players. Idris is still at school, he's
had to take the day off to play tonight. That really is everything about
what we are trying to produce at the moment."
While the younger boys certainly proved they are ready to take the
opportunities to step up, Westley was keen to stress how well the team
played as a collective unit. Livewire winger Martin Samuelsen netted his
fourth goal in eight U21 appearances this season, while skipper Josh Cullen
capped off a talismanic performance with a neatly taken finish. "We try to
dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up. Samuelsen,
particularly first half, was running past players and opening the game up,
making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've been
working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board. "Stephen
Hendrie, playing out of position, got on with it without a fuss and did very
well, he deserves credit for that. Josh in midfield, we know what he can do
and he showed it today, he really led the team. Added to that, Browne and
Dobson really gave us a base to play from."
On a night of positives, Westley was also pleased with how determined and
structured his side were. While the Seagulls piled on the pressure in the
second period, the Hammers, to a man stood firm. Having lost plenty of
points from leading positions, there was a sense of Déjà vu once Brighton
pulled one back, yet they refused to be cowed. "We really pressed as a
team, and it was something we spoke about at half-time because we knew
Brighton weren't going to just sit back, 2-0 down at home at half-time, you
have to go for it. "When they scored, it was a nervy ten minutes. It was
when of those moments, I looked at Liam (Manning) and we thought, 'here we
go again' but this time we saw the game through. Collectively we worked ever
so hard and it's nice we got the reward for that. "We can take a massive
amount of positives to take from tonight's game; the culture we are trying
to establish and the philosophy here, it's about being brave enough to play
the younger ones in the team as well as playing in the right manner, the
final bit is to get the result so we ticked a lot of boxes tonight."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's defeat at Watford...
Having taken all three points off the reigning Premier League champions just
a week ago, the away end of Vicarage Road was stunned into silence Saturday,
as Odion Ighalo netted twice in a 2-0 loss. Slaven Bilic didn't make any
drastic changes to the side, and why would he? The eleven men who faced
Chelsea fought admirably and showed exactly why we are doing so well in the
table. The same starting formation was used, this time with the deadly trio
of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses behind the man who won us
the game against the Blues, Andy Carroll. But sadly, once again, lady luck
seemed intent on ensuring the Hammers left Watford without a point, by
handing the Hornets two goals on a plate. The first came when Andy Carroll
attempted to clear the ball, and missed it, forcing him to panic, try a sort
of turn we're used to Payet executing up the other end of the field, before
an opportunistic Watford man punished us. The second goal again was too
frustrating to believe, as a cross was a millimetre out of reach for James
Tomkins, who was forced to stab at the ball with the back of his heel,
allowing Ighalo to turn and smash home.
If you try to find a positive in Saturday afternoon's game, you might
struggle, with Bilic himself even criticising the performance. But it is
important, albeit difficult, to remember that the goals were freak accidents
and there is no huge cause for concern, after all, we did beat the
champions. What does need to change, however, is the way in which we start
games against so called lesser teams. Having flown out of the blocks against
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea, all of the games
we have won if you notice, we set the tempo of the game and grew in
confidence. Against the newly promoted sides in particular, however, we have
been too casual, perhaps under the illusion that the game will be less
difficult, or perhaps it is just the opposition were fired up to defeat the
giant killers that we have become. When you go on a run of seven games
unbeaten, it is inevitably going to come to an end and although Saturday's
loss was disappointing, it is important to remember that yes, we were
unbeaten in seven. Next week's game is a tough tie against Everton, who will
be full of confidence having thrashed Sunderland 6-2, but as we saw on
Saturday, you can't possibly predict a Premier League game.
Bilic doesn't need to make any drastic changes, except perhaps to give
Carroll a strike partner, as he looked a little isolated at times at the
weekend. If we weren't third in the league when we dropped points to
Watford, perhaps it would be okay to worry, but our start to the season has
been record-breaking. After Everton comes a much-anticipated tie against
Spurs, so there is a lot to look forward to. With Alex Song, Winston Reid,
Angelo Ogbonna, Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio all ready to return or
feature, things can only get better, and that is a wonderful thing to be
able to say when we're sitting in the top six.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com
There were mixed emotions for Winston Reid over the weekend after the
Hammers suffered their first away defeat of the season against Watford, but
he was left celebrating a historic win for his beloved New Zealand as they
won the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks became the first team to retain the
Webb Ellis Cup following an impressive 34-17 victory over Australia at
Twickenham. Reid has good connections with several of the New Zealand
players and had nothing but admiration for the way they came together as a
team and won the showpiece event to set off huge celebrations back home.
The West Ham United defender is now hoping to cap a memorable few days and
make a return to first-team action against Everton this weekend following a
spell on the sidelines. Reid has been ruled out for the last month with a
hip injury, but returned to training last week and is now looking to step up
his fitness ahead of the game at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Winston, we are sure you are a very happy man after what happened on
Saturday in the rugby. How proud were you of the New Zealand team?
WR: "I am really happy with the victory. As a nation rugby is our number one
sport and everyone is so proud of what they have done. It is tremendous what
they were able to do. "There are massive parties back home. They have done
what no other team has managed to do, winning the trophy two times in a row
and it is the first time they have won outside of New Zealand so it is a
massive accomplishment. We are very happy with the victory."
You obviously perform as a professional at the very highest level in sport.
Can you tell us what it takes for a team to win such a big tournament?
WR: "There is a lot of dedication and hard work. Since the last victory
there is obviously a lot of pressure on them to defend the trophy. "To go
into a new competition four-years later is also a long-time, but they only
lost a few games during that period and that shows the level of consistency
and the determination that they have to win all those games."
Have you managed to speak to any of the boys in the New Zealand squad?
WR: "Yes, I wished them congratulations and obviously they are very happy.
They are travelling back to New Zealand with the trophy now. "I guess it was
a very enjoyable journey back for them and I am sure it would have been
rocking."
The big question now, can New Zealand make it three Rugby World Cup
victories in a row?
WR: "Hopefully we will see. There is another four-years ahead and a lot of
hard work to be done over that period but hopefully they will do it."
You are now back to full fitness. How close are you to pushing for a
first-team place again?
WR: "Obviously I have been out with an injury for a while now and it has
been causing me a bit of grief but I hope to be back out there very soon."
After what happened on Saturday, you will be hoping to see the team get
straight back on the winning trail against Everton on Saturday.
WR: "To be fair we have not had too many bad performances this season. It
was just an off-day against Watford and these things can happen.
"We need to make sure in the next game that we go out and play well."
A lot of people say this is the strongest squad we have had at West Ham
United for a number years. Do you agree with that?
WR: "I think you see that in training every day and everyone makes each
other play better. "Everyone comes in to work hard and be professional. The
manager and his team around him have brought that into the Club so it has
improved us as players and we are looking to kick on."
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Hammers grin and bear it!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are chomping at the bit to help footballers improve their
oral health. With managers up and down the country sick to the back teeth of
their players' performances being affected by mouth-based issues, the
Hammers and seven other Premier League and Football League clubs were
invited to take part in a new study by The Centre for Oral Health and
Performance – part of the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. The research study,
led by Professor Ian Needleman, found that the oral health of professional
footballers is poor and impacting on wellbeing and performance. Of 187
players examined* and questioned 37% had active dental decay, 53% dental
erosion and 5% moderate to severe and irreversible gum disease. Furthermore,
45% were concerned by their oral health, 20% reported an impact on their
quality of life and 7% on training or performance. The findings, published
in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest an urgent need for new
strategies to promote oral health within the professional game. With those
statistics in mind, West Ham have already introduced regular dental
screening to ensure players are not rendered down in the mouth.
Head of Medicine and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke, beamed: "Teeth
problems never come at a good time, so we at West Ham United prefer to
screen and plan preventive interventions with the dentist in the off and
pre-season. "Oral health is an area where many athletes have greater
problems than the general population so it has been a massive achievement
for so many professional football clubs to collaborate with each other to
help us understand the scale of this problem better. "Being part of this
study has also helped us as a club to implement tailored interventions to
treat and prevent further problems. "There aren't many areas of screening in
sport, which meet all screening criteria and can be so useful with such
clear preventive benefits for athletes and club. Hopefully those who read
the study will see the advantages as well."
Winston Reid smiled on the Hammers' approach to the players' dental health.
"In the beginning of the season, the Club organised a long screening day,"
he grinned. "The medical team had a look at our heart, blood, eyes and
teeth. The dentist screened my teeth and explained to me in detail the
dental problems that needed to be tackled to prevent painful teeth resulting
in missing training. "The club doctor organised a few dentist appointments
and now a few months later I am smiling without worries, really top job from
our medical boys."
Professor Needleman thanked the eight participating clubs – West Ham, Hull
City, Manchester United, Southampton, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion,
Cardiff City and Sheffield United – for taking part. He said: "This is the
first study of this size and scope to collect comprehensive oral health data
from professional football players. "Although the severity of oral
ill-health varied from team to team, overall we found that a significant
percentage of our top footballers are affected by dental decay, tooth
erosion and gum disease, much of which is preventable. "But while these
findings are worrying we are pleased that clubs such as West Ham are already
embracing the findings and building on their existing interventions by
placing oral health care at the forefront of their medical agenda. "We hope
that other teams follow their lead and introduce robust oral health
screening and promotion as a routine element of their programs."
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Rice excels during first U21 start
WHUFC.com
Sixteen year old defender Declan Rice staked his claim for a regular place
in the Development Squad's starting XI following a commanding display
against Brighton & Hove Albion U21. Playing alongside Stephen Hendrie at
the heart of defence, the pair worked well together, limiting the Seagulls
to a limited number of chances. Having made his first U21 appearance away at
Arsenal, the Republic of Ireland U17 international went one step further by
making his full debut. Summarising his thoughts after completing such a
milestone, Rice said: "I was very happy with my performance; given it was my
first start for the U21s, but more importantly the team performance was
excellent. "I was a bit nervous at first, the experienced players like Josh
Cullen and Lewis Page really helped me, I think I got better as the game
went on, and I really enjoyed it. "I'm very happy with the way I'm playing
at the moment, it's important that I keep playing well and hopefully tonight
I showed Terry that I am ready to keep playing for the U21s."
Another youngster who caught the eye was 15-year-old striker Idris Kanu.
Still a schoolboy, Academy manager Terry Westley revealed that the forward
had had to miss his last few classes in order to play. For Rice, Kanu's
impressive performance came as no surprise as the two of them have
progressed through the Academy of Football together. The
defender-come-midfielder said: "I thought considering Idris is an U16
player, he did very well. It's a major step up, there's a big improvement
from U18 to U21 football, and he coped with that very well."
Westley's faith in electing to field a young side was rewarded as the
Hammers recorded a deserved 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen
and Josh Cullen. Now with two wins in three games, Rice is hoping to
maintain their run of form when they face Derby County in just under a
fortnight's time. "Tonight just showed how much of a team we are, we had to
grind out the last ten minutes, but we stuck together and really worked
hard. "The win is great for confidence, and hopefully we'll take that into
our next game against Derby County in two weeks' time."
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Pike delighted with return to action
WHUFC.com
Development Squad right-back Alex Pike spoke of his delight at completing
his first full game of the season since recovering from injury. The
18-year-old had every reason to be happy with his performance as he put in
an impressive display and looked to get forward at every opportunity.
Reflecting on first start of the campaign, Pike reflected: "I'm really
pleased, we all worked hard and I thought we were really decent. "It's
always hard when you come back from an injury; you definitely feel it in the
second half. I'm delighted to play the full game and was pleased with my
performance. I was getting a bit of cramp towards the end, but it was great
to get my first start of the season."
Pike's return to action was one of many positives for the Dev Squad as they
deservedly beat Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at the Amex on Monday 2 November.
In a dominant display, first half goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh
Cullen proved too much for the Seagulls. Pike continued: "It was definitely
one of our better performances, we moved the ball particularly well and
thankfully we got what we deserved. "Second half we came under a bit more
pressure but we stood firm which was pleasing. "The game got a bit scrappy
towards the end, that happens, it's hard to maintain a good performance over
a full match, especially when you get tired. We had to defend more as the
game wore on, which is more tiring then when you're on top. But we did the
job and we held on."
After a difficult start to the season, the young Hammers have now won two
out of their last three games. Having leapfrogged Stoke City in the Barclays
U21 Premier League south division table, Pike is hoping this is just the
start of a winning run: "It's massive for confidence, after a difficult
start to the season, to get two wins from three games is really good, and
hopefully we can push on and climb up the table. "As for my season
personally, I just want to keep playing and build on my fitness. I'd like to
get a few assists and maybe chip in with a goal here and there too."
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Sakho in the clear as Police drop charges
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho will not face police charges for assault, according to a
statement released by his PR company. West Ham's Senegal international, who
missed the 2-0 defeat at Watford last weekend with a thigh injury was
arrested twice within the space of three weeks back in August of this year
in relation to alleged threatening behaviour towards an unnamed individual.
However it was announced this evening that the 25-year-old striker will not
face any further Police action. "Following allegations of assault and
malicious communications made against West Ham and Senegal footballer Diafra
Sakho in August, the police have confirmed there will be no action taken,"
read a statement issued by the Sports PR Company. "At the time, Mr Sakho
vigorously denied the allegations and this matter has now been brought to an
end following a police investigation."
Sakho was initially arrested on Thursday, 6 August and bailed to appear in
court in late September. On Sunday, 23 August he was arrested for a second
time "on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation".
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Key's twists knife into Irons again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Shamed Richard Keys – like Mark Lawrenson – really does like to plunge the
knife into the back of West Ham whenever there's an opportunity and it's
really all rather pitiful. One poor result and the old sexist comes out of
the traps like a greyhound only this old guy is baying for blood not false
bunnies.
He is of course a friend of a former manager and this may have a lot to do
that he's having a pop at us on his personal blog for the third time since
the season got underway. I don't notice any other club getting the
treatment.
The new manager's credentials were called into question earlier on before he
chose to write a piece on out season being in danger because we will have
been playing longer than any other club. The fact that the vast majority of
players involved in the abortive Europa Cup campaign were kids seemed to
pass him by. Now comes a new thrust with him declaring: "I can hear West
Ham fans screaming again, 'oh yea, what about us? What about our start?
"Great start, but it's too similar to last season to get carried away with.
Right now the Hammers are two points – yes two points – better off than they
were a year ago. Only two points. "It's a start that's led David Sullivan to
be talking about a league and cup double. Nurse – keep an eye on him. No
chance. Absolutely no chance at all."
The dislike and contempt creeps ever nearer the surface with the Nurse bit –
a line borrowed from cricket commentator David Lloyd. So that's three
times he has felt moved to discuss us – never in anything other than
critical or half critical tones. Never mind, he has barely had a life since
him and his mate Andy Gray moved on from Sky after offensive and sexist
remarks. And I notice in his comparison between this season and last that h
fails to mention us beating four of the biggest clubs in the country but hey
let's not let the facts ruin a below the belt and totally unnecessary
bashing session
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Hammers: "He's ours if we want him"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's rare in West Ham terms to experience the kind of slow news days we have
been getting just recently and that in itself breeds a buch of stories which
are either simply not true or old ones recycled. This has never been more
true given the situation surrounding Manuel Lanzini whose position we have
monitored and detailed by ClaretandHugh for the past three weeks. The media
at large is trying to crate a scenario which suggests the player needs to be
bought in Janury or see the Irons face the prospect of him being stolen away
by a bigger club. The latest newspaper to join in are also suggesting that
we will need to find £5,5 million to clinch a deal which is not true. We
have checked our sources again this afternoon and were told again: "No
urgency – the deal's in place and we will look at everything at the end of
the season. There's a media storm going on over a very simple situation.
He's ours if we want him."
To ensure that anyone arriving here for the first time understands the
position, West Ham have a deal in place with the parent club Al Jaziera
which will see us sign the player for 8 million euros at the end of the
season if we choose to go ahead. The very strong likelihood is that we will
do so but the club are determined to take a look at him over the season and
see how he reacts to the various weather conditions he will face and the
intensity of the English programme.
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Hornets 'One Direction' joy embarrasses!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
My first ever visit to Vicarage road on Saturday was not a happy one. After
writing last week that the result doesn't matter on West Ham away days I
have to admit I was wrong and I ended up sulking most of Saturday evening
and Sunday. As my best friend would say, a perfectly good day spoilt by 90
minutes of football, maybe 80 minutes on this occasion as the first 10
minutes were OK. Watford certainly turned up and deserved the win. Vicarage
Road is an old fashioned ground but I was surprised to find they don't sell
alcohol in the ground which made Saturday's loss even worst as we were all
sober. Watford fans celebrated each goal like they had just scored against
a top four side, well I guess we were at the time although we have since
slipped back into sixth place after Spurs won earlier tonight. Someone told
me after the game we are like the Robin Hood of the Premier League, stealing
from the rich clubs to give away to the poor. One experience at Vicarage
Road did make us cringe. Watford fans who had been quiet before their two
goals simultaneously got out their smart phone turning on their torches and
started waving them in the air like it was an 'One Direction' concert. This
was met for chants of 'That is embarrassing' from the West Ham faithful. If
this is modern football they can keep it.
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Reid looks fine for weekend
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C adn H
Winston Reid looks certain to return to action for the Irons on Saturday
against Everton. The big defender was sorely missed at the weekend but it
now seems he has all but shaken off his hip/thigh injury and is ready to
return. And Angelo Ogbonna is also available to the manager who may get his
chance at some stage as the Hammers look to bounce straight back to winning
ways.
The good news on Reidy was announced by David Gold who declared this morning
to ClaretandHugh that he expects both players to return for the match
against the Toffees. The co chairman is a firm believer in keeping the fans
in the picture and after speaking to us declared the ame on Twitter. He
said: "Ogbonna and Reid should be available for Saturday. dg" Reid last
appeared against Sunderland on October 3 in the 2-2 draw but now looks set
to resume his key role at central defence although Ogbonna will have to
fight for inclusion ahead of James Tomkins.
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Moncur blog: Everton? No reason for worry
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I see no reason to be worried about Everton's 6-2 win over Sunderland at the
weekend because that was all about the total collapse at the back by Sam
Allardyce's team. At 2-2 there was absolutely nothing between the two sides
and given that we are beating all the top teams around I see no reason to
bother my head this weekend. Nor am I overly concerned about the Watford
result. It was always gonna happen at some point and it will act as a wake
up call to the team. It's very very hard to keep up the intensity week in
week out and with two of our best players missing – Sakho and Reidy – this
was always gonna be tough. So we've got it out of our system and we move on.
Slav will be reminding the boys of the teams they have beaten – Winston and
Diafra are likely to be back and it will be a different day against a
different team on our manor. I expect a 2-1 or so win. We have a big squad
and that presents a temptation to tinker but I don't think that's part of
Slav's nature and we are likely to be back to what is our natural first
team. We have the players who can get in behind any oppositon on our day and
we can bury this Everton bogey at the weekend. They have no Phil Jagielka at
the back and if Sunderland, of all teams, can get a couple against them we
are capable of the same or better.
One setback is not a cause for too much concern. I fully expect us to
collect three more points as our big players get in behind the Toffees and
make them suffer.
There's no reason to worry!
COYI
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Rave reports for Irons teenager
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H
Young starle Martin Sameulsen has picked up rave reports after a top
performance in the under 21s win at Brighton. The Hammers clinched victory
through goals from the Norwegian teenager and Josh Cullen before Brighton
responded through Jeffrey Monakana. The summer signing from Manchester City,
the 18-year-old Norwegian starred during pre-season for Slaven Bilic's men,
and many fans wanted him to be included in the first-team setup. However,
West Ham have instead chosen to give him regular football in the Under-21's,
and it's paying dividends so far, with the playmaker turning in a number of
superb performances. Now, academy boss Terry Westley has given his thoughts
on Samuelsen's performance against Brighton to the club's official website.
He said: "We try to dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up.
Samuelsen, particularly first half, was running past players and opening the
game up, making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've
been working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board.
Samuelsen however, has to break into exalted company if he#s to male the
first team with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and
Mauro Zarate all in contention. However, the third eound of the FA Cup may
be a good time for Slaven Bilic to give him his chance.
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Irons in Euro right back talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H
West Ham are conducting a global search for their next right back! With
Arsenal wanting a ridiculous £15 million for Carl Jenkinson, the club has
contacted several agents who are looking for a right sided defender who will
cost the club no more than £10 million next summer. And although no names
have been divulged, we understand from one of them that talks are currently
in progress with Serie A and La Liga clubs as the Irons look to close in on
"two attractive options." We were told: "It's the major issue on the club's
agenda at the moment and contrary to what many believe, these things aren't
organised in the last few days of the transfer window. "The club are
particularly interested in two players – one of whom is in Italy and the
other in Spain. They are also looking keenly at the French market with which
they have become very familiar over the last two summers. "Jenkinson is
simply not an option, the fee is way way our there and wrong. There are
equally good options available at much less in Europe – even among quality
clubs. "
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SAFEHANDS' REPORT FROM THE SUPPORTERS' ADVISORY BOARD
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 13:00
WTID
Guest Post by SafeHands
I attended the SAB last Tuesday evening and wanted to report back what was
discussed. I've broken this into two articles – this one asks you to do
something (don't be scared – it won't hurt, promise) and the second will
cover the question and answer session.
The new website
The number of visitors has increased four fold and the feedback has been
very positive. However, the club are keen to hear your ideas as they want to
push on as the social media world is a burgeoning market and they want to
utilise as many aspects as they can to meet visitors' needs. The SAB were
particularly enthusiastic about behind the scenes coverage, eg the training
ground challenges, Me & Him etc. So, what do you like about the site? What
could be improved? What additional features do you think would be good? Are
there any other features like Me & Him and Yes/No that they could do? What
can't it do that you've seen elsewhere?
Boleyn memories
The club are calling out for more people to tell them their stories about
The Boleyn. For example, which was your favourite/most memorable match, what
was your first game and why you kept coming back, funny stories from the
terraces, how did you get involved, how long you've supported West Ham,
games you saw, games you missed and why etc. It doesn't have to be
extraordinary, just your story. It can be text, photos or videos – you're
more than welcome to share the text here (which I'll feed back to the club)
and you can post photos/video onto the official site. To do that you need to
be registered to My West Ham (which as you know is free) and when logged in,
on the Home Page scroll down and click on West Ham Live
then on any of the Reply links – they've said it'll be OK as, even if it's a
different topic, WHLive is centrally managed. If you've got a Twitter
account remember to include @whufc_official and #farewellboleyn.
Game themes
I'll list them all in the next article, but the WBA game on 29 November will
be Cult Heroes. Who would you like to see there? Who is your cult hero and
why? To feed back, you can do it here or via the West Ham Live link as
described above.
Last game
At present, the last game at The Boleyn is going to be the competitive
fixture against Swansea. There have been discussions about Mark Noble's
testimonial but nothing has been decided, so we have to take it that the
Swansea game will be the last time we see our team run out onto The Boleyn
pitch. We really need to make it one to remember and to do that, the club
want to involve the whole crowd and to have things that invoke memories of
our time there.
* What do you want to see at our last game (apart from a win of
course):
* There was talk about previous players being there, but what else do
you want to see, eg parade in Green Street, open-top bus for previous
players, band etc.
* Are there any songs you want played that remind you of a particular
game and/or time at the club?
* They talked about having a brass band and peanut sellers at the last
game, who/what else cannot be missed? I did think of asking for a bar to be
put in the North Bank but I thought against it as I'd want to adhere to
accuracy and it'd have to be in the away supporters side of the stand.
* How can the crowd be involved? Someone mentioned mosaic cards we can
all hold up to create pictures, much like the South Bank did for Bobby Moore
– what else do you want to see the crowd do?
* Straight after the Swansea game, there will be a celebration, so
what would you like to see?
* There was talk about a band but not sure who as yet and there're
discussions about the logistics, eg setting up a sound stage takes a long
time, so how will it be done etc.
* Who/what would you like to see at our Farewell Party?
As I said above, either feedback here or via the links above. Our last day
at The Boleyn is our chance to celebrate our time there so let's make it one
to remember.
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Teddy Sheringham: Stevenage boss registers as a player
BBC.co.uk
Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham has registered himself as a player and
could feature for the League Two club in the Herts Senior Cup. The
49-year-old former Tottenham, Manchester United and England forward retired
from playing in 2008. But he could play for Boro against Welwyn Garden City
on Wednesday alongside his assistant Kevin Watson, who has also registered
as a player. Stevenage said the move was "not an uncommon occurrence at the
club". A statement added that members of previous management teams had
played in the county cup competition. Boro's former goalkeeping coach Dave
Beasant was also named on the bench for their League Two play-off first leg
against Southend United last season at the age of 56. Sheringham, who scored
11 goals in 51 international appearances for England, originally quit
playing at the age of 42 at the end of the 2007-08 campaign. He was
appointed Stevenage boss in May following a spell as attacking coach at West
Ham. It is not yet known whether Sheringham is considering playing in the
league for Stevenage, who are currently five points above the League Two
relegation zone.
Even though he is the oldest goalscorer and outfield player in Premier
League history, he has a little way to go to match the achievements of Sir
Stanley Matthews. Matthews played his final league match for Stoke on 6
February, 1965, five days after his 50th birthday.
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WEST HAM TARGET WILL MOVE TO ENGLAND OR SPAIN NEXT YEAR
By Ste Hoare
IronsInTheCircle
Alexandre Pato, who has been linked with a move to both West Ham and
Manchester United in recent weeks, has announced that he wants to leave
Brazil and move back to Europe. The Brazilian international striker is
currently on loan at Sao Paulo from Corinthians but wants to move to Europe
when his temporary deal ends. He is quoted as saying: Next year I won't be
playing at Sao Paulo, everybody knows that. I hope England or Spain. This
will be encouraging news for West Ham, who reportedly want to bring the
26-year-old to the club. Pato started his career at Brazilian side
Internacional before moving to AC Milan when he was just 18 years old. He
impressed in his first few seasons in Italy, but a number of injuries led to
a decline in form and he was eventually sold for a fee of around £12million.
After spending a couple of years back in his native Brazil, Pato feels that
the time is right to return to Europe, and West Ham are apparently keen to
sign him.
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TO CHANT OR NOT TO CHANT?
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 08:03
WTID
Guest Post by Terence Bates
To Chant or not to Chant?
One of the enduring elements about being a football fan is the atmosphere,
the banter and of course the anthems and chants that can create such an
absorbing and exciting milieu at games. It's often what hooks us in.
Of course the Hammers have an identifying song in the iconic 'I'm Forever
Blowing Bubbles', a song that stretches back decades and way before the
likes of Liverpool and YNWA. There is also Portsmouth with their 'Play up
Pompey', their arch rivals Southampton 'When the Saints Go Marching In'…
perhaps we shouldn't mention Spurs half baked imitation effort or the awful
'Blue is The Colour' from Chelsea!
Norwich City are claimed to have the oldest football song that originally
predates the club having been originally composed in the 1890's before being
adapted and claimed by the club at the turn of the century into 'On The Ball
City'. Although for the life of me I cannot remember how it goes.
Some seasons back West Ham were voted the wittiest set of fans after they
greeted Rio Ferdinand then playing for Manchester United with 'His name is
Rio as he watches from the Stands' set to a well known Duran Duran song, the
inspiration for this chant being his eight month ban from playing after
failing to take a drugs test.
I always enjoy the visit of Crystal Palace fans as they have a humour level
on par with the Hammers. A West Ham game especially under floodlights
against Liverpool is a passionate affair with great song traditions.
I have always thought the Bubbles song to be a bit ridiculous, but despite
this and much to the red-faced embarrassment of my teenage son, I have been
known to be in full voice (if out of key) when the moment grabs me so much
so, that in recent games he has bought tickets several rows apart!
Of course in between these old established songs are often ditties or chants
aimed at players/clubs, including any indiscretions that have splashed the
back or front pages of the tabloids. Some can be really funny and some
completely vile and abusive, I never enjoy those and I would like to think
they are being eradicated.
The mystery to me though is who on earth originates some of these songs and
chants? Someone somewhere must either sit down in the pub, in the shower or
at home or indeed on the terraces and ping… it comes to them. The recent
Dimitri Payet chant through the reworking of the awful Shaking Stevens song
is an example and one that seems to have caught on and worked. Someone
somewhere started this… Who? It is the ultimate Anon.
So with all this in mind I thought I would have a go at creating/composing a
new chant/song that is pretty topical (considering recent books by Ferguson
and Allardyce), and invite others to either tweak or make their own
contribution or provide memories of chants they have enjoyed, both at Upton
Park or from other sets of fans.
If the chant below catches on (or any others contributed here) we can then
at least identify where the chant/song came from! And considering the great
title of this website, it seems rather fitting.
Anyway here is my effort… You should all know the song, it has been used
before by Hearts in Scotland, but nevertheless it felt an apt song to
rearrange.
And now, that man has gone
And so we have Slaven to spur us
As fans, we'll sing it clear
We pass the ball upon the surface
Sam played a game one so dull
But now we win on away-days
And more, much more than this, we do it our way
Payet he's scored a few
But then again, it's true to mention
We did Sam, what we had to do, so no contract extension
Slav planned the game of course, with each pass along the halfway
And more, much more than this, West Ham is our way
And of course in order not to take ourselves too seriously
It should be followed by chants of
'We are deluded'!
*Apologies to the late Great Frank Sinatra!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Following the Development Squad's 2-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion on
Monday night, Academy director Terry Westley reflected on a good well done.
From start to finish, the young Hammers gave their all and they were
rewarded, in what was one of their best performances in recent memory, with
all three points. Speaking after the game, Westley spoke of his pride at
such a commanding display: "I'm pleased with the way we played, take away
the win, whatever the result tonight, it's about how you play, how you go
about the job of preparing them for senior football. Tonight, we did all of
that, and we won the game, so that's an added bonus. "First half we were
terrific, we were better than good. We passed the ball very well and
dominated possession."
On a night where there were plenty of positives for everyone connected to
Claret and Blue, Westley praised the number of youngsters who were given an
opportunity. Schoolboy Idris Kanu, still just 15, caught the eye on his U21
debut, while Declan Rice, 16, demonstrated his capability during his first
U21 start. Westley continued: "If something really sums up what we are all
about it is this: the centre-forward is 15, the centre-half is 16. They
(Brighton) were an older, quite an established team tonight. It was about
playing youth team players. "George Dobson, Marcus Browne and the goalkeeper
Sam Howes are all still youth team players. Idris is still at school, he's
had to take the day off to play tonight. That really is everything about
what we are trying to produce at the moment."
While the younger boys certainly proved they are ready to take the
opportunities to step up, Westley was keen to stress how well the team
played as a collective unit. Livewire winger Martin Samuelsen netted his
fourth goal in eight U21 appearances this season, while skipper Josh Cullen
capped off a talismanic performance with a neatly taken finish. "We try to
dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up. Samuelsen,
particularly first half, was running past players and opening the game up,
making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've been
working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board. "Stephen
Hendrie, playing out of position, got on with it without a fuss and did very
well, he deserves credit for that. Josh in midfield, we know what he can do
and he showed it today, he really led the team. Added to that, Browne and
Dobson really gave us a base to play from."
On a night of positives, Westley was also pleased with how determined and
structured his side were. While the Seagulls piled on the pressure in the
second period, the Hammers, to a man stood firm. Having lost plenty of
points from leading positions, there was a sense of Déjà vu once Brighton
pulled one back, yet they refused to be cowed. "We really pressed as a
team, and it was something we spoke about at half-time because we knew
Brighton weren't going to just sit back, 2-0 down at home at half-time, you
have to go for it. "When they scored, it was a nervy ten minutes. It was
when of those moments, I looked at Liam (Manning) and we thought, 'here we
go again' but this time we saw the game through. Collectively we worked ever
so hard and it's nice we got the reward for that. "We can take a massive
amount of positives to take from tonight's game; the culture we are trying
to establish and the philosophy here, it's about being brave enough to play
the younger ones in the team as well as playing in the right manner, the
final bit is to get the result so we ticked a lot of boxes tonight."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's defeat at Watford...
Having taken all three points off the reigning Premier League champions just
a week ago, the away end of Vicarage Road was stunned into silence Saturday,
as Odion Ighalo netted twice in a 2-0 loss. Slaven Bilic didn't make any
drastic changes to the side, and why would he? The eleven men who faced
Chelsea fought admirably and showed exactly why we are doing so well in the
table. The same starting formation was used, this time with the deadly trio
of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses behind the man who won us
the game against the Blues, Andy Carroll. But sadly, once again, lady luck
seemed intent on ensuring the Hammers left Watford without a point, by
handing the Hornets two goals on a plate. The first came when Andy Carroll
attempted to clear the ball, and missed it, forcing him to panic, try a sort
of turn we're used to Payet executing up the other end of the field, before
an opportunistic Watford man punished us. The second goal again was too
frustrating to believe, as a cross was a millimetre out of reach for James
Tomkins, who was forced to stab at the ball with the back of his heel,
allowing Ighalo to turn and smash home.
If you try to find a positive in Saturday afternoon's game, you might
struggle, with Bilic himself even criticising the performance. But it is
important, albeit difficult, to remember that the goals were freak accidents
and there is no huge cause for concern, after all, we did beat the
champions. What does need to change, however, is the way in which we start
games against so called lesser teams. Having flown out of the blocks against
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea, all of the games
we have won if you notice, we set the tempo of the game and grew in
confidence. Against the newly promoted sides in particular, however, we have
been too casual, perhaps under the illusion that the game will be less
difficult, or perhaps it is just the opposition were fired up to defeat the
giant killers that we have become. When you go on a run of seven games
unbeaten, it is inevitably going to come to an end and although Saturday's
loss was disappointing, it is important to remember that yes, we were
unbeaten in seven. Next week's game is a tough tie against Everton, who will
be full of confidence having thrashed Sunderland 6-2, but as we saw on
Saturday, you can't possibly predict a Premier League game.
Bilic doesn't need to make any drastic changes, except perhaps to give
Carroll a strike partner, as he looked a little isolated at times at the
weekend. If we weren't third in the league when we dropped points to
Watford, perhaps it would be okay to worry, but our start to the season has
been record-breaking. After Everton comes a much-anticipated tie against
Spurs, so there is a lot to look forward to. With Alex Song, Winston Reid,
Angelo Ogbonna, Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio all ready to return or
feature, things can only get better, and that is a wonderful thing to be
able to say when we're sitting in the top six.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
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The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com
There were mixed emotions for Winston Reid over the weekend after the
Hammers suffered their first away defeat of the season against Watford, but
he was left celebrating a historic win for his beloved New Zealand as they
won the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks became the first team to retain the
Webb Ellis Cup following an impressive 34-17 victory over Australia at
Twickenham. Reid has good connections with several of the New Zealand
players and had nothing but admiration for the way they came together as a
team and won the showpiece event to set off huge celebrations back home.
The West Ham United defender is now hoping to cap a memorable few days and
make a return to first-team action against Everton this weekend following a
spell on the sidelines. Reid has been ruled out for the last month with a
hip injury, but returned to training last week and is now looking to step up
his fitness ahead of the game at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Winston, we are sure you are a very happy man after what happened on
Saturday in the rugby. How proud were you of the New Zealand team?
WR: "I am really happy with the victory. As a nation rugby is our number one
sport and everyone is so proud of what they have done. It is tremendous what
they were able to do. "There are massive parties back home. They have done
what no other team has managed to do, winning the trophy two times in a row
and it is the first time they have won outside of New Zealand so it is a
massive accomplishment. We are very happy with the victory."
You obviously perform as a professional at the very highest level in sport.
Can you tell us what it takes for a team to win such a big tournament?
WR: "There is a lot of dedication and hard work. Since the last victory
there is obviously a lot of pressure on them to defend the trophy. "To go
into a new competition four-years later is also a long-time, but they only
lost a few games during that period and that shows the level of consistency
and the determination that they have to win all those games."
Have you managed to speak to any of the boys in the New Zealand squad?
WR: "Yes, I wished them congratulations and obviously they are very happy.
They are travelling back to New Zealand with the trophy now. "I guess it was
a very enjoyable journey back for them and I am sure it would have been
rocking."
The big question now, can New Zealand make it three Rugby World Cup
victories in a row?
WR: "Hopefully we will see. There is another four-years ahead and a lot of
hard work to be done over that period but hopefully they will do it."
You are now back to full fitness. How close are you to pushing for a
first-team place again?
WR: "Obviously I have been out with an injury for a while now and it has
been causing me a bit of grief but I hope to be back out there very soon."
After what happened on Saturday, you will be hoping to see the team get
straight back on the winning trail against Everton on Saturday.
WR: "To be fair we have not had too many bad performances this season. It
was just an off-day against Watford and these things can happen.
"We need to make sure in the next game that we go out and play well."
A lot of people say this is the strongest squad we have had at West Ham
United for a number years. Do you agree with that?
WR: "I think you see that in training every day and everyone makes each
other play better. "Everyone comes in to work hard and be professional. The
manager and his team around him have brought that into the Club so it has
improved us as players and we are looking to kick on."
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Hammers grin and bear it!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are chomping at the bit to help footballers improve their
oral health. With managers up and down the country sick to the back teeth of
their players' performances being affected by mouth-based issues, the
Hammers and seven other Premier League and Football League clubs were
invited to take part in a new study by The Centre for Oral Health and
Performance – part of the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. The research study,
led by Professor Ian Needleman, found that the oral health of professional
footballers is poor and impacting on wellbeing and performance. Of 187
players examined* and questioned 37% had active dental decay, 53% dental
erosion and 5% moderate to severe and irreversible gum disease. Furthermore,
45% were concerned by their oral health, 20% reported an impact on their
quality of life and 7% on training or performance. The findings, published
in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest an urgent need for new
strategies to promote oral health within the professional game. With those
statistics in mind, West Ham have already introduced regular dental
screening to ensure players are not rendered down in the mouth.
Head of Medicine and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke, beamed: "Teeth
problems never come at a good time, so we at West Ham United prefer to
screen and plan preventive interventions with the dentist in the off and
pre-season. "Oral health is an area where many athletes have greater
problems than the general population so it has been a massive achievement
for so many professional football clubs to collaborate with each other to
help us understand the scale of this problem better. "Being part of this
study has also helped us as a club to implement tailored interventions to
treat and prevent further problems. "There aren't many areas of screening in
sport, which meet all screening criteria and can be so useful with such
clear preventive benefits for athletes and club. Hopefully those who read
the study will see the advantages as well."
Winston Reid smiled on the Hammers' approach to the players' dental health.
"In the beginning of the season, the Club organised a long screening day,"
he grinned. "The medical team had a look at our heart, blood, eyes and
teeth. The dentist screened my teeth and explained to me in detail the
dental problems that needed to be tackled to prevent painful teeth resulting
in missing training. "The club doctor organised a few dentist appointments
and now a few months later I am smiling without worries, really top job from
our medical boys."
Professor Needleman thanked the eight participating clubs – West Ham, Hull
City, Manchester United, Southampton, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion,
Cardiff City and Sheffield United – for taking part. He said: "This is the
first study of this size and scope to collect comprehensive oral health data
from professional football players. "Although the severity of oral
ill-health varied from team to team, overall we found that a significant
percentage of our top footballers are affected by dental decay, tooth
erosion and gum disease, much of which is preventable. "But while these
findings are worrying we are pleased that clubs such as West Ham are already
embracing the findings and building on their existing interventions by
placing oral health care at the forefront of their medical agenda. "We hope
that other teams follow their lead and introduce robust oral health
screening and promotion as a routine element of their programs."
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Rice excels during first U21 start
WHUFC.com
Sixteen year old defender Declan Rice staked his claim for a regular place
in the Development Squad's starting XI following a commanding display
against Brighton & Hove Albion U21. Playing alongside Stephen Hendrie at
the heart of defence, the pair worked well together, limiting the Seagulls
to a limited number of chances. Having made his first U21 appearance away at
Arsenal, the Republic of Ireland U17 international went one step further by
making his full debut. Summarising his thoughts after completing such a
milestone, Rice said: "I was very happy with my performance; given it was my
first start for the U21s, but more importantly the team performance was
excellent. "I was a bit nervous at first, the experienced players like Josh
Cullen and Lewis Page really helped me, I think I got better as the game
went on, and I really enjoyed it. "I'm very happy with the way I'm playing
at the moment, it's important that I keep playing well and hopefully tonight
I showed Terry that I am ready to keep playing for the U21s."
Another youngster who caught the eye was 15-year-old striker Idris Kanu.
Still a schoolboy, Academy manager Terry Westley revealed that the forward
had had to miss his last few classes in order to play. For Rice, Kanu's
impressive performance came as no surprise as the two of them have
progressed through the Academy of Football together. The
defender-come-midfielder said: "I thought considering Idris is an U16
player, he did very well. It's a major step up, there's a big improvement
from U18 to U21 football, and he coped with that very well."
Westley's faith in electing to field a young side was rewarded as the
Hammers recorded a deserved 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen
and Josh Cullen. Now with two wins in three games, Rice is hoping to
maintain their run of form when they face Derby County in just under a
fortnight's time. "Tonight just showed how much of a team we are, we had to
grind out the last ten minutes, but we stuck together and really worked
hard. "The win is great for confidence, and hopefully we'll take that into
our next game against Derby County in two weeks' time."
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Pike delighted with return to action
WHUFC.com
Development Squad right-back Alex Pike spoke of his delight at completing
his first full game of the season since recovering from injury. The
18-year-old had every reason to be happy with his performance as he put in
an impressive display and looked to get forward at every opportunity.
Reflecting on first start of the campaign, Pike reflected: "I'm really
pleased, we all worked hard and I thought we were really decent. "It's
always hard when you come back from an injury; you definitely feel it in the
second half. I'm delighted to play the full game and was pleased with my
performance. I was getting a bit of cramp towards the end, but it was great
to get my first start of the season."
Pike's return to action was one of many positives for the Dev Squad as they
deservedly beat Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at the Amex on Monday 2 November.
In a dominant display, first half goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh
Cullen proved too much for the Seagulls. Pike continued: "It was definitely
one of our better performances, we moved the ball particularly well and
thankfully we got what we deserved. "Second half we came under a bit more
pressure but we stood firm which was pleasing. "The game got a bit scrappy
towards the end, that happens, it's hard to maintain a good performance over
a full match, especially when you get tired. We had to defend more as the
game wore on, which is more tiring then when you're on top. But we did the
job and we held on."
After a difficult start to the season, the young Hammers have now won two
out of their last three games. Having leapfrogged Stoke City in the Barclays
U21 Premier League south division table, Pike is hoping this is just the
start of a winning run: "It's massive for confidence, after a difficult
start to the season, to get two wins from three games is really good, and
hopefully we can push on and climb up the table. "As for my season
personally, I just want to keep playing and build on my fitness. I'd like to
get a few assists and maybe chip in with a goal here and there too."
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Sakho in the clear as Police drop charges
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho will not face police charges for assault, according to a
statement released by his PR company. West Ham's Senegal international, who
missed the 2-0 defeat at Watford last weekend with a thigh injury was
arrested twice within the space of three weeks back in August of this year
in relation to alleged threatening behaviour towards an unnamed individual.
However it was announced this evening that the 25-year-old striker will not
face any further Police action. "Following allegations of assault and
malicious communications made against West Ham and Senegal footballer Diafra
Sakho in August, the police have confirmed there will be no action taken,"
read a statement issued by the Sports PR Company. "At the time, Mr Sakho
vigorously denied the allegations and this matter has now been brought to an
end following a police investigation."
Sakho was initially arrested on Thursday, 6 August and bailed to appear in
court in late September. On Sunday, 23 August he was arrested for a second
time "on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation".
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Key's twists knife into Irons again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Shamed Richard Keys – like Mark Lawrenson – really does like to plunge the
knife into the back of West Ham whenever there's an opportunity and it's
really all rather pitiful. One poor result and the old sexist comes out of
the traps like a greyhound only this old guy is baying for blood not false
bunnies.
He is of course a friend of a former manager and this may have a lot to do
that he's having a pop at us on his personal blog for the third time since
the season got underway. I don't notice any other club getting the
treatment.
The new manager's credentials were called into question earlier on before he
chose to write a piece on out season being in danger because we will have
been playing longer than any other club. The fact that the vast majority of
players involved in the abortive Europa Cup campaign were kids seemed to
pass him by. Now comes a new thrust with him declaring: "I can hear West
Ham fans screaming again, 'oh yea, what about us? What about our start?
"Great start, but it's too similar to last season to get carried away with.
Right now the Hammers are two points – yes two points – better off than they
were a year ago. Only two points. "It's a start that's led David Sullivan to
be talking about a league and cup double. Nurse – keep an eye on him. No
chance. Absolutely no chance at all."
The dislike and contempt creeps ever nearer the surface with the Nurse bit –
a line borrowed from cricket commentator David Lloyd. So that's three
times he has felt moved to discuss us – never in anything other than
critical or half critical tones. Never mind, he has barely had a life since
him and his mate Andy Gray moved on from Sky after offensive and sexist
remarks. And I notice in his comparison between this season and last that h
fails to mention us beating four of the biggest clubs in the country but hey
let's not let the facts ruin a below the belt and totally unnecessary
bashing session
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Hammers: "He's ours if we want him"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's rare in West Ham terms to experience the kind of slow news days we have
been getting just recently and that in itself breeds a buch of stories which
are either simply not true or old ones recycled. This has never been more
true given the situation surrounding Manuel Lanzini whose position we have
monitored and detailed by ClaretandHugh for the past three weeks. The media
at large is trying to crate a scenario which suggests the player needs to be
bought in Janury or see the Irons face the prospect of him being stolen away
by a bigger club. The latest newspaper to join in are also suggesting that
we will need to find £5,5 million to clinch a deal which is not true. We
have checked our sources again this afternoon and were told again: "No
urgency – the deal's in place and we will look at everything at the end of
the season. There's a media storm going on over a very simple situation.
He's ours if we want him."
To ensure that anyone arriving here for the first time understands the
position, West Ham have a deal in place with the parent club Al Jaziera
which will see us sign the player for 8 million euros at the end of the
season if we choose to go ahead. The very strong likelihood is that we will
do so but the club are determined to take a look at him over the season and
see how he reacts to the various weather conditions he will face and the
intensity of the English programme.
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Hornets 'One Direction' joy embarrasses!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
My first ever visit to Vicarage road on Saturday was not a happy one. After
writing last week that the result doesn't matter on West Ham away days I
have to admit I was wrong and I ended up sulking most of Saturday evening
and Sunday. As my best friend would say, a perfectly good day spoilt by 90
minutes of football, maybe 80 minutes on this occasion as the first 10
minutes were OK. Watford certainly turned up and deserved the win. Vicarage
Road is an old fashioned ground but I was surprised to find they don't sell
alcohol in the ground which made Saturday's loss even worst as we were all
sober. Watford fans celebrated each goal like they had just scored against
a top four side, well I guess we were at the time although we have since
slipped back into sixth place after Spurs won earlier tonight. Someone told
me after the game we are like the Robin Hood of the Premier League, stealing
from the rich clubs to give away to the poor. One experience at Vicarage
Road did make us cringe. Watford fans who had been quiet before their two
goals simultaneously got out their smart phone turning on their torches and
started waving them in the air like it was an 'One Direction' concert. This
was met for chants of 'That is embarrassing' from the West Ham faithful. If
this is modern football they can keep it.
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Reid looks fine for weekend
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C adn H
Winston Reid looks certain to return to action for the Irons on Saturday
against Everton. The big defender was sorely missed at the weekend but it
now seems he has all but shaken off his hip/thigh injury and is ready to
return. And Angelo Ogbonna is also available to the manager who may get his
chance at some stage as the Hammers look to bounce straight back to winning
ways.
The good news on Reidy was announced by David Gold who declared this morning
to ClaretandHugh that he expects both players to return for the match
against the Toffees. The co chairman is a firm believer in keeping the fans
in the picture and after speaking to us declared the ame on Twitter. He
said: "Ogbonna and Reid should be available for Saturday. dg" Reid last
appeared against Sunderland on October 3 in the 2-2 draw but now looks set
to resume his key role at central defence although Ogbonna will have to
fight for inclusion ahead of James Tomkins.
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Moncur blog: Everton? No reason for worry
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I see no reason to be worried about Everton's 6-2 win over Sunderland at the
weekend because that was all about the total collapse at the back by Sam
Allardyce's team. At 2-2 there was absolutely nothing between the two sides
and given that we are beating all the top teams around I see no reason to
bother my head this weekend. Nor am I overly concerned about the Watford
result. It was always gonna happen at some point and it will act as a wake
up call to the team. It's very very hard to keep up the intensity week in
week out and with two of our best players missing – Sakho and Reidy – this
was always gonna be tough. So we've got it out of our system and we move on.
Slav will be reminding the boys of the teams they have beaten – Winston and
Diafra are likely to be back and it will be a different day against a
different team on our manor. I expect a 2-1 or so win. We have a big squad
and that presents a temptation to tinker but I don't think that's part of
Slav's nature and we are likely to be back to what is our natural first
team. We have the players who can get in behind any oppositon on our day and
we can bury this Everton bogey at the weekend. They have no Phil Jagielka at
the back and if Sunderland, of all teams, can get a couple against them we
are capable of the same or better.
One setback is not a cause for too much concern. I fully expect us to
collect three more points as our big players get in behind the Toffees and
make them suffer.
There's no reason to worry!
COYI
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Rave reports for Irons teenager
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H
Young starle Martin Sameulsen has picked up rave reports after a top
performance in the under 21s win at Brighton. The Hammers clinched victory
through goals from the Norwegian teenager and Josh Cullen before Brighton
responded through Jeffrey Monakana. The summer signing from Manchester City,
the 18-year-old Norwegian starred during pre-season for Slaven Bilic's men,
and many fans wanted him to be included in the first-team setup. However,
West Ham have instead chosen to give him regular football in the Under-21's,
and it's paying dividends so far, with the playmaker turning in a number of
superb performances. Now, academy boss Terry Westley has given his thoughts
on Samuelsen's performance against Brighton to the club's official website.
He said: "We try to dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up.
Samuelsen, particularly first half, was running past players and opening the
game up, making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've
been working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board.
Samuelsen however, has to break into exalted company if he#s to male the
first team with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and
Mauro Zarate all in contention. However, the third eound of the FA Cup may
be a good time for Slaven Bilic to give him his chance.
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Irons in Euro right back talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H
West Ham are conducting a global search for their next right back! With
Arsenal wanting a ridiculous £15 million for Carl Jenkinson, the club has
contacted several agents who are looking for a right sided defender who will
cost the club no more than £10 million next summer. And although no names
have been divulged, we understand from one of them that talks are currently
in progress with Serie A and La Liga clubs as the Irons look to close in on
"two attractive options." We were told: "It's the major issue on the club's
agenda at the moment and contrary to what many believe, these things aren't
organised in the last few days of the transfer window. "The club are
particularly interested in two players – one of whom is in Italy and the
other in Spain. They are also looking keenly at the French market with which
they have become very familiar over the last two summers. "Jenkinson is
simply not an option, the fee is way way our there and wrong. There are
equally good options available at much less in Europe – even among quality
clubs. "
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SAFEHANDS' REPORT FROM THE SUPPORTERS' ADVISORY BOARD
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 13:00
WTID
Guest Post by SafeHands
I attended the SAB last Tuesday evening and wanted to report back what was
discussed. I've broken this into two articles – this one asks you to do
something (don't be scared – it won't hurt, promise) and the second will
cover the question and answer session.
The new website
The number of visitors has increased four fold and the feedback has been
very positive. However, the club are keen to hear your ideas as they want to
push on as the social media world is a burgeoning market and they want to
utilise as many aspects as they can to meet visitors' needs. The SAB were
particularly enthusiastic about behind the scenes coverage, eg the training
ground challenges, Me & Him etc. So, what do you like about the site? What
could be improved? What additional features do you think would be good? Are
there any other features like Me & Him and Yes/No that they could do? What
can't it do that you've seen elsewhere?
Boleyn memories
The club are calling out for more people to tell them their stories about
The Boleyn. For example, which was your favourite/most memorable match, what
was your first game and why you kept coming back, funny stories from the
terraces, how did you get involved, how long you've supported West Ham,
games you saw, games you missed and why etc. It doesn't have to be
extraordinary, just your story. It can be text, photos or videos – you're
more than welcome to share the text here (which I'll feed back to the club)
and you can post photos/video onto the official site. To do that you need to
be registered to My West Ham (which as you know is free) and when logged in,
on the Home Page scroll down and click on West Ham Live
then on any of the Reply links – they've said it'll be OK as, even if it's a
different topic, WHLive is centrally managed. If you've got a Twitter
account remember to include @whufc_official and #farewellboleyn.
Game themes
I'll list them all in the next article, but the WBA game on 29 November will
be Cult Heroes. Who would you like to see there? Who is your cult hero and
why? To feed back, you can do it here or via the West Ham Live link as
described above.
Last game
At present, the last game at The Boleyn is going to be the competitive
fixture against Swansea. There have been discussions about Mark Noble's
testimonial but nothing has been decided, so we have to take it that the
Swansea game will be the last time we see our team run out onto The Boleyn
pitch. We really need to make it one to remember and to do that, the club
want to involve the whole crowd and to have things that invoke memories of
our time there.
* What do you want to see at our last game (apart from a win of
course):
* There was talk about previous players being there, but what else do
you want to see, eg parade in Green Street, open-top bus for previous
players, band etc.
* Are there any songs you want played that remind you of a particular
game and/or time at the club?
* They talked about having a brass band and peanut sellers at the last
game, who/what else cannot be missed? I did think of asking for a bar to be
put in the North Bank but I thought against it as I'd want to adhere to
accuracy and it'd have to be in the away supporters side of the stand.
* How can the crowd be involved? Someone mentioned mosaic cards we can
all hold up to create pictures, much like the South Bank did for Bobby Moore
– what else do you want to see the crowd do?
* Straight after the Swansea game, there will be a celebration, so
what would you like to see?
* There was talk about a band but not sure who as yet and there're
discussions about the logistics, eg setting up a sound stage takes a long
time, so how will it be done etc.
* Who/what would you like to see at our Farewell Party?
As I said above, either feedback here or via the links above. Our last day
at The Boleyn is our chance to celebrate our time there so let's make it one
to remember.
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Teddy Sheringham: Stevenage boss registers as a player
BBC.co.uk
Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham has registered himself as a player and
could feature for the League Two club in the Herts Senior Cup. The
49-year-old former Tottenham, Manchester United and England forward retired
from playing in 2008. But he could play for Boro against Welwyn Garden City
on Wednesday alongside his assistant Kevin Watson, who has also registered
as a player. Stevenage said the move was "not an uncommon occurrence at the
club". A statement added that members of previous management teams had
played in the county cup competition. Boro's former goalkeeping coach Dave
Beasant was also named on the bench for their League Two play-off first leg
against Southend United last season at the age of 56. Sheringham, who scored
11 goals in 51 international appearances for England, originally quit
playing at the age of 42 at the end of the 2007-08 campaign. He was
appointed Stevenage boss in May following a spell as attacking coach at West
Ham. It is not yet known whether Sheringham is considering playing in the
league for Stevenage, who are currently five points above the League Two
relegation zone.
Even though he is the oldest goalscorer and outfield player in Premier
League history, he has a little way to go to match the achievements of Sir
Stanley Matthews. Matthews played his final league match for Stoke on 6
February, 1965, five days after his 50th birthday.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM TARGET WILL MOVE TO ENGLAND OR SPAIN NEXT YEAR
By Ste Hoare
IronsInTheCircle
Alexandre Pato, who has been linked with a move to both West Ham and
Manchester United in recent weeks, has announced that he wants to leave
Brazil and move back to Europe. The Brazilian international striker is
currently on loan at Sao Paulo from Corinthians but wants to move to Europe
when his temporary deal ends. He is quoted as saying: Next year I won't be
playing at Sao Paulo, everybody knows that. I hope England or Spain. This
will be encouraging news for West Ham, who reportedly want to bring the
26-year-old to the club. Pato started his career at Brazilian side
Internacional before moving to AC Milan when he was just 18 years old. He
impressed in his first few seasons in Italy, but a number of injuries led to
a decline in form and he was eventually sold for a fee of around £12million.
After spending a couple of years back in his native Brazil, Pato feels that
the time is right to return to Europe, and West Ham are apparently keen to
sign him.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TO CHANT OR NOT TO CHANT?
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 08:03
WTID
Guest Post by Terence Bates
To Chant or not to Chant?
One of the enduring elements about being a football fan is the atmosphere,
the banter and of course the anthems and chants that can create such an
absorbing and exciting milieu at games. It's often what hooks us in.
Of course the Hammers have an identifying song in the iconic 'I'm Forever
Blowing Bubbles', a song that stretches back decades and way before the
likes of Liverpool and YNWA. There is also Portsmouth with their 'Play up
Pompey', their arch rivals Southampton 'When the Saints Go Marching In'…
perhaps we shouldn't mention Spurs half baked imitation effort or the awful
'Blue is The Colour' from Chelsea!
Norwich City are claimed to have the oldest football song that originally
predates the club having been originally composed in the 1890's before being
adapted and claimed by the club at the turn of the century into 'On The Ball
City'. Although for the life of me I cannot remember how it goes.
Some seasons back West Ham were voted the wittiest set of fans after they
greeted Rio Ferdinand then playing for Manchester United with 'His name is
Rio as he watches from the Stands' set to a well known Duran Duran song, the
inspiration for this chant being his eight month ban from playing after
failing to take a drugs test.
I always enjoy the visit of Crystal Palace fans as they have a humour level
on par with the Hammers. A West Ham game especially under floodlights
against Liverpool is a passionate affair with great song traditions.
I have always thought the Bubbles song to be a bit ridiculous, but despite
this and much to the red-faced embarrassment of my teenage son, I have been
known to be in full voice (if out of key) when the moment grabs me so much
so, that in recent games he has bought tickets several rows apart!
Of course in between these old established songs are often ditties or chants
aimed at players/clubs, including any indiscretions that have splashed the
back or front pages of the tabloids. Some can be really funny and some
completely vile and abusive, I never enjoy those and I would like to think
they are being eradicated.
The mystery to me though is who on earth originates some of these songs and
chants? Someone somewhere must either sit down in the pub, in the shower or
at home or indeed on the terraces and ping… it comes to them. The recent
Dimitri Payet chant through the reworking of the awful Shaking Stevens song
is an example and one that seems to have caught on and worked. Someone
somewhere started this… Who? It is the ultimate Anon.
So with all this in mind I thought I would have a go at creating/composing a
new chant/song that is pretty topical (considering recent books by Ferguson
and Allardyce), and invite others to either tweak or make their own
contribution or provide memories of chants they have enjoyed, both at Upton
Park or from other sets of fans.
If the chant below catches on (or any others contributed here) we can then
at least identify where the chant/song came from! And considering the great
title of this website, it seems rather fitting.
Anyway here is my effort… You should all know the song, it has been used
before by Hearts in Scotland, but nevertheless it felt an apt song to
rearrange.
And now, that man has gone
And so we have Slaven to spur us
As fans, we'll sing it clear
We pass the ball upon the surface
Sam played a game one so dull
But now we win on away-days
And more, much more than this, we do it our way
Payet he's scored a few
But then again, it's true to mention
We did Sam, what we had to do, so no contract extension
Slav planned the game of course, with each pass along the halfway
And more, much more than this, West Ham is our way
And of course in order not to take ourselves too seriously
It should be followed by chants of
'We are deluded'!
*Apologies to the late Great Frank Sinatra!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd November 2015
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes his side will have learned a valuable lesson from last
Saturday's defeat to Watford as they seek to put things right when Everton
visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The West Ham United manager felt his side were not in the 'red zone' at
Vicarage Road and as such the hosts ran out deserved winners after scoring
two goals without reply. Bilic believes his players will now appreciate more
than ever that they cannot take their foot off the pedal for any Premier
League game. "We showed that we can play against so called lesser opposition
like Palace, Newcastle and parts of the games against Sunderland,
Bournemouth and Leicester," Bilic said. "Those teams do the 'dirty work'
better than the big teams so you have to work more against them than you do
against someone like Manchester City. "Manchester City will beat you with
class but someone like Watford are better at the 'dirty work' than them so
you need to match them and that is something we did not do on Saturday. We
were nowhere what is required to win those kind of games. "You are going to
lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart from the first ten minutes,
when Watford approached us with a lot of respect, and we had a lot of the
ball. "But when they smelt that we were not penetrating them enough and a
lot of our movement and passing was backwards then they smelt the
opportunity to come up and go with us. "But we have learnt that lesson now
and I see no reason why we should not come back the way we played before.
Number one thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work
and win second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any
team."
Demonstrating typical honesty, Bilic explained that he had made clear to his
team that he will not accept a drop in effort, particularly with his former
side Everton visiting the Boleyn on Saturday. "It was a collective bad day
against Watford. We beat Chelsea and all last week I spent more time talking
about how we should stay grounded but we definitely we didn't have that five
per cent in the red zone and if you are like that and unlucky then you have
no chance. "So I told the guys this is unacceptable. It happened and let's
at least make sure it does not happen again."
Finally, Bilic offered his support for Andy Carroll, whose mistake allowed
Nathan Ake to set up Odion Ighalo for the Hornets' opener. His fellow
striker Diafra Sakho missed the game with a thigh strain and his manager is
hoping he will be fit to return to the matchday squad for the visit of
Everton. "Andy came back because it was a free kick for it and he took the
wrong decision by taking a risk in that area. It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that. "We missed Sakho up front and he was one of
those players who has that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing
up front, although Andy was very brave. So he was missed and I hope he is
going to be back for Everton."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We are all frustrated with the result against Watford on Saturday but I know
that Slaven and his backroom staff will be working hard with the players
this week to put things right.
It seems that all our defensive errors this season are punished by goals.
I've never know anything like it. That said and done, to have 20 points on
the board after 11 games is still a great start to the season. I have a
theory that if you win big you lose the next game. We won against Arsenal
and were then poor against Leicester. After our 'big win' over Chelsea, the
defeat therefore wasn't such a surprise to me. The other week Newcastle had
a big result beating Norwich 6-2 at home and then lost to Sunderland.
Sunderland then have a big win over Newcastle and then lose to Everton. I am
now hoping that Everton's big win over Sunderland might see them lose
against us next weekend. Having said all that Watford were the better team
and deserved their win, but had Enner's shot gone in, instead of hitting the
post, it might have been a different game. However, we probably didn't
deserve anything from the game and we will all be looking for a better
performance when we return to the Boleyn Ground this weekend.
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke played the full game as Bradford City secured a valuable point
away at Millwall with a 0-0 draw. The point keeps the Bantams 14th with 21
points from 15 games.
Matt Jarvis played the first 45 minutes of Norwich City's narrow 2-1 defeat
away at Manchester City. The winger was replaced by livewire Nathan Redmond
with the score at 0-0. Yaya Toure's 89th minute penalty sealed the victory
for the Citizens after Cameron Jerome's goal cancelled out Nicolas
Otamendi's powerful header.
Diego Poyet's MK Dons slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to high flying Hull City.
Ahmed Elmohamady broke the deadlock after 19 minutes before former Hammer Mo
Diame doubled their tally just before the full time whistle.
Josh Pask's fledgling career continued as Luton Town beat Dagenham &
Redbridge 2-0. A goal either side of the break sealed the win Luton, the
defeat sees the Daggers slip to bottom of League Two.
Jordan Brown played 63 minutes of Chelmsford City's 2-0 defeat away at Bath
City. The young striker was replaced by Hugo Skepelhorn.
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MPs hail West Ham United Foundation
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary in style on
Monday with a special reception in the Houses of Parliament. As the
Foundation gets ready for a major expansion of its work when West Ham moves
to the Club's magnificent new Stadium in Stratford next year, the reception
was attended by MPs, local councillors, and leading figures from the worlds
of football and business, all keen to lend their support. Among the
attendees was the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt.
Hon John Whittingdale. He wished West Ham well in continuing and expanding
the life changing work of the Foundation following the Stadium move. Stephen
Timms, the MP whose East Ham seat includes the Boleyn Ground, acted as host
of the reception, and gave the assembled gathering the benefit of his
first-hand experience of the Foundation's work: "West Ham has long been a
very powerful presence at the heart of our community", he said, "right in
the centre of the Borough of Newham. The Foundation plays a very full role
in partnership with lots of other local organisations in the interests of
the local community. "It is a very wide-ranging programme that the
Foundation has at West Ham, it's an ambitious programme and one which does a
lot of very valuable work in our local area."
Many other prominent Hammers fans in the House of Commons were also in
attendance, including David Amess, Jim Fitzpatrick and Mike Gapes. Also
present were Essex MP, Rebecca Harris, and the Treasurer of the all-party
Parliamentary Football Group, Chris Heaton-Harris. They were joined by West
Ham's Joint-Chairman, David Gold, the Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of
Newham, Lester Hudson, and the Premier League's Chief Executive, Richard
Scudamore, as well as representatives of dozens of charities, schools and
community groups who have received support from the Foundation over recent
years.
The Chief Executive of the Foundation, Joseph Lyons, introduced the
attendees to four young people from the East London and Essex area whose
lives have been transformed as a result of the Foundation's work. "Over the
next decade", he said, "we will work tirelessly to create more of these
stories. "Today, we are outlining our new 10 year strategy which redefines
our vision. We want to be a truly inclusive organisation offering a range of
programmes that provide positive experiences to all."
Mr Lyons set out the Foundation's priorities and goals for the next decade,
including expanding its work across all of Essex, establishing international
programmes, creating pathways to education and work for young people in the
region, and using sport as a motivator for social change. He said that, in
the space of 25 years, the Foundation had provided support and opportunities
to 1.5 million young people and adults, but it planned to reach a further 1
million people in the next 10 years alone. West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady, who has masterminded the expansion of the Foundation's work since
arriving at the Club in 2010, explained to the reception why the West Ham
board believe it is so important to support the Club's local communities.
"When my two Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, and I began our work
at West Ham", she said, "one of our first priorities was to expand the work
the Club had been doing to create better futures for local people. "My
Chairmen both originated from the area and...with their passion for giving
something back to their local community and my determination to use sport to
better the lives of its people, it quickly became something that was
incredibly important to all three of us. "We made sure the Foundation became
the hub to deliver the Club's vision for outreach, benefitting the charities
we feel most passionate about and most importantly giving brighter futures
for the most deprived people in our community. "We now have some remarkable
stories to tell of the lives we've changed and an exciting, ambitious vision
for the future, as we prepare to take up residence in our new home."
The event ended with MPs presenting the Foundation with a special birthday
card signed by all those in attendance. The message inside read:
"Congratulations on 25 years of life-changing community work and long may it
continue in your new home."
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FT- Brighton & HA 1-2 Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
FT: That's the final whistle and the Hammers have secured their away win of
the season. On the balance of play, a deserved three points yet Brighton
rallied in the second half. Reaction to follow.
95: Heart in mouths moment as Brighton have a goal scramble. Howes saves and
even their keeper is up now. Pure carnage at the end.
93: Tom Dallison goes into the book for a rash challenge, it looks like he's
come off the worse. Two minutes to go!
91: Howes boots it upfield and Gordon holds off his marker terrifically.
Moses Makasi is coming on for Djair Parfitt-Williams.
89: Five minutes of time to be added on here!
87: Cullen floats a free-kick in but Gordon is flagged for offside. A
precious few seconds wasted at least.
85: Backs to the wall defending now! They've given everything, only five
minutes to go! Marcus Browne is replaced by Amos Nasha.
81: Goal for Brighton! Jeff Monakana finishes well from a tight angle after
Howes got hands to the initial shot. Nervy ten minutes now!
78: Lovely move inspired by Samuelsen as he dances past half of Brighton and
into the box, Pike to tries to shoot on the volley but can't get enough on
it.
75: Pike, again, wins a header he has no right to, which is indicative of
the Dev Squad's determination this evening. Josh Cullen is booked for a
trip.
71: Tilley tries to beat Pike for pace but he's having none of it as the
right-back pulls off a fantastic sliding challenge. The Seagulls respond by
bringing on Vahid Hambo for Daniel Akindayini.
69: Howes is called into action again, this time rises highest to claim a
high ball. He made it look a lot easier then it was.
66: Superb save from Sam Howes! He does ever so well to get down, quickly to
his left to palm away a near post-flick. Supber work, he clearly wants this
clean sheet!
62: What a goal that would have been! Walton punches a ball clear which
Samuelsen controls first time in his sleep, he lays it to Hendrie who tries
to curl it into the top corner. Walton recovers to pluck it out of the air
in the knick of time.
59: Backs to the wall defending for the Hammers but they deal with the
danger well. The Seagulls are getting frustrated and a few heavy challenges
are flying about. Stephen Hendrie is booked for an over zealous challenge.
57: Idris Kanu is replaced by Jaanai Gordon in a like for like swap. The
younger looked lively on his U21 debut. .
56: Crunching tackle on the youngster Kanu, he's on his haunches, Barclay
will be booked for his troubles.
54: Superb tracking back by Marcus Browne. His development over the past 12
months has really been something to watch. He originally loses the ball but
tracks back 40 odd yards and wins it back with a wonderfully timed
challenge.
52: How did he miss? Akindayini is clean through on goal yet he blazes it
wide of the far post. It had the power but not the accuracy. A let off.
51: Bit of pressure from the hosts as they win a string of corners, yet
Browne clears it away.
49: Jack Harper is replaced by James Tilley.
46: We're back under way here at the Amex. No changes at half time. More of
the same please!
45: GOAL for the Hammers! Josh Cullen rolls the ball home nicely after
Samuelsen's effort was parried into his path. Calm finish, deserved too.
2-0!
44: Of course, just as I say that Jack Harper goes close to equalising. He
tests Sam Howes but the England youth goalkeeper sees it early and makes no
mistakes picking it up.
43: Just a few remaining in this first half. As good a first half
performance as I can remember from Terry Westley's charges.
40: Phenomenal clearing header by Declan Rice, he lept like a salmon to
prevent what looked like a near certain goal. He's not done either as he
bombs forward, setting Kanu down the wing.
38: That's Samuelsen's fourth goal of the season in eight appearances!
34: GOAL for the Hammers! Martin Samuelsen despatches the spot kick home
coolly but is ordered to retake it, this time Walton gets his gloves to it
but it doesn't matter as he slides in the rebound. 1-0 to the Hammers. COYI
34: Penalty to the Hammers, after Marcus Browne is felled by goalkeeper
Christian Walton...
32: The Hammers are called into defending for a change. Page gets his head
to it before Dobson hurls himself at a rebounded shot from the edge of the
box.
29: Lovely close control from Samuelsen gets him out of a tight spot and he
sends Page on his way. He gets to the byline but is scythed down just as
he's about to cross. Booking for the Brighton man.
25: Close! Yet again, Page delievers, Pike aheads across goal and Browne
hooks a shot. It looks destined for the far corner yet falls inches wide.
Even the home crowd are applauding that move!
24: Interesting to see Stephen Hendrie play in central defence tonight, he's
looking assured and marshalling the defence.
22: Rice does well to block Akindayini's shot on the edge of the box. He's a
strong lad for only 16!
19: Samuelsen ghosts into the box, has to check and leaves it to Page to
swing in another dangerous cross. It's good and Parfitt-Williams is about to
pounce but Molumby clears again.
16: Declan Rice picks a ball out of the fog with a superb touch and turn.
It's his positive thinking that sets Alex Pike tearing down the right flank.
He beats Jesse Starkey and drills a cross along the deck, Jayson Molumby
slides to clear the danger.
14: Best opening to a game for the Hammers all season, they're controlling
posession and territory extremely well. It's like watching Barcelona!
12: Page expertly heads a dangerous ball into Howes' path and he collects
with minimum fuss. Down the other end, Cullen, as ever, is chasing and
harrying everything in sight.
10: Another good delivery into the box, this time from the right-hand side
from Pike. Good to see the right-back in action after suffering an injury.
The cross is good but Ben Barclay gets a strong foot to it.
8: George Dobson does well to intercept a pass and he heads it straight to
Idris Kanu, the debutant spins expertly and draws a foul. Superb forward
play there.
6: The hosts are battling their way into the game. Daniel Akindayini looks
like a handful up front already, Charlie Harris looks good in possession.
3: Moments later the visitors are on the attack again, this time Marcus
Browne shoots from the edge of the box. It falls just wide. Positive start!
2: Excellent start for the Hammers as Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelsen and
Lewis Page venture forward and work a dangerous cross into the box. Alex
Pike attacks it at the back post which is scrambled, almost sliced into his
own net by a Brighton defender. The corner is cleared.
1: Here we go! Brighton, in their traditional Blue and White stripes,
kicking left to right, the Hammers are in Claret and Blue and will get us
under way.
6.50pm: We're just 10 minutes away from kick off here at the Amex. The fans
are streaming in and we could be set for a classic. COYI!
6.35pm: Not every day in the world of U21 football do you come across an
ex-Real Madrid player, however that is exactly what we have on our hands
tonight. Scottish striker Jack Harper joined the Seagulls in the summer from
the Galacticos, and after speaking to some of the locals it sounds like big
things are expected of him. One to watch, no doubt.
6.20pm: Tonight's hosts currently prop up the Barclays U21 Premier League
division two table, having said that, however, they secured an impressive
1-1 draw away at West Bromwich Albion last time out who are currently
second.
6pm: Hello and welcome to our live coverage from Amex Stadium in Brighton.
It's a chilly night on the South Coast, let me tell you!
As you can see from the teams below, some interesting talking points. Idris
Kanu makes his debut for the U21s, still only 15 years old!
Further good news is the return of Alex Pike, making his first start of the
season having recovered from injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion U21: Walton, Hunt (c), Starkey, Molumby, Barclay,
Dallison, Ward, Harris, Akindayini, Harper (Tilley 49), Monakana
Subs: Hambo, Doherty, Tighe, Davies
West Ham United U21: Howes, Pike, Page, Dobson, Rice, Hendrie,
Parfitt-Williams (Makasi 90), Cullen (c), Kanu (Gordon 57), Browne (Nasha
85), Samuelsen
Subs: Brown (GK), Akinola
Referee: Richard Hulme
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No red cards? Paul the other one!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
This weekend's home meeting with Everton will be refereed by a relative
newcomer to the Premier League.
Paul Tierney has overseen just two top flight matches so far this season but
has been given the role of officiating this coming Saturday, when Roberto
Martinez's side provide the next opposition at the Boleyn Ground.
Tierney, who at just 35 is one of the league's youngest officials is one of
only four referees NOT to have issued a red card in the Premier League this
season - and his average of 2.5 yellow cards per match is well below the
mean number dished out by card happy officials so far this season.
Meanwhile Martin Atkinson, who has issues the most yellow cards in the
Premier League this term - no less than 46 in his first ten matches - is
scheduled to be fourth official, alongside linesmen D Bryan and A Nunn.
So far this season, only four of West Ham United's 11 Premier League
fixtures have ended with 22 players on the field.
Four Hammers - Adrian (vs Leicester), Carl Jenkinson (vs Bournemouth), Mark
Noble (vs Liverpool) and James Collins (vs Watford) have seen red whilst
three opponents - Jeremain Lens (Sunderland), Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace)
and Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - have also enjoyed an early bath.
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Monday musings: A Hammers horror show
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road
on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford. And it was
a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise
their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League. During
his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his
squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the
Hornets. However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers
having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from
the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn
Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.
That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against
the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool
and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.
Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday
was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed
just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard
to take all three points. Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a
plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an
uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the
previously-reliable James Tomkins. My Under Nines players know better than
to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's
exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus
gifting Watford the opening goal. And just three minutes after the restart,
Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where
Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.
Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig
Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West
Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game. And their misery was
compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six
minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on
Watford's match winner Ighalo. It was the fourth successive West Ham match
in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on
the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this
season. That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this
season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table'
in 2014/15!
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Slav wants Sakho back for Everton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has again acknowledged the difference Diafra Sakho makes to his
West Ham side and wants him back for the match against Everton. However, he
has refused to blame Andy Carroll's mistake which led to the first goal as
the reason why we lost the game declaring: "It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that." Sakho's energy and relentless running has been
regularly mentioned as a key factor in the teams successes this season and
even Palace defender Damien Delaney paid special attention to his
contribution following the in at Selhurst Park.
Bilic said: "We missed Sakho up front. He is one of those players who has
that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing up front, although
Andy was very brave. So he (Sakho) was missed and I hope he is going to be
back for Everton. In the unlikely event of Sakho missing the game it could
well be that Enner Valencia may get the shout as his game appears 'closer'
to that of the the main man. Although the team lacked it's normal urgency
and creative flair against Watford it has to be remembered that we were
missing our best defender and striker. With the two of them back at the
Bolyen at the weekend I am convinced we can get a result against our bogey
team.
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Irons set for Everton double boost
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are hoping that Winston Reid will be back for the game against
Everton with Alex Song set to take his place on the bench for the time this
season. Reid's absence was seriously noticeable on Saturday as the Hammers
were caught flailing at times against a twin strike force which caused them
constant problems. James Tomkins commented that it was unusual to face a
double threat up front as not many clubs play that way these days. It could
have been a whole lot different had we had number one defender Reid at the
back – preferably with the gifted Song in front of him! A club source
revealed this morning that the Kiwi is on the mend and likely to make it for
the match against Everton although Song is an unlikely starter. He said:
"Winston looks as though he will probably make it and with Alex on the bench
possibly coming on as sub we could send out a very strong team."
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Bilic's 'dirty work' call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is still reflecting on the Watford experiene but has sent an
upbeat message to the fans. With Everton at the weekend he declared: "We
have learnt that lesson now and I see no reason why we should not come back
the way we played before. " And he explained to www.whufc.com: "Manchester
City will beat you with class but someone like Watford are better at the
'dirty work' than them so you need to match them and that is something we
did not do on Saturday. We were nowhere what is required to win those kind
of games. "You are going to lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart
from the first ten minutes, when Watford approached us with a lot of
respect, and we had a lot of the ball. "But when they smelt that we were not
penetrating them enough and a lot of our movement and passing was backwards
then they smelt the opportunity to come up and go with us. "But Number one
thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work and win
second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any team."
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No "hidden agendas" at West Ham anymore
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has admitted that Slaven Bilic is binding everything together at
West Ham declaring: "That's his job and despite the weekend result he's
doing it brilliantly." Gold has spoken at length to this site about the new
spirit across the Irons squad and says: "I have run a lot of businesses and
the atmosphere in the work place is created by the top managers. "At a
football club the coach is the pivotal figure, everything hangs around him
and Slaven is sorting out West Ham in his own image. "The first thing we
looked for when he was interviewed was passion and he has it in spades but
he's a down to earth guy who brings real dignity to the club in his general
attitude. It's a totally different situation to ones I have known
previously. There's are no hidden agendas with the manager – he is ready to
share his thoughts with myself and David Sullivan. There have been times
when managers have acted as though they are part of the secret service and
kept stuff to themselves but that's all gone. "West Ham is a great club to
be a part of these days."
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Leroy;s verdict: Here's why it all went wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I'm afraid whichever way I look at it Andy Carroll has to go back to the
bench for the game against Everton even should Diafra Sakho remain
unavailable. It's been said very often already this weekend but it was shown
very clearly that there needs to be a major overhaul in the system for AC to
become No 1 again and I don't see it happening. We have been incredibly
successful before Saturday because Sakho's running pushes the opposition
further and further back and there's no need to pump balls forward . That's
because he creates the space for Payet and Lanzini to run at defenders and
create the sort of chances that have brought so many goals this season. Andy
plays with his back to defenders and they know he won't get in behind them
and thus they can – as Watford did – get hold of midfield and stifle our
creative players.
It was all shown so clearly at Vicarage Road – neither Payet or Lanzini were
at the races and that is the reason why. People have been saying it's
worrying if we have to rely on one player such as Sakho but every team has
one that's essential to the system – Sanchez at Arsenal, Aguero at
Manchester City and so on. It's nothing to worry about – it's just the way
it is. We need him back quickly.
However, should he still be out at the weekend then Slav mus surely go with
Valencia ho has the pace to worry defenders. OK he's not as good technically
as Diafra but he would do more of a job than Andy managed I reckon. Where
all this leaves AC I don't really know and I'm not particularly worried
about that because all that matters to me is the team and the way it
performs.
Slaven has to manage that situation and if using AC as an impact sub is what
he decides then that's that. If it doesn't suit the player and he starts
getting agitated well there we are. Andy will have decisions to make.
There's another possibility and it concerns Antonio. Can he do the type of
job needed when Sak's not around. This weekend isn't the time to find out
but it's a possibility. Slav will have thought of that one before me I'm
sure and it's going to be interesting finding out t some stage
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Jekyll and Hyde …or Victor Moses
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I was watching the new serialisation of Jekyll and Hyde last night (Sun)
when Victor Moses came into my mind. He got off lightly this weekend only
because poor old Andy Carroll and to a lesser extent James Tomkins was
taking all the stick but so far he has done a pretty good impersonation of
Robert Louis Stevenson's fictional character in a West Ham shirt.
jekyllMoses never got a mention in all the criticism following the game yet
that first 45 minutes was a thoroughly awful outing. To be honest I'd been
warned when he signed on loan that the Chelsea midfielder comes with a
health warning having been told he's either brilliant and doing remarkable
things with a football or playing in a manner which has you wondering
whether he'd be better off in another occupation. His control, touch and
shooting abilities had completely deserted him against Watford. How on earth
that appearance could justify the £185k he apparently picking up as part of
the loan deal beggars belief. Rumours inside football for several years have
been that the player is actually five years old than his quoted age and a
look at his photo certainly gives the impression that he is a very mature 24
year old!
Be that as it may, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt along with the
others that Saturday was a bad day at the office for him and everybody else.
But there's one player in the squad who will be watching his form very
closely – a certain Michail Antonio who may just be wondering whether his
chance is just around the corner.
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Collins "indiscipline" dubbed a disgrace
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins' foul which led to his sending off has been dubbed a
disgrace. And ClaretandHugh's Leroy Rosenior – making it clear the lack of
discipline shown by the defender was extremely worrying – added: "West Ham
must never lose their discipline like that – I found it the most worrying
aspect of the afternoon." "Collins has to be annoyed and disappointed with
himself. He has been around a long time and the lunge which saw him sent off
was truly shameful. It was almost a case of assault. Terrible indiscipline
"Some people were saying he was showing passion but I'd say he was showing
his stupidity. You can't behave like that because you are getting a beating
and that is all it was about. "There had been no provocation. He just didn't
seem to be able to handle the fact that we were out of the game. Now he's
unavailable for the next one and if Winston Reid isn't available that could
create a big problem." Leroy added: "I hope it is made very clear to him
that'e let everybody down but chiefly himself. We want none of that at West
Ham. "I was all the more shocked because he has been waiting patiently for a
chance, played well when he got it and then acted like that. Really not
good."
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Jose Mourinho given one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine for behaviour
during West Ham defeat
18:12, 2 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:32, 2 NOV 2015
BY JOHN CROSS , LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Portuguese was sent to the stands during the match last month — and is
now barred from Britannia trip that could be his final game in charge
The Mirror
Jose Mourinho has been hit with a stadium ban as the Football Association
declared war on the Chelsea boss. Boss Mourinho was also fined £40,000 and
will not be allowed to attend the struggling champions' game at Stoke on
Saturday, even though it could decide his fate as manager. It is not the
first time the Portuguese has been given a stadium ban and it was claimed he
sneaked in hidden in a laundry basket after UEFA banned him following a
bust-up during a Champions League game with Barcelona. The punishment this
time was handed out after Mourinho swore at referee Jon Moss during half
time of Chelsea's defeat to West Ham last month. He was then sent to the
stands. Mourinho will be able to give a team talk at the hotel, but won't be
allowed near the stadium or to make contact with his coaching staff during
the game. Chelsea can appeal the ban but said on Monday evening that they
would await the FA's written reasons, which are likely to be given before
the weekend. This punishment is in addition to the suspended stadium ban and
£50,000 fine, which he is currently appealing following his post-match
verbal onslaught on referee Bobby Madley following the defeat by
Southampton. The verdict of that appeal is due on Tuesday.
It is clear the FA, fed up with his string of misdemeanors, are determined
to send a strong message to Mourinho and it will not help his position at
Chelsea with his job hanging by a thread following the club's awful start to
the season. An FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory
Commission hearing today, Jose Mourinho has been given a one-match stadium
suspension with immediate effect and fined £40,000. "The Chelsea manager
admitted an FA charge of misconduct regarding his language and/or behaviour
towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area during
half-time of the game against West Ham United on 24 October 2015. "With
regard to Chelsea coach Silvino Louro, who denied an FA misconduct charge in
relation to the same game, The FA, having considered further representation,
withdrew the formal charge of improper conduct but reminded him of his
responsibilities."
Alan Pardew, Billy Davies and long-time Mourinho lieutenant Rui Faria have
served stadium bans in the past. It was Faria who famously wore a hat that
appeared to be concealing an ear-piece during the Champions League game when
Mourinho was not meant to be in the stadium or in touch with any of his
staff. The news is the latest blow to the Portuguese, who is under-pressure
after Chelsea's nightmare start to the season. The Blues have lost six times
already in the Premier League this season and find themselves languishing in
15th in the table. Saturday's home defeat to Liverpool left Mourinho
fighting for his job, with the Portuguese thought to have two games to save
his future. He will be on the bench for Tuesday's Champions League clash
with Dynamo Kiev but a loss at the Britannia stadium, where he now won't
even be present, could be decisive. Off the pitch, Mourinho is set to be
the subject of an individual legal claim from former club doctor Eva
Carneiro. The claim against him will be on the basis that he was
instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from
first-team duties and effectively demoted. Mourinho was cleared of using
discriminatory language towards her following an investigation by the
Football Association, which caused further controversy after Carneiro
revealed she had not been spoken to personally during the investigation, nor
asked to provide any statement.
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Eight league titles in four different countries – Carlos Tevez is a born
winner
Date: 2nd November 2015 at 1:25 pm
Written by: David Smith | Comments (0)
By Harry Harris
CARLOS Tevez left his mark on English football with Manchester United, City
and West Ham and has now become a winner again back in his home land. The
little non-stop striker has inspired Boca Juniors to the Argentine Primera
Division championship, his eighth league title in four countries, which is
some feat. Tevez re-signed for Boca in June after winning titles in Brazil,
England and Italy with Corinthians, Manchester United, Manchester City and
Juventus, and his never-give-up style has proven to be infectious wherever
he has gone. With United he won two Premier League titles and the Champions
League, there was a third league crown with City, before he helped Juve lift
the 2013 and 2014 Scudetto in Italy. Tevez and Javier Macherano also left
their mark on English football for the wrong reason having been caught up in
the infamous third party ownership fiasco at West Ham. Tevez also helped
Juve to the Champions League final last season and since he returned to his
'home' Boca won 11 of 14 matches after the 31-year-old returned to his
boyhood club. "I've won championships in many places but nothing compares
with this," said Tevez, with his comments on the BBC sports web site this
morning Boca were crowned champions with a match to spare as they beat Tigre
1-0 on Sunday. After Tevez, who has 74 caps for his country, helped Boca
claim the 2003 title, he had a league-winning spell with Corinthians. A
high-profile transfer to England with West Ham followed in the summer of
2006, with all the headlines that followed him with the third party
ownership issue, before he moved on to Manchester United, Manchester City,
and then Serie A side Juventus.
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Heurelho Gomes outlines a Slaven Bilic tactic which helped Watford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Watford won 2-0 against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes explained on the Goals on Sunday show on
Sky Sports 1 on Sunday morning how a certain tactic from West Ham United
manager Slaven Bilic helped them win this weekend. The Hornets got the
better of West Ham 2-0 at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Saturday.
Odion Ighalo's goals in the 39th and the 48th minutes proved to be enough
for Watford to pick up all three points. Gomes, who played for the entire 90
minutes, explained on the Goals on Sunday show on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday
morning how the Hammers playing striker Andy Carroll up front helped
Watford. "We spoke before the game that if Andy Carroll plays, then we need
to set a bit more high because they can play long ball," said the
34-year-old. "I think that helped us as well… I believe that it helped us
when Carroll came to play."
Carroll was at fault for Watford's opening goal of the match. The former
Newcastle United and Liverpool striker sliced a clearance under no pressure
at all, and despite having time to clear with Nathan Ake bearing down, he
tried to turn the Watford man, who stole the ball and crossed to Igahlo.
Over the course of the 90 minutes at Vicarage Road, the England
international took one shot, had a pass accuracy of 58%, created one chance,
and made four clearances and two blocks.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes his side will have learned a valuable lesson from last
Saturday's defeat to Watford as they seek to put things right when Everton
visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The West Ham United manager felt his side were not in the 'red zone' at
Vicarage Road and as such the hosts ran out deserved winners after scoring
two goals without reply. Bilic believes his players will now appreciate more
than ever that they cannot take their foot off the pedal for any Premier
League game. "We showed that we can play against so called lesser opposition
like Palace, Newcastle and parts of the games against Sunderland,
Bournemouth and Leicester," Bilic said. "Those teams do the 'dirty work'
better than the big teams so you have to work more against them than you do
against someone like Manchester City. "Manchester City will beat you with
class but someone like Watford are better at the 'dirty work' than them so
you need to match them and that is something we did not do on Saturday. We
were nowhere what is required to win those kind of games. "You are going to
lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart from the first ten minutes,
when Watford approached us with a lot of respect, and we had a lot of the
ball. "But when they smelt that we were not penetrating them enough and a
lot of our movement and passing was backwards then they smelt the
opportunity to come up and go with us. "But we have learnt that lesson now
and I see no reason why we should not come back the way we played before.
Number one thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work
and win second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any
team."
Demonstrating typical honesty, Bilic explained that he had made clear to his
team that he will not accept a drop in effort, particularly with his former
side Everton visiting the Boleyn on Saturday. "It was a collective bad day
against Watford. We beat Chelsea and all last week I spent more time talking
about how we should stay grounded but we definitely we didn't have that five
per cent in the red zone and if you are like that and unlucky then you have
no chance. "So I told the guys this is unacceptable. It happened and let's
at least make sure it does not happen again."
Finally, Bilic offered his support for Andy Carroll, whose mistake allowed
Nathan Ake to set up Odion Ighalo for the Hornets' opener. His fellow
striker Diafra Sakho missed the game with a thigh strain and his manager is
hoping he will be fit to return to the matchday squad for the visit of
Everton. "Andy came back because it was a free kick for it and he took the
wrong decision by taking a risk in that area. It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that. "We missed Sakho up front and he was one of
those players who has that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing
up front, although Andy was very brave. So he was missed and I hope he is
going to be back for Everton."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We are all frustrated with the result against Watford on Saturday but I know
that Slaven and his backroom staff will be working hard with the players
this week to put things right.
It seems that all our defensive errors this season are punished by goals.
I've never know anything like it. That said and done, to have 20 points on
the board after 11 games is still a great start to the season. I have a
theory that if you win big you lose the next game. We won against Arsenal
and were then poor against Leicester. After our 'big win' over Chelsea, the
defeat therefore wasn't such a surprise to me. The other week Newcastle had
a big result beating Norwich 6-2 at home and then lost to Sunderland.
Sunderland then have a big win over Newcastle and then lose to Everton. I am
now hoping that Everton's big win over Sunderland might see them lose
against us next weekend. Having said all that Watford were the better team
and deserved their win, but had Enner's shot gone in, instead of hitting the
post, it might have been a different game. However, we probably didn't
deserve anything from the game and we will all be looking for a better
performance when we return to the Boleyn Ground this weekend.
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke played the full game as Bradford City secured a valuable point
away at Millwall with a 0-0 draw. The point keeps the Bantams 14th with 21
points from 15 games.
Matt Jarvis played the first 45 minutes of Norwich City's narrow 2-1 defeat
away at Manchester City. The winger was replaced by livewire Nathan Redmond
with the score at 0-0. Yaya Toure's 89th minute penalty sealed the victory
for the Citizens after Cameron Jerome's goal cancelled out Nicolas
Otamendi's powerful header.
Diego Poyet's MK Dons slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to high flying Hull City.
Ahmed Elmohamady broke the deadlock after 19 minutes before former Hammer Mo
Diame doubled their tally just before the full time whistle.
Josh Pask's fledgling career continued as Luton Town beat Dagenham &
Redbridge 2-0. A goal either side of the break sealed the win Luton, the
defeat sees the Daggers slip to bottom of League Two.
Jordan Brown played 63 minutes of Chelmsford City's 2-0 defeat away at Bath
City. The young striker was replaced by Hugo Skepelhorn.
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MPs hail West Ham United Foundation
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary in style on
Monday with a special reception in the Houses of Parliament. As the
Foundation gets ready for a major expansion of its work when West Ham moves
to the Club's magnificent new Stadium in Stratford next year, the reception
was attended by MPs, local councillors, and leading figures from the worlds
of football and business, all keen to lend their support. Among the
attendees was the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt.
Hon John Whittingdale. He wished West Ham well in continuing and expanding
the life changing work of the Foundation following the Stadium move. Stephen
Timms, the MP whose East Ham seat includes the Boleyn Ground, acted as host
of the reception, and gave the assembled gathering the benefit of his
first-hand experience of the Foundation's work: "West Ham has long been a
very powerful presence at the heart of our community", he said, "right in
the centre of the Borough of Newham. The Foundation plays a very full role
in partnership with lots of other local organisations in the interests of
the local community. "It is a very wide-ranging programme that the
Foundation has at West Ham, it's an ambitious programme and one which does a
lot of very valuable work in our local area."
Many other prominent Hammers fans in the House of Commons were also in
attendance, including David Amess, Jim Fitzpatrick and Mike Gapes. Also
present were Essex MP, Rebecca Harris, and the Treasurer of the all-party
Parliamentary Football Group, Chris Heaton-Harris. They were joined by West
Ham's Joint-Chairman, David Gold, the Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of
Newham, Lester Hudson, and the Premier League's Chief Executive, Richard
Scudamore, as well as representatives of dozens of charities, schools and
community groups who have received support from the Foundation over recent
years.
The Chief Executive of the Foundation, Joseph Lyons, introduced the
attendees to four young people from the East London and Essex area whose
lives have been transformed as a result of the Foundation's work. "Over the
next decade", he said, "we will work tirelessly to create more of these
stories. "Today, we are outlining our new 10 year strategy which redefines
our vision. We want to be a truly inclusive organisation offering a range of
programmes that provide positive experiences to all."
Mr Lyons set out the Foundation's priorities and goals for the next decade,
including expanding its work across all of Essex, establishing international
programmes, creating pathways to education and work for young people in the
region, and using sport as a motivator for social change. He said that, in
the space of 25 years, the Foundation had provided support and opportunities
to 1.5 million young people and adults, but it planned to reach a further 1
million people in the next 10 years alone. West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady, who has masterminded the expansion of the Foundation's work since
arriving at the Club in 2010, explained to the reception why the West Ham
board believe it is so important to support the Club's local communities.
"When my two Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, and I began our work
at West Ham", she said, "one of our first priorities was to expand the work
the Club had been doing to create better futures for local people. "My
Chairmen both originated from the area and...with their passion for giving
something back to their local community and my determination to use sport to
better the lives of its people, it quickly became something that was
incredibly important to all three of us. "We made sure the Foundation became
the hub to deliver the Club's vision for outreach, benefitting the charities
we feel most passionate about and most importantly giving brighter futures
for the most deprived people in our community. "We now have some remarkable
stories to tell of the lives we've changed and an exciting, ambitious vision
for the future, as we prepare to take up residence in our new home."
The event ended with MPs presenting the Foundation with a special birthday
card signed by all those in attendance. The message inside read:
"Congratulations on 25 years of life-changing community work and long may it
continue in your new home."
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FT- Brighton & HA 1-2 Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
FT: That's the final whistle and the Hammers have secured their away win of
the season. On the balance of play, a deserved three points yet Brighton
rallied in the second half. Reaction to follow.
95: Heart in mouths moment as Brighton have a goal scramble. Howes saves and
even their keeper is up now. Pure carnage at the end.
93: Tom Dallison goes into the book for a rash challenge, it looks like he's
come off the worse. Two minutes to go!
91: Howes boots it upfield and Gordon holds off his marker terrifically.
Moses Makasi is coming on for Djair Parfitt-Williams.
89: Five minutes of time to be added on here!
87: Cullen floats a free-kick in but Gordon is flagged for offside. A
precious few seconds wasted at least.
85: Backs to the wall defending now! They've given everything, only five
minutes to go! Marcus Browne is replaced by Amos Nasha.
81: Goal for Brighton! Jeff Monakana finishes well from a tight angle after
Howes got hands to the initial shot. Nervy ten minutes now!
78: Lovely move inspired by Samuelsen as he dances past half of Brighton and
into the box, Pike to tries to shoot on the volley but can't get enough on
it.
75: Pike, again, wins a header he has no right to, which is indicative of
the Dev Squad's determination this evening. Josh Cullen is booked for a
trip.
71: Tilley tries to beat Pike for pace but he's having none of it as the
right-back pulls off a fantastic sliding challenge. The Seagulls respond by
bringing on Vahid Hambo for Daniel Akindayini.
69: Howes is called into action again, this time rises highest to claim a
high ball. He made it look a lot easier then it was.
66: Superb save from Sam Howes! He does ever so well to get down, quickly to
his left to palm away a near post-flick. Supber work, he clearly wants this
clean sheet!
62: What a goal that would have been! Walton punches a ball clear which
Samuelsen controls first time in his sleep, he lays it to Hendrie who tries
to curl it into the top corner. Walton recovers to pluck it out of the air
in the knick of time.
59: Backs to the wall defending for the Hammers but they deal with the
danger well. The Seagulls are getting frustrated and a few heavy challenges
are flying about. Stephen Hendrie is booked for an over zealous challenge.
57: Idris Kanu is replaced by Jaanai Gordon in a like for like swap. The
younger looked lively on his U21 debut. .
56: Crunching tackle on the youngster Kanu, he's on his haunches, Barclay
will be booked for his troubles.
54: Superb tracking back by Marcus Browne. His development over the past 12
months has really been something to watch. He originally loses the ball but
tracks back 40 odd yards and wins it back with a wonderfully timed
challenge.
52: How did he miss? Akindayini is clean through on goal yet he blazes it
wide of the far post. It had the power but not the accuracy. A let off.
51: Bit of pressure from the hosts as they win a string of corners, yet
Browne clears it away.
49: Jack Harper is replaced by James Tilley.
46: We're back under way here at the Amex. No changes at half time. More of
the same please!
45: GOAL for the Hammers! Josh Cullen rolls the ball home nicely after
Samuelsen's effort was parried into his path. Calm finish, deserved too.
2-0!
44: Of course, just as I say that Jack Harper goes close to equalising. He
tests Sam Howes but the England youth goalkeeper sees it early and makes no
mistakes picking it up.
43: Just a few remaining in this first half. As good a first half
performance as I can remember from Terry Westley's charges.
40: Phenomenal clearing header by Declan Rice, he lept like a salmon to
prevent what looked like a near certain goal. He's not done either as he
bombs forward, setting Kanu down the wing.
38: That's Samuelsen's fourth goal of the season in eight appearances!
34: GOAL for the Hammers! Martin Samuelsen despatches the spot kick home
coolly but is ordered to retake it, this time Walton gets his gloves to it
but it doesn't matter as he slides in the rebound. 1-0 to the Hammers. COYI
34: Penalty to the Hammers, after Marcus Browne is felled by goalkeeper
Christian Walton...
32: The Hammers are called into defending for a change. Page gets his head
to it before Dobson hurls himself at a rebounded shot from the edge of the
box.
29: Lovely close control from Samuelsen gets him out of a tight spot and he
sends Page on his way. He gets to the byline but is scythed down just as
he's about to cross. Booking for the Brighton man.
25: Close! Yet again, Page delievers, Pike aheads across goal and Browne
hooks a shot. It looks destined for the far corner yet falls inches wide.
Even the home crowd are applauding that move!
24: Interesting to see Stephen Hendrie play in central defence tonight, he's
looking assured and marshalling the defence.
22: Rice does well to block Akindayini's shot on the edge of the box. He's a
strong lad for only 16!
19: Samuelsen ghosts into the box, has to check and leaves it to Page to
swing in another dangerous cross. It's good and Parfitt-Williams is about to
pounce but Molumby clears again.
16: Declan Rice picks a ball out of the fog with a superb touch and turn.
It's his positive thinking that sets Alex Pike tearing down the right flank.
He beats Jesse Starkey and drills a cross along the deck, Jayson Molumby
slides to clear the danger.
14: Best opening to a game for the Hammers all season, they're controlling
posession and territory extremely well. It's like watching Barcelona!
12: Page expertly heads a dangerous ball into Howes' path and he collects
with minimum fuss. Down the other end, Cullen, as ever, is chasing and
harrying everything in sight.
10: Another good delivery into the box, this time from the right-hand side
from Pike. Good to see the right-back in action after suffering an injury.
The cross is good but Ben Barclay gets a strong foot to it.
8: George Dobson does well to intercept a pass and he heads it straight to
Idris Kanu, the debutant spins expertly and draws a foul. Superb forward
play there.
6: The hosts are battling their way into the game. Daniel Akindayini looks
like a handful up front already, Charlie Harris looks good in possession.
3: Moments later the visitors are on the attack again, this time Marcus
Browne shoots from the edge of the box. It falls just wide. Positive start!
2: Excellent start for the Hammers as Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelsen and
Lewis Page venture forward and work a dangerous cross into the box. Alex
Pike attacks it at the back post which is scrambled, almost sliced into his
own net by a Brighton defender. The corner is cleared.
1: Here we go! Brighton, in their traditional Blue and White stripes,
kicking left to right, the Hammers are in Claret and Blue and will get us
under way.
6.50pm: We're just 10 minutes away from kick off here at the Amex. The fans
are streaming in and we could be set for a classic. COYI!
6.35pm: Not every day in the world of U21 football do you come across an
ex-Real Madrid player, however that is exactly what we have on our hands
tonight. Scottish striker Jack Harper joined the Seagulls in the summer from
the Galacticos, and after speaking to some of the locals it sounds like big
things are expected of him. One to watch, no doubt.
6.20pm: Tonight's hosts currently prop up the Barclays U21 Premier League
division two table, having said that, however, they secured an impressive
1-1 draw away at West Bromwich Albion last time out who are currently
second.
6pm: Hello and welcome to our live coverage from Amex Stadium in Brighton.
It's a chilly night on the South Coast, let me tell you!
As you can see from the teams below, some interesting talking points. Idris
Kanu makes his debut for the U21s, still only 15 years old!
Further good news is the return of Alex Pike, making his first start of the
season having recovered from injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion U21: Walton, Hunt (c), Starkey, Molumby, Barclay,
Dallison, Ward, Harris, Akindayini, Harper (Tilley 49), Monakana
Subs: Hambo, Doherty, Tighe, Davies
West Ham United U21: Howes, Pike, Page, Dobson, Rice, Hendrie,
Parfitt-Williams (Makasi 90), Cullen (c), Kanu (Gordon 57), Browne (Nasha
85), Samuelsen
Subs: Brown (GK), Akinola
Referee: Richard Hulme
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No red cards? Paul the other one!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
This weekend's home meeting with Everton will be refereed by a relative
newcomer to the Premier League.
Paul Tierney has overseen just two top flight matches so far this season but
has been given the role of officiating this coming Saturday, when Roberto
Martinez's side provide the next opposition at the Boleyn Ground.
Tierney, who at just 35 is one of the league's youngest officials is one of
only four referees NOT to have issued a red card in the Premier League this
season - and his average of 2.5 yellow cards per match is well below the
mean number dished out by card happy officials so far this season.
Meanwhile Martin Atkinson, who has issues the most yellow cards in the
Premier League this term - no less than 46 in his first ten matches - is
scheduled to be fourth official, alongside linesmen D Bryan and A Nunn.
So far this season, only four of West Ham United's 11 Premier League
fixtures have ended with 22 players on the field.
Four Hammers - Adrian (vs Leicester), Carl Jenkinson (vs Bournemouth), Mark
Noble (vs Liverpool) and James Collins (vs Watford) have seen red whilst
three opponents - Jeremain Lens (Sunderland), Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace)
and Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - have also enjoyed an early bath.
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Monday musings: A Hammers horror show
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd November 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road
on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford. And it was
a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise
their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League. During
his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his
squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the
Hornets. However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers
having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from
the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn
Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.
That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against
the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool
and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.
Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday
was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed
just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard
to take all three points. Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a
plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an
uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the
previously-reliable James Tomkins. My Under Nines players know better than
to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's
exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus
gifting Watford the opening goal. And just three minutes after the restart,
Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where
Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.
Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig
Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West
Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game. And their misery was
compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six
minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on
Watford's match winner Ighalo. It was the fourth successive West Ham match
in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on
the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this
season. That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this
season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table'
in 2014/15!
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Slav wants Sakho back for Everton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has again acknowledged the difference Diafra Sakho makes to his
West Ham side and wants him back for the match against Everton. However, he
has refused to blame Andy Carroll's mistake which led to the first goal as
the reason why we lost the game declaring: "It cost us big time but we
didn't lose because of that." Sakho's energy and relentless running has been
regularly mentioned as a key factor in the teams successes this season and
even Palace defender Damien Delaney paid special attention to his
contribution following the in at Selhurst Park.
Bilic said: "We missed Sakho up front. He is one of those players who has
that kind of energy and he is the man who is pressing up front, although
Andy was very brave. So he (Sakho) was missed and I hope he is going to be
back for Everton. In the unlikely event of Sakho missing the game it could
well be that Enner Valencia may get the shout as his game appears 'closer'
to that of the the main man. Although the team lacked it's normal urgency
and creative flair against Watford it has to be remembered that we were
missing our best defender and striker. With the two of them back at the
Bolyen at the weekend I am convinced we can get a result against our bogey
team.
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Irons set for Everton double boost
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are hoping that Winston Reid will be back for the game against
Everton with Alex Song set to take his place on the bench for the time this
season. Reid's absence was seriously noticeable on Saturday as the Hammers
were caught flailing at times against a twin strike force which caused them
constant problems. James Tomkins commented that it was unusual to face a
double threat up front as not many clubs play that way these days. It could
have been a whole lot different had we had number one defender Reid at the
back – preferably with the gifted Song in front of him! A club source
revealed this morning that the Kiwi is on the mend and likely to make it for
the match against Everton although Song is an unlikely starter. He said:
"Winston looks as though he will probably make it and with Alex on the bench
possibly coming on as sub we could send out a very strong team."
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Bilic's 'dirty work' call
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is still reflecting on the Watford experiene but has sent an
upbeat message to the fans. With Everton at the weekend he declared: "We
have learnt that lesson now and I see no reason why we should not come back
the way we played before. " And he explained to www.whufc.com: "Manchester
City will beat you with class but someone like Watford are better at the
'dirty work' than them so you need to match them and that is something we
did not do on Saturday. We were nowhere what is required to win those kind
of games. "You are going to lose game as it is the Premier League. Apart
from the first ten minutes, when Watford approached us with a lot of
respect, and we had a lot of the ball. "But when they smelt that we were not
penetrating them enough and a lot of our movement and passing was backwards
then they smelt the opportunity to come up and go with us. "But Number one
thing we have to do is run together as a team, do the dirty work and win
second balls. If we are like that then we have a chance against any team."
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No "hidden agendas" at West Ham anymore
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has admitted that Slaven Bilic is binding everything together at
West Ham declaring: "That's his job and despite the weekend result he's
doing it brilliantly." Gold has spoken at length to this site about the new
spirit across the Irons squad and says: "I have run a lot of businesses and
the atmosphere in the work place is created by the top managers. "At a
football club the coach is the pivotal figure, everything hangs around him
and Slaven is sorting out West Ham in his own image. "The first thing we
looked for when he was interviewed was passion and he has it in spades but
he's a down to earth guy who brings real dignity to the club in his general
attitude. It's a totally different situation to ones I have known
previously. There's are no hidden agendas with the manager – he is ready to
share his thoughts with myself and David Sullivan. There have been times
when managers have acted as though they are part of the secret service and
kept stuff to themselves but that's all gone. "West Ham is a great club to
be a part of these days."
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Leroy;s verdict: Here's why it all went wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I'm afraid whichever way I look at it Andy Carroll has to go back to the
bench for the game against Everton even should Diafra Sakho remain
unavailable. It's been said very often already this weekend but it was shown
very clearly that there needs to be a major overhaul in the system for AC to
become No 1 again and I don't see it happening. We have been incredibly
successful before Saturday because Sakho's running pushes the opposition
further and further back and there's no need to pump balls forward . That's
because he creates the space for Payet and Lanzini to run at defenders and
create the sort of chances that have brought so many goals this season. Andy
plays with his back to defenders and they know he won't get in behind them
and thus they can – as Watford did – get hold of midfield and stifle our
creative players.
It was all shown so clearly at Vicarage Road – neither Payet or Lanzini were
at the races and that is the reason why. People have been saying it's
worrying if we have to rely on one player such as Sakho but every team has
one that's essential to the system – Sanchez at Arsenal, Aguero at
Manchester City and so on. It's nothing to worry about – it's just the way
it is. We need him back quickly.
However, should he still be out at the weekend then Slav mus surely go with
Valencia ho has the pace to worry defenders. OK he's not as good technically
as Diafra but he would do more of a job than Andy managed I reckon. Where
all this leaves AC I don't really know and I'm not particularly worried
about that because all that matters to me is the team and the way it
performs.
Slaven has to manage that situation and if using AC as an impact sub is what
he decides then that's that. If it doesn't suit the player and he starts
getting agitated well there we are. Andy will have decisions to make.
There's another possibility and it concerns Antonio. Can he do the type of
job needed when Sak's not around. This weekend isn't the time to find out
but it's a possibility. Slav will have thought of that one before me I'm
sure and it's going to be interesting finding out t some stage
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Jekyll and Hyde …or Victor Moses
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
I was watching the new serialisation of Jekyll and Hyde last night (Sun)
when Victor Moses came into my mind. He got off lightly this weekend only
because poor old Andy Carroll and to a lesser extent James Tomkins was
taking all the stick but so far he has done a pretty good impersonation of
Robert Louis Stevenson's fictional character in a West Ham shirt.
jekyllMoses never got a mention in all the criticism following the game yet
that first 45 minutes was a thoroughly awful outing. To be honest I'd been
warned when he signed on loan that the Chelsea midfielder comes with a
health warning having been told he's either brilliant and doing remarkable
things with a football or playing in a manner which has you wondering
whether he'd be better off in another occupation. His control, touch and
shooting abilities had completely deserted him against Watford. How on earth
that appearance could justify the £185k he apparently picking up as part of
the loan deal beggars belief. Rumours inside football for several years have
been that the player is actually five years old than his quoted age and a
look at his photo certainly gives the impression that he is a very mature 24
year old!
Be that as it may, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt along with the
others that Saturday was a bad day at the office for him and everybody else.
But there's one player in the squad who will be watching his form very
closely – a certain Michail Antonio who may just be wondering whether his
chance is just around the corner.
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Collins "indiscipline" dubbed a disgrace
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins' foul which led to his sending off has been dubbed a
disgrace. And ClaretandHugh's Leroy Rosenior – making it clear the lack of
discipline shown by the defender was extremely worrying – added: "West Ham
must never lose their discipline like that – I found it the most worrying
aspect of the afternoon." "Collins has to be annoyed and disappointed with
himself. He has been around a long time and the lunge which saw him sent off
was truly shameful. It was almost a case of assault. Terrible indiscipline
"Some people were saying he was showing passion but I'd say he was showing
his stupidity. You can't behave like that because you are getting a beating
and that is all it was about. "There had been no provocation. He just didn't
seem to be able to handle the fact that we were out of the game. Now he's
unavailable for the next one and if Winston Reid isn't available that could
create a big problem." Leroy added: "I hope it is made very clear to him
that'e let everybody down but chiefly himself. We want none of that at West
Ham. "I was all the more shocked because he has been waiting patiently for a
chance, played well when he got it and then acted like that. Really not
good."
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Jose Mourinho given one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine for behaviour
during West Ham defeat
18:12, 2 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:32, 2 NOV 2015
BY JOHN CROSS , LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Portuguese was sent to the stands during the match last month — and is
now barred from Britannia trip that could be his final game in charge
The Mirror
Jose Mourinho has been hit with a stadium ban as the Football Association
declared war on the Chelsea boss. Boss Mourinho was also fined £40,000 and
will not be allowed to attend the struggling champions' game at Stoke on
Saturday, even though it could decide his fate as manager. It is not the
first time the Portuguese has been given a stadium ban and it was claimed he
sneaked in hidden in a laundry basket after UEFA banned him following a
bust-up during a Champions League game with Barcelona. The punishment this
time was handed out after Mourinho swore at referee Jon Moss during half
time of Chelsea's defeat to West Ham last month. He was then sent to the
stands. Mourinho will be able to give a team talk at the hotel, but won't be
allowed near the stadium or to make contact with his coaching staff during
the game. Chelsea can appeal the ban but said on Monday evening that they
would await the FA's written reasons, which are likely to be given before
the weekend. This punishment is in addition to the suspended stadium ban and
£50,000 fine, which he is currently appealing following his post-match
verbal onslaught on referee Bobby Madley following the defeat by
Southampton. The verdict of that appeal is due on Tuesday.
It is clear the FA, fed up with his string of misdemeanors, are determined
to send a strong message to Mourinho and it will not help his position at
Chelsea with his job hanging by a thread following the club's awful start to
the season. An FA statement read: "Following an Independent Regulatory
Commission hearing today, Jose Mourinho has been given a one-match stadium
suspension with immediate effect and fined £40,000. "The Chelsea manager
admitted an FA charge of misconduct regarding his language and/or behaviour
towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area during
half-time of the game against West Ham United on 24 October 2015. "With
regard to Chelsea coach Silvino Louro, who denied an FA misconduct charge in
relation to the same game, The FA, having considered further representation,
withdrew the formal charge of improper conduct but reminded him of his
responsibilities."
Alan Pardew, Billy Davies and long-time Mourinho lieutenant Rui Faria have
served stadium bans in the past. It was Faria who famously wore a hat that
appeared to be concealing an ear-piece during the Champions League game when
Mourinho was not meant to be in the stadium or in touch with any of his
staff. The news is the latest blow to the Portuguese, who is under-pressure
after Chelsea's nightmare start to the season. The Blues have lost six times
already in the Premier League this season and find themselves languishing in
15th in the table. Saturday's home defeat to Liverpool left Mourinho
fighting for his job, with the Portuguese thought to have two games to save
his future. He will be on the bench for Tuesday's Champions League clash
with Dynamo Kiev but a loss at the Britannia stadium, where he now won't
even be present, could be decisive. Off the pitch, Mourinho is set to be
the subject of an individual legal claim from former club doctor Eva
Carneiro. The claim against him will be on the basis that he was
instrumental in the actions against Carneiro in having her dropped from
first-team duties and effectively demoted. Mourinho was cleared of using
discriminatory language towards her following an investigation by the
Football Association, which caused further controversy after Carneiro
revealed she had not been spoken to personally during the investigation, nor
asked to provide any statement.
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Eight league titles in four different countries – Carlos Tevez is a born
winner
Date: 2nd November 2015 at 1:25 pm
Written by: David Smith | Comments (0)
By Harry Harris
CARLOS Tevez left his mark on English football with Manchester United, City
and West Ham and has now become a winner again back in his home land. The
little non-stop striker has inspired Boca Juniors to the Argentine Primera
Division championship, his eighth league title in four countries, which is
some feat. Tevez re-signed for Boca in June after winning titles in Brazil,
England and Italy with Corinthians, Manchester United, Manchester City and
Juventus, and his never-give-up style has proven to be infectious wherever
he has gone. With United he won two Premier League titles and the Champions
League, there was a third league crown with City, before he helped Juve lift
the 2013 and 2014 Scudetto in Italy. Tevez and Javier Macherano also left
their mark on English football for the wrong reason having been caught up in
the infamous third party ownership fiasco at West Ham. Tevez also helped
Juve to the Champions League final last season and since he returned to his
'home' Boca won 11 of 14 matches after the 31-year-old returned to his
boyhood club. "I've won championships in many places but nothing compares
with this," said Tevez, with his comments on the BBC sports web site this
morning Boca were crowned champions with a match to spare as they beat Tigre
1-0 on Sunday. After Tevez, who has 74 caps for his country, helped Boca
claim the 2003 title, he had a league-winning spell with Corinthians. A
high-profile transfer to England with West Ham followed in the summer of
2006, with all the headlines that followed him with the third party
ownership issue, before he moved on to Manchester United, Manchester City,
and then Serie A side Juventus.
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Heurelho Gomes outlines a Slaven Bilic tactic which helped Watford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Watford won 2-0 against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes explained on the Goals on Sunday show on
Sky Sports 1 on Sunday morning how a certain tactic from West Ham United
manager Slaven Bilic helped them win this weekend. The Hornets got the
better of West Ham 2-0 at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Saturday.
Odion Ighalo's goals in the 39th and the 48th minutes proved to be enough
for Watford to pick up all three points. Gomes, who played for the entire 90
minutes, explained on the Goals on Sunday show on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday
morning how the Hammers playing striker Andy Carroll up front helped
Watford. "We spoke before the game that if Andy Carroll plays, then we need
to set a bit more high because they can play long ball," said the
34-year-old. "I think that helped us as well… I believe that it helped us
when Carroll came to play."
Carroll was at fault for Watford's opening goal of the match. The former
Newcastle United and Liverpool striker sliced a clearance under no pressure
at all, and despite having time to clear with Nathan Ake bearing down, he
tried to turn the Watford man, who stole the ball and crossed to Igahlo.
Over the course of the 90 minutes at Vicarage Road, the England
international took one shot, had a pass accuracy of 58%, created one chance,
and made four clearances and two blocks.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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