West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to release their accounts for the year ended 31 May 2015
The accounts show another record-breaking year for the Club as all areas of income increased, creating total additional revenue of £6m. Turnover was up to £120.7m from £114.8m last year and this helped deliver a second consecutive group operating profit of £3m.
The profit was delivered alongside an expansive and hugely successful £32.5m recruitment drive last summer that delivered nine new players including the likes of Hammer of the Year Aaron Cresswell, top scorer Diafra Sakho and internationals Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia Alex Song and Carl Jenkinson.
Away from the pitch, there was a 13.7% increase in retail sales, achieving a club record high in turnover of £7.3m, while commercial and sponsorship increased by 6.5%, achieving £14.6m of revenue - another Club record.
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "My Board and I are again satisfied with the achievements we have made this season (2014/15). The highlights for us being:
• Retaining our Premier League status in what was a very competitive year;
• Making huge progress in our preparation for our move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016/17 season;
• Our fantastic support despite a disappointing second half of the season.
• Our recruitment of a new First Team Management team, led by Slaven Bilic. We would like to thank Sam Allardyce and his staff for their work at the Club over the last four years.
"At the start of the season we invested a net total of £32.5m and bought Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diafra Sakho, Diego Poyet and Morgan Amalfitano, and also took Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song on loan from Arsenal and Barcelona respectively. The new players all had a positive impact, particularly in the first half of the season.
"Subsequent to the year end, we have further invested in the playing staff for the 2015/16 season with the significant investment into the purchases of Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Michail Antonio, Nikica Jelavic, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph. We have also taken Carl Jenkinson, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and Alex Song on loan, and extended the contracts of some key players; Diafra Sakho, Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid.
"This was truly a season of two halves, with a scintillating and uplifting start and then a disappointing period after Christmas. Hopefully we will, in the 2015/16 season, have more results like the first half of 2014/15.
"Once again, this season, our last at the Boleyn Ground after 112 years of playing here, will bring its own challenges, but we continue to believe we will deliver both on and off the pitch by investing in the team, the brand and managing the business well. We all hope it will be one of our best seasons ever."
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "2014/15 was another satisfactory year for the club both on and off the pitch as we once again retained our Premier League status and improved our position in the table. We were officially recognised as one of the world's leading football brands by Brandfinance, placing us in the top eight most valuable brands in Premier League clubs and 16th overall in the world's top 50 most valuable football brands for 2015. We increased our revenues again and made an operating profit of £8.5m.
"Through the hard work of a fantastic, dedicated, loyal and determined team both on and off the pitch the club has grown in size, revenue and in stature this season. The management team off the pitch were able to capitalise and maximise on all the opportunities the Manager and the team delivered on the pitch for half of the season, and to this end I would like to offer my thanks to Sam Allardyce and his team and wish them well for the future.
"The Olympic Stadium offers enormous commercial and brand opportunities, and we have a strategy to deliver sell-out crowds and enter that stadium with a team that are befitting of such an amazing iconic venue.
"Finally, we know that we have set a level of expectation amongst our supporters this year, our last at the Boleyn Ground, our home for the last 112 years, and I, my Board and all the staff on and off the pitch relish the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful and successful farewell this year and believe we have both the strategy and people to deliver much more in years to come."
[Peter R ] I have attached the accounts - not sure if Google will remove them :)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Everton
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Hammers' fixture with Everton, manager Slaven Bilic faced the media. The boss answered a variety of questions from team news, facing his former club Everton and how bouncing back from the Watford defeat.
Good morning Slaven, can we start with Saturday's team news?
SB: "Diafra Sakho is still out, it is nothing major, he did normal training on Thursday last week but then felt something in his thigh. Unfortunately it is a small tear and he is out for Saturday's game. He should be back for our first game after the international break. "It's a set back because he's a very important player for us, he does a lot for the team and the way we are playing. He has energy, he is impulsive and he dictates the rhythm of the game."
How about Alex Song?
SB: "He has just started training with the team, his first session was just before the Watford game, he's been with us for one week and he has no problems now. Now I is just a matter of fitness and regaining match fitness. He will play in the friendly game on Wednesday; he is a naturally fit guy so hopefully he will back ready soon."
And Winston Reid?
SB: "He is OK, he picked up an injury against Sunderland, but now has recovered well. He is very important for us so we are happy to have him back."
Is facing Everton a special game for you?
SB: "Yes, on one hand yes, on the other no. Every game is special for different reasons. Everton are a great side, big club with good players. It's a great test for us and I am looking forward to it, definitely yes."
I don't if you are aware but West Ham have one win against Everton in 17 games, how important is that?
SB: "That is a lot, it must be eight years or so. I didn't know that to be fair, but it shows how difficult Saturday's game will be. It's a bit of a surprise to me but it doesn't worry me too much because those games are in the past. It will only affect us if we allow it to, if we think about it too much then it might have an impact on confidence, but we should be able to deal with that. "Every game is different, and you have to go and prove yourself from the first whistle every time."
And is Enner Valencia getting closer to starting a match?
SB: "Yes he is, we've got options at the moment. From a fitness perspective he is in a good way, he just needs to get his match fitness up. He is very close to being ready, but it depends which game that'll be. We will make a decision either today or tomorrow about who starts."
Everton will be very confident after winning 6-2, you're obviously coming off the back of a defeat, how import could that be?
SB: "Everton played very well against Sunderland, deserved to win the game, so they will be confident and they have the momentum. They were a bit shaky for a home performance, 2-0 up to then being 2-2, but came through it and then dominated, every attack they had looked dangerous. Our game against Watford was strange, not for the Premier League, but for us. We weren't near to our usual levels but overall we look dangerous too, we are scoring quite a lot.
"We lost at Watford, but we know why we lost and we can learn from that and make sure it doesn't happen again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View on the Opposition - Everton
WHUFC.com
The Independent's football writer Simon Hart gives us the lowdown on Saturday's visitors.
Everton are currently ninth in the league table, what have you made of their start to the season?
"Away from home they've looked really dangerous, and they look like they can really hurt teams. At home, they've had more of a challenging fixture list, they've played the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea. Whereas away, they hadn't lost an away game until they played Arsenal two weeks ago, even in that game they showed what a good attacking threat they have."
Last season, Roberto Martinez came under a bit of pressure, what's his standing with the Everton fans now?
"He was under pressure after last season's disappointment. With the difficult fixture list he knew they needed to start well, it hasn't been spectacular but it's been pretty solid overall. There have definitely been more positives then minuses. An additional source of optimism is their League Cup run which makes a nice change given their record in recent years.
"The win against Sunderland was very important because they'd won just one win before that game. They really needed to demonstrate to the home supporters what they can do; winning 6-2 certainly did that."
Romelu Lukaku always seems to score against West Ham, who else has caught the eye this season?
"Let's hope he keeps his tradition going! He played extremely well against Sunderland and he's clearly enjoying the developing partnership with Arouna Kone. Kone has been a bit of a revelation, there were a few boos when he came on against Watford, but he helped turn that game and scored the equalising goal. He looks fit finally after a series of injuries; you can now see why Martinez wants him in the first team.
"Ross Barkley has looked a more confident player, he's still learning but there have been some good signs from him. Gareth Barry has had some very good games and Phil Jagielka was in superb form until the injury. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves.
"The other revelation is Brendan Galloway, with Baines being injured, which was a huge blow, the inexperienced Galloway has come in and done really, really well. He's not been daunted by the games he's played in at all. He's grown in confidence and looks like a really exciting prospect."
Today's game is the first time Slaven Bilic faces Everton as a Premier League manager, how do you think he's coped since arriving in the summer?
"Looking at some of the results I think he's done well. He's always been a colourful character with his law degree and personality. He's certainly not your average manager.
"As a player at Everton, he didn't really get the chance to show what he could do as he was injured for a large part. It was also a difficult time at the club as they managed to avoid relegation. I haven't seen any West Ham games live yet; from the highlights I've seen I've been very impressed."
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
"Lukaku hat-trick for sure! Hopefully Adrian won't score this time though, that was a great cup tie and what the FA Cup is all about. Evertonians will certainly miss coming to Upton Park, it's a great place to watch football, but they have a freakishly good record here compared to other London clubs!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
They say that a week is a long time in politics, and the same can certainly be said to be the case in football!
In my column last week, I said we hoped to have a full squad for the game at Watford, but unfortunately we lost Diafra Sakho and Pedro Obiang to quadriceps – thigh – injuries suffered in training and they missed the match at Vicarage Road.
Meanwhile, we have positive news about Winston Reid, who has been training with the squad for two weeks now and is getting stronger every day. He has got a good number of training days under his belt and was also boosted by seeing his fellow New Zealanders win the Rugby World Cup!
Alex Song and Doneil Henry returned to training with the squad at the end of last week and are now ready for the busy winter period.
West Ham United were one of eight clubs to take part in a recent research study with University College London into the oral health of players.
Bad hygiene, eating and drinking the wrong foods and drinks can cause painful issues and affect performance, so the Club has proactively introduced screening for the players to avoid these problems. You can read about this here.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham announce record turnover in 2015 accounts
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced a record turnover of £121million, in the latest annual accounts released today.
The club increased last season's figure - a record in itself - by £6million following a season in which the club finished 12th in the Premier League and qualified for European competition for the first time since 2007. However the actual profit for the year was down from £10.3million in 2014 to just under £3million this year.
That West Ham United FC continue to make a profit was largely the result of increased TV revenue, which accounted for £79million last season compared to £75million in 2013/14. Match receipts (£20million) and commercial activities (£14.5million) were similar to the numbers recorded in last year's accounts, as were retail and merchandising results (up from £6.3million to £7.3million).
However the trend of reducing the club's wages to turnover ratio was well and truly bucked, with 2015's figure of 60 per cent up on 2014's ratio of 55.6 per cent (although any figure lower than 70 per cent is generally considered to be healthy). The club's overall wage bill increased from £63.9million last year to £72.7million.
With view to non-player salaries, the Board's wages accounted for £907,000, up by £78,000; the highest paid Director, believed to be vice chair Karren Brady earned £646,000 - a rise of £10,000 on last year (1.5%).
Co-chairman David Sullivan said: "My Board and I are again satisfied with the achievements we have made this season (2014/15). At the start of the season we invested a net total of £32.5million. The new players all had a positive impact, particularly in the first half of the season.
"This was truly a season of two halves, with a scintillating and uplifting start and then a disappointing period after Christmas. Hopefully we will, in the 2015/16 season, have more results like the first half of 2014/15."
Vice chair Karren Brady added: "2014/15 was another satisfactory year for the club both on and off the pitch as we once again retained our Premier League status and improved our position in the table. We increased our revenues again and made an operating profit of £8.5m.
"Through the hard work of a fantastic, dedicated, loyal and determined team both on and off the pitch the club has grown in size, revenue and in stature this season. The Olympic Stadium offers enormous commercial and brand opportunities, and we have a strategy to deliver sell-out crowds and enter that stadium with a team that are befitting of such an amazing iconic venue."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho out of Everton clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is out of Saturday's clash with Everton having failed to recover from the injury sustained in training last week. The 25-year-old striker was a surprise omission from the team that was beaten 2-0 at Watford last Saturday - an absence later explained as a muscle injury. And Slaven Bilic confirmed this morning that the Senegal international will this week's fixture with the manager's former club, whom he joined after leaving West Ham as a player in 1997. "It is nothing major, he go injured during training," explained Bilic. "He trained normally last Thursday before the Watford game but then he felt something and unfortunately, it was a small tear. "It is a rupture in his thigh and he is out for Saturday's game, but the prognosis is that he should be fit for the game after the international break, which is against Spurs. "It is a setback for us as he is a very important player, the way he plays means he is important for the team and the way we are playing. He has energy, he is impulsive and he dictates the rhythm of the game with his pace, quality and determination. "It is a blow for us and of course he was in good form, but it's not a major setback."
Sakho has scored five goals for West Ham already this season in his first 12 appearances (three in the Premier League from 10 matches). The goalscorer was in the news earlier this week after it was confirmed that charges against him relating to a double arrest back in August had been dropped by Police.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will challenge for Europe, says Martinez
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Everton boss Robert Martinez insists that Slaven Bilic's West Ham will challenge for a place in the top five of the Premier League this season following an excellent start to the campaign.
Martinez's side go into the game in the best possible shape themselves, having thrashed Sunderland 6-2 at home last weekend. However the Spanish manager admitted that he was wary of Bilic's side, who he believes are a different proposition to any West Ham teams he may have faced in the past. "I think it's going to be a really tough game, because the biggest strength of this West Ham side is that they play with an incredible belief and confidence," he told the media this lunchtime. "The results they've had show the benefit of having the belief that you can beat those sides, to get the results that they've had away from home. It's very impressive. On top of that, they've had new players come in and a new manager playing a very different way to how they used to. I think it's going to be a terrific challenge. "They're clearly going to be a team challenging for the top five positions in the league, that's how impressive they've been. We've got to make sure that we're ready to face them. In my eyes, they've been the most impressive side this season along with Leicester."
And with regards to how both teams fared last weekend, Martinez dismissed a suggestion that West Ham's 2-0 defeat at Watford means they will go into this Saturday's clash at the Boleyn lacking in confidence. "Watford are a team that people probably don't understand how difficult it is to play against," he insisted. "They're very strong and well organised. West Ham probably weren't at their best on the day in terms of the goals that they conceded, but they still had chances and the result could have been very different. "Even though they lost they were still in the game. You get those sort of results over the course of the season - but over the course of all 11 games, West Ham have been very impressive and they deserve they points they have. "They've been unfortunate in a couple of games from which they probably should have got better results, but the wins they have were not lucky in any shape or form. "The game against Sunderland gives us a real sense of confidence in terms of what we can do going forward. We know we have to improve in certain aspects, but you will always take confidence from scoring six goals from open play. "We see the West Ham game as one of the games of the season for many reasons. The main reason is that West Ham have beaten the best teams in the opening few weeks of the campaign and we want to be at our best against a team that is in form and a team that has surprised many opposing teams."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Still no West Ham players, Roy?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's English contingent have once again been entirely overlooked by England manager Roy Hodgson. Hodgson, who was present at the Boleyn Ground to watch West Ham's most recent home game - the 2-1 win over current Premier League champions Chelsea - has once again failed to include a single Hammer in his squad for the forthcoming games against Spain and France.
However 21-year-old Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been included for the first time ever - as is team mate Dele Alli, who was called up to the squad for the first time last month after featuring in just four Premier League matches.
Defenders James Tomkins and Aaron Cresswell, both of whom have been in good form of late lose out to the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Bertrand, whilst Andy Carroll - who was an outside bet for a recall - loses out as Hodgson has only named three strikers in his 23-man group.
England are scheduled to face Spain in Alicante on Friday, 13 November before hosting the French at Wembley on Tuesday, 17 November. The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City).
There was however slightly better news for West Ham's youngsters, with both goalkeeper Sam Howes and defender Reece Oxford being named in Aidy Boothroyd's 21-man under 19 squad for the forthcoming matches with the Netherlands and Japan. Oxford, who has made three Premier League appearances this season and who previously captained England's under 17s receives the nod from Boothroyd for the first time.
Goalkeepers: Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United), Sam Howes (West Ham United).
Defenders: Jonjoe Kenny (Everton), Callum Connolly (Everton), Tafari Moore (Arsenal), Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City), Jake Clarke-Salter (Chelsea), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur), Taylor Moore (RC Lens), Reece Oxford (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Ryan Ledson (Everton), Lewis Cook (Leeds United), Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Ipswich Town, loan from Arsenal), Dan Crowley (Arsenal).
Forwards: Sheyi Ojo (Wolverhampton Wanderers, loan from Arsenal), Patrick Roberts (Manchester City), Adam Armstrong (Coventry City, loan from Newcastle United), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Izzy Brown (Vitesse Arnhem, loan from Chelsea).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham put Premier League safety first ahead of Olympic Stadium move
Last Updated: 05/11/15 5:36pm
SSN
West Ham's vice-chairman Karren Brady says the Olympic Stadium will be "one of the greatest arenas in world football" but admits it is an "absolute necessity" the club retain their Premier League status. The Hammers will relocate to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016/17 season and Brady revealed in West Ham's annual report the new venue will open up "enormous" commercial opportunities. "Retention of our [Premier League] status in the 2015/16 season is an absolute necessity for the future well-being of the club, as we will be moving to our new home in the 2016/17 season and a new improved broadcast deal will be in place," said Brady. "The Olympic Stadium offers enormous commercial and brand opportunities and we have a strategy in place to deliver sell-out crowds and enter the stadium with a team that are befitting of such an amazing iconic venue. "As plans take shape it becomes even more apparent that our new home will be one of the greatest arenas in world football and a platform to transform the future of our great club."
Brady said the new roof, retractable seating and turnstiles had all been completed and the dressing rooms were nearly finished. Brady also revealed there had been a "phenomenal demand" for corporate hospitality, with only 200 of the 3,700 luxury seats in the 54,000-capacity stadium remaining unsold up until last month. The move should also help the club close the financial gap on their rivals. West Ham's matchday revenue stood at only £20m last season. Manchester United and Arsenal both generate more than £100m per game, while Tottenham, who are also moving stadium, take around £40m on a matchday. West Ham's annual report also revealed a profit after tax of just under £3m for the 2014/15 season. The annual accounts show West Ham's turnover was £120.7m for last season, up from £114.8m, while the wage bill rose £8.8m to £72.7m, 60 per cent of turnover. The club's overall gross debt is £89.1m with £49.2m owed to shareholders David Sullivan and David Gold.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic tells West Ham to forget poor Everton record
Last Updated: 05/11/15 1:11pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic says West Ham's poor record against Everton should count for nothing when the sides meet on Saturday. The Hammers have won just one of the clubs' past 17 meetings, and that was a penalty shoot-out success in last season's FA Cup. But Bilic is preparing for just another game despite his own links with Everton, where he spent three years as a player, and he wants his squad to have the same attitude. "That is a lot," the West Ham boss said when he was asked about the recent run of results. "It must be eight years or so. I didn't know that to be fair, but it shows how difficult Saturday's game will be. "It's a bit of a surprise to me, but it doesn't worry me too much because those games are in the past. It will only affect us if we allow it to. If we think about it too much then it might have an impact on confidence, but we should be able to deal with that. "Every game is different, and you have to go and prove yourself from the first whistle every time."
Bilic left West Ham for Everton in the summer of 1997 and, asked whether a game against his old club was special, he said: "On one hand yes, on the other no. Every game is special for different reasons. "Everton are a great side, big club with good players. It's a great test for us and I am looking forward to it, definitely yes."
West Ham are still without Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia this weekend, while Alex Song will build up his fitness with an appearance in a friendly match next week, but Winston Reid is available.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IT'S NOT HOW BIG IT IS, IT'S HOW YOU USE IT
By Iain Dale 5 Nov 2015 at 18:00 121 comments
WTID
Guest Post by Terence Bates
IT'S NOT HOW BIG YOU ARE… IT'S HOW YOU USE IT
One of the best players in the world is some would say the diminutive yet undoubtedly talented, Lionel Messi. He stands at 1.70 metres (which is around 5' 6"). Peter Crouch on the other hand is 2.03 metres (a whopping 6' 8"). Who would you rather have had in your team? It's surely a no brainer of course.
West Ham United have found an absolute gem in Messi's Argentine compatriot Manuel Lanzini who is virtually the same height as Lionel Messi. Andy Carroll in contrast is 1.91 metres (around 6' 3"). Different players yes who bring a contrast to the game, but who of those two brings you more pleasure?
There is good reason as to why I am bringing up the subject of size. Over the last ten years, I have coached children's community football right up to U16's. During that time, I have witnessed all manner of things… the good, the bad and the downright ugly. I am passionate about the development of the game at grass roots level and have often commented on the size-ist attitude we have, particularly in kid's community and youth football.
I was for example once told that the Fulham scouts were only looking for 'big' athletic boys to take into their academies, the bigger the better. This to me at least seemed to be played out by many of the scouts scouring the playing fields, the flats and marshes for football talent, they often didn't see what I did. I am sure this mode of thinking of the bigger the better was part of Sam Allardyce's thinking, or perhaps that's unfair?
The team I managed and coached was based in Hackney and in essence are the closest club to the Olympic stadium, the Hammers new home. We were moderately successful despite chronic lack of funding and my somewhat 'holistic' coaching ways and we were always competing at the top of the league, reaching cup finals and a couple of years back we won our league, we had some really good players. 'Hoof ball' was often prevalent with the more successful kids teams especially on an 11 a side pitch and this was where the bigger more athletic kids often prevailed.
Many of the boys that were in our team literally started as 6 year olds and I worked with them until last season, until ill health encouraged me to take a sabbatical. Players came and went to professional academies, but there is one boy who stuck out for a myriad of reasons.
I obviously can't name him (yet). His ethnic background was an exotic mix of Indian and Irish. I bring this specifically up because of the lack of Indian or indeed Asian players in professional football, which from a West Ham perspective considering the cultural make up close to Upton Park, is quite surprising. But there is a far more pertinent reason I write this.
This boy like most kids is footie mad, he would practice and practice, particularly ball skills and juggling. I took great pride in watching him develop and also became frustrated as he was overlooked. I could see what he had in abundance. The district team incredibly in my view didn't and failed to select him for district level preferring other players we had. The Premier League scouts took him in for assessment at London clubs and essentially spat him out at an early age. It really disappointed me, god knows what it was doing to him or to other kids in that situation whose hopes get raised at too early an age and are then deflated a year or so later.
I am certain the reason he was not selected was essentially his size. He was a very small lad with matchstick thin legs, he looked like he would get buried under the stronger bigger boys and end up in the back of an ambulance. But here is the rub, his ball skills and dribbling were often unreal.
I had a simple theory to his skillset, the closer to the ground the brain is, the better the control on the feet, fuse into this that he was always playing against bigger boys then the brain develops more creatively in order to find ways of beating opponents who were always bigger than him. Small keeps the ball, was the indelible impression he has given me.
When he was 13 we won our league, much of the success was down to him as we won 18 games on the trot. In one game I had to rub my eyes in disbelief as I watched him receive the ball with his back to two big midfield players, he swivelled his hips and lifted the ball over both player's heads leaving them standing as he sauntered past, he was then faced with two defenders and in that same move, he had flicked the ball over their heads and circumnavigated them… the whole double movement was executed in under five seconds. It was magic, I was salivating watching this, indeed at the time I said I would have paid to see that piece of skill. Upton Park or any other professional would have erupted at witnessing this.
Still he wasn't 'scouted' that was until…. we played a friendly match ironically against a community club with ties to West Ham.
We played one Saturday morning and the coach from this side had arranged for various scouts to come and watch the game. He had disappointedly boasted to one of our other coaches that they were coming to look at his players and that they would probably win by ten goals or more, such was the quality in their team, some of whom were involved with West Ham, as he kept reminding us.
However… the game didn't pan out that way. Our team were 2-1 down at half time and in a storming second half finish we won 7-3, The boys had smashed the opposition leaving the opposing coach with his shaking head in his hands. Cue the QPR scout to come up to me enquiring about our star player asking for the lad's parents to contact him.
A year later and now 14, he signed some provisional agreement with QPR. He hasn't quite made it yet, but I am really hoping he does. My only regret with this lad is he wasn't signed by West Ham…. but I live in hope!
Due to this experience and observations over many seasons of kid's football, I have always cited that Lionel Messi or for that matter Manuel Lanzini would get overlooked by our club's, football scouts and coaches. It is a predictable systemic approach that I saw over a ten-year period, but one I really hope is changing. Asian boys in particular can be on the smaller side and I have seen from my regular visits to India some of the raw skill and confidence on the ball they possess.
The talent is out there even in small packages.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brady awards herself a 10K pay rise
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 5, 2015 in News, Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Vice Chairman, Karren Brady awarded herself a £10,000 pay rise last year. The increase has been revealed in West Ham financial accounts which were released earlier today. The accounts show that the 'highest paid director' at West Ham, understood to be Baroness Brady, awarded herself the 1.6% increase which means her salary package was increased from £636,000 to £646,000 per annum in the financial year ending 31st May 2015. The rise is worth around £100 extra per week to her after tax. The news comes a week after the House of Lords Tory peer backed the call for cuts in tax credits during a defeated vote. She earns £300 per day each time she turns up at the House of Lords in that role. Baroness Karren Brady of Knightsbridge CBE is also a Senior Non-Executive Director on the boards of Syco Entertainment and retail multinational Arcadia Group. She is also the UK government's Small Business Ambassador. She stars in the BBC Apprentice along fellow House of Lords peer Lord Sugar and is believed to worth in excess of £82 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons OS critics flattened by £20m plus answer!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hard core critics of the deal which has seen the Hammers land the Olympic Stadium as their new home face a reality check. For already – before a single game of football has been played in the Stadium – around £20 million has been harvested from other sporting events. The Rugby World Cup finished with 307,255 Rugby fans visiting the Olympic Stadium either for the warm up game or one of the five contested at the venue.
This came on top of an estimated 100,000 athletics fans who attended the Great Newham Run or the three days of the Sainsburys Anniversary games back in July. If you average a very conservative £50 per ticket across the estimated 407,000 tickets the Olympic Stadium sold this year you get a sum in excess of £20m.
Precisely how much of this is shared with the Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP we can't be sure but it would be a sizeable chunk. This Saturday there is a Rugby Union match at the OS with The Race of Champions motor event following on the November 20. These events are likely sell out and add another 110,000 visitors to the Stadium and another £5.5m of ticket revenue.
These OS attendance figures and ticket revenue show clearly that the Olympic Stadium is a multi purpose Stadium which can generate revenue and income outside of football and was not merely converted for West Ham's benefit.
Rugby Attendances at the Olympic Stadium
2015-08-29 Barbarians v Samoa – 41,039
2015-09-23 France v Romania – 50,626
2015-09-24 New Zealand v Namibia – 51,820
2015-10-04 Ireland v Italy – 53,187
2015-10-07 South Africa v USA – 54,658
2015-10-30 South Africa v Argentina – 55,925
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howzat! Cricket at the OS
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
The chance of Cricket being played at the Olympic Stadium next year moved a step closer today. Former cricketers Ronnie Irani and Graham Gooch together with Forhad Hussain were pictured at the Olympic Stadium. Forhad Hussain posted "Great conversations about Cricket today with friends from @EssexCricket @EssexCCB – at the Olympic Stadium"
Irani and Gooch both spent their entire careers at Essex, both captaining the club. Irani is the club's Cricket Committee Chairman and Gooch the club's Ambassador. Hussain is a Newham councillor as well as a member of the Essex cricket board. Last year a deal was agreed "in principle" for Essex to play Twenty20 cricket at the London Olympic Stadium from 2016. Essex chief executive Derek Bowden said at the time that Kent and Middlesex are also interested in plans to host a T20 festival at the venue.
"In principle, there is an agreement that a two-week festival of T20-type cricket could be played at the Olympic Park from 2016," he told BBC Essex "Ourselves, Kent and Middlesex have all expressed interest in playing there."
Essex first revealed a desire to play cricket at the Olympic Park back in 2010 and in March 2012 launched a failed to bid to become a tenant of the stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender faces exit door
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
James Collins is now highly unlikely to get a new contract offer from West Ham at the end of the campaign. The club see Reece Burke as their fourth defender and – as we reported yesterday – he could be back at the club by as early as January should we receive an offer for Collins in the winter window. With Winston Reid, James Tomkins, Angelo Ogbonna, Burke and Doniel Henry available it now looks certain the Irons will move Ginge on for a small fee or part company with the 32 year old on a free in the summer.
We have been told exclusively by a club source that whilst there has been no interest from elsewhere at this stage it would be more than feasible for a struggling Premier League club or top of the table Championship outfit to be interested. And that raises the interesting scenario of a bid from the Sam Allardyce-managed Sunderland who have all sorts of defensive worries. Collins had the opportunity of a loan move to QPR in the summer but chose to take his chance in Slaven Bilic's new set up. A source told us: "We will listen to offers for James in the window. We have a strong group of central defenders. He's been a great servant and we will do what's right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold appeals for missing Antonio
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Chairman David Gold has been duped once again on twitter into appealing for a missing person which in reality is a West Ham player. One Hammers fan who only goes by the name 'RepsaJ' messaged the 79 year old Chairman last night to ask "David Gold please RT trying to raise awareness for my mate who went missing in Manchester a few weeks ago"
The message was accompanied with a photo of West Ham winger Michail Antonio who the Irons signed from Nottingham Forest in the Summer for £7m. The photo in question was previously tweeted by the player himself back on 18th October saying "Finally got my Young Britannia stuff" that same day he tweeted "I knew it wasn't going to be easy to break in to the premier league especially at a club sitting In 3rd place"
Antonio has made just one Premier League appearance, coming on in the sixtieth minute for Victor Moses at the Etihad when West Ham beat Manchester City 2-1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav warms up for Everton re-wind
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Nobody associated with West Ham has more reason to see off Everton on Saturday than manager Slaven Bilic. For after 18 years, the boss meets the club he joined from the Irons back in 1997 and now catches up with them as Irons boss!. He made just 28 appearances for Everton in three seasons after being regularly troubled by a nagging groin strain that required rest and treatment. After missing the first quarter of the season, Bilic was left wondering if he would get back into the Walter Smth – managed Everton side. He was released in July 1999. Slaven has taken stick from a certain sector of supporters for the move but players have little choice in these matters once a club decides to sell. And a victory over the Toffees first time around since taking over as boss would be tremendous for him and us given we have failed to beat the Merseysiders since 2007 thanks to Bobby Zamora. The all-time record shows us beating them 37 times, drawn 28 and lost a staggering 67 times! That's bad!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid and Valencia update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 5, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic has given the strongest indication yet that Winston Reid is set for a recall against Everton. He told the media this morning: "He is OK, he picked up an injury against Sunderland, but now has recovered well. He is very important for us so we are happy to have him back." And he also described his own feelings ahead of the game against his former club declaring: "On one hand yes (it's important) on the other no. Every game is special for different reasons. Everton are a great side, big club with good players. It's a great test for us and I am looking forward to it, definitely yes."
And commenting on a record which shows one Irons League win over The Toffees in eight years he added: "That is a lot, it shows how difficult Saturday's game will be. It's a bit of a surprise to me but it doesn't worry me too much because those games are in the past. It will only affect us if we allow it to, if we think about it too much then it might have an impact on confidence, but we should be able to deal with that. "Every game is different, and you have to go and prove yourself from the first whistle every time." He explained the team will be decided later today or tomorrow and of Enner Valencia said: "From a fitness perspective he is in a good way, he just needs to get his match fitness up. He is very close to being ready, but it depends which game that'll be.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has embarrassing accident during press conference
18:53, 5 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:06, 5 NOV 2015
BY WILL MAGEE
The guy who prepares the West Ham press room will be blushing bright red right now...
The Mirror
We've seen a lot of embarrassing moments in managerial press conferences over the years.
Whether someone has made an outlandish claim (John Carver dubbing himself "the best coach in the Premier League", for example), lost their temper or simply failed to give proper answers (Jose Mourinho, we're looking at you), the press room is often an awkward place to be.
However, we've never seen a moment of slapstick silliness quite like this before. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic had his midweek press conference interrupted earlier today - all because the table he was leaning on completely collapsed.
As he faced the media ahead of the Hammers weekend clash with Everton, the cool Croatian briefly lost his air of composure as he brushed against the flimsy furniture - only to have it crumple underneath him. He and the journalists in attendance laughed heartily while a host of staff tried frantically to fix things, fumbling over the great jumble of microphones which had slid off the slanting surface.
Slaven certainly saw the funny side. We hope whoever helped to set the room up isn't too embarrassed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stephen Hendrie slams Celtic display on Twitter, months after they wanted him
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham left back has been understandably critical of the Scottish champions. West Ham United defender Stephen Hendrie took to Twitter to brand Celtic a 'shambles' after their 2-1 defeat to Molde at Parkhead on Thursday night. Celtic had already lost 3-1 to Molde during their Europa League clash in Norway and delivered another poor performance this time around. And Hendrie, who joined West Ham despite the Daily Record reporting that the Bhoys were interested in signing him several months ago, took to social media after the loss. Indeed, the defender didn't need to use more than four words to sum Celtic's European campaign up after further disappointment - this time at Parkhead.
Stephen Hendrie @HendrieStephen Celtic are a shambles😑
As well as being a previous transfer target for Celtic, of course, the 20-year-old is a Bhoys fan, which means he is privy to how other Celtic supporters feel right now. The disappointment is palpable among the Hoops faithful as, despite their domestic superiority right now, Celtic's European campaign has indeed been an absolute 'shambles.' As for Hendrie, the defender will continue trying to make an impact at West Ham, with the Hammers due to host Everton on Saturday afternoon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold sends heartfelt message to West Ham's Michail Antonio
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Antonio has struggled for game time with West Ham this season. Michail Antonio has struggled at West Ham since moving from Nottingham Forest over the summer, but David Gold sent him a heartfelt message on Twitter praising his attitude. Antonio arrived at the Boleyn Ground with the reputation as one of the best players in the Championship, but has struggled to have an impact with the Hammers due to the great form of the players ahead of him.
Victor Moses, Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini have all excelled this term in the attacking midfield positions, meaning Antonio has played just 30 minutes of Premier League action. He has appeared for West Ham's Under-21s, but he has had to sit on the sidelines waiting for senior action that Slaven Bilic has yet to hand to him.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Great attitude Michail. Your time will come. Good luck. dg https://twitter.com/michailantonio/status/655758930505781250 …
4:05 PM - 5 Nov 2015
The 25-year-old has undoubted talent, but it is clear that Bilic does not believe he is yet ready to make an impact in the top flight, and it is hard to imagine Antonio being given a chance any time soon. However, Antonio has continued to work hard in training and look to impress Bilic, and co-chairman David Gold has praised the winger for his attitude and the work ethic he has shown in recent months. If Antonio continues work hard in training, there is hope that he will be given a chance to impress in the first-team in the coming weeks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BILIC MUST SHOW ADAPTABILITY TO END WEST HAM'S EVERTON CURSE
news.ladbrokes.com
Slaven Bilic's reign at West Ham has undoubtedly started with a flyer, but after succumbing tamely to Watford last weekend, a visit of Everton on Saturday will be the true acid test of his credentials. To say the Toffees were a bogey team for the Londoners would be somewhat of an understatement. The last time the Hammers bagged three league points against the Merseyside outfit was way back in 2007 when Bobby Zamora nabbed the only goal of the game. Only James Collins and Mark Noble from the West Ham squad that day are still Irons players, and they have seen plenty of suffering at the hands of Everton since. Of the 14 subsequent league encounters, four have been drawn while the points have headed north west on 10 occasions. One man that has been instrumental in that misery has been Romelu Lukaku, who has netted in all six of his Everton appearances against the Upton Park outfit, and is 7/4 to find the net once again. For the man in the home dug-out though, he will not be hoping for a continuation of the performance in Hertfordshire last week. While the Hornets were excellent, Bilic's side were poor, with individual mistakes capping a muddled team performance that has been rare this term. The Croat has devised a counter-attacking philosophy since arriving in the East End in the summer, and that has worked to an extent with victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool on the road. However, there comes a time and a place when things need to be switched up. Quique Sanchez Flores reacted to the visitor's preferred style perfectly, not allowing them to get a hold of the game at Vicarage Road. West Ham could be best served to coming at Everton on Saturday, with the Toffees boasting a penchant for conceding first. In fact in their last 20 away games, Roberto Martinez's men have opened the scoring on just five occasions. Get that early goal by pushing forward and seizing the initiative, and then Bilic can resort to allowing their visitors to come at them and hitting them on the break.
Personnel changes are also likely after the Watford defeat. The omission of Diafra Sakho forced a change in approach, or at least it should have done, as Andy Carroll filled the lone striker role, with support coming from the wings. At times last weekend, ignoring his defensive clangers, Carroll looked isolated on his own up top. And with Sakho set to sit this game out, the former Newcastle man is likely to be given the nod once again, but whether he is given a strike partner in front of the Bobby Moore Stand could be key. Working alongside Kevin Nolan in the past, the Geordie was able to provide countless knockdowns for goal after goal after goal. Pair Carroll in attack with Enner Valencia or Mauro Zarate, two men who won't be afraid to take a pop from a distance, and the big man could have the perfect foil to send the Upton Park crowd into raptures. A better performance will be needed if Bilic is to keep West Ham on the charge for a European place, and if he can show that he is more than a counter-attack-king then the 6/4 on the Hammers taking three points and ending their Toffee hoodoo could prove fruitful.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Alex Song set to face Charlton in behind-closed-doors friendly as he closes in on his second Hammers debut
Alex Song signed for West Ham on a season-long loan deal this summer
Song also spent last season on loan at the club from La Liga Barcelona
However, the former Cameroon international is yet to feature this season
Song will face Charlton next week as he closes in on his second debut
By OLIVER TODD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:13, 5 November 2015 | UPDATED: 11:56, 5 November 2015
Slaven Bilic will hand Alex Song a behind-closed-doors comeback against Charlton Athletic next week as West Ham's summer signing nears full fitness. Song is yet to make his second Hammers debut with knee and ankle injuries hampering his loan return to Upton Park from parent club Barcelona. But while the 28-year-old won't be ready to give Bilic a midfield boost in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash against Everton, he will start in a training ground friendly on Wednesday next week. 'He's just started training with us, he's been with us for one week now,' Bilic said. 'His injury with his knee and especially his ankle that was operated on is OK. He has no problem with it whatsoever. 'Now it's just a matter of fitness and match fitness. His first game for us after a long period is going to be a friendly on Wednesday and he's going to be that. 'Hopefully, he is naturally fit guy, he should be back soon but not tomorrow or in one week because he had a long break.'
Bilic welcomes back Winston Reid for the visit of the manager's former club Everton after a knee injury lay-off of his own. Reid had been mooted for a first-team return last month but the centre back is now ready to step up in place of suspended James Collins. Diafra Sakho will be back after the international break with Bilic labelling his thigh strain 'nothing major'.
The boss added: 'Unfortunately it is a small tear, a rupture in his thigh. The prognosis is that he will be back for the game after the international break. 'It's a set-back as he is a very important player to us. He dictates the rhythm of the game a lot, with his pace, quality and determination and it's a blow for sure. But it's not a major set-back. On Reid, Bilic said: 'Winston will be in the squad, he's back. Again, it's nothing major so now he's back in training for a whole week and we're glad as he's very important on and off the pitch for us.'
The injury issues and a 2-0 defeat by Watford last weekend have done nothing to dampen West Ham's confidence though. Co-chairman David Sullivan has made it clear that a top four finish is in their sights. Sullivan hopes to see Champions League football when West Ham move into the Olympic Stadium next season, and Bilic is doing nothing to dampen the dream. While most managers are wary of inspiring over-confidence and arrogance in their side the former Besiktas boss is happy to keep up the top-four talk. 'There's nothing wrong with being optimistic and thinking about something that looks a little bit far away,' he said. 'When the chairman talked it was in a positive way. We have to work hard and as long as you work hard and stay with plan and philosophy there's nothing wrong with that.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Have Made Me Better Goalkeeper Admits Adrian
inside futbol.com
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian believes that the club have helped him to grow as a footballer because he has been a regular ever since he joined the Premier League outfit. The shot-stopper joined the east London side from Real Betis in the summer of 2013 and since then he has established himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper. Despite a managerial change ahead of the new season, Adrian has remained the club's number one and he admits that he is grateful towards Slaven Bilic for continuing to put his faith in him. The 28-year-old was also the first choice under Sam Allardyce and he believes that being a regular at West Ham has helped him to grow as a footballer as he has only got better since joining the club two years back.
The Spaniard told AS: "I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the trust of the new coach, Slaven Bilic, like last year with Sam Allardyce. "I attempt to respond to their trust with my performances on the pitch. Since I have arrived in England I have been a permanent fixture and that makes me happy. "More games give you experience and I am at my best because of that."
Adrian is a youth product of Real Betis and played 32 times for the club before the Hammers took him to east London in 2013. He already has 80 appearances under his belt at West Ham and is expected to remain a key part of their squad for the next few seasons.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Diafra Sakho to miss Everton clash as Slaven Bilic confirms striker's thigh injury
11:47, 5 NOV 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Sakho was ruled out of last weekend's trip to Watford – and the Hammers lost on the road for the first time this season when Andy Carroll started up front
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho will miss West Ham 's match against Everton's after Slaven Bilic revealed the Senegal striker has suffered a "rupture" to his thigh. Sakho was ruled out of last weekend's trip to Watford – and the Hammers lost on the road for the first time this season when Andy Carroll started up front. Now the Hammers boss has ruled out Sakho until after the international break.
"It is set-back as he is very important player to us," Bilic said ."He did not get injured in training and reported after training before the Watford game when he felt something. "Unfortunately it is a small tear, a rupture in his thigh. Prognosis is he will be back for the game after in break. It is a blow for us. He harrasses the defence. He dictates the rhythm of the game a lot, with his pace, quality and determination. But it's not a major set-back."
Winston Reid is back in the squad while Alex Song, who has not played this season after undergoing a summer ankle operation, is close to a return and will play a friendly against Charlton next week. "Song just started training with us," Bilic said. "He started training before Watford and he's been with us for one week now. He's ok, there's no problem whatsoever and now a matter of fitness and match fitness. We have a friendly game now on Wednesday and hopefully he's going to be fit soon."
West Ham's only victory over Bilic's former club Everton in their last 17 matches was a penalty shootout win in the FA Cup last season. And Roberto Martinez's arrive at Upton Park on the back of the 6-2 thrashing of Sam Allardyce's Sunderland. But Bilic said: "They are confident but so are we. In our last home game we beat the champios (Chelsea). Obviously in our last game we played badly and lost at Watford but we know why we lost that game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to produce 'war-time design' match programme for Remembrance Day fixture against Everton
JAMES BENGE 1 hour ago0 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham will honour its Remembrance Day fixture by producing a match programme donning a 'war-time design', the club has confirmed. With their impending move to the Olympic Stadium, the Hammers have celebrated each home game at the Boleyn Ground with a different retro programme design, to commemorate their final season at the stadium. "The cover is a modern take on a Football League Regional Competition programme produced for fixtures during the 1939/40 season," the club confirmed to Standard Sport. Co-owner David Gold, and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, will lay wreath on the pitch before kick-off, accompanied by a guard of honour provided by the 7th Battalion Rifles, who are based at the Territorial Army Centre in West Ham.
Both sets of shirts – that will carry the now customary poppy emblem - will be auctioned after the match to raise funds for the Royal British Legion charity. The Boleyn Ground was hit by a V-1 flying bomb in August 1944, with the Hammers having to play several wartime fixtures away from their spiritual home as a result. Earlier in the Second World War West Ham had won the 1940 Football League War Cup, a competition that took place in the absence of regular competitive football during the period. Slaven Bilic's side sit in sixth place in the Premier League after a bright start to their final season at Upton Park. Victory over Everton would take them above local rivals Tottenham, who play Arsenal the following day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, November 6
Thursday, November 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th November 2015
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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".
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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. "
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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".
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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. "
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
