Westley delighted with Academy signings
WHUFC.com
Academy manager Terry Westley spoke of his delight after signing two highly
rated prospects in the space of a week. Academy of Football product Marcus
Browne, 17, put pen to paper on a professional contract while exciting
winger Dan Kemp, 16, signed from London rivals Chelsea. Reflecting on a
busy yet highly productive week for the West Ham United Academy, Westley
said: "It's been a very good week for the Academy. We've signed two very
exciting players, two game changers if you like, they're both players who
can open a game up and make things happen."
Midfielder Browne has gone from strength to strength this season, having
suffered injury problems last term, the youngster has taken the step up from
the U18s to the U21s in his stride.
Since making his Development Squad debut against Arsenal, he has made seven
appearances scoring in the 4-0 demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Westley continued: "Marcus has been offered a professional contract. It's
richly deserved, he's been one of the best U18 players and he's transferred
that to the U21s where he's really caught the eye. "He did well in the
behind-closed-doors game with Crystal Palace, playing as a No10 in front of
Mark Noble and Alex Song."
Westley was equally delighted to capture the signature of diminutive yet
explosive forward Dan Kemp. With several clubs interested in the
16-year-old, the Academy manager described the process in securing the
teenager's talents. "I joined West Ham about 18 months ago and I took an U16
team to Chelsea where he ripped us apart. I quickly asked Dave Hunt (Head of
Recruitment at the Academy) 'Who is this boy?' but Chelsea quite rightly
wanted to keep him. "He's been there a very long time; it's been a great
apprenticeship there if you like. I kept nagging away at Neil Bath the
Chelsea Academy manager and now the time was right. "Danny sees a great
pathway here to the first team, and he has a real opportunity here. I'm
delighted that he's come over to us."
With both Browne and Kemp's futures sorted, Westley is expecting big things
from the pair, at both U18 and U21 level. Despite Kemp's diminutive size,
Westley is confident the winger's ability and skill: "It doesn't matter too
much about size or height, Danny is in the same mould as a David Silva, he
can take the ball and he can beat you. With the length of the contract we've
given him time to develop, that time is valuable. "We should put him under a
lot of pressure because he's a big marquee signing for the Academy, and he's
also good enough to handle that extra expectation. "We don't just sign
anyone, we've chased him for a while, and we know what we're getting. We
will have to be patient and that's why it's a longer term contract.
"I certainly expect to see him play for the U21s; I see no reason why he
can't take the ball and make things happen for us at that level."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at five things we've learned this season...
It might seem premature, but it is easy to forget that we are more or less a
third of the way through the Premier League season. It seems just yesterday
the claret and blue army were bringing the roof down at the Emirates Stadium
on the opening day, but as we approach the busy winter period, here's a look
at the five things us Hammers fans have learned so far this season.
We can beat anyone
If you looked at our fixture list before the season began, you'd be forgiven
for being a tad frustrated at the opening game away to Arsenal. In fact, it
has been difficult in recent years to be optimistic about any of the 'big'
games, but this season has changed all of that. Wins away against the
Gunners, Liverpool and Manchester City, and a home victory over the reigning
champions Chelsea, show exactly what this new-look West Ham side are capable
of.
Annoyingly, this confident mentality is one that has been adopted by many
clubs who were expected to have a mediocre season, and they have apparently
seen us as a big side and left with all three points. Despite this, for the
first time in recent memory, every game is now winnable and the whole league
knows it.
Dimitri Payet is a magician
Everyone knew that the signing of Dimitri Payet would be huge for the club,
particularly when you look at his goal and assist record at Marseille from
last season. However, no one quite expected him to set the league on fire as
he has done.
Payet settled straight into Premier League life, oozing confidence and
class, humiliating anyone who stood in his way. His elegance and swagger is
unrivalled in the league, and he has netted goals and racked up assists for
fun. Payet is well on his way to pick up the Hammer of the Year award, and
if he can recover from the injury he sustained against Everton last
Saturday, he could be in with a shout of picking up some league-wide awards.
Our squad depth is the best in years
The injury to Dimitri Payet is a tragedy, not just for the club, but for the
neutral; anyone who enjoys the beautiful game. However, what his injury has
done, is highlight the squad depth at Slaven Bilic's disposal. Last season,
the substitute bench was something you never really wanted to look at, as it
was often made up of players lacking fitness and others drafted in from the
development squad, who hadn't ever played with the senior side.
This year though, the options available are quite remarkable, and there is
not a single area of the field without suitable backup. We have tall
strikers and pacey strikers, skilful wingers and ones who can score,
box-to-box midfielders and tough, holding midfielders, the list goes on.
Slaven Bilic has rejuvenated the club
If you had asked a West Ham fan at the end of last season whether or not
they were optimistic about life as a Hammers fan, you quite possibly
would've been met with a half-hearted grunt, following by a forced "not
really".
Since Slaven Bilic has come in, the atmosphere around the club is electric,
and fans do really feel as though this season, and the next ten, will be our
seasons. Seeing our manager passionately patrolling the touchlines and
working his magic brings a sense of pride for fans. Although it is only his
first year managing in England, you get the feeling that Bilic is at home,
and it certainly seems that way.
European football is a reality
Our qualification for the UEFA Europa League last season was poorly timed,
but the move into the Olympic Stadium is supposed to usher in a new era of
West Ham being in Europe. Just 12 games in however, and it is clear that
this could well be a reality come May. We are competing with every other top
side in the league and a win against Spurs after the international break
could see us in fifth spot.
There is a long way to go, but we are already more than capable of bringing
European football back to West Ham United.
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Valencia injury boost
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet both had
appointments with their specialists on Monday morning to review their
injuries. Valencia was advised that he needs an extended rehabilitation
period, which has now begun. It is expected that he will be fully recovered
by the beginning of the New Year. Payet also attended an appointment with a
specialist on Monday morning and, along with the Club's medical team, he was
advised that he does not need an operation. He will therefore start his
rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still expected to be
unavailable for selection for three months. whufc.com will bring you further
updates on their recovery later this week.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
I would like to start by sending my condolences to the families who have
been affected by the tragic events in Paris last Friday and everyone at West
Ham United sends their best wishes. The game between England and France on
Tuesday night shows the strong solidarity there is in sport and I am sure
all the fans will come together to pay their respects. I know Slaven and the
players will be working hard in training this week as we prepare for a big
London derby against Tottenham on Sunday at White Hart Lane. We have had
some amazing results away from home this season against some of the biggest
teams in the country and I am sure the fans would love to see us pick up
another memorable victory this weekend.
I know there have been some reports in the media over the weekend
surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini. We have an unbreakable option with
both Lanzini and his club, so any other team's interest is irrelevant.
Manuel has been a fantastic signing for the Club and we all hope he can
maintain this superb run of form for the rest of the season.
We had some positive news on Enner Valencia's injury and are hopeful he will
be back in action at the start of the New Year. Dimitri Payet also saw a
specialist on Monday and does not surgery and will begin his rehabilitation
programme immediately. The injuries to both players are huge losses for the
Club. We have a great squad, but Payet has been the star player of the
season and he is bound to be missed.
We had good news with Alex Song playing his first competitive game against
Crystal Palace last week in a behind-closed-doors friendly. We need Alex
back as soon as possible and if he can re-produce the form that he showed in
the first half of last season, then we have a major player to come back into
the first-team. We need all our best players in action to accumulate as many
points as we can.
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Randolph - It would be a dream come true
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph is ready to make himself a hero again and help Republic of
Ireland reach the 2016 UEFA European Championship finals. The West Ham
United goalkeeper has earned hero status in his homeland after the Boys in
Green shocked Germany last month on their way to reaching the Play-Offs.
There, Randolph was in fine form again as Ireland drew 1-1 in foggy Zenica
on Friday to set up a potentially fantastic Monday evening at Dublin's Aviva
Stadium. "I see it as an opportunity to qualify and get everybody to another
major championships," said the Hammers stopper, who was drafted into the
starting XI by Martin O'Neill after Shay Given was injured early in the
unforgettable 1-0 victory over the world champions in October. "If we do
that then I'll have a few months to think about that afterwards, but I just
want to qualify. That would be a dream come true."
For Randolph, who also took his chance when he replaced the suspended Adrian
and produced three outstanding Barclays Premier League displays for the
Hammers earlier this season, qualification would be a boyhood dream come
true. Growing up in the town of Bray near Ireland's capital, the son of a
basketball professional was a sports-man child, working his way up from
local club Ardmore Rovers to make his senior international debut in
September 2012. Now, at the age of 28, Randolph is desperate to help his
country to reach the European Championship finals for just the third time in
their history. "It's something I thought about when I was a kid running
around in the street playing football," revealed the stopper, who is
expected to earn his sixth cap on Monday evening. "To be so close is kind of
unreal."
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No operation required for Payet
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet has seen a specialist with regard to ascertaining the best
course of treatment for his ankle injury. The 28-year-old was sidelined for
a minimum of three months by a reckless challenge from Everton midfielder
James McCarthy during last weekend's Premier League encounter at the Boleyn
Ground, which ended 1-1. This morning West Ham confirmed that the French
international would not require surgery to correct the damage - the first
good news to emerge since the club's talisman was ruled out until the new
year. "Payet attended an appointment with a specialist on Monday morning
and, along with the Club's medical team, he was advised that he does not
need an operation," read a club statement. "He will therefore start his
rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still expected to be
unavailable for selection for three months."
Despite the update, West Ham have still refrained from commenting on why
Payet was allowed to return to the field following the half time interval,
despite having limped his way through the final fifteen minutes of the first
half.
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West Ham flag given the Spanish archer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
A group of West Ham fans had their flag seized by Spanish authorities after
it was deemed to contain 'a racist symbol'. And the symbol in question was
none other than the club's trademark crossed Hammers, as featured on the
club's crest since its inception. Hammers fans Chris Lipman, Ryan Willsmer
and Ian Golding were stunned to discover that their flag - which cost around
£200 - had been snatched by over-sensitive Spanish stewards during England's
2-0 defeat in Alicante on Friday night. And they were even more surprised
when informed that they would be hit with a £3,000 fine should they claim
ownership of the flag - a red cross with West Ham's trademark crossed
hammers in the top right corner. "Come the end of the game we returned to
find the flag gone," Lipman told the Independent. "Fearing it had been
stolen, we asked the same stewards who had seen us tie it up what had
happened. They just stood there, shrugging their shoulders. After asking
more stewards we were told to go to another gate where the officials'
entrance was located.
"After almost an hour, several FA officials begun to leave the stadium. Some
chose to ignore our requests for answers. The situation was become more and
more hostile, with the Spanish authorities becoming aggressive. "They begun
to try and remove us from the immediate area in front of the gate by pushing
away and shouting and tensions grew. "Luckily both Greg Dyke and Gordon
Taylor appeared as they were leaving the stadium to head back to their
hotel. They heard the commotion and asked what the issue was. With a roll of
the eyes, as no doubt they have seen this all before, they walked back into
the stadium to try and get more information. "They came back around five
minutes later saying they had spoken to someone and confirmed the Spanish
chief of police had ordered the removal of all of the flags because they
carried a 'racist symbol'."
The Hammers fans will register an official complaint with the Football
association today. In the meantime their flag remains in the possession of
Spanish police. West Ham United's crossed hammers represent the club's
origins, being as they are a depiction of the riveting hammers used by
Thames Ironworks shipbuilders at the tail end of the 19th century.
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Chelsea honour Mourinho pledge to young Hammer
KUMB,com
Filed: Monday, 16th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea FC have agreed to honour the wager made by manager Jose Mourinho
with one of West Ham United's young mascots. Prior to West Ham's clash with
the Blues last month, Mourinho bet one of West Ham's match day mascots - a
young supporter called Alfie Sturgeon - that his side would win the game.
The under-pressure manager, whose side are currently 16th in the Premier
League and just two points above the relegation zone promised to present the
youngster with a signed Chelsea shirt should his side lose. West Ham went on
to win the game 2-1 courtesy of strikes from Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll.
However Mourinho - who has been sent to the stands at half time following a
rant at referee Jonathan Moss - left the ground before fulfilling his media
obligations. As a result the youngster looked to have lost the opportunity
of collecting his prize - that is until KUMB.com took up the case on Master
Sturgeon's behalf.
We contacted Chelsea FC last week and within days, the west London club had
replied to confirm that they would indeed honour Mourinho's bet by sending
Alfie a shirt signed by all the club's first team players. Katie Sturgeon,
Alfie's mum told KUMB: "Chelsea said they would be happy to send Alfie his
shirt once all the players are back from playing with the countries. "Our
thanks to KUMB for contacting them on our behalf. Alfie had a lovely day as
mascot - and Mourinho losing the bet just finished the day off for him!"
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet avoids surgery on injured ankle
Last Updated: 16/11/15 12:14pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet has learned he does not need surgery on the ankle injury which
will sideline him for the next three months. The France international and
his West Ham team-mate Enner Valencia - who is also out with the same
problem - saw specialists on Monday morning. Both players were hurt in a 1-1
draw with Everton on November 7 and the London club said in a statement they
expect Valencia to be fit again by the start of 2016. Payet - a scorer of
five goals for the Upton Park side since his summer move from Marseille - is
facing a longer spell out of action.
While the length of time he is expected to be out has not changed, he has at
least been cleared to start his rehabilitation immediately rather than been
told he must wait for surgery first.
Payet has already vowed to come back stronger from his setback after he
suffered his injury in a tackle with James McCarthy. A statement on
whufc.com said: "Valencia was advised that he needs an extended
rehabilitation period, which has now begun. "It is expected that he will be
fully recovered by the beginning of the New Year. "Payet also attended an
appointment with a specialist on Monday morning and, along with the club's
medical team, he was advised he does not need an operation. "He will
therefore start his rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still
expected to be unavailable for selection for three months."
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How Hammers made Lanzini deal "watertight"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News
C and H
West Ham's deal with Al Jaziera for Manuel Lanzini is watertight because
David Sullivan has negotiated with the club to take over his contract. That
has already been agreed between the two clubs and West Ham aim to do
conclude the deal before May of next year. ClaretandHugh has learned
exclusively this morning that the the Hammers have concluded all details and
that the 22 year old – whose contract runs until June 2018 – will be a
permanent signing before the May deadline agreed. A highly placed source
revealed: "There is absolutely no need for us to rush this. It would be like
paying the rates a year early. There's no reason to do that. "The deal is on
place with Al Jaziera and we will do it. He can't be stolen away by anybody
as we have agreed to take over the boy's contract. "That has two years left
to run on it and once we take it over, any clubs would have to deal with us
and we have no intention of listening anyway.
"We would aim to agree a deal with Manu for another four years with a one or
two option. There is no problem on this whatsoever." The player can expect
to pick up a salary with the club of around £50k a week.
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Sullivan's Lanzini deal is 100 pc "watertight"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
This Manuel Lanzine thing is getting really boring!
With no Premier League action and news thin on the ground a story emerged
today that the midfielder is attracting Jurgen Klopp's attention at
Liverpool. It was started by the Bleacher Report website this time where –
as we report elsewhere on the site – writer Dean Jones wrote: "Liverpool
have asked to be kept informed about his situation. They are keen on taking
him to Anfield eventually. "West Ham are keen to sign this player up on a
permanent deal, though, so it is going to be a battle between those two
clubs." Here's the truth – THERE IS NO BATTLE! We have reported many times
that we have a contract in place with his parent club Al Jaziera and the
deal is that if we want him we can buy him at £8 million. We do and we will
but for the sake of certainty ClaretandHugh AGAIN checked with our top level
source and the same comment as we have had before came back just five
minutes ago, He said: "There is absolutely no reason for anybody to be
concerned about these stories. West Ham has an unbreakable contract with Al
Jaziera and the player which can be taken taken up before May. "The
contract was done by David Sullivan himself and is 100 per cent watertight.
There is absolutely no way any club can hijack our deal."
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The 30 games that cost £16 million
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I didn't see it and I don't suppose the majority of West Ham fans will want
to be reminded of it. But probably the worst buy in the club's history –
with the exception maybe of Benni McCarthy – made his belated attempt to
find some sort of fame again last night as ITV screened its latest 'I'm a
celebrity get me out of here.' Kieron Dyer has been long forgotten by the
world of football except by some who carry his infamous stats aroimd in
their heads like a bad dream. David Gold is among them who gave the quickest
of responses when asked by a follower on Twitter "how much in total did we
waste on Kieron Dyer? DG responded: "Kieron moved to West for 6m in 2007
played 30 league games with out scoring left in 2011 total wages 10m dg.
That Dyer has donated his fee for the TV show to charity hardly compensates
and the picture above is something of a collector item with Dyer in action
for the Irons!
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The high cost of Hammers injuries
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News
C and H
Injuries cost West Ham a total of £12.8 million last season according to a
new formula recognised by Uefa. According to a report in the Mail on line
the bill across the League amounted to £270 million last season, with
Newcastle and Arsenal both suffering bills in excess of £20m. On average,
Premier League clubs lost £13.5m to injuries in the 2014-15 campaign, with
Everton and Manchester United suffering the third and fourth largest costs
approaching £20m. The full price paid by clubs for an injury is detailed in
a new UEFA-recognised formula that calculates the monthly costs of an
injured player. It has been found that Premier League and leading European
clubs pay out an average of £413,000 a month for every player injured. The
calculation for how much an injured player costs his club was designed by
Sergei Palkin, chief executive of Ukrainian high-fliers Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Lanzini is No 3 in Europe
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News
C and H
Manuel Lanzini has been named the third best young midfielder playing in
Europe. Calciomercato have revealed the top ten Under 23 midfielders in
Europe based on the average grading each player receive in games. Lanzini
has an average grading of 6.541 so far this season which puts him ahead of
the likes of Barcelona's Sergi Roberto and Schalke's Leon Goretzka. The only
two players who are above the West Ham star are Borussia Dortmund's Julian
Weigl and Everton's Ross Barkley.
The former Argentina youth player has scored three goals in his first 10
Premier League games.
The top ten are named as:
1.Julian Weigl; Borussia Dortmund; 6.792
2.Ross Barkley; Everton; 6.791
3.Manuel Lanzini; West Ham; 6.541
4.Johannes Geis; Schalke04; 6.292
5.Sergi Roberto; Barcelona; 6.272
6.James Ward-Prowse; Southampton; 6.208
7.Marco Benassi; Torino; 6.055
8.Dominik Kohr; Augsburg; 5.979
9.Leon Goretzka; Schalke04; 5.958
10.Alfred Duncan; Sassuolo; 5.901
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This man really wants to hurt Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alex Song is now looking very likely to play some part in the match against
Spurs at the weekend. It's unlikely the midfielder will start but he's
desperate to make sure – as an ex Gunner – to make the other north London
team suffer. Spurs were interested in signing him at the same time as the
Hammers went in for him but ClaretandHugh understands he made it clear he
had no interest in joining the club. And as he sets out on his way to
landing a two year deal with the Irons at the end of the season it's
therefore quite fitting that he does so against Spurs.
Commenting on his return Song declared: "I've been seeing the guys and
they've been doing very well. I just wanted to come back to give my
contribution, especially with some important games coming up. "We play
Tottenham and Man Utd in the next few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll
work very hard to be ready for those games." A source close to the player
said:"He loved his time at Arsenal and learned what it was all about as far
as Spurs were concerned. There's no love lost."
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Carroll doubts grow
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Growing doubts over Andy Carroll's place in the new system of play being
developed by Slaven Bilic may yet see the club open to offers should
interested clubs approach them next summer.
The club's record signing – having found himself fully fit for the first
time in a long time – is clearly having problems settling into the new
approach being developed by the gaffer. And insiders have told
ClaretandHugh: "He remains an important member of the squad but it's always
feasible that other clubs may be watching his progress. "We are totally
confident that all his injury problems are behind him and he would have to
be very unfortunate indeed to pick up any more. "However, it's noticeable
that he hasn't found it straightforward settling into the new way of playing
and that may cause other clubs to take a closer interest."
AC was again linked with a Newcastle move in the national press over the
weekend and it's perfectly conceivable that Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce
could make a bid. However, Carroll would clearly not prospect of
relegation scrap or life in the Championship if that's the way things worked
out at the Stadium of Light. Our source said: "He needs to be given time and
may well be able to adjust his game. It will be an interesting spell in his
life until the end of the season."
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Ashton feels for Irons fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers hero Dean Ashton has sent a sad message to the fans with the team
stripped of Dimi Payet for several months. Payet learned today he will not –
as expected – require an operation on he ankle injury sustained courtesy of
James McCarthy's challenge in the game against Everton. Deano – having been
forced to retire at just 26 after after failing to recover from a long-term
ankle injury sustained during international duty with England. And the 31
year old is very unhappy for Payet who will be sidelined for three months at
the same time as Enner Valencia again finds himself from sidelined. In a
heartfelt tweet he declared: "Big blow for #whufc #Payet out for 3mths Feel
for fans Another player to get excited about gets injured!! Got a better
squad to cope though!"
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Irons look at possible third deal for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Carl Jenkinson could return to West Ham for a third loan spell next season
should the club be unable to find a long term right back who fits the bill.
The Irons conducted a fruitless search for the problem position last summer
before turning back to the Arsenal defender. They have again deployed scouts
to search for the player they need for next season and beyond. Jenkinson's
form this season may not have been as strong as last but sources inside the
club believe he may be called onto provide the answer should the club again
be unable to identify a permanent candidate. Arsenal have slapped a crazy
£15 million price tag on Jenkinson's head and the Hammers have made it clear
they will go nowhere near that. We were told exclusively: "We found it
difficult to find the right person in the summer and should that be the case
this time around then we wouldn't rule out the possibility of Carl returning
for a third term. "But there is absolutely no chance of us bringing him in
permanently at the sort of price Arsenal are seeking – that won't happen."
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Sullivan confirms Lanzini revelations
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
We have been explaining for days that Manuel Lanzini is going nowhere
despite the media at large claiming he was all set to be stolen away by
another club. Yesterday, there were stories everywhere that Liverpool were
headed in his direction but as we explained before during and since the
story, it was just not true. Thankfully, chairman David Sullivan has now
come out on the official site confirming every word we have written to
finally put the story to bed officially Excuse us while we give ourselves a
pat on the back :-)
Sullivan who declared: "I know there have been some reports in the media
over the weekend surrounding the future of Manuel Lanzini. We have an
unbreakable option with both Lanzini and his club, so any other team's
interest is irrelevant. Manuel has been a fantastic signing for the Club and
we all hope he can maintain this superb run of form for the rest of the
season."
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Slaven Bilic dealing with an Andy Carroll conundrum at West Ham
ESPN
As West Ham fans come to terms with the injury news that has seen Dimitri
Payet sidelined for three months, the focus turns back to the other big
conversation point highlighted against Everton
When Andy Carroll was substituted in the 87th minute of the game, the player
received a huge ovation. Most realised that this wasn't one of the striker's
better afternoons, but there was appreciation of the effort put in. John
Stones had shackled Carroll for most of the game and there was a begrudging
acceptance that the Everton defender had just demonstrated his growing
reputation. Among the faithful, though, there was some dissension. Many
supporters felt that Stones hadn't been fully tested by the former Liverpool
striker and there is no point in playing Carroll unless you utilise his one
major strength -- his aerial dominance.
It's becoming increasingly apparent though that West Ham manager Slaven
Bilic wants to use Carroll in a way not previously seen at the club. Against
Everton it was clear that crosses from the by-line weren't being aimed at
the big Geordie's head. More importantly perhaps, once wide on the wing
there was no attempt to whip the ball in from deep.
Even before Payet limped off, the interplay from the wings was concerned
with working the ball into the middle or cutting out the last Everton
defender and crossing low. There was none of the aerial play much admired by
Bilic's predecessor, Sam Allardyce.
However, this shouldn't be construed as a cheap shot towards the differing
philosophies of the two managers. There has always been a thin line between
getting the ball forward quickly and accurately and aimlessly punting
forward hoping someone will get a head on it. Carroll's dominance over
central defenders has always opened the argument that, if the big striker
guarantees to win over 95% of the headers, then crossing the ball accurately
becomes a viable and potent weapon.
Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini have all demonstrated that they can
cross accurately, and both Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell are encouraged
to find space on the wings. It would seem on paper that Carroll should have
better service now than at any point so far in his career. Conversely,
choosing not to utilise Carroll's strength in the air can eradicate the
tendency to take the easy option -- simply hitting the big man because
nothing else is working. The dilemma was apparent against Everton; Carroll
becoming a peripheral figure as he received no service. It may have been a
double-bluff tactic that misfired, but Carroll's height wasn't even used for
free kicks and corners, many of which, to the frustration of the crowd, were
crossed low to the near post.
Andy Carroll has started just three games this season for West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic. Like a lot of big men, Carroll is deceptively good with the
ball at his feet, but the player still needs someone alongside him as he
doesn't have the mobility to do the same job as, for example, Diafra Sakho.
With Payet out, it will be interesting to see if Bilic elects to play both
Carroll and Sakho together. It would give some idea of just how Bilic wants
to reconstruct the England striker.
Of course, the seemingly inevitable rumours linking Carroll with a return to
his old club Newcastle are doing the rounds again. Suggestions from within
Upton Park, however, is that West Ham are not interested in allowing the
player to return to the North East, with Bilic keen to continue working with
the striker he still feels is good enough to represent England. It's true
every player has his price, but it's unlikely the board would sanction any
sale that didn't mean they would make a good profit on the £15m the club
originally paid for Carroll when he joined from Liverpool. It would probably
take a bid in excess of £18m for the matter to even be discussed.
Bilic has shown himself to be tactically astute so far in his brief tenure
at Upton Park and the manager's stock will certainly rise if he can remodel
the striker's career. Quite how the Croatian feels he can get the best from
Carroll isn't easy to understand, but you sense that West Ham, England and,
more importantly, the player himself will be better off if something can be
worked out.
Peter Thorne, aka Billy Blagg (@BillyBlaggEsq), is the author of a regular
column at WestHamOnline.net and the East London Guardian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jason Cundy explains why Aaron Cresswell was overlooked by England in favour
of Kieran Gibbs
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs was called up by England ahead of West Ham's Aaron
Cresswell. Aaron Cresswell has been one of the most consistent players in
the Premier League since his arrival at West Ham last summer, and Jason
Cundy has attempted to explain to talkSPORT why he has always been
overlooked by Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal. He said: "I do feel sorry for
Cresswell, as he has been tremendous since his transfer from Ipswich. He has
attracted interest from a number of clubs. Unfortunately, Gibbs has played
for England, and Roy Hodgson knows him. It's not as if a player has walked
past Cresswell who hasn't played many games. I can understand why Gibbs is
in there."
Cresswell has played every single game when available since arriving at West
Ham, and has proven himself as one of the best all-round full-backs in the
Premier League. He possesses a solid defensive mentality, but has also
proved his attacking skills, and there are few players in the league who are
as better suited to the modern game as Cresswell. In terms of the England
team, Ryan Bertrand is a consistent call-up, as he has proven himself in the
league with Southampton, but aside from him, there is no guaranteed
second-choice. Cresswell would appear to be a logical option, but Gibbs
consistently gets called up by England despite his lack of games for
Arsenal. The 26-year-old has played just 11 games this season in all
competitions, but waltzed back into Hodgson's squad with no real right to be
there. However, Cundy has suggested that, because Gibbs has played under
Hodgson before, he is a less risky option to call up than Cresswell, who has
yet to make his debut. Calling up Cresswell would require him to be
incorporated into the international set-up, and it appears Hodgson would
prefer to continue with players who he is certain are already acclimatised
to that level of football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 17
Monday, November 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th November 2015
Improved deal on cards for 'gaffer'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be invited to negotiate a new deal with the
Irons when the season comes to an end. The gaffer was so keen to take over
at the Boleyn that he agreed to the contract put before him despite various
clauses which his advisers may have felt would deter him from agreeing to
the deal. The major setback could have been that should the club be
relegated the three year contract could be torn up with no compensation.
Bilic however, was unworried by the clause despite his lack of Premier
League experience and he had no hesitation in agreeing to those terms.
ClaretandHugh also understands that his wages are around £500,000 a season
less than Sam Allardyce's and that bonuses for positional payments don't
start unless he reaches a top ten position. A club source told us: "We can't
discuss specific details of a manager's contracts but assuming all goes well
there will be new negotiations at the end of the season. "That is the way we
always do business. All things being equal we will come to an agreement
which both sides will find agreeable."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini offers verdict on Slaven Bilic amid speculation surrounding
permanent deal
HITC
Olly Dawes
Manuel Lanzini has hailed West Ham manager Slaven Bilic. West Ham loan star
Manuel Lanzini has told the Daily Star that he is enjoying working under
manager Slaven Bilic, with speculation rife over a permanent move to Upton
Park. Argentine playmaker Lanzini came up through the ranks with River
Plate, before spending just one year in the United Arab Emirates with
Al-Jazira. It was West Ham who eventually gave the 22-year-old a shot in
Europe, snapping Lanzini up on a season-long loan deal, with fans wondering
whether he would become a hero like Carlos Tevez or a bit-part player Mauro
Zarate - two of his compatriots. So far, his West Ham career appears to be
following the path of Tevez, having hit three goals and one assist in the
Premier League so far, impressing the Upton Park faithful with a host of
dazzling displays. With Dimitri Payet now injured for around three months,
Lanzini is expected to take on an even more important role in the West Ham
team, which will be important for the Hammers to assess as speculation is
rife over a permanent move for Lanzini. The Mirror reported last month that
West Ham wanted to sign Lanzini permanently, but Al-Jazira's £8m asking
price was considered a little too pricey. Now, with Hammers hopeful that a
deal can be struck, Lanzini has given his view on manager Bilic, who has
guided West Ham to wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City
this season - and his comments to the Daily Star will encourage fans in to
thinking that he will stay long-term. "He is a good coach, he reads the game
well and everything he tells us we try to do because we know it will work
out the way he says. We are on the right path," said Lanzini.
;.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan star Manuel Lanzini says he wants to join the club permanently
HITC
Tom Thorogood
West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini is enjoying life at the club. West Ham
United's Manuel Lanzini has told reporters for the Daily Star that he wants
to make his loan move at Upton Park permanent, citing London and the team's
style of play as big factors. The Argentine winger joined the Hammers on a
season-long loan from Al-Jazira and has already adapted to life in the
Premier League, scoring three goals and adding one assist in ten league
matches. South American footballers tend to struggle with the rigours of
English football, with former Manchester United duo Juan Sebastian Veron and
Angel di Mario two chief examples. Lanzini, however, has been a breath of
fresh air at Upton Park and is already making the relevant noises in terms
of making his loan spell at West Ham become permanent. "London is great -
there is so much history and lots of places to discover. I love the one,
two-touch football. I am working hard to try and stay here, which is what I
want and hope it happens," he said. The 22-year-old has been a key member of
Slaven Bilic's squad, coming in and providing plenty of width to a team
which at the beginning of the season struggled to field a genuine winger.
Aside from his obvious goal threat, Lanzini is very much a creator and
averages 2.3 successful take-ons and 2.1 shots on goal per league fixture –
tallies comparable with his very best teammates. Co-owner David Gold has
stressed previously to the club's official website how he would like to make
at least one or two of the team's loan stars permanent West Ham players, and
Lanzini seems the most obvious of the lot. Considering his age and
potential, Lanzini could go on and become a real favourite with the Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool interested in Manuel Lanzini: report
Al Jazira midfielder desperate to remain in EPL after thriving at West Ham
on a season-long loan
Published: 16:16 November 15, 2015 Gulf News
By Euan Reedie, Chief Sports Writer - Abu Dhabi
Gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who is on a season-long loan
at West Ham United, has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool and has
stressed his eagerness to remain in England. As Gulf News reported earlier
this month, West Ham are keen to sign the 22-year-old playmaker permanently
following some excellent displays in the English Premier League this season,
during which he has scored three goals to help the London side to an
impressive sixth place. But the Hammers face heavyweight competition for his
signature, according to the Bleacher Report website, whose writer Dean Jones
said: "Liverpool have asked to be kept informed about his situation. They
are keen on taking him to Anfield eventually. "West Ham are keen to sign
this player up on a permanent deal, though, so it is going to be a battle
between those two clubs."
Jones believes that West Ham have been looking to secure a permanent move
for the Argentine for "the past six weeks," and suggested that injury to key
midfielder Dimitri Payet is forcing their hand. When asked which side he
feels Lanzini would end up at, Jones said that West Ham "are confident that
a deal will be in place". "They're close to agreeing terms, I understand,
with the player," he continued. Recent reports have claimed that Lanzini,
known as "The Jewel", would be available for a fee of £8 million (Dh45
million). But it has also been claimed that the Argentine, who only moved to
the UAE in the summer of 2014 from Argentina's River Plate, has a buyout
clause inserted into his contract worth £5.5 million (Dh31 million). For his
part, Lanzini is desperate to continue his career in the EPL. Speaking to
Britain's 'Daily Star' newspaper, he said: "I love the one, two-touch
football here. I am working hard to try and stay here, which is what I want
and hope it happens." Lanzini joined Al Jazira at the age of 21 and became
the youngest foreigner to play in the Arabian Gulf League, playing a vital
part in Al Jazira's second-place finish last season and scoring eight goals
in all competitions. He said: "I was there for a year. It took me a bit of
time to adapt but overall it went well. "I had to learn English to
communicate, although the biggest challenge was the heat. In the summer the
heat was a killer. In winter, it is 32 degrees. In the summer, it can go up
to 45 degrees. Here [it] is totally different."
Lanzini went on to laud coach Slaven Bilic, who has likened the Argentine to
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and who took charge of his former club in
the summer. He said: "He is a good coach, he reads the game well and
everything he tells us we try to do because we know it will work out the way
he says. We are on the right path." The diminutive playmaker scored 12 goals
in 84 appearances for River Plate between 2010 and 2014. In between, he
spent a season on loan at Brazilian side Fluminense from 2011 until 2012,
scoring five goals in 37 appearances. He has represented the Argentina
Under-20 side four times since 2013 and full international recognition
surely awaits if he maintains his scintillating form in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham signs deal to sell stadium in 2016
BY TOM WALKER
Leisureopportunities.co.uk
West Ham United Football Club (WHU) has agreed to sell its Upton Park
stadium to developer The Galliard Group when the club completes its move to
the Olympic Stadium in 2016. According to WHU, Galliard won the bidding due
to its links to the local community and its commitment to "honour the
history of the Hammers" at the Boleyn Ground as part of its proposed
development. Galliard's plans include a mixed-used projects with leisure,
retail and new homes and there are plans to establish a central garden park
named after the late WHU legend Bobby Moore. Fans and local residents will
also be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club. Galliard has appointed Sculptress
Frances Siegelman to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork
celebrating the heritage of the Football Club. The current West Ham
memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds will also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development. The development, which
will have a construction programme of some 30 months, has an anticipated
completion date of late 2018. WHU vice chair Karren Brady said: "We opted
to reach an agreement with Galliard because it is a local London developer
and employer with origins in east London. "We know it is committed to
working closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. "The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be invited to negotiate a new deal with the
Irons when the season comes to an end. The gaffer was so keen to take over
at the Boleyn that he agreed to the contract put before him despite various
clauses which his advisers may have felt would deter him from agreeing to
the deal. The major setback could have been that should the club be
relegated the three year contract could be torn up with no compensation.
Bilic however, was unworried by the clause despite his lack of Premier
League experience and he had no hesitation in agreeing to those terms.
ClaretandHugh also understands that his wages are around £500,000 a season
less than Sam Allardyce's and that bonuses for positional payments don't
start unless he reaches a top ten position. A club source told us: "We can't
discuss specific details of a manager's contracts but assuming all goes well
there will be new negotiations at the end of the season. "That is the way we
always do business. All things being equal we will come to an agreement
which both sides will find agreeable."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini offers verdict on Slaven Bilic amid speculation surrounding
permanent deal
HITC
Olly Dawes
Manuel Lanzini has hailed West Ham manager Slaven Bilic. West Ham loan star
Manuel Lanzini has told the Daily Star that he is enjoying working under
manager Slaven Bilic, with speculation rife over a permanent move to Upton
Park. Argentine playmaker Lanzini came up through the ranks with River
Plate, before spending just one year in the United Arab Emirates with
Al-Jazira. It was West Ham who eventually gave the 22-year-old a shot in
Europe, snapping Lanzini up on a season-long loan deal, with fans wondering
whether he would become a hero like Carlos Tevez or a bit-part player Mauro
Zarate - two of his compatriots. So far, his West Ham career appears to be
following the path of Tevez, having hit three goals and one assist in the
Premier League so far, impressing the Upton Park faithful with a host of
dazzling displays. With Dimitri Payet now injured for around three months,
Lanzini is expected to take on an even more important role in the West Ham
team, which will be important for the Hammers to assess as speculation is
rife over a permanent move for Lanzini. The Mirror reported last month that
West Ham wanted to sign Lanzini permanently, but Al-Jazira's £8m asking
price was considered a little too pricey. Now, with Hammers hopeful that a
deal can be struck, Lanzini has given his view on manager Bilic, who has
guided West Ham to wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City
this season - and his comments to the Daily Star will encourage fans in to
thinking that he will stay long-term. "He is a good coach, he reads the game
well and everything he tells us we try to do because we know it will work
out the way he says. We are on the right path," said Lanzini.
;.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loan star Manuel Lanzini says he wants to join the club permanently
HITC
Tom Thorogood
West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini is enjoying life at the club. West Ham
United's Manuel Lanzini has told reporters for the Daily Star that he wants
to make his loan move at Upton Park permanent, citing London and the team's
style of play as big factors. The Argentine winger joined the Hammers on a
season-long loan from Al-Jazira and has already adapted to life in the
Premier League, scoring three goals and adding one assist in ten league
matches. South American footballers tend to struggle with the rigours of
English football, with former Manchester United duo Juan Sebastian Veron and
Angel di Mario two chief examples. Lanzini, however, has been a breath of
fresh air at Upton Park and is already making the relevant noises in terms
of making his loan spell at West Ham become permanent. "London is great -
there is so much history and lots of places to discover. I love the one,
two-touch football. I am working hard to try and stay here, which is what I
want and hope it happens," he said. The 22-year-old has been a key member of
Slaven Bilic's squad, coming in and providing plenty of width to a team
which at the beginning of the season struggled to field a genuine winger.
Aside from his obvious goal threat, Lanzini is very much a creator and
averages 2.3 successful take-ons and 2.1 shots on goal per league fixture –
tallies comparable with his very best teammates. Co-owner David Gold has
stressed previously to the club's official website how he would like to make
at least one or two of the team's loan stars permanent West Ham players, and
Lanzini seems the most obvious of the lot. Considering his age and
potential, Lanzini could go on and become a real favourite with the Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool interested in Manuel Lanzini: report
Al Jazira midfielder desperate to remain in EPL after thriving at West Ham
on a season-long loan
Published: 16:16 November 15, 2015 Gulf News
By Euan Reedie, Chief Sports Writer - Abu Dhabi
Gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who is on a season-long loan
at West Ham United, has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool and has
stressed his eagerness to remain in England. As Gulf News reported earlier
this month, West Ham are keen to sign the 22-year-old playmaker permanently
following some excellent displays in the English Premier League this season,
during which he has scored three goals to help the London side to an
impressive sixth place. But the Hammers face heavyweight competition for his
signature, according to the Bleacher Report website, whose writer Dean Jones
said: "Liverpool have asked to be kept informed about his situation. They
are keen on taking him to Anfield eventually. "West Ham are keen to sign
this player up on a permanent deal, though, so it is going to be a battle
between those two clubs."
Jones believes that West Ham have been looking to secure a permanent move
for the Argentine for "the past six weeks," and suggested that injury to key
midfielder Dimitri Payet is forcing their hand. When asked which side he
feels Lanzini would end up at, Jones said that West Ham "are confident that
a deal will be in place". "They're close to agreeing terms, I understand,
with the player," he continued. Recent reports have claimed that Lanzini,
known as "The Jewel", would be available for a fee of £8 million (Dh45
million). But it has also been claimed that the Argentine, who only moved to
the UAE in the summer of 2014 from Argentina's River Plate, has a buyout
clause inserted into his contract worth £5.5 million (Dh31 million). For his
part, Lanzini is desperate to continue his career in the EPL. Speaking to
Britain's 'Daily Star' newspaper, he said: "I love the one, two-touch
football here. I am working hard to try and stay here, which is what I want
and hope it happens." Lanzini joined Al Jazira at the age of 21 and became
the youngest foreigner to play in the Arabian Gulf League, playing a vital
part in Al Jazira's second-place finish last season and scoring eight goals
in all competitions. He said: "I was there for a year. It took me a bit of
time to adapt but overall it went well. "I had to learn English to
communicate, although the biggest challenge was the heat. In the summer the
heat was a killer. In winter, it is 32 degrees. In the summer, it can go up
to 45 degrees. Here [it] is totally different."
Lanzini went on to laud coach Slaven Bilic, who has likened the Argentine to
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and who took charge of his former club in
the summer. He said: "He is a good coach, he reads the game well and
everything he tells us we try to do because we know it will work out the way
he says. We are on the right path." The diminutive playmaker scored 12 goals
in 84 appearances for River Plate between 2010 and 2014. In between, he
spent a season on loan at Brazilian side Fluminense from 2011 until 2012,
scoring five goals in 37 appearances. He has represented the Argentina
Under-20 side four times since 2013 and full international recognition
surely awaits if he maintains his scintillating form in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham signs deal to sell stadium in 2016
BY TOM WALKER
Leisureopportunities.co.uk
West Ham United Football Club (WHU) has agreed to sell its Upton Park
stadium to developer The Galliard Group when the club completes its move to
the Olympic Stadium in 2016. According to WHU, Galliard won the bidding due
to its links to the local community and its commitment to "honour the
history of the Hammers" at the Boleyn Ground as part of its proposed
development. Galliard's plans include a mixed-used projects with leisure,
retail and new homes and there are plans to establish a central garden park
named after the late WHU legend Bobby Moore. Fans and local residents will
also be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club. Galliard has appointed Sculptress
Frances Siegelman to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork
celebrating the heritage of the Football Club. The current West Ham
memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds will also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development. The development, which
will have a construction programme of some 30 months, has an anticipated
completion date of late 2018. WHU vice chair Karren Brady said: "We opted
to reach an agreement with Galliard because it is a local London developer
and employer with origins in east London. "We know it is committed to
working closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. "The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th November 2015
Obiang hopeful of swift return
WHUFC.com
For West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang, this weekend's international
break has come at a good time, with the Spaniard slogging away to return to
full fitness. The former Sampdoria man suffered a quadriceps injury in
training prior to the Hammers' 2-0 Barclays Premier League at Watford but
insists he is now firmly on the mend. And following injuries sustained by
Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia against Everton, the 23-year-old is
naturally desperate to get back playing to boost Slaven Bilic's squad.
"I'm feeling better now and I'm training hard to hopefully join the rest of
the guys, but these things happen," he told whufc.com. "I just want to get
back as soon as I can to help the team. We're focusing on the areas where
I'm feeling a bit of discomfort so that next week I can start training again
with the rest of the team. "I'm very much looking forward to the next match
against Tottenham as I am with every game, as it represents a new
opportunity to play. "I really hope that I have recovered by then and I can
be part of the squad, so that I can make the fans happier."
Injury setback aside, Obiang is positively thrilled with how his first few
months in England have panned out, with plenty to smile about, on and off
the pitch. He continued: "I can divide my time here into three sections.
The first, of course, is the football. There are no words to describe how
well it's going, as we're having a great season. "The second part is the
personal side of things. I'm here with my partner, she loves London and,
when we can, we try to go out and sample what London has to offer. "Thirdly,
the fans. They get behind us on the pitch and they're very respectful off
it."
The Hammers' first signing under Bilic, Obiang was speaking at the launch of
the third annual Lycamobile Cup, hosted by the West Ham United Foundation in
Beckton. The tournament culminates in a summer Finals Day at the Boleyn
Ground and the Spaniard was reminded of his maiden outing at a major
football venue, back in September 2010. "The first time I played in a big
stadium was against Juventus, my first team debut for Sampdoria.
"It really was like a Playstation match, with all the slow-mo's, the
emotion, your heart is going at 200 miles an hour and it really makes you
feel, for that brief moment, that you've become a star."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s too cunning for Foxes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's youngsters returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-0
Barclays U18 Premier League Southern Division victory at Leicester City on
Saturday afternoon.
After a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Spurs last weekend halted a seven-game
unbeaten streak, the Hammers got themselves ahead when Tunji Akinola popped
up in the penalty area to score his second goal in two games.
Shortly thereafter, Grady Diangana wasted an opportunity to make it 2-0 as
he was denied from the penalty spot, but captain Noha Sylvestre spared his
blushes by timing a run into the box perfectly to finish and double the
visitors' lead minutes later.
West Ham made a number of changes to the side that fell to defeat at Spurs
Lodge seven days previously. England youth international Jahmal
Hector-Ingram came into the Hammers attack to replace Oscar Borg, whilst
14-year-old defender Ajibola Alese made his first U18 start in place of the
unavailable Declan Rice. Tim Brown also replaced absent England U19
international Sam Howes in goal.
The Academy started extremely well and immediately went on the front foot at
the Foxes' Belvoir Drive home. Hector-Ingram, alongside Diagana and Idris
Kanu, caused the home defenders a number of problems with their strength and
pace in attack.
After 20 minutes, West Ham led. From Matt Carter's corner, Akinola rose
highest in the penalty box and headed home confidently past Leicester
goalkeeper Max Bramley.
Around five minutes later, the Hammers had a golden opportunity to double
their lead when a low cross from right-back Jake Eggleton found
Hector-Ingram in the box. The striker, who featured in a midweek first-team
friendly win over Crystal Palace at the Boleyn Ground, was dragged to the
floor by a home defender. Unfortunately though, Diangana's shot from the
spot was saved well by Bramley.
The second goal for the visitors did arrive just a few minutes later,
though, as Sylvestre picked the ball up in the middle of the pitch and found
Hector-Ingram on the wing. The lively striker headed for the byline before
cutting back for the Swiss skipper to finish from 16 yards out.
Into the second half and Leicester began playing a more direct style of
football as they looked for a route back into the game. However, Hammers
goalkeeper Brown was on form and made a number of fine saves.
West Ham had chances of their own in the second half as they looked to
extend their lead, but neither Joe Powell nor Hector-Ingram could beat
Bramley at the end of swift counter-attacking moves.
The Hammers will look to continue a new unbeaten streak when they host
Norwich City at Little Heath on Saturday 21 November 2015 in the Barclays
U18 Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for 11am, with parking and
admission both free!
West Ham's players will be looking to impress again as they begin the
countdown to the FA Youth Cup third-round tie at Derby County, which will be
played in late November or early December.
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Alese, Neufville, Carter, Sylvestre (c),
Diangana, Powell, Hector-Ingram, Kanu
Subs not used: Matrevics (GK), Coventry, Wells, Lewis, Longelo.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans have flag confiscated at England game after Spanish officials
mistake Hammers emblem for Nazi symbol
22:30, 14 NOV 2015
BY STEVE BATES
Stewards and officials in Alicante mistook the crossed hammers crest for a
Nazi-supporting banner, prompting angry scenes
The Mirror
West Ham supporters following England had their flags confiscated in
Alicante after Spanish officials mistook the crossed hammers emblem as a
Nazi symbol. Angry scenes erupted at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez on Friday
night as stewards and officials took down the white and red flags of St
George emblazoned with the crossed hammers crest and West Ham United .
Furious Irons supporters explained to stewards that the sign was their club
crest and tried to prevent them being taken down. But local organisers at
Spain's game with England claimed in their view that the emblem was a
Nazi-supporting banner, contravened regulations and was not allowed to be
displayed. FA security officials at the game tried to defuse the dispute,
explaining the flags had absolutely no Nazi connotations. But even they were
ignored by the Spanish authorities, who took the flags after a stand-off.
It's traditional for fans following England away to display a flag of St
George with the name of their own clubs or towns across the middle. At the
end of the game the fans were told their flags were being destroyed.
An FA security official said: "Spanish officials believed the crossed hammer
emblem was a Nazi-style badge. We intervened to try to explain there was
nothing wrong with the flags. "At the end of the match when the fans asked
for them to be returned the local authorities refused. There was nothing
more we could do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini can hurry up his big move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manuel Lanzini can clinch his eight million euros move to the club over the
next 12 weeks as he bids to fill the massive hole left behind by Dimitri
Payet's absence.
The 22 year old is set to grow up fast as he becomes playmaker-in-chief
during the French star's lay off and his amazing goal in the last match
against Everton could even be an indication of greater things to come.
The Hammers had all but made up their minds to activate the option they have
agreed with his parent club Al Jaziera a the end of the season but will be
under pressure now to sort it out in January.
Should the player produce the sort of form which minimise the loss of Payet
then the Hammers could go in earlier than they had planned,
We were told: "Eight million sounds expensive but this boy s showing it to
be cheap and if he produces what we hope then it will be an absolute
bargain.
"It's better to judge over an entire season but if he comes though this
period with flying colours then it could happen in January.
"But as we have said before the fee agreed is agreed and the deal is
unbreakable – we are certain of that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons set to break spending records
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are ready to spend big again in next summer's transfer market –
probably even outstripping this year's £35 million outlay.
We may be headed for a quiet January with zero cash available for players
and FFP levels reached, but next summer will be a different proposition.
The club has regularly made it clear that the final Boleyn year and the
opener at the Olympic Stadium are the most important in the club's history
when our future must be secured.
Ahead of this season David Gold made it clear to this site that relegation
in the final year of at Upton Park was unthinkable in any circumstances
which is why the board exceeded all other transfer market spends in the
summer.
They see next season in exactly the same way and Slaven Bilic could be
handed up to £50 million as the club moves to the often mentioned "next
level."
ClaretandHugh was told during conversations earlier today: "Next season is
massive, quite as big as this one in a very different way – we are building
a club for the future and that will take money, possibly more than before.
Premier League status is everything!
"We are ready to meet the challenge.There will be departures and we will be
looking at young and hungry performers. We are changing the profile in the
transfer market. It costs money and we are ready for that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Double boost for Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho and Alex Song are bang on course for returns to action against
Spurs. David Gold has been insistent for several weeks that Song would be
back fot either Everton or Spurs and it seems that is set to prove the case
along with the striker. Both players have been given a November 22 return
date by the generally pretty accurate physioroom.com who generally get
things pretty well nailed on. They are also reporting that Dimitri Payet has
sustained a high ankle injury ahead of his visit to hospital for surgery on
Monday . And they may have thrown a little light on the Enner Valencia
situation claiming he has an ankle issue with other sources having said over
recent days the nature of the injury is unclear.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sad DG sends sympathy as Paris suffers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has sent his sympathies to everybody caught up in the tragic
events of Paris. GoldThe club's co chairman was quickly off the mark to let
his feelings be known as the world tried to absorb the events of the last 24
ours. And there was a bright note as the French Football Federation
announced they would be going ahead with the planned match against England
at Wembley on Tuesday evening. Gold declared in his message: "I'm deeply
saddened to learn of the tragic events in Paris. It's a sad day and my
thoughts and sympathies go out to all those affected." Meanwhile David
Sullivan told ClaretandHugh: "What can one say? It's a very sad day for the
world."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Italians maintain interest in Irons midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Napoli are maintaining their interest in trying to sign Pedro Obiang on a
loan deal in January. The Italians were keen on the midfielder when he
decided to snub them in favour of a move to Upton Park in the summer.
However, injury problems and our strength in the middle of the park have
seen him unable to nail a permanent position in the side and that's enco
uraged Napoli to keep up their interest in him. Reports in the Italian media
claim the two clubs have been in contact over a possible plan of him joining
Napoli until the end of the season. A Hammers source admitted: "There is
interest but no decisions have been made at this stage. As is always the
case we will need to see where things are with injuries and the like come
the time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
For West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang, this weekend's international
break has come at a good time, with the Spaniard slogging away to return to
full fitness. The former Sampdoria man suffered a quadriceps injury in
training prior to the Hammers' 2-0 Barclays Premier League at Watford but
insists he is now firmly on the mend. And following injuries sustained by
Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia against Everton, the 23-year-old is
naturally desperate to get back playing to boost Slaven Bilic's squad.
"I'm feeling better now and I'm training hard to hopefully join the rest of
the guys, but these things happen," he told whufc.com. "I just want to get
back as soon as I can to help the team. We're focusing on the areas where
I'm feeling a bit of discomfort so that next week I can start training again
with the rest of the team. "I'm very much looking forward to the next match
against Tottenham as I am with every game, as it represents a new
opportunity to play. "I really hope that I have recovered by then and I can
be part of the squad, so that I can make the fans happier."
Injury setback aside, Obiang is positively thrilled with how his first few
months in England have panned out, with plenty to smile about, on and off
the pitch. He continued: "I can divide my time here into three sections.
The first, of course, is the football. There are no words to describe how
well it's going, as we're having a great season. "The second part is the
personal side of things. I'm here with my partner, she loves London and,
when we can, we try to go out and sample what London has to offer. "Thirdly,
the fans. They get behind us on the pitch and they're very respectful off
it."
The Hammers' first signing under Bilic, Obiang was speaking at the launch of
the third annual Lycamobile Cup, hosted by the West Ham United Foundation in
Beckton. The tournament culminates in a summer Finals Day at the Boleyn
Ground and the Spaniard was reminded of his maiden outing at a major
football venue, back in September 2010. "The first time I played in a big
stadium was against Juventus, my first team debut for Sampdoria.
"It really was like a Playstation match, with all the slow-mo's, the
emotion, your heart is going at 200 miles an hour and it really makes you
feel, for that brief moment, that you've become a star."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s too cunning for Foxes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's youngsters returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-0
Barclays U18 Premier League Southern Division victory at Leicester City on
Saturday afternoon.
After a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Spurs last weekend halted a seven-game
unbeaten streak, the Hammers got themselves ahead when Tunji Akinola popped
up in the penalty area to score his second goal in two games.
Shortly thereafter, Grady Diangana wasted an opportunity to make it 2-0 as
he was denied from the penalty spot, but captain Noha Sylvestre spared his
blushes by timing a run into the box perfectly to finish and double the
visitors' lead minutes later.
West Ham made a number of changes to the side that fell to defeat at Spurs
Lodge seven days previously. England youth international Jahmal
Hector-Ingram came into the Hammers attack to replace Oscar Borg, whilst
14-year-old defender Ajibola Alese made his first U18 start in place of the
unavailable Declan Rice. Tim Brown also replaced absent England U19
international Sam Howes in goal.
The Academy started extremely well and immediately went on the front foot at
the Foxes' Belvoir Drive home. Hector-Ingram, alongside Diagana and Idris
Kanu, caused the home defenders a number of problems with their strength and
pace in attack.
After 20 minutes, West Ham led. From Matt Carter's corner, Akinola rose
highest in the penalty box and headed home confidently past Leicester
goalkeeper Max Bramley.
Around five minutes later, the Hammers had a golden opportunity to double
their lead when a low cross from right-back Jake Eggleton found
Hector-Ingram in the box. The striker, who featured in a midweek first-team
friendly win over Crystal Palace at the Boleyn Ground, was dragged to the
floor by a home defender. Unfortunately though, Diangana's shot from the
spot was saved well by Bramley.
The second goal for the visitors did arrive just a few minutes later,
though, as Sylvestre picked the ball up in the middle of the pitch and found
Hector-Ingram on the wing. The lively striker headed for the byline before
cutting back for the Swiss skipper to finish from 16 yards out.
Into the second half and Leicester began playing a more direct style of
football as they looked for a route back into the game. However, Hammers
goalkeeper Brown was on form and made a number of fine saves.
West Ham had chances of their own in the second half as they looked to
extend their lead, but neither Joe Powell nor Hector-Ingram could beat
Bramley at the end of swift counter-attacking moves.
The Hammers will look to continue a new unbeaten streak when they host
Norwich City at Little Heath on Saturday 21 November 2015 in the Barclays
U18 Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for 11am, with parking and
admission both free!
West Ham's players will be looking to impress again as they begin the
countdown to the FA Youth Cup third-round tie at Derby County, which will be
played in late November or early December.
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Alese, Neufville, Carter, Sylvestre (c),
Diangana, Powell, Hector-Ingram, Kanu
Subs not used: Matrevics (GK), Coventry, Wells, Lewis, Longelo.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans have flag confiscated at England game after Spanish officials
mistake Hammers emblem for Nazi symbol
22:30, 14 NOV 2015
BY STEVE BATES
Stewards and officials in Alicante mistook the crossed hammers crest for a
Nazi-supporting banner, prompting angry scenes
The Mirror
West Ham supporters following England had their flags confiscated in
Alicante after Spanish officials mistook the crossed hammers emblem as a
Nazi symbol. Angry scenes erupted at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez on Friday
night as stewards and officials took down the white and red flags of St
George emblazoned with the crossed hammers crest and West Ham United .
Furious Irons supporters explained to stewards that the sign was their club
crest and tried to prevent them being taken down. But local organisers at
Spain's game with England claimed in their view that the emblem was a
Nazi-supporting banner, contravened regulations and was not allowed to be
displayed. FA security officials at the game tried to defuse the dispute,
explaining the flags had absolutely no Nazi connotations. But even they were
ignored by the Spanish authorities, who took the flags after a stand-off.
It's traditional for fans following England away to display a flag of St
George with the name of their own clubs or towns across the middle. At the
end of the game the fans were told their flags were being destroyed.
An FA security official said: "Spanish officials believed the crossed hammer
emblem was a Nazi-style badge. We intervened to try to explain there was
nothing wrong with the flags. "At the end of the match when the fans asked
for them to be returned the local authorities refused. There was nothing
more we could do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini can hurry up his big move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Manuel Lanzini can clinch his eight million euros move to the club over the
next 12 weeks as he bids to fill the massive hole left behind by Dimitri
Payet's absence.
The 22 year old is set to grow up fast as he becomes playmaker-in-chief
during the French star's lay off and his amazing goal in the last match
against Everton could even be an indication of greater things to come.
The Hammers had all but made up their minds to activate the option they have
agreed with his parent club Al Jaziera a the end of the season but will be
under pressure now to sort it out in January.
Should the player produce the sort of form which minimise the loss of Payet
then the Hammers could go in earlier than they had planned,
We were told: "Eight million sounds expensive but this boy s showing it to
be cheap and if he produces what we hope then it will be an absolute
bargain.
"It's better to judge over an entire season but if he comes though this
period with flying colours then it could happen in January.
"But as we have said before the fee agreed is agreed and the deal is
unbreakable – we are certain of that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons set to break spending records
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are ready to spend big again in next summer's transfer market –
probably even outstripping this year's £35 million outlay.
We may be headed for a quiet January with zero cash available for players
and FFP levels reached, but next summer will be a different proposition.
The club has regularly made it clear that the final Boleyn year and the
opener at the Olympic Stadium are the most important in the club's history
when our future must be secured.
Ahead of this season David Gold made it clear to this site that relegation
in the final year of at Upton Park was unthinkable in any circumstances
which is why the board exceeded all other transfer market spends in the
summer.
They see next season in exactly the same way and Slaven Bilic could be
handed up to £50 million as the club moves to the often mentioned "next
level."
ClaretandHugh was told during conversations earlier today: "Next season is
massive, quite as big as this one in a very different way – we are building
a club for the future and that will take money, possibly more than before.
Premier League status is everything!
"We are ready to meet the challenge.There will be departures and we will be
looking at young and hungry performers. We are changing the profile in the
transfer market. It costs money and we are ready for that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Double boost for Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho and Alex Song are bang on course for returns to action against
Spurs. David Gold has been insistent for several weeks that Song would be
back fot either Everton or Spurs and it seems that is set to prove the case
along with the striker. Both players have been given a November 22 return
date by the generally pretty accurate physioroom.com who generally get
things pretty well nailed on. They are also reporting that Dimitri Payet has
sustained a high ankle injury ahead of his visit to hospital for surgery on
Monday . And they may have thrown a little light on the Enner Valencia
situation claiming he has an ankle issue with other sources having said over
recent days the nature of the injury is unclear.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sad DG sends sympathy as Paris suffers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has sent his sympathies to everybody caught up in the tragic
events of Paris. GoldThe club's co chairman was quickly off the mark to let
his feelings be known as the world tried to absorb the events of the last 24
ours. And there was a bright note as the French Football Federation
announced they would be going ahead with the planned match against England
at Wembley on Tuesday evening. Gold declared in his message: "I'm deeply
saddened to learn of the tragic events in Paris. It's a sad day and my
thoughts and sympathies go out to all those affected." Meanwhile David
Sullivan told ClaretandHugh: "What can one say? It's a very sad day for the
world."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Italians maintain interest in Irons midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Napoli are maintaining their interest in trying to sign Pedro Obiang on a
loan deal in January. The Italians were keen on the midfielder when he
decided to snub them in favour of a move to Upton Park in the summer.
However, injury problems and our strength in the middle of the park have
seen him unable to nail a permanent position in the side and that's enco
uraged Napoli to keep up their interest in him. Reports in the Italian media
claim the two clubs have been in contact over a possible plan of him joining
Napoli until the end of the season. A Hammers source admitted: "There is
interest but no decisions have been made at this stage. As is always the
case we will need to see where things are with injuries and the like come
the time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2015
Kemp signs for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of 16-year-old winger
Daniel Kemp on a long-term contract. The exciting winger joins the Hammers
having recently left London rivals Chelsea, where he first signed aged just
six. Describing his delighted at signing for the Hammers, Kemp said: "I'm
over the moon to have signed for West Ham. It's a great club and I can
really see a good pathway and a positive culture here. "Today is a very
proud day for myself but also my Dad, Mum and Sister. All I look to do is
make them happy."
With several other clubs interested in Kemp's signature, he explained why he
chose the claret and blue shirt over other suitors. "Speaking to Academy
manager Terry Westley, it sounds like they've been watching me for a couple
of years. It was about trying to find the right time to move, now I'm here
I'm so pleased and really looking forward to my future. "I've been to the
Boleyn Ground a couple of times to watch games, it's a fantastic stadium,
it's not the biggest but it has a great atmosphere."
After signing a one-year scholarship, Kemp will sign a three-year
professional deal in July 2016. Having swapped west London for east, Kemp
continued to describe his admiration for new fans' favourite Manuel Lanzini.
"As an attack-minded player I really like watching Lanzini, I think he's an
excellent player. I also like Mauro Zarate, those small, tricky kind of
players. "I like to take people on and dribble. I like to link up and I just
enjoy making people happy when they're watching me."
The exciting prospect can play as a left-sided winger, as well as in a more
central role as a number 10. Having completed his move, Kemp could go
straight into the U18s' squad which travel to play Leicester City on
Saturday 14 November. Further down the line, Kemp is already looking
forward to a successful career at West Ham, and stated his dream of making
his professional debut at the Hammers' new stadium in Stratford. "I'd love
to make my debut in the new Stadium, it's an unbelievable stadium. Obviously
it'll be brand new, it's already iconic. I actually went to a few of the
events during the Olympics; three years ago I never thought I might be
playing there one day. "As for this season, hopefully I'll make a couple of
appearances for the U21s, for now I just need to concentrate on training
well, day in, day out. From there, I'll see where that takes me."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New time for Man City at home
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture with Manchester City
on Saturday 23 January will now kick-off at 5.30pm.
Originally scheduled for 3pm, the change in time completes January's fixture
changes.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Brien backing Irish teammate Darren
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien will be an interested observer on Friday evening as Darren
Randolph and his Republic of Ireland teammates take on Bosnia-Herzegovina
for a place at Euro 2016. The five-cap Ireland international has missed most
of this season with a niggling calf injury, but will be cheering his
teammates on from afar in their crucial play-off. Randolph was called into
action for Ireland's last two qualifiers after No1 Shay Given suffered an
injury and O'Brien believes, if selected, his Hammers colleague will step up
to the plate. He said: "I'll obviously be supporting as a fan, I think
looking at the draw and the possible teams we could have got, we might have
got a slightly easier team. On the other side, you definitely wanted the
away leg first. To have the second leg at home is a massive boost and an
advantage, that's a big plus. "It's a tough game; they've got some quality
players. I don't think they get enough recognition as they probably deserve,
but when you look at their team, they've got some very good players. I'm
sure we'll see their quality on Friday night. Most of their players don't
play in the Premier League, but in other top leagues in Europe so we know
they are strong and can't afford to underestimate them. "I fancy Ireland,
with the second leg at the Aviva, it'll be a great night and I'm sure the
boys will get there. "Darren is a laid back guy. I think that helps him
quite a lot. You could see it when he came on in the Germany game, it was a
difficult situation to come into but he did fantastically well. Obviously,
I'm not quite sure what the mentality of a substitute goalkeeper is, it must
be hard thinking you won't really be needed. But to come on and to perform
to the level that he did was outstanding. "Earlier in the season he got an
opportunity and had three games where he did very well. He was our best
player against Bournemouth even though we got beat; it could have been a
real cricket score without him."
As for his own fitness, O'Brien is ready to show what he can do when called
upon. He added: "This injury kind of came at a terrible time for me really,
personally. We were in the Europa League qualifiers; I was playing in those
games and doing quite well. I was hoping to start the season, and then I
picked up an injury in the last European game which kind of hung around a
bit. "It wasn't too serious really but it hung around and I couldn't shake
it off. By the time it was all sorted it was four or five weeks into the
season. Obviously the lads have been great so it's been hard to get back
into the team. "Injuries are obviously a big part of football. And now I'm
waiting for my chance, I'm confident my opportunity will come at some point
sooner or later. It's a long season, and you never know what might happen
with injuries or loss of form."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Gold
image:
http://az719727.vo.msecnd.net/cmsstorage/whu/media/whu/club/davidgold/dg726.
jpeg?width=726&height=408&ext=.jpeg
image:
http://az719727.vo.msecnd.net/cmsstorage/whu/media/whu/club/davidgold/dg726.
jpeg?width=726&height=408&ext=.jpeg
It has been a disappointing week for the Club with the news that Dimitri
Payet will be ruled for out a lengthy period with an ankle injury.
He has been such a big influence on the team and our performances in the
opening 11 games this season.
He will be sadly missed, but the fans can be assured that everything will be
done to bring him back as quickly as possible and we have a fantastic
medical team who will look after him during his recovery.
Thankfully Slaven has put together a strong squad of players and we have
strength in depth throughout the team.
I can remember previous seasons when we have lost a big player, for example
the year when we lost Scott Parker we didn't pick up points for a long
period, but the situation is different now and that is not the case anymore.
We are fortunate that Alex Song is coming back from injury at just the right
time and he came through a behind-closed-doors friendly against Crystal
Palace without any problems.
We are all excited at the prospect of seeing Alex back in action and there
is no doubt the quality he will bring to the team.
He has played in the Champions League and you cannot get higher than that.
His experience will be important for the rest of the dressing room and the
young players who look up to him.
You don't go from Arsenal to Barcelona without being a serious player. He
played a major role in us breaking into the top four in the first half of
last season and if he can re-produce that kind of form we have a fantastic
player to come back into the team.
Hopefully he will get another full week's training under his belt next week
and he will be in contention for the first-team in the near future.
I know that Slaven went back to see the new Stadium last week and he is
getting even more excited about the impending move to our new home.
I have said it before but the changes that are taking place there are
unbelievable. The players will want to play there and it will help us when
it comes to signing even more big name players.
We want to do things better than our competitors and Slaven knows it will be
a big bonus for him.
The players will be back in training on Monday and getting ready for the big
London derby against Tottenham.
We have had some amazing away results this season and the big game for a lot
of our supporters will come at White Hart Lane.
I'm sure Slaven and the players will not need any motivation for this one
and they will be ready for action.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - We have no limitations
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes there are no limitations for the Club when they move
into the new Stadium and feels they can achieve big things over the next few
years. Bilic made his first return to Queen Elizabeth Park since he was
appointed manager back in the summer and cannot believe the changes that
have taken place in such a short space of time. The West Ham United manager
attended a special event alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, club captain
Mark Noble, James Tomkins and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to mark
ten-years since London was awarded the Olympic Games. Bilic cannot wait to
see over 50,000 Hammers fans inside the new Stadium and believes the Club
can move onto another level when they move into their new home. West Ham
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and David Gold have already shown their
ambition for the Club bringing in the likes of Dimitri Payet during the
summer and Bilic feels they will attract even more big name players when
they play at the new Stadium.
Bilic said: "It has changed a lot and it has only been four months since the
last time I was here. I mean it's brilliant, it gives you shivers. We are
really looking forward to it and it makes you really excited when you come
here. "It's a great move for the Club, it's a great move for everyone, it
will be brilliant to see 54,000 Hammers under one roof. We are really
looking forward to next season. "It feels real and it's still going to
change. We are going to have West Ham seats and it is going to look even
better. "We want to finish this season well so we give a good farewell to
the Boleyn Ground and come to the new Stadium as high as possible. "The
players are talking about it and they asked me about the new Stadium. I said
it's a big step up for the Club, it shows the ambition of the Chairmen and
the Board and they are trying to make a Club that is already a huge, massive
Club even bigger. This shows their ambition and I think we're going the
right way. "The Premier League is attracting the best players in Europe and
in the world, and then if you add to that the Stadium move and that we are
the Club from London that puts you in a position that you have no
limitations. "But you have to stay on the ground, and we have to plan slowly
and we have to be realistic. There are no borders, to be fair, the sky is
the limit, but step by step."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Striker link – Irons ask: 'How many do we need?'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham is reported to be leading the race for Roma star Seydou Doumbia,
who will be free to leave the club next summer.
According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb the Hammers are keeping a watching
brief on the Ivory Coast international who having joined the Italian outfit
in January, is already is already out on loan at CSKA
Despite a lean spell in Rome the 27-year-old has returned to form, notching
three goals in four Champions League appearances this term, as well as five
in domestic league action.
However, a Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "We have four strikers now
and questions being asked about how we can keep them all happy – how many
are people expecting us to bring in?
"We have our own scouts looking at players every day – we certainly don't
suddenly think about spending a reported £10 million because a guy is having
a hot streak.
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Hammers double bid on live TV
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News
C and H
The Irons will be aiming to complete a famous double over Manchester City in
front of the Sky cameras. Their match at Upton Park on January 23 has been
rearranged for Sky and will now kick off at 5.30 as Slav's boys look to
carve out a special spot in the last Boleyn season. The game was originally
planned to kick off at 3pm but the Hammers growing status and their bid for
the double over the Sky Blues is an attractive proposition to the
broadcasters
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Song: I'll work hard for Spurs and Man U games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alex Song has told the West Ham medical staff the way they do things is the
equal of that he received at Barcelona and Arsenal. And in an updated blog
on the official site he pledges: "We play Tottenham and Man Utd in the next
few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll work very hard in the next few weeks
to be ready for those games." Discussing the medical staff he says: "I have
to say thank you to the medical staff because they have done a great job. I
was at Barcelona and Arsenal and the staff here are one of the best in the
way they work. I am very happy with the way they've done everything with me
and now I'm looking forward to coming back. I don't want to rush, which is
why we've taken the time to come back step-by-step. On Wednesday I played 60
minutes, that's one step. I know it won't be easy because I've been out for
a long time, but I need to come back to the game so I'm looking forward to
it. On Wednesday we saw some players who needed some minutes, and some
players like me who need to come back from injuries. That's what you need to
build your fitness. I was happy with the way I played and the way I moved. I
need some time to come back, but the way it went on Wednesday made me happy.
I've been seeing the guys and they've been doing very well. I just wanted to
come back to give my contribution, especially with some important games
coming up."
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Irons refuse to give City defender assurances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Bradford City are desperate to hold on to Reece Burke until the end of the
season as the League One club stage a sustained bid for the Championship.
ClaretandHugh understands the Bantams are ready for talks extending the
central defender's stay until the end of the season if possible but they are
unlikely to receive firm assurances. The Hammers consider it too early to do
so given the speculation surrounding James Collins who may be on the wanted
list of Sunderland and other clubs.wanted list. Reece has been outstanding
at the heart of the Bantams defence and has already won a player of the
month award as the club has risen to ninth place just three points off the
play-off places. They have conceded just 18 goals as along the way with
Burke the lynchpin of a mean defence. The Hammers. however, have noted the
19 year old's brilliant progress and a club source has made it clear to
ClaretandHugh they are not ready to give any commitment to Bradford at this
stage. We were told: "Given the movement we get in January that would be
silly. We have kept a keen eye on Reece and he is doing very well indeed. We
see him as very much part of the squad. "
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Irons rule out return of the prodigal!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Ravel Morrison fans suggesting the club would do well to bring back the
wayward midfielder in January are set to be disappointed. Morrison's
possible return is regularly mentioned on Twitter and Dimi Payet's injury
has only hastened the urgency of some of them. Among the recent tweets are:
O Here's to you Ravel Morrison, West Ham loves you more than you will know!
O Imagine having @dimpayet17, @maanuulanzini10 and @morrisonravel behind
Sakho. Would be unreal.
O Would take Ravel Morrison back at West Ham any day, especially now as
Payet is injured. If anyone can sort him out its Bilic !
O Breaking: Ex West Ham player Ravel Morrison has been linked with a move
back to the club! Do you want him back?g
Twitter is of course a hotbed of chatter, often ill informed speculation and
downright nonsense interspersed with some gold nuggets. However, the
Morrison stuff really does appear to fit into one of the first three
categories with a club source telling us this morning: "That period is
behind us – we are moving on. "Everybody knows everything there is to know
about the Ravel Morrison position and it's not one that we have an intention
of revisiting."
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Irons wait but player makes his mind up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Enner Valencia will undergo an operation if needed to as a result of his
injury against Everton. However, such has been the bruising surrounding the
affected area that medics have so far been unable to decide exactly what's
wrong. He will be examined and scanned again over the weekend and see a top
consultant on Monday who is expected to deliver a decision . He may well
have suffered a recurrence of the knee/ankle injury which sidelined him for
12 weeks before he saw action against Watford and The Toffees. A source
close to the player explained to ClaretandHugh that he s getting pain from
between the knee and ankle but at this stage no one can be sure where it's
originating from or its cause given the bruising when he was last scanned.
However, we were told: "It's fair to say that should an operation prove
necessary the player will go ahead with it." We reported last night that
Enner chose not to take that option on the last occasion but is set to take
club advice this time around should surgery be recommended.
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Charlton Athletic sign former West Ham and Bolton striker
By Sevenoaks Chronicle | Posted: November 13, 2015
CHARLTON Athletic have completed the signing of experienced striker Ricardo
Vaz Te on a free transfer.
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Inter Milan join Arsenal and West Ham in eyeing move for £8m Turkey star
Oguzhan Ozyakup
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, November 13, 2015
Arsenal and West Ham have been joined by Inter Milan in the race for
Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup. The midfielder has been in impressive form
this season and scouts from across Europe have taken notice. The 23-year-old
spent four years at Arsenal as a youngster, before joining Besiktas in 2012
for around £500,000. The Gunners are keen on bringing Ozyakup back to the
Emirates, while West Ham also have an interest as current boss Slaven Bilic
worked with the Turkey international during his time at Besiktas. However,
according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League pair now face
competition from Inter Milan. Manager Roberto Mancini is determined to
bolster his midfield options in January and believes he could snap up
Ozyakup for £8m.
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West Ham snap up impressive academy star from rivals Chelsea
London 24
11:47 13 November 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham have signed 16-year-old midfielder Daniel Kemp on a long-term deal.
6 The winger recently left Chelsea and has been quickly snapped up by the
Hammers and will go into their under-18's side and eventually under-21's if
his form impresses. Signing young stars has been an aim of West Ham's in
recent months, brining in academy boys from the likes of Arsenal and
Manchester City. Working alongside the likes of fellow 16-year-old Reece
Oxford, Kemp can't wait to get going. "I'm over the moon to have signed for
West Ham. It's a great club and I can really see a good pathway and a
positive culture here," he told the club's official site. "Today is a very
proud day for myself but also my Dad, Mum and Sister. All I look to do is
make them happy. "Speaking to Academy manager Terry Westley, it sounds like
they've been watching me for a couple of years. It was about trying to find
the right time to move, now I'm here I'm so pleased and really looking
forward to my future. "I've been to the Boleyn Ground a couple of times to
watch games, it's a fantastic stadium, it's not the biggest but it has a
great atmosphere."
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Tottenham's Mousa Dembele expected to be fit for West Ham clash despite calf
problem
TOM COLLOMOSSE
Evening Standard
Mousa Dembele should be fit for Tottenham's derby at West Ham next Sunday
despite missing Belgium's friendly with Italy due to a calf problem. The
midfielder has been ruled out of tonight's match against the Azzurri after
feeling pain in the muscle earlier this week, which forced him to miss
training. However, the damage is not thought to be serious and Dembele could
even return in time for next week's meeting with European champions Spain.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said: "We are working on an individual programme
with Mousa to get him ready for the game against Spain. Because he was not
certain to play, I selected an extra midfielder, [Anderlecht's] Steven
Defour."
Since returning to the Tottenham team for last month's 0-0 draw with
Liverpool, Dembele has shown some of his best form since he joined the club
from Fulham for £15million in summer 2012.
Before he recovered from an injury picked up against Everton in August,
Dembele's Spurs future was uncertain, with Napoli interested in signing him
in January. But the 28-year-old has since established himself as a key man
for Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, Andros Townsend is set to rejoin the first-team squad in time for
that game with West Ham. Due to a clash with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner
following the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on November 2, the winger was
excluded by Pochettino from the games against Anderlecht and Arsenal that
preceded the international break.
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SOME THINGS YOU CANNOT GIVE UP
By Iain Dale 13 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by David Stewart
I was always interested in football. Growing up in South London our local
big team was Crystal Palace, but I chose West Ham. This was probably due to
the 1966 World Cup, and I still remember watching the Final in our front
room in Cheam.
Now although my parents were not particularly interested in football, my
Great-Uncle, who lived around the corner was. He was a supporter of our
local team, Sutton Utd, and took me to numerous matches. One match in
particular was the Amateur Cup Final of 1969. 47,000 people at Wembley
Stadium to see Sutton play North Shields. (A 2-1 defeat for Sutton) It would
be not so long when I was to visit Wembley again to see my beloved Hammers
lift the FA Cup.
A couple of years previous to that 1969 Final, I went with my Uncle to see
my first "big match". The date was March 1967, and the match Fulham v Man
Utd. I don't remember much of the match that ended in a 2-2 draw, but here
the seed was sown for the years to come of my football journey. We had gone
to Fulham as it was my Uncles "second team" and although I pestered him to
take me to West Ham he was not interested. In the end it was my Dad who took
me to my first West Ham match in March 1970 at Selhurst Park. The match
ended in a 0-0 draw, but this was it! West Ham!
The following year I was allowed to go to Upton Park alone, and I still
remember standing there, on the Northbank, and immediately making new
friends. I became a regular at home matches, but in 1973, due to work
commitments, my parents moved to Suffolk, and so I attended Upton Park less
often. This was the first move in my life that meant that I had to travel to
get to see a match, although the one plus of living "in the sticks" was that
I got to see away matches at Ipswich and Norwich.
1975 came, and the FA Cup final beckoned. How was I going to get a ticket?
Step in my French teacher at school. Her Dad was on the board at Nottingham
Forest, and after some persuasion, I managed to get a ticket, via her, to
the match, albeit in the Fulham end. There were quite a few of us in that
end , and we all got together in one group to make as much noise as
possible, and at the end of the match I remember running on the pitch and
"going bonkers".
The following years, up to 1986, were spent supporting my team everywhere.
1976 Europe, and the ECWC Final in Brussels. (Having slept outside UP in a
queue to get my ticket for the match), 1980 FA Cup. Home or Away, it didn't
matter. If I had the time and cash I would go to see West Ham. Luckily I had
the cash, as I was running a successful business with my brother.
In 1986 came the biggest change to my life. I moved to Finland. Not just
Finland, but to Lapland, 600 miles North of Helsinki. (Well blonde
Scandinavian women, who can resist them!). Due to work, kids being born, and
starting up a new business, my time following West Ham was a once a year
trip. This lasted until the 2000, when my millennium resolution was to
rekindle my love for the team, and also "educate" my kids about the only
team they will be able to support .
Well here we are in 2015, and what has happened? Well I am with Scandinavian
wife number 2, and have five wonderful kids all thankfully West Ham
supporters ,and I am still living in Roavaniemi, Lapland. I am a ST holder,
with my youngest son (13 year old Liam), in the East Stand upper. I am lucky
that I have a very successful business here in Finland, and can combine
business trips to coincide with matches, and so I get to see 10 – 15 matches
every year. Liam probably sees 5-8 matches a year. Already he has tasted a
Wembley experience, European Football (in Malta), and his bedroom is a
shrine to his team, with signed shirts, and scarves. My other kids use my ST
whenever they are in the UK as well.
This now takes me back to the title of my article and often people ask me
what do I miss about England, and my answer is always the same. I was able
to give up going down the Pub, weekend curries, English TV , and all those
wonderful English things ………. except one thing, West Ham.
Some things you just cannot give up!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of 16-year-old winger
Daniel Kemp on a long-term contract. The exciting winger joins the Hammers
having recently left London rivals Chelsea, where he first signed aged just
six. Describing his delighted at signing for the Hammers, Kemp said: "I'm
over the moon to have signed for West Ham. It's a great club and I can
really see a good pathway and a positive culture here. "Today is a very
proud day for myself but also my Dad, Mum and Sister. All I look to do is
make them happy."
With several other clubs interested in Kemp's signature, he explained why he
chose the claret and blue shirt over other suitors. "Speaking to Academy
manager Terry Westley, it sounds like they've been watching me for a couple
of years. It was about trying to find the right time to move, now I'm here
I'm so pleased and really looking forward to my future. "I've been to the
Boleyn Ground a couple of times to watch games, it's a fantastic stadium,
it's not the biggest but it has a great atmosphere."
After signing a one-year scholarship, Kemp will sign a three-year
professional deal in July 2016. Having swapped west London for east, Kemp
continued to describe his admiration for new fans' favourite Manuel Lanzini.
"As an attack-minded player I really like watching Lanzini, I think he's an
excellent player. I also like Mauro Zarate, those small, tricky kind of
players. "I like to take people on and dribble. I like to link up and I just
enjoy making people happy when they're watching me."
The exciting prospect can play as a left-sided winger, as well as in a more
central role as a number 10. Having completed his move, Kemp could go
straight into the U18s' squad which travel to play Leicester City on
Saturday 14 November. Further down the line, Kemp is already looking
forward to a successful career at West Ham, and stated his dream of making
his professional debut at the Hammers' new stadium in Stratford. "I'd love
to make my debut in the new Stadium, it's an unbelievable stadium. Obviously
it'll be brand new, it's already iconic. I actually went to a few of the
events during the Olympics; three years ago I never thought I might be
playing there one day. "As for this season, hopefully I'll make a couple of
appearances for the U21s, for now I just need to concentrate on training
well, day in, day out. From there, I'll see where that takes me."
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New time for Man City at home
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture with Manchester City
on Saturday 23 January will now kick-off at 5.30pm.
Originally scheduled for 3pm, the change in time completes January's fixture
changes.
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O'Brien backing Irish teammate Darren
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien will be an interested observer on Friday evening as Darren
Randolph and his Republic of Ireland teammates take on Bosnia-Herzegovina
for a place at Euro 2016. The five-cap Ireland international has missed most
of this season with a niggling calf injury, but will be cheering his
teammates on from afar in their crucial play-off. Randolph was called into
action for Ireland's last two qualifiers after No1 Shay Given suffered an
injury and O'Brien believes, if selected, his Hammers colleague will step up
to the plate. He said: "I'll obviously be supporting as a fan, I think
looking at the draw and the possible teams we could have got, we might have
got a slightly easier team. On the other side, you definitely wanted the
away leg first. To have the second leg at home is a massive boost and an
advantage, that's a big plus. "It's a tough game; they've got some quality
players. I don't think they get enough recognition as they probably deserve,
but when you look at their team, they've got some very good players. I'm
sure we'll see their quality on Friday night. Most of their players don't
play in the Premier League, but in other top leagues in Europe so we know
they are strong and can't afford to underestimate them. "I fancy Ireland,
with the second leg at the Aviva, it'll be a great night and I'm sure the
boys will get there. "Darren is a laid back guy. I think that helps him
quite a lot. You could see it when he came on in the Germany game, it was a
difficult situation to come into but he did fantastically well. Obviously,
I'm not quite sure what the mentality of a substitute goalkeeper is, it must
be hard thinking you won't really be needed. But to come on and to perform
to the level that he did was outstanding. "Earlier in the season he got an
opportunity and had three games where he did very well. He was our best
player against Bournemouth even though we got beat; it could have been a
real cricket score without him."
As for his own fitness, O'Brien is ready to show what he can do when called
upon. He added: "This injury kind of came at a terrible time for me really,
personally. We were in the Europa League qualifiers; I was playing in those
games and doing quite well. I was hoping to start the season, and then I
picked up an injury in the last European game which kind of hung around a
bit. "It wasn't too serious really but it hung around and I couldn't shake
it off. By the time it was all sorted it was four or five weeks into the
season. Obviously the lads have been great so it's been hard to get back
into the team. "Injuries are obviously a big part of football. And now I'm
waiting for my chance, I'm confident my opportunity will come at some point
sooner or later. It's a long season, and you never know what might happen
with injuries or loss of form."
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
image:
http://az719727.vo.msecnd.net/cmsstorage/whu/media/whu/club/davidgold/dg726.
jpeg?width=726&height=408&ext=.jpeg
image:
http://az719727.vo.msecnd.net/cmsstorage/whu/media/whu/club/davidgold/dg726.
jpeg?width=726&height=408&ext=.jpeg
It has been a disappointing week for the Club with the news that Dimitri
Payet will be ruled for out a lengthy period with an ankle injury.
He has been such a big influence on the team and our performances in the
opening 11 games this season.
He will be sadly missed, but the fans can be assured that everything will be
done to bring him back as quickly as possible and we have a fantastic
medical team who will look after him during his recovery.
Thankfully Slaven has put together a strong squad of players and we have
strength in depth throughout the team.
I can remember previous seasons when we have lost a big player, for example
the year when we lost Scott Parker we didn't pick up points for a long
period, but the situation is different now and that is not the case anymore.
We are fortunate that Alex Song is coming back from injury at just the right
time and he came through a behind-closed-doors friendly against Crystal
Palace without any problems.
We are all excited at the prospect of seeing Alex back in action and there
is no doubt the quality he will bring to the team.
He has played in the Champions League and you cannot get higher than that.
His experience will be important for the rest of the dressing room and the
young players who look up to him.
You don't go from Arsenal to Barcelona without being a serious player. He
played a major role in us breaking into the top four in the first half of
last season and if he can re-produce that kind of form we have a fantastic
player to come back into the team.
Hopefully he will get another full week's training under his belt next week
and he will be in contention for the first-team in the near future.
I know that Slaven went back to see the new Stadium last week and he is
getting even more excited about the impending move to our new home.
I have said it before but the changes that are taking place there are
unbelievable. The players will want to play there and it will help us when
it comes to signing even more big name players.
We want to do things better than our competitors and Slaven knows it will be
a big bonus for him.
The players will be back in training on Monday and getting ready for the big
London derby against Tottenham.
We have had some amazing away results this season and the big game for a lot
of our supporters will come at White Hart Lane.
I'm sure Slaven and the players will not need any motivation for this one
and they will be ready for action.
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Bilic - We have no limitations
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes there are no limitations for the Club when they move
into the new Stadium and feels they can achieve big things over the next few
years. Bilic made his first return to Queen Elizabeth Park since he was
appointed manager back in the summer and cannot believe the changes that
have taken place in such a short space of time. The West Ham United manager
attended a special event alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, club captain
Mark Noble, James Tomkins and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to mark
ten-years since London was awarded the Olympic Games. Bilic cannot wait to
see over 50,000 Hammers fans inside the new Stadium and believes the Club
can move onto another level when they move into their new home. West Ham
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and David Gold have already shown their
ambition for the Club bringing in the likes of Dimitri Payet during the
summer and Bilic feels they will attract even more big name players when
they play at the new Stadium.
Bilic said: "It has changed a lot and it has only been four months since the
last time I was here. I mean it's brilliant, it gives you shivers. We are
really looking forward to it and it makes you really excited when you come
here. "It's a great move for the Club, it's a great move for everyone, it
will be brilliant to see 54,000 Hammers under one roof. We are really
looking forward to next season. "It feels real and it's still going to
change. We are going to have West Ham seats and it is going to look even
better. "We want to finish this season well so we give a good farewell to
the Boleyn Ground and come to the new Stadium as high as possible. "The
players are talking about it and they asked me about the new Stadium. I said
it's a big step up for the Club, it shows the ambition of the Chairmen and
the Board and they are trying to make a Club that is already a huge, massive
Club even bigger. This shows their ambition and I think we're going the
right way. "The Premier League is attracting the best players in Europe and
in the world, and then if you add to that the Stadium move and that we are
the Club from London that puts you in a position that you have no
limitations. "But you have to stay on the ground, and we have to plan slowly
and we have to be realistic. There are no borders, to be fair, the sky is
the limit, but step by step."
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Striker link – Irons ask: 'How many do we need?'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham is reported to be leading the race for Roma star Seydou Doumbia,
who will be free to leave the club next summer.
According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb the Hammers are keeping a watching
brief on the Ivory Coast international who having joined the Italian outfit
in January, is already is already out on loan at CSKA
Despite a lean spell in Rome the 27-year-old has returned to form, notching
three goals in four Champions League appearances this term, as well as five
in domestic league action.
However, a Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "We have four strikers now
and questions being asked about how we can keep them all happy – how many
are people expecting us to bring in?
"We have our own scouts looking at players every day – we certainly don't
suddenly think about spending a reported £10 million because a guy is having
a hot streak.
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Hammers double bid on live TV
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News
C and H
The Irons will be aiming to complete a famous double over Manchester City in
front of the Sky cameras. Their match at Upton Park on January 23 has been
rearranged for Sky and will now kick off at 5.30 as Slav's boys look to
carve out a special spot in the last Boleyn season. The game was originally
planned to kick off at 3pm but the Hammers growing status and their bid for
the double over the Sky Blues is an attractive proposition to the
broadcasters
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song: I'll work hard for Spurs and Man U games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alex Song has told the West Ham medical staff the way they do things is the
equal of that he received at Barcelona and Arsenal. And in an updated blog
on the official site he pledges: "We play Tottenham and Man Utd in the next
few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll work very hard in the next few weeks
to be ready for those games." Discussing the medical staff he says: "I have
to say thank you to the medical staff because they have done a great job. I
was at Barcelona and Arsenal and the staff here are one of the best in the
way they work. I am very happy with the way they've done everything with me
and now I'm looking forward to coming back. I don't want to rush, which is
why we've taken the time to come back step-by-step. On Wednesday I played 60
minutes, that's one step. I know it won't be easy because I've been out for
a long time, but I need to come back to the game so I'm looking forward to
it. On Wednesday we saw some players who needed some minutes, and some
players like me who need to come back from injuries. That's what you need to
build your fitness. I was happy with the way I played and the way I moved. I
need some time to come back, but the way it went on Wednesday made me happy.
I've been seeing the guys and they've been doing very well. I just wanted to
come back to give my contribution, especially with some important games
coming up."
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Irons refuse to give City defender assurances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Bradford City are desperate to hold on to Reece Burke until the end of the
season as the League One club stage a sustained bid for the Championship.
ClaretandHugh understands the Bantams are ready for talks extending the
central defender's stay until the end of the season if possible but they are
unlikely to receive firm assurances. The Hammers consider it too early to do
so given the speculation surrounding James Collins who may be on the wanted
list of Sunderland and other clubs.wanted list. Reece has been outstanding
at the heart of the Bantams defence and has already won a player of the
month award as the club has risen to ninth place just three points off the
play-off places. They have conceded just 18 goals as along the way with
Burke the lynchpin of a mean defence. The Hammers. however, have noted the
19 year old's brilliant progress and a club source has made it clear to
ClaretandHugh they are not ready to give any commitment to Bradford at this
stage. We were told: "Given the movement we get in January that would be
silly. We have kept a keen eye on Reece and he is doing very well indeed. We
see him as very much part of the squad. "
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Irons rule out return of the prodigal!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Ravel Morrison fans suggesting the club would do well to bring back the
wayward midfielder in January are set to be disappointed. Morrison's
possible return is regularly mentioned on Twitter and Dimi Payet's injury
has only hastened the urgency of some of them. Among the recent tweets are:
O Here's to you Ravel Morrison, West Ham loves you more than you will know!
O Imagine having @dimpayet17, @maanuulanzini10 and @morrisonravel behind
Sakho. Would be unreal.
O Would take Ravel Morrison back at West Ham any day, especially now as
Payet is injured. If anyone can sort him out its Bilic !
O Breaking: Ex West Ham player Ravel Morrison has been linked with a move
back to the club! Do you want him back?g
Twitter is of course a hotbed of chatter, often ill informed speculation and
downright nonsense interspersed with some gold nuggets. However, the
Morrison stuff really does appear to fit into one of the first three
categories with a club source telling us this morning: "That period is
behind us – we are moving on. "Everybody knows everything there is to know
about the Ravel Morrison position and it's not one that we have an intention
of revisiting."
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Irons wait but player makes his mind up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Enner Valencia will undergo an operation if needed to as a result of his
injury against Everton. However, such has been the bruising surrounding the
affected area that medics have so far been unable to decide exactly what's
wrong. He will be examined and scanned again over the weekend and see a top
consultant on Monday who is expected to deliver a decision . He may well
have suffered a recurrence of the knee/ankle injury which sidelined him for
12 weeks before he saw action against Watford and The Toffees. A source
close to the player explained to ClaretandHugh that he s getting pain from
between the knee and ankle but at this stage no one can be sure where it's
originating from or its cause given the bruising when he was last scanned.
However, we were told: "It's fair to say that should an operation prove
necessary the player will go ahead with it." We reported last night that
Enner chose not to take that option on the last occasion but is set to take
club advice this time around should surgery be recommended.
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Charlton Athletic sign former West Ham and Bolton striker
By Sevenoaks Chronicle | Posted: November 13, 2015
CHARLTON Athletic have completed the signing of experienced striker Ricardo
Vaz Te on a free transfer.
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Inter Milan join Arsenal and West Ham in eyeing move for £8m Turkey star
Oguzhan Ozyakup
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, November 13, 2015
Arsenal and West Ham have been joined by Inter Milan in the race for
Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup. The midfielder has been in impressive form
this season and scouts from across Europe have taken notice. The 23-year-old
spent four years at Arsenal as a youngster, before joining Besiktas in 2012
for around £500,000. The Gunners are keen on bringing Ozyakup back to the
Emirates, while West Ham also have an interest as current boss Slaven Bilic
worked with the Turkey international during his time at Besiktas. However,
according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League pair now face
competition from Inter Milan. Manager Roberto Mancini is determined to
bolster his midfield options in January and believes he could snap up
Ozyakup for £8m.
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West Ham snap up impressive academy star from rivals Chelsea
London 24
11:47 13 November 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham have signed 16-year-old midfielder Daniel Kemp on a long-term deal.
6 The winger recently left Chelsea and has been quickly snapped up by the
Hammers and will go into their under-18's side and eventually under-21's if
his form impresses. Signing young stars has been an aim of West Ham's in
recent months, brining in academy boys from the likes of Arsenal and
Manchester City. Working alongside the likes of fellow 16-year-old Reece
Oxford, Kemp can't wait to get going. "I'm over the moon to have signed for
West Ham. It's a great club and I can really see a good pathway and a
positive culture here," he told the club's official site. "Today is a very
proud day for myself but also my Dad, Mum and Sister. All I look to do is
make them happy. "Speaking to Academy manager Terry Westley, it sounds like
they've been watching me for a couple of years. It was about trying to find
the right time to move, now I'm here I'm so pleased and really looking
forward to my future. "I've been to the Boleyn Ground a couple of times to
watch games, it's a fantastic stadium, it's not the biggest but it has a
great atmosphere."
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Tottenham's Mousa Dembele expected to be fit for West Ham clash despite calf
problem
TOM COLLOMOSSE
Evening Standard
Mousa Dembele should be fit for Tottenham's derby at West Ham next Sunday
despite missing Belgium's friendly with Italy due to a calf problem. The
midfielder has been ruled out of tonight's match against the Azzurri after
feeling pain in the muscle earlier this week, which forced him to miss
training. However, the damage is not thought to be serious and Dembele could
even return in time for next week's meeting with European champions Spain.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said: "We are working on an individual programme
with Mousa to get him ready for the game against Spain. Because he was not
certain to play, I selected an extra midfielder, [Anderlecht's] Steven
Defour."
Since returning to the Tottenham team for last month's 0-0 draw with
Liverpool, Dembele has shown some of his best form since he joined the club
from Fulham for £15million in summer 2012.
Before he recovered from an injury picked up against Everton in August,
Dembele's Spurs future was uncertain, with Napoli interested in signing him
in January. But the 28-year-old has since established himself as a key man
for Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, Andros Townsend is set to rejoin the first-team squad in time for
that game with West Ham. Due to a clash with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner
following the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on November 2, the winger was
excluded by Pochettino from the games against Anderlecht and Arsenal that
preceded the international break.
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SOME THINGS YOU CANNOT GIVE UP
By Iain Dale 13 Nov 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by David Stewart
I was always interested in football. Growing up in South London our local
big team was Crystal Palace, but I chose West Ham. This was probably due to
the 1966 World Cup, and I still remember watching the Final in our front
room in Cheam.
Now although my parents were not particularly interested in football, my
Great-Uncle, who lived around the corner was. He was a supporter of our
local team, Sutton Utd, and took me to numerous matches. One match in
particular was the Amateur Cup Final of 1969. 47,000 people at Wembley
Stadium to see Sutton play North Shields. (A 2-1 defeat for Sutton) It would
be not so long when I was to visit Wembley again to see my beloved Hammers
lift the FA Cup.
A couple of years previous to that 1969 Final, I went with my Uncle to see
my first "big match". The date was March 1967, and the match Fulham v Man
Utd. I don't remember much of the match that ended in a 2-2 draw, but here
the seed was sown for the years to come of my football journey. We had gone
to Fulham as it was my Uncles "second team" and although I pestered him to
take me to West Ham he was not interested. In the end it was my Dad who took
me to my first West Ham match in March 1970 at Selhurst Park. The match
ended in a 0-0 draw, but this was it! West Ham!
The following year I was allowed to go to Upton Park alone, and I still
remember standing there, on the Northbank, and immediately making new
friends. I became a regular at home matches, but in 1973, due to work
commitments, my parents moved to Suffolk, and so I attended Upton Park less
often. This was the first move in my life that meant that I had to travel to
get to see a match, although the one plus of living "in the sticks" was that
I got to see away matches at Ipswich and Norwich.
1975 came, and the FA Cup final beckoned. How was I going to get a ticket?
Step in my French teacher at school. Her Dad was on the board at Nottingham
Forest, and after some persuasion, I managed to get a ticket, via her, to
the match, albeit in the Fulham end. There were quite a few of us in that
end , and we all got together in one group to make as much noise as
possible, and at the end of the match I remember running on the pitch and
"going bonkers".
The following years, up to 1986, were spent supporting my team everywhere.
1976 Europe, and the ECWC Final in Brussels. (Having slept outside UP in a
queue to get my ticket for the match), 1980 FA Cup. Home or Away, it didn't
matter. If I had the time and cash I would go to see West Ham. Luckily I had
the cash, as I was running a successful business with my brother.
In 1986 came the biggest change to my life. I moved to Finland. Not just
Finland, but to Lapland, 600 miles North of Helsinki. (Well blonde
Scandinavian women, who can resist them!). Due to work, kids being born, and
starting up a new business, my time following West Ham was a once a year
trip. This lasted until the 2000, when my millennium resolution was to
rekindle my love for the team, and also "educate" my kids about the only
team they will be able to support .
Well here we are in 2015, and what has happened? Well I am with Scandinavian
wife number 2, and have five wonderful kids all thankfully West Ham
supporters ,and I am still living in Roavaniemi, Lapland. I am a ST holder,
with my youngest son (13 year old Liam), in the East Stand upper. I am lucky
that I have a very successful business here in Finland, and can combine
business trips to coincide with matches, and so I get to see 10 – 15 matches
every year. Liam probably sees 5-8 matches a year. Already he has tasted a
Wembley experience, European Football (in Malta), and his bedroom is a
shrine to his team, with signed shirts, and scarves. My other kids use my ST
whenever they are in the UK as well.
This now takes me back to the title of my article and often people ask me
what do I miss about England, and my answer is always the same. I was able
to give up going down the Pub, weekend curries, English TV , and all those
wonderful English things ………. except one thing, West Ham.
Some things you just cannot give up!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, November 13
Daily WHUFC News -
Academy youngster Browne pens pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Academy youngster Marcus Browne has signed his first professional contract with the Club. The midfielder, who turns 18 next month, now takes the next step in his career with the Club he has been with since the age of eight. Appearing regularly for the Under-21s this season, and scoring his first goal at that level in the recent 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Browne is thrilled to have put pen-to-paper. He said; "It's a massive opportunity to be at a Club like West Ham at my age. I've been here for a very long time, since I was eight years old, so this is a proud moment for me. "This is just the start, so I want to kick on and get more contracts in the future and continue to improve.
"I'm very pleased with how I've progressed. I was out for five months last year with a hamstring injury, but I've come back well so I'm happy with that and if I just carry on doing when I'm doing and enjoying football I'll kick on to bigger things."
Browne hailed the influence of Academy Manager Terry Westley in his development, while pointing to the progress made by the likes of Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford as inspiration for his own future. He added: "Terry has been a massive influence for me since he's come in and has helped me a lot, especially this season. They've helped me get better and better, so it has been good.
"I've played with both Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen so it's good to see where they're at. I'm pleased for both of them and it gives us encouragement that young players can do it, so I'll keep plugging away and hopefully I'll be at the top soon."
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Chadwell Chatter - Alex Song
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I was very happy to be back on the pitch against Crystal Palace on Wednesday because it has been six months since I last played. Wednesday was my first game back and I got 60 minutes, which was good. We've worked very hard, so it's very good to come back to the pitch. I have to say thank you to the medical staff because they have done a great job. I was at Barcelona and Arsenal and the staff here are one of the best in the way they work. I am very happy with the way they've done everything with me and now I'm looking forward to coming back. I don't want to rush, which is why we've taken the time to come back step-by-step. On Wednesday I played 60 minutes, that's one step, and now I have a couple of weeks to try and build my fitness. I know it won't be easy because I've been out for a long time, but I need to come back to the game so I'm looking forward to it.
On Wednesday we saw some players who needed some minutes, and some players like me who need to come back from injuries. That's what you need to build your fitness. I was happy with the way I played and the way I moved. I need some time to come back, but the way it went on Wednesday made me happy. I've been seeing the guys and they've been doing very well. I just wanted to come back to give my contribution, especially with some important games coming up. We play Tottenham and Man Utd in the next few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll work very hard in the next few weeks to be ready for those games.
See you on the pitch soon!
Alex
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This is our time
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Stuart Patten
This is our time. Or so I am being told by the co-Chairman of my wonderful football club. And I have to go along with such a bold statement, and agree, it really does feel as though something special is about to explode across the east of London.
However I am tempted to stay on the cautious side of letting myself get carried away with where we are going as a club. I remember being unbelievably excited the day I heard West Ham were being bought out by a team led by football agent Kia Joorabchian and that two Argentine superstars in the shape of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were on their way to join us.
That was almost ten years ago now and I vividly recall emailing my friend in New Zealand explaining how we were on the verge of becoming one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Nine months later we had just beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the final match to stay in the League – things did not go according to plan that season.
So here we are in 2015 with a Board that I personally think have been incredible for this club and a manager who epitomises everything we as West Ham fans want from the main man. Passion, desire, tactical awareness, ambition, excitement and more than all of tha,t he just simply looks like a bloke you'd love to go down the pub and share a pint or two with.
Super Slav enjoys his rock music and the occasional ciggy (or at least he did in his playing days) and well, he just gets it doesn't he? He gets what West Ham means. He gets what this part of London is about. He gets that we've never been in this to see our team churn out trophy after trophy but above all else we just want to see hard work, a bit of flair and some excitement injected into our lives on a Saturday afternoon.
Bilic wasn't with us long in the mid-nineties but his relationship with the club and the fans took off straight away and let's be honest, it feels like he's never been away. Seeing him prowl along the touchline with those steely eyes and exercising the vocal chords, you can tell he's almost gearing himself up for another leap above a centre-forward to head clear a cross into our box. He lives and breathes football and so do we.
It is early days of course but it does feel like a match made in heaven. As always though, managers are judged on results and a glance at the fixture list in the summer threw up some tough away games to start with which were compromised by some promising looking home matches. Let's not forget though - this is West Ham.
Seriously, how many other clubs can you think of that would beat Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea but would fail to overcome Leicester, Bournemouth, Norwich, Sunderland and more recently, Watford? However, I'm sure he will get the formula right sooner rather than later and he really seems to be enjoying it. We certainly are as fans.
I have had my season ticket for 25 years now – a quarter of a century dedicating most of my Saturday's to visiting The Boleyn Ground - and I love it. I mean, I truly love it. I am an away fan too and try to get to around ten matches per season, which is a totally different experience to a home match. The days out are brilliant fun and it's almost a sense of "we're all in this together". The atmosphere is awesome and when you do see a win, be it famous or not, it makes for a fun journey home that's for sure!
However, the bread and butter - and the reason I became a fan - is the Boleyn Ground.
My Dad is from West Ham and attended Pretoria School but his parents moved out to Dagenham which is where he met my Mum. Dad has been going since the early 1960s and has far more memories of The Boleyn than I do and I am extremely jealous of some of the things he has experienced first-hand.
The atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt was quite something; witnessing what many say was the best performance by an opposition team when Dinamo Tblisi turned us over in 1981 (I appreciate good football, too), but more than anything just being in the North or South Bank and watching the many, many great players wear the claret and blue must have been something to behold.
I would love to have been around to see Bobby Moore lead our team out, watch 'Budgie' Byrne torment many defences and Geoff Hurst smash in six against Sunderland. We are known for being a family club and I think most West Ham fans can relate to that. The majority of us would have been taken to our first match by a family member and that sticks with you.
It's something that is handed down through generations – almost as though our elders are saying "we've had to endure this down the years, over to you kiddo!" And all of those early memories involve trips to the Boleyn. No matter how good or bad the football has been down the years, we've always looked forward to getting down there on match day to sample that unique atmosphere. It's a special place and I guess if you're not one of us, you just won't get it.
I grew up in Dagenham and watched the Daggers a few times before Dad took me to The Boleyn for my first match in 1988 – a 1-3 defeat to Charlton. I can't confess to say I was hooked that night because I simply don't remember it that well. In fact the first game I do remember is a 5-0 victory over Sunderland the following season and thinking I wanted to be Eamon Dolan when I grew up.
I started going regularly with Dad and we had our first season tickets together in that 1989-1990 season which ended in relegation. We won at times and lost more, but I just loved going down to Upton Park.
I recall the old Portacabin shop outside the old West Stand, the school playground which adjoined the forecourt area (and thinking that those school kids are the luckiest in the world getting to play a game of footy in the shadows of the stadium) and the endless queues to the ticket office as we started buying tickets for the occasional away game.
All happy memories as a kid growing up but then in the early to mid-nineties this stadium that I had started to love was beginning to change. First, the old South Bank was knocked down and replaced with the Bobby Moore Stand, which is where I've had my season ticket for the past 22 years.
I remember being at school and the PE class were tasked with doing a project on anything we wanted to do which related to sports, which would contribute towards our GSCE grading. I chose the redevelopment of the South Bank at the Boleyn and recall my Dad and me driving to the deserted ground on many occasions to take photographs and making pages of notes for my school project.
I absolutely loved working on that project and achieved 61 marks out of a possible 63 and was told it was rolled out by the teachers as an example for future students. I wish I had made a point of asking for it when I left school, but hopefully it helped the kids of Dagenham gain a decent grade in their exams in the years that followed! The fact I threw everything into my work demonstrated how much passion I had for my club from an early age and I got a lot of satisfaction out of expressing a little bit of my creative side whilst trying to reflect what was happening in E13.
The erection of the Sir Trevor Brooking stand followed, which stands on the famous old North Bank site. And then the West Stand had an upgrade in 2001 which I believe is the biggest single stand in London and one of the best in the country. It's imposing but due to the way it was built (the shell was built around the old stand meaning our crowds didn't slip too much during construction) the famous tight ground was no more. The distance between the front row of seats and the edge of the pitch had now become vast to the extent ball boys were needed!
This wasn't what the Boleyn was famed for but it did suddenly become one the best stadiums in London. And to be honest, this is the Boleyn that I and many fans of a similar age have considered the "famous old Boleyn". Granted the atmosphere isn't always what we had heard from years gone by – that Frankfurt match in 1976 takes some beating by all accounts according to my Dad - but there have still been many, many memorable occasions. The modern-day "Frankfurt" being the Ipswich play-off match in 2004.
What a night, oh my goodness! I've never heard or experienced a night quite like that. The atmosphere around the ground prior to kick off was at fever pitch and when Matty Etherington smashed in the first goal of the night to draw us level on aggregate, well I reckon the vibrations from the stadium that night must have been felt right across London.
Christian Dailly nudged in the winner with his curly hairs and we had won. The moment that struck me that night was at full time when every single person inside the stadium rose to their feet, put their arms in the air and belted out the most ferocious version of 'Bubbles' I have ever heard. It was truly remarkable and memorable and those fans that were lucky enough to be there that night will never forget it. I certainly won't. Truly hairs on the back of the neck stuff. We lost the Final, of course!
There is something special about attending a West Ham home match under the floodlights. I don't know what it is but the atmosphere is like no other and if you're lucky enough to witness a famous win then the evening will stay with you forever. Who will ever forget beating Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup in the snow? The noise levels increase as the cold air filters its way through the east London skyline and I wish we could bottle that up and take it along with the Champions Statue when we move to Stratford next summer.
The history inside those four stands is unique and you can feel it whenever you enter through the turnstiles. The face of the stadium has changed down the years but the tradition never did and is woven into the fabric of the name, the Boleyn Ground. I challenge you to say those words and then imagine West Ham not being associated to them any more. Horrible isn't it? It leaves emptiness inside and a gaping hole the size of an Olympic Stadium. But alas we move forwards and hope and pray for many new memories.
A big highlight for me was when I got to play on the hallowed turf back in 2013. Most kids in my school wanted to play for West Ham and whilst it wasn't actually for the Hammers, I did manage to play in a match which was organised by a friend of mine. We used the home dressing room and even came out to Bubbles over the PA system.
Our team drew 4-4 and I managed to "live the dream" and get on the scoresheet that day, which will live with me forever. It was the most deadly strike you'll ever see from six yards! To cap it off it was right in front of the Bobby Moore Stand and I'll be a liar if I said I didn't look down on that area of the pitch and relive that memory every other week when I take my seat for a home match.
There have been plenty more memories down the years, some highs and plenty of lows, but it's a place of worship no matter what. Even if things aren't going great personally, it's okay "cos I'm at West Ham on Saturday". The place just fixes things for you. Even if you come away cursing the team's performance you know you'll be back next week because it's just what we do.
We're a passionate, loyal and honest bunch and I can never imagine growing up to support another club as a kid. It's who I am and I'm sure if you cut me there would be a little bit of sky blue that is mixed in with the claret.
I will never tire of going to watch West Ham but we are about to embark on a new journey from next season and as we prepare to leave the Boleyn Ground, I also understand things will never be the same. The journey to a game will be better I am sure due to impressive transport links, but come on, we all love joining the queue at Upton Park tube stretching round the back of Queens Market don't we? Especially if it's raining!
After all these years it still fascinates me that no one has ever thought about cutting down the tree that sticks out on the bend where it's branches continue to flick the endless queue of people around the side of the head. Walking towards the entrance, past all the hundreds making their way to the back of the queue, is interesting depending on the result; it just feels like a proper football tube station doesn't it? The dimly-lit road, the cobbled pathway, the crowds all jostling along together – it's great and I will miss it.
The final game against Swansea on 7th May is going to be awful. There won't be a dry eye in the house and I'm dreading it. I still can't comprehend that soon I will make my last ever trip to Upton Park tube station, I probably won't walk along Green Street again and I won't ever walk through the turnstiles at The Boleyn Ground following the match against the Swans.
It's one thing walking away for the final time but I think it will really hit home when the bulldozers come in and knock the entire place down. That will kill us fans and everything we have all grown up and immersed ourselves in will be gone.
But things must change. We want to become bigger and better and compete at the highest level. I firmly believe this club can become the best and sit at the top of the tree with what has been presented to us now. I have attended almost 1,000 matches following the Hammers (600 at home) and I have never before even contemplated saying the above. But with this new stadium it scares the life out of me how big we can now become.
I think we're going to surprise a few people along the way in terms of the support we're going to be bringing to matches. This club is bigger than most people think and I probably include some of our own fans in that statement. We have a huge fan base, massive. Everywhere you go you'll meet a Hammer. This really will propel us into the light and out of the shadows of our more so-called illustrious neighbours and with that, people WILL stand up and take notice of this sleeping giant.
We have a wider support than Chelsea – I mean support - not people that claim to like the Blues and are willing to part with a tenner to a stall on Oxford Street to buy a shirt that barely resembles the word "official". One question I've been asked plenty of times is "do you think you will you fill it?" Of course we will. I have never had any doubt whatsoever that we will fill it.
Before the new West Stand was built we sold out every game and got 26,000 through the turnstiles. All of a sudden we had 9,000 more seats to fill and people were worried then! Don't forget, this club averaged above 30,000 in the Championship not so long ago too. Even David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, apparently once told former Chairman Terry Brown it "frightens him to death" how big West Ham could become if we moved into a bigger stadium. Well David, that time is coming.
Of course, people will doubt the move and feel a little apprehensive but I am looking forward to it immensely. I strongly believe that there are plenty of other clubs' fans and Chairmen that are looking over their shoulders and towards the claret and blue corner of east London now and I love that.
I've watched some dross down the years but kept going back for more. I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of success now to be honest. I wouldn't mind seeing us competing with the best in Europe. But I don't want that to be totally compromised by the injection of huge amounts of cash meaning the ethic of this wonderful club is sacrificed. We should never lose that and I don't think this set of fans would stand for it.
Money will obviously play a part somewhere along the line, but if players aren't pulling their weight in a 54,000 capacity stadium, wow they're going to know about it. But if they're willing to put the hard yards in and win us a few games, I honestly believe the appreciation they'll feel won't be rivalled anywhere else.
It's going to be an extremely emotional day on 7th May, but come the following August I feel a new kid may have just arrived on the block. And I cannot wait.
Is this our time…?
Too damn right it is.
COYI!
My top 10 Boleyn memories: what would be on your list?
1) Yossi scoring an 85th minute winner to deny Spurs a place in the Champions League – lasagne has always been my favourite dish!
2) 4-3 victory over Spurs when our new signings Kitson and Hartson showed what they're capable of on a windy and rainy February evening. A proper football match.
3) This season's 2-1 win over Chelsea. What a great atmosphere and Roy of Rovers stuff seeing big Andy nod in the late winner – scenes.
4) Ipswich in the 2004 Play-off semi-final 2nd leg. I've never experienced an atmosphere like that or seen it replicated anywhere else. Incredible night.
5) Seeing Paolo come off the bench in our ill-fated 2002-03 season to score the winner against Chelsea in what would be his last ever match at The Boleyn. Tears were aplenty from the Italian magician.
6) A true "I was there moment" as I witnessed the best goal ever scored by a professional footballer. Di Canio's volley against Wimbledon. I don't need to say anymore.
7) During the influx of the foreign legion down West Ham way in the Redknapp era, we had this little gem of a player who produced what I still say is the best individual performance I've ever seen live. Hugo Porfirio destroyed Nottingham Forest in the League Cup as we ran out 4-1 winners. Even more remarkable was Dowie notched two that night but Hugo was a class apart from anything I've seen over a 90 minute period. Class.
8) Paolo twisting Martin Keown inside and out with a delicious little flick before curling the ball into the top corner in front of the Bobby Moore – chaos in the stands, absolute chaos.
9) Not a win, but the most satisfying draw a West Ham fan has probably ever experienced as Ludo had the game of his life and we held Manchester United 1-1 to deny them the title – again. Obscene…
10) A Youth Cup match. The 2nd leg in the Final followed a 3-0 victory at Coventry and a capacity crowd of 26,000 crammed in to witness one hell of a show. We won 6-0 (9-0 on aggregate) and the talent was amazing, including a certain Joe Cole that looked like he was having the time of his life. However it was another player that grabbed my attention that went under the radar big time that night – Michael Carrick was absolutely astonishing.
To finish up, I asked family and friends for their chosen words which encapsulates their feelings towards what it means to be a West Ham fan and how The Boleyn Ground has had an impact on their lives. I believe the following reflects our collective thoughts and feelings….
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Palace stars impressed by Zarate show
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
He many not have scored during the game, but West Ham striker Mauro Zarate certainly left a lasting impression on Crystal Palace's players following yesterday behind-closed-doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground. KUMB member Row X was travelling from Essex to West Ham on the tube yesterday afternoon when three Eagles stars - including first team players Brede Hangeland and Connor Wickham - joined him at Upton Park.
And according to our man, the trio were eulogising over the performance of Zarate during United's 1-0 friendly win - secured thank to Jaanai Gordon's second half strike. "I was travelling in from Elm Park with my headphones in," said Row X. "When the Palace lads got on I instantly recognised Brede, as he was massive! All three looked shattered. "I didn't know we were playing Palace, but put two and two together and thought it might have been a behind-closed-doors friendly. So I switched my music off straight away to listen in on what might be said."
According to Row X, Wickham and Hangeland agreed that Zarate had been "quality" during the game, whilst the Norwegian defender praised his attitude, adding "he ran that game today". Meanwhile the third, unidentified player decreed that the West Ham number 10 had been "the stand out player", whilst all three agreed that summer signing Yohan Cabaye was the only Palace player capable of performing in a similar manner for the Selhurst Park outfit. "As we pulled into West Ham, Wickham said his goodbyes," added Row X. "It was a shame I only got to listen to their conversation for a few minutes, but you could tell they were impressed with Zarate!"
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Come on folks, do keep up!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Paul Walker
James McCarthy should have been sent off. There you go, I've said it again.
Referee Paul Tierney got it wrong and those of a blue persuasion have been on my case ever since.
So now I am about to break my rule that says I should not get involved in slanging matches over something I have written for KUMB. People write on fans' sites and expect to get stick, everyone is entitled to their views and football is a passionate business, it's why we are all so involved.
The whole point is writing for you own fans means you don't have to be impartial, you are able to be biased and a piece that provokes debate--and sadly--some abuse, is what you expect. I can handle that, I am old enough and ugly enough.
And in the midst of all this I want to apologise to Everton and their fans for the shocking, way out of order, comments about the late, great Howard Kendall from some so-called West Ham fans.
How his name got dragged into this, I cannot fathom. But because I was annoyed with some Everton fans being spiteful and just nasty about Dimitri Payet, wishing him the worst possible damage, is absolutely no excuse for any sick remarks about Kendall.
Must admit, I was horrified. Kendall was a long-time professional acquaintance of mine, not a friend as such, but someone I talked to regularly in my former life for close on 20 years!
He was one of the nicest, most helpful managers I have ever met. He was very kind to me when I first moved to Liverpool to work--we both escaped Manchester at about the same time--and he went out of his way to cooperate with me.
I recall a long chat over a glass or two of wine about the 1964 FA Cup Final, when Howard played for Preston against us. He became the then-youngest ever player in a cup final that day, just beating our own John Sissons.
Sissons went on to become the youngest, at the time, scorer in a final and the pair left the pitch with their arms around each other, being friends and room mates for England Youth. That they never played for the full England side was a disgrace, and a chat about that day with Kendall was a memory of him I will never forget.
When he died recently I was away in Majorca on holiday, and still there when he had his funeral, a wonderfully fitting farewell at Liverpool cathedral. I was upset then, still am. So I am disgusted with any sick remarks from West Ham fans' forums. Some things are way out of line, and this is one of them.
Sadly, all clubs have their brain dead, pond life who hide behind invented names to abuse people. Sites should do more to filter out such filth, as well as death threats. Come on, do they think they are Reggie Kray?
Now back to my original point. Everton fans keep saying in countless postings that McCarthy got the ball, so that's OK. Where have they been these last couple of years?
Whether you touch the ball first with a scissor tackle is nothing to do with it. The new interpretation is all about how strong or reckless the referee feels the tackle is. The damage is done, as with Payet, with the trailing leg.
One post from 'Martin' insisted that it wasn't intentional and McCarthy got the ball. I have no idea whether McCarthy was trying to hurt Payet, only he knows that, or whether he's a nice boy and wouldn't hurt a fly, as 'Helen' from Wigan thinks.
Someone going under the name of 'Avishek' even used as mitigation the theory "that he could not control his trailing leg". That mate is just the point, and why the directive to referees has been made.
Payet posted a picture on twitter which showed McCarthy had two feet off the ground. Another picture shows his tackling foot about six inches off the ground with studs showing. Referees have been told to penalise this. Tierney, in my view, got it wrong and only booked the Everton player.
Countless refereeing pundits have made it very clear on this issue that players can be sent off even if they do get the ball first. Is that clear? I hope so.
And there have been Everton fans moaning about the scissor tackle from Spurs' Eric Dier on Tom Cleverley that put their midfielder out for months. And Luke Shaw's injury was also mentioned in mitigation.
The assault on Cleverley was not even penalised with a free kick, and Shaw's assailant was even named man of the match by the Dutch press. Both tackles were red card offences and should have been punished. That they were not is surely not an argument in McCarthy's defence.
Oh, and then Kevin Nolan's name gets thrown into the mix, something about a challenge he made while at Newcastle. He wasn't a West Ham player then and is not now. And whatever he has done still does not excuse McCarthy, or what I feel was a referee's mistake.
And finally, I did not mention anything about McCarthy's previous. Also not important. But I believe he and Morgan Amalfitano do not exchange Christmas cards.
The bottom line is that McCarthy should have walked. Simple as that, but none of this will get Payet back playing any quicker.
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West Ham say they are 'protecting' Reece Oxford in Premier League
Last Updated: 12/11/15 10:27am
SSN
West Ham teenager Reece Oxford has been kept out of the first team to help nurture his development, the head of the club's medical team has revealed. The midfielder played in three of the team's opening four Premier League games this season, having made his league debut in August, aged 16 and 236 days in the surprise 2-0 win at Arsenal. But the player has not featured for the Hammers since August 29 and the club have explained their reasons for keeping the youngster out of the first team. West Ham's head of medical Stijn Vandenbroucke told the club's website: "Reece Oxford has had some significant development over the last few weeks. "We have been working with him to prepare him for the demands of the Premier League. "He is obviously a big talent and it is my responsibility to protect him, along with the responsibility of the manager, who is fully on board with how we are managing Reece."
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THANK YOU MR BILIC
By Tony Hanna 12 Nov 2015 at 16:05
WTID
The West Ham Way? Not sure when this term or colloquialism came about? Like a few others on this site I was lucky enough to watch the Moore, Hurst and Peter's team of the Greenwood era and the Brooking, Bonds and Devonshire team under John Lyall. During those two era's I never heard the "West Ham Way" term used. But that is not to say it is not part of our ethos. Just as the "Academy of Football" phrase was booted around in past years there has to be a starting point for any catchphrase. The philosophy around the term is spot on. Whatever anyone's view on the subject, the transformation of our football club within a few short months has been enormous. Not only do we have some fantastic ball players at the club now, but they are being played! The injury to Dimitri Payet has robbed us of one of the seasons delights so far, if only for three months. We can only wish that he can return as soon as possible. It would be great to see Payet, Lanzini and Song all on "song" in the same team. We could really take someone apart!
For those with short memories we were actually 4th at Christmas last year. I really doubt we will be able to equal or better that by this festive season. However, even disregarding the nosedive that transpired in the second half of last season, this season has already been more of a success for me. The depth of the squad, in my opinion, is the best I have ever seen at the club. We have had better players in certain positions in the past, but never the riches of back up we currently have except perhaps in the fullback positions. Sakho gets injured and Andy Carroll returns. Reid and Ogbonna both out and in come Tomkins and Collins. Payat gets injured and Song returns. Even Randolph is a great understudy to Adrian. There are many more examples and you don't need me to explain any further. This squad may not be able to break into the top four or six, we shall see, but they have not only provided a feast of entertaining football but some absolutely cracking goals to savour as well. Twenty three goals in just twelve matches shows a little more forward thinking than respect the point. It is also refreshing that we as fans can stop looking at future fixtures wondering how and where we can amass enough points to avoid relegation.
Now I am 60 next birthday and some will say I am old and some will say I am still young, depending on their own age and outlook on life. But I must admit, I was really starting to think I would never see the Hammers win at Anfield again in my lifetime. Thank you Slaven Bilic! That is one hell of a chip off the old shoulder. However, Everton still remain our bogey team on home and away form. I still remember them making me cry at a football match for the first time when I was about 13 because we were so unlucky against them in a 1-0 home defeat. A 1-1 draw last weekend is not the end of the World, but the injuries to Payet and Valencia were at a higher cost than the loss of two points.
For me, all the feel good factors that have made this season so far are wide and variable. The silky skills of Payet and Lanzini; the pace of which we break from defence, the outstanding wins at Arsenal, City or Liverpool, or just the fact we are trying to play football again. But one man is largely responsible for making all this possible and it is he who has also brought respect back to our club with his honesty and humility in pre and post match interviews. Once again, thank you Mr Bilic.
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West Ham receive major fitness boost with Alex Song set to return to first team
22:30, 11 NOV 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The former Arsenal midfielder played 45 minutes in a friendly and could be back in the Hammers squad after losing Dimitri Payet for three months
The Mirror
West Ham have received a huge boost with the return to fitness of Alex Song . The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder played 45 minutes of a friendly win over Crystal Palace. Song could now feature against Tottenham in the Hammers' first game after the international break. Impressive during the first half of last season, he has yet to play for the Irons this time around after ongoing ankle surgery during the summer. But he has now been training with the first team for over two weeks and the club are happy with his progress. It is a welcome relief for the club after they were left reeling by the news earlier this week that star man Dimitri Payet will be out for three months following a crunching tackle from Everton's James McCarthy. West Ham are also hoping to have news later this week on Enner Valencia who was also injured in the same game. The club are concerned that he too could be set for another lay-off.
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Irons striker told to do what experts say
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's top brass are hoping Enner Valencia will take expert advice when he meets a top specialist in London on Monday. The club have still not given details of the striker's injury and he is back in Ecuador tonight but there are fears he may have suffered a reaction to the injury that sidelined him for 12 weeks.
At the time of the last injury Valencia appeared caught between two stalls and hit out at the club claiming : "West Ham seem to have forgotten that I'm injured. But they don't let me speak to another doctor. I don't understand why West Ham doctors are doing this to me. The truth is that West Ham have not been supporting me."
Valencia later moved to smooth the waters with a statement on West Ham's official website saying: "I have had a number of consultation meetings with specialists in London, accompanied by members of the club's medical staff, and they have always kept me updated me on my injury.
"It has been a frustrating time, but I would like to make clear that I have the utmost respect and confidence in the club's medical team and the specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage.
However, ClaretandHugh insiders told us at time that the striker was unhappy at the prospect of surgery and it was that which may have been at the root of the problem."
And tonight we were told: "He returns tomorrow (Fri) and the expert will say what needs to be done on Monday. Last time there was no operation as he didn't want it and that's POSSIBLY why its gone wrong again.
We really hope he has the operation this time IF the expert says he needs it."
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OS: Band 4 issue riles fan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Information has reached Claret and Hugh HQ that season ticket holders from Bobby Moore Lower have been forced to upgrade to band 3 to get a comparable seat in the Lower Tier of the Olympic Stadium.
One season ticket holder in the back row of the Bobby Moore Lower contacted Claret and Hugh this week to say he wasn't offered any seats in the lower tier as a band 4 ticket at £499.
When he visited the Stratford reservation centre earlier this week he was offered band 4 seats in the upper tier.
The sales person did offer him a comparable seat which is back row of the lower stand behind the goal at the Olympic Stadium but the catch is he would need to upgrade to band 3 which is £100 more expensive.
The irritated season ticket holder of 45 years told us "Gobsmacked mate is the only thing to say, as predicted we were offered back row lower tier seats, which fits the bill nicely with an almost identical sight line to the BML today, so why am I upset as I appear to have got what I wanted?
"Well BML Band 4 has suddenly become OS Band 3 £599. I if I want Band 4, I am upstairs row 2 backwards, so after venting my annoyance I was swiftly met with the retort, 'Band 3 is cheaper than what I pay for band 4 today, so that makes it all OK then?'
Ultimately, it's not the money, as what is a ton in the great scheme of things over the course of a season, but it's the principle. BML and STB lower tiers are band 4, there's a reason for that which is distance from the pitch and only a forward view aspect, just the same as the OS will be.
"As for newbies, two friends came with us, and were offered only upper tier, they ended up with some nice looking seats in line with the left corner flag for Band 4, but friendship only goes so far, so they are up there whilst we elevated to Band 3″
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Irons wait on Valencia Ecuador medics
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have taken a cautious approach to releasing full details of Enner Valencia's injury until his international team medics have had the opportunity of examining the striker.
The national team are involved in a match against Uruagay tonight (k/0 9pm GMT) and the Irons – having fallen foul of Senegal in a similar situation, when Diafra Sakho sustained a back injury, are playing this one by the book.
ClaretandHugh @blogger @ExWHUemployee – who is in the process of setting up his own exciting website project in conjunction with us – tweeted earlier: "The hold up with Valencia's scan is because when a player is meant to be on international duty they have to assess first before the club.
"The reason the national team assess first is if there is a call-up and they pull out! Man U had a habit of saying players were "injured."
It's for reasons like this that the rule was introduced and we obviously had issues with Sakho last year too."
A West Ham source said: "Once bitten twice shy. There is no question about Enner's injury"
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Hammers talk on defender 'interest'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are unlikely to be making a move for reported target FC Lorient defender Lamine Kone. The Ivory Coast international is apparently bang on the Irons radar according to morning reports although club sources have played down the supposed interest. Sunderland and Aston Villa are also reported to be interested and with the Irons well stocked with central defenders it would be a surprise if they weren't left to fight it out among themselves. Kone has had a great season but the Hammers are more than happy with the central defenders available to them at the moment. ClaretandHugh was told: "We have Winston Reid, James Tomkins and Angelo Ogbonna available along with James Collins. "And we have made it clear in the past that we may be ready to recall Reece Burke from his loan spell at Bradford City if needed. "Quite apart from anything else, there is no money avaialble and players will have to leave for us to bring in new ones. However, that won't be at central defence."
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Gold: 'Footballers and beef burgers don't mix'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Chairman David Gold has hit back at former Hammer Benni McCarthy by saying 'Footballers and beef burgers don't mix!" In response to sexist comments made by McCarthy about Karren Brady, Gold tweeted "More importantly Benni. Footballers and beef burgers don't mix. dg" McCarthy recently said about his time at West Ham "I saw so many things in my life and in football for me, it was nothing. Woman and football, it's not such a good combination.I was just hurt and when I returned, I was not the same. You have to get into shape. People forget that if you did not feed for twelve weeks and you do not come back for a game, it's very hard to find your best level. You have to link several games before, maybe, to get fit."
When McCarthy was released in 2011 after 13 disappointing appearances for the Hammers McCarthy hit out at Karren Brady saying "It makes me want to throw up. There's the devil with a set of tits." Brady later rebuked "At least I'm supposed to have tits"
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Irons player gets special protection
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is taking big precautions with Reece Oxford, putting the 16-year-old and it is working. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has explained the player's absence this season after is great start explaining the club are not ready to overwork their teen prodigy. He explained: "Reece Oxford has had some significant development over the last few weeks. We have been working with him to prepare him for the demands of the Premier League. "He is obviously a big talent and it is my responsibility to protect him, along with the responsibility of the manager, who is fully on board with how we are managing Reece. "He is away with England Under-19s now and will be involved in their matches with Holland and Japan."
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Irons progress on several fronts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Whilst Dimitri Payet's injury is the most significant blow to the club, there's been great progress on various other fronts. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke was delighted with yesterday's match against Palace reporting:"We played Crystal Palace on Wednesday in a behind-closed-doors game which was very competitive because both clubs put out strong squads which could have played in the Premier League. "Alex Song played 70 minutes in this game without any problems, which was a good step in the right direction as it was his first game in six months. "Also positive is that Winston Reid came through 90 minutes against Everton on Saturday after four weeks out. He is now going to have a few days rest and we can build him up again for the Tottenham Hotspur game. "Diafra Sakho has been out running on the pitch this week and we are very confident we can recover him from his quadriceps injury for the trip to Tottenham, should he not suffer any setbacks. "Pedro Obiang is continuing with his own rehabilitation following the quadriceps injury he suffered in training before the Watford game."
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West Ham made summer bid for Raul Jimenez
11:58, 12 NOV 2015 UPDATED 11:58, 12 NOV 2015
BY RICHARD BEECHAM
Mexico hero claims he turned down an offer from Slaven Bilic to join the Irons, opting instead for a loan move to Benfica.
London 24
Benfica's Raul Jimenez in action against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez said he turned down a summer move to West Ham. The 6ft 3in forward was one of a number of strikers linked with the Hammers over the summer of 2015, but Jimenez opted for a loan move to Portugese giants Benfica . "There was also an offer from West Ham and for several days I had to think about the two options and in the end chose Benfica because I felt it was the club that could give me what I needed," he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola .
"It's the best club in Portugal and they can help me a lot to continue to improve and grow as a footballer." After impressing in the Mexican league with Club America , the 24-year-old was snapped up by Atleti as a replacement for Diego Costa. However, the Mexico international struggled for form in his first season in Spain, scoring just one goal.
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HANGING UP YOUR BOOTS
By Terence Bates 12 Nov 2015 at 09:00
WTID
Ex Hammer Teddy Sheringham currently manages Stevenage. He recently announced his intention to play again in an FA Cup match at the age of ninety-eight… (ok forty-nine then!)… It does feel like an eternity that he's been around, but maybe that's me not wanting to acknowledge or accept I am further along the conveyor belt of life than him!
His playing comeback as it happens… well it didn't happen, but it begs the question of when is it time for players to hang up their boots from playing, especially at the higher level in the Premier League? And have the standards improved so much in football that a playing career is now shortened age wise? Is burn-out something we are all facing in an ever stressful and speedier life?
Benni McCarthy is also in the news after making sexist comments about Karen Brady. His spell at West Ham was a disaster due to his inability to knuckle down and get fit. As we get older it is harder to stay fit and for most of us to keep the pounds off. McCarthy was around thirty-three years old when he was contracted to play for West Ham and he was a big fat flop. It was already game over because he could not work at fitness levels and stay in shape, as David Gold has tweeted in defence of Karen Brady "More importantly Benni "Footballers and beef burgers don't mix." Quite.
I realise football-wise age is subjective, in so much that some players are genetically blessed, have better fitness, a better attitude towards diet, have less injuries or can adapt to a different positional role. Sheringham to his credit played top flight football until he was forty plus, playing for the Hammers in the heartbreak FA Cup Final against Liverpool in 2006 and thus becoming the third oldest player to appear in an FA Cup Final. His legacy also includes being in the top ten of all time goal scorers in the Premier League at 147 goals, he stands in the top twenty of all-time appearances in the Premier League and is still the oldest player to have ever set foot in a Premier League match at the age of 40 years, 272 days or thereabouts! Add to this he holds the record for being the oldest goal scorer in the Premier League…. Well I'll have some of what he's drinking please!
Before Teddy, West Ham had the legendary Billy Bonds who looked like he would go on ad-infinitum and he too played in the top flight albeit pre-premier league, past the age of forty before injury convinced him to call it quits. The difference of course is that Billy Bonds spent twenty years at Upton Park whereas Teddy Sheringham shared his career with several clubs, the majority playing time between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both players it could be argued possessed a certain elixir of youth or indeed an elixir of the right attitude, an element perhaps lacking in the DNA of Mr McCarthy.
History is littered with great veteran players, the most famous of whom is the great Stanley Matthews who finally hung up his boots from playing at an incredible seventy years of age, five years after he started claiming his pension! Matthews still holds the record for being the oldest man to play at the top level in the UK at fifty and the oldest to play for his country. Matthews was credited as a non-smoking vegetarian teetotaller, which is an interesting point making him way ahead of his time from a health thinking perspective, however it still didn't stop him endorsing cigarettes as a healthy lifestyle choice in a newspaper advertisement!
Stanley Matthews the oldest footballer was yes... a health freak!
The holy chalice called Bobby Moore saw his career all but fall apart in the disastrous England World Cup game game against Poland that subsequently became the catalyst for not only his career at the top being over, but that also of the England Manager Sir Alf Ramsey. Moore's final game for England was in 1974 against Italy, he was 33. Shortly after also saw the end of his career with West Ham. Thirty-three years of age even by the standards back then was relatively young. Bobby Moore's final match for West Ham was in their reserves. We can only surmise what the underlying health issues of Bobby played in a relatively short career at the top.
The question to be asked is whether any of these past players or indeed our current premier league players would ever be able to compete in the same way now at such ripe ages? Football at the highest level is becoming a young mans game where performance, speed, health & fitness and athleticism is paramount and the thought of Bonzo having a bottle of beer before the game, McCarthy munching a dozen Big Macs or Slaven Bilic as a footballer sucking on several fags at half time would send the media into a frenzy and pull in the men in white coats.
And with all this in mind I bring up thirty-two year old James Collins or 'Ginger Pele' as he is affectionately known by the West Ham faithful, who is way younger than Sheringham, Bonzo or even Bobby Moore at the tail end of their careers. James Collins was in my view a disaster pre-season and in the Europa Cup where he was being outrun and ultimately found himself being sent off after two clumsy challenges against pacier opponents, which in turn greatly contributed to our exit from the competition. Collins then repeated this in the Hammers annoying defeat against Watford.
At the beginning of the season I could see Collins being shown the exit door, which I am sure others would agree would have been really sad. Collins has spent ten years over two spells at the club and clearly loves both club and supporters. To his credit he has redeemed himself since by putting in some good performances without a lot going wrong, but…. will it last? I have my doubts as the game against Watford has shown.
This flagging of fitness, slowing down through ageing and nagging injuries scenario also led to Kevin Nolan leaving the club and disappointedly (from his perspective), even his favourite manager Sam Allardyce has not yet rescued him and rekindled the working relationship they held for years by heading towards Allardyces's new club Sunderland, although of course who knows that could change. I think it is unlikely that a premiership club will hire Nolan, but again I could be wrong, perhaps Bournemouth who look like they are facing a serious relegation battle, might turn to him to help.
Of course any sympathy one has to current footballers whose careers are in a slide is tempered by the knowledge that these guys are earning ridiculous amounts of money and we ultimately pay their wages. Do the maths, ten years at an average of 30 -50k a week equates to an overall income of around £15 to £25 million…. Nice work.
Elsewhere in the premier league, I believe it is no coincidence (despite the Mourinho shenanigans) that Chelsea are struggling and so is John Terry who at thirty-five is showing signs of maybe having to hang his Premier League boots up. Maybe there's one last hurrah in the American MLS or one last pay day in the Far East. No player can now be carried at the top level in the Premier League, especially if you want to win trophies even John Terry. I am sure of course most Hammers fans will be sad to see John Terry's exit from the PL!
In the past it was generally found that age combined with fitness filtered from youngest at the front, to the oldest playing career being the mantle of the Goalkeeper. Players could adapt their game and position as age, fitness and injury prevailed, central defenders could easily go onto their late thirties, West Ham had such players like Alvin Martin and of course Billy Bonds. But I doubt this is the case anymore, it is highly unlikely we will see players in their late thirties or post forty (even as a goalkeeper) playing in the Premier League, unless it is some kind of symbolic run out in an unimportant match.
I am filled with wishful thinking for the popular James Collins and really hope that I am wrong in singling him out for the exit door, as it is easy for those of us sitting with our beer belly's munching a Kit Kat, whilst sitting at a computer or tapping away on a tablet screen to make such ironic judgement on another man's age, fitness and career. Dig in Ginger Pele… prove us wrong, work at it and keep lacing those West Ham boots up… the Olympic Stadium beckons!
Terence Bates
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WEST HAM BATTLE NEWCASTLE AND ASTON VILLA FOR HIGHLY-RATED DEFENDER
By Dylan Bregman
IronsInTheCircle
According to The Daily Star West Ham United are tracking 26-year-old Ivorian centre-half, Lamine Kone. Kone has really started to become one of Ligue 1's best centre half's this season and he could be at the centre of a tug of war in the January transfer window. The Lorient defender has played 9 games this season and has caught the eye of scouts from England. Lorient's next game is at home to Paris Saint-Germain and this will be Kone's chance to prove that he is good enough for the top tier of English football. The centre-half is valued around €3m, however, it may not be a case of simply buying him. Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also keen to get in on the act. With the high demand for the Ivorian, Lorient could easily bump up his price and get up to double his value if the English clubs are as interested as they seem. With rumours that club hero James Collins might be heading towards the exit at the Hammers, West Ham may need a new centre back to do a job for them when they need.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Academy youngster Marcus Browne has signed his first professional contract with the Club. The midfielder, who turns 18 next month, now takes the next step in his career with the Club he has been with since the age of eight. Appearing regularly for the Under-21s this season, and scoring his first goal at that level in the recent 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Browne is thrilled to have put pen-to-paper. He said; "It's a massive opportunity to be at a Club like West Ham at my age. I've been here for a very long time, since I was eight years old, so this is a proud moment for me. "This is just the start, so I want to kick on and get more contracts in the future and continue to improve.
"I'm very pleased with how I've progressed. I was out for five months last year with a hamstring injury, but I've come back well so I'm happy with that and if I just carry on doing when I'm doing and enjoying football I'll kick on to bigger things."
Browne hailed the influence of Academy Manager Terry Westley in his development, while pointing to the progress made by the likes of Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford as inspiration for his own future. He added: "Terry has been a massive influence for me since he's come in and has helped me a lot, especially this season. They've helped me get better and better, so it has been good.
"I've played with both Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen so it's good to see where they're at. I'm pleased for both of them and it gives us encouragement that young players can do it, so I'll keep plugging away and hopefully I'll be at the top soon."
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Chadwell Chatter - Alex Song
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I was very happy to be back on the pitch against Crystal Palace on Wednesday because it has been six months since I last played. Wednesday was my first game back and I got 60 minutes, which was good. We've worked very hard, so it's very good to come back to the pitch. I have to say thank you to the medical staff because they have done a great job. I was at Barcelona and Arsenal and the staff here are one of the best in the way they work. I am very happy with the way they've done everything with me and now I'm looking forward to coming back. I don't want to rush, which is why we've taken the time to come back step-by-step. On Wednesday I played 60 minutes, that's one step, and now I have a couple of weeks to try and build my fitness. I know it won't be easy because I've been out for a long time, but I need to come back to the game so I'm looking forward to it.
On Wednesday we saw some players who needed some minutes, and some players like me who need to come back from injuries. That's what you need to build your fitness. I was happy with the way I played and the way I moved. I need some time to come back, but the way it went on Wednesday made me happy. I've been seeing the guys and they've been doing very well. I just wanted to come back to give my contribution, especially with some important games coming up. We play Tottenham and Man Utd in the next few weeks and I have to be ready. I'll work very hard in the next few weeks to be ready for those games.
See you on the pitch soon!
Alex
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This is our time
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Stuart Patten
This is our time. Or so I am being told by the co-Chairman of my wonderful football club. And I have to go along with such a bold statement, and agree, it really does feel as though something special is about to explode across the east of London.
However I am tempted to stay on the cautious side of letting myself get carried away with where we are going as a club. I remember being unbelievably excited the day I heard West Ham were being bought out by a team led by football agent Kia Joorabchian and that two Argentine superstars in the shape of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were on their way to join us.
That was almost ten years ago now and I vividly recall emailing my friend in New Zealand explaining how we were on the verge of becoming one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Nine months later we had just beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the final match to stay in the League – things did not go according to plan that season.
So here we are in 2015 with a Board that I personally think have been incredible for this club and a manager who epitomises everything we as West Ham fans want from the main man. Passion, desire, tactical awareness, ambition, excitement and more than all of tha,t he just simply looks like a bloke you'd love to go down the pub and share a pint or two with.
Super Slav enjoys his rock music and the occasional ciggy (or at least he did in his playing days) and well, he just gets it doesn't he? He gets what West Ham means. He gets what this part of London is about. He gets that we've never been in this to see our team churn out trophy after trophy but above all else we just want to see hard work, a bit of flair and some excitement injected into our lives on a Saturday afternoon.
Bilic wasn't with us long in the mid-nineties but his relationship with the club and the fans took off straight away and let's be honest, it feels like he's never been away. Seeing him prowl along the touchline with those steely eyes and exercising the vocal chords, you can tell he's almost gearing himself up for another leap above a centre-forward to head clear a cross into our box. He lives and breathes football and so do we.
It is early days of course but it does feel like a match made in heaven. As always though, managers are judged on results and a glance at the fixture list in the summer threw up some tough away games to start with which were compromised by some promising looking home matches. Let's not forget though - this is West Ham.
Seriously, how many other clubs can you think of that would beat Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea but would fail to overcome Leicester, Bournemouth, Norwich, Sunderland and more recently, Watford? However, I'm sure he will get the formula right sooner rather than later and he really seems to be enjoying it. We certainly are as fans.
I have had my season ticket for 25 years now – a quarter of a century dedicating most of my Saturday's to visiting The Boleyn Ground - and I love it. I mean, I truly love it. I am an away fan too and try to get to around ten matches per season, which is a totally different experience to a home match. The days out are brilliant fun and it's almost a sense of "we're all in this together". The atmosphere is awesome and when you do see a win, be it famous or not, it makes for a fun journey home that's for sure!
However, the bread and butter - and the reason I became a fan - is the Boleyn Ground.
My Dad is from West Ham and attended Pretoria School but his parents moved out to Dagenham which is where he met my Mum. Dad has been going since the early 1960s and has far more memories of The Boleyn than I do and I am extremely jealous of some of the things he has experienced first-hand.
The atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt was quite something; witnessing what many say was the best performance by an opposition team when Dinamo Tblisi turned us over in 1981 (I appreciate good football, too), but more than anything just being in the North or South Bank and watching the many, many great players wear the claret and blue must have been something to behold.
I would love to have been around to see Bobby Moore lead our team out, watch 'Budgie' Byrne torment many defences and Geoff Hurst smash in six against Sunderland. We are known for being a family club and I think most West Ham fans can relate to that. The majority of us would have been taken to our first match by a family member and that sticks with you.
It's something that is handed down through generations – almost as though our elders are saying "we've had to endure this down the years, over to you kiddo!" And all of those early memories involve trips to the Boleyn. No matter how good or bad the football has been down the years, we've always looked forward to getting down there on match day to sample that unique atmosphere. It's a special place and I guess if you're not one of us, you just won't get it.
I grew up in Dagenham and watched the Daggers a few times before Dad took me to The Boleyn for my first match in 1988 – a 1-3 defeat to Charlton. I can't confess to say I was hooked that night because I simply don't remember it that well. In fact the first game I do remember is a 5-0 victory over Sunderland the following season and thinking I wanted to be Eamon Dolan when I grew up.
I started going regularly with Dad and we had our first season tickets together in that 1989-1990 season which ended in relegation. We won at times and lost more, but I just loved going down to Upton Park.
I recall the old Portacabin shop outside the old West Stand, the school playground which adjoined the forecourt area (and thinking that those school kids are the luckiest in the world getting to play a game of footy in the shadows of the stadium) and the endless queues to the ticket office as we started buying tickets for the occasional away game.
All happy memories as a kid growing up but then in the early to mid-nineties this stadium that I had started to love was beginning to change. First, the old South Bank was knocked down and replaced with the Bobby Moore Stand, which is where I've had my season ticket for the past 22 years.
I remember being at school and the PE class were tasked with doing a project on anything we wanted to do which related to sports, which would contribute towards our GSCE grading. I chose the redevelopment of the South Bank at the Boleyn and recall my Dad and me driving to the deserted ground on many occasions to take photographs and making pages of notes for my school project.
I absolutely loved working on that project and achieved 61 marks out of a possible 63 and was told it was rolled out by the teachers as an example for future students. I wish I had made a point of asking for it when I left school, but hopefully it helped the kids of Dagenham gain a decent grade in their exams in the years that followed! The fact I threw everything into my work demonstrated how much passion I had for my club from an early age and I got a lot of satisfaction out of expressing a little bit of my creative side whilst trying to reflect what was happening in E13.
The erection of the Sir Trevor Brooking stand followed, which stands on the famous old North Bank site. And then the West Stand had an upgrade in 2001 which I believe is the biggest single stand in London and one of the best in the country. It's imposing but due to the way it was built (the shell was built around the old stand meaning our crowds didn't slip too much during construction) the famous tight ground was no more. The distance between the front row of seats and the edge of the pitch had now become vast to the extent ball boys were needed!
This wasn't what the Boleyn was famed for but it did suddenly become one the best stadiums in London. And to be honest, this is the Boleyn that I and many fans of a similar age have considered the "famous old Boleyn". Granted the atmosphere isn't always what we had heard from years gone by – that Frankfurt match in 1976 takes some beating by all accounts according to my Dad - but there have still been many, many memorable occasions. The modern-day "Frankfurt" being the Ipswich play-off match in 2004.
What a night, oh my goodness! I've never heard or experienced a night quite like that. The atmosphere around the ground prior to kick off was at fever pitch and when Matty Etherington smashed in the first goal of the night to draw us level on aggregate, well I reckon the vibrations from the stadium that night must have been felt right across London.
Christian Dailly nudged in the winner with his curly hairs and we had won. The moment that struck me that night was at full time when every single person inside the stadium rose to their feet, put their arms in the air and belted out the most ferocious version of 'Bubbles' I have ever heard. It was truly remarkable and memorable and those fans that were lucky enough to be there that night will never forget it. I certainly won't. Truly hairs on the back of the neck stuff. We lost the Final, of course!
There is something special about attending a West Ham home match under the floodlights. I don't know what it is but the atmosphere is like no other and if you're lucky enough to witness a famous win then the evening will stay with you forever. Who will ever forget beating Manchester United 4-0 in the League Cup in the snow? The noise levels increase as the cold air filters its way through the east London skyline and I wish we could bottle that up and take it along with the Champions Statue when we move to Stratford next summer.
The history inside those four stands is unique and you can feel it whenever you enter through the turnstiles. The face of the stadium has changed down the years but the tradition never did and is woven into the fabric of the name, the Boleyn Ground. I challenge you to say those words and then imagine West Ham not being associated to them any more. Horrible isn't it? It leaves emptiness inside and a gaping hole the size of an Olympic Stadium. But alas we move forwards and hope and pray for many new memories.
A big highlight for me was when I got to play on the hallowed turf back in 2013. Most kids in my school wanted to play for West Ham and whilst it wasn't actually for the Hammers, I did manage to play in a match which was organised by a friend of mine. We used the home dressing room and even came out to Bubbles over the PA system.
Our team drew 4-4 and I managed to "live the dream" and get on the scoresheet that day, which will live with me forever. It was the most deadly strike you'll ever see from six yards! To cap it off it was right in front of the Bobby Moore Stand and I'll be a liar if I said I didn't look down on that area of the pitch and relive that memory every other week when I take my seat for a home match.
There have been plenty more memories down the years, some highs and plenty of lows, but it's a place of worship no matter what. Even if things aren't going great personally, it's okay "cos I'm at West Ham on Saturday". The place just fixes things for you. Even if you come away cursing the team's performance you know you'll be back next week because it's just what we do.
We're a passionate, loyal and honest bunch and I can never imagine growing up to support another club as a kid. It's who I am and I'm sure if you cut me there would be a little bit of sky blue that is mixed in with the claret.
I will never tire of going to watch West Ham but we are about to embark on a new journey from next season and as we prepare to leave the Boleyn Ground, I also understand things will never be the same. The journey to a game will be better I am sure due to impressive transport links, but come on, we all love joining the queue at Upton Park tube stretching round the back of Queens Market don't we? Especially if it's raining!
After all these years it still fascinates me that no one has ever thought about cutting down the tree that sticks out on the bend where it's branches continue to flick the endless queue of people around the side of the head. Walking towards the entrance, past all the hundreds making their way to the back of the queue, is interesting depending on the result; it just feels like a proper football tube station doesn't it? The dimly-lit road, the cobbled pathway, the crowds all jostling along together – it's great and I will miss it.
The final game against Swansea on 7th May is going to be awful. There won't be a dry eye in the house and I'm dreading it. I still can't comprehend that soon I will make my last ever trip to Upton Park tube station, I probably won't walk along Green Street again and I won't ever walk through the turnstiles at The Boleyn Ground following the match against the Swans.
It's one thing walking away for the final time but I think it will really hit home when the bulldozers come in and knock the entire place down. That will kill us fans and everything we have all grown up and immersed ourselves in will be gone.
But things must change. We want to become bigger and better and compete at the highest level. I firmly believe this club can become the best and sit at the top of the tree with what has been presented to us now. I have attended almost 1,000 matches following the Hammers (600 at home) and I have never before even contemplated saying the above. But with this new stadium it scares the life out of me how big we can now become.
I think we're going to surprise a few people along the way in terms of the support we're going to be bringing to matches. This club is bigger than most people think and I probably include some of our own fans in that statement. We have a huge fan base, massive. Everywhere you go you'll meet a Hammer. This really will propel us into the light and out of the shadows of our more so-called illustrious neighbours and with that, people WILL stand up and take notice of this sleeping giant.
We have a wider support than Chelsea – I mean support - not people that claim to like the Blues and are willing to part with a tenner to a stall on Oxford Street to buy a shirt that barely resembles the word "official". One question I've been asked plenty of times is "do you think you will you fill it?" Of course we will. I have never had any doubt whatsoever that we will fill it.
Before the new West Stand was built we sold out every game and got 26,000 through the turnstiles. All of a sudden we had 9,000 more seats to fill and people were worried then! Don't forget, this club averaged above 30,000 in the Championship not so long ago too. Even David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, apparently once told former Chairman Terry Brown it "frightens him to death" how big West Ham could become if we moved into a bigger stadium. Well David, that time is coming.
Of course, people will doubt the move and feel a little apprehensive but I am looking forward to it immensely. I strongly believe that there are plenty of other clubs' fans and Chairmen that are looking over their shoulders and towards the claret and blue corner of east London now and I love that.
I've watched some dross down the years but kept going back for more. I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of success now to be honest. I wouldn't mind seeing us competing with the best in Europe. But I don't want that to be totally compromised by the injection of huge amounts of cash meaning the ethic of this wonderful club is sacrificed. We should never lose that and I don't think this set of fans would stand for it.
Money will obviously play a part somewhere along the line, but if players aren't pulling their weight in a 54,000 capacity stadium, wow they're going to know about it. But if they're willing to put the hard yards in and win us a few games, I honestly believe the appreciation they'll feel won't be rivalled anywhere else.
It's going to be an extremely emotional day on 7th May, but come the following August I feel a new kid may have just arrived on the block. And I cannot wait.
Is this our time…?
Too damn right it is.
COYI!
My top 10 Boleyn memories: what would be on your list?
1) Yossi scoring an 85th minute winner to deny Spurs a place in the Champions League – lasagne has always been my favourite dish!
2) 4-3 victory over Spurs when our new signings Kitson and Hartson showed what they're capable of on a windy and rainy February evening. A proper football match.
3) This season's 2-1 win over Chelsea. What a great atmosphere and Roy of Rovers stuff seeing big Andy nod in the late winner – scenes.
4) Ipswich in the 2004 Play-off semi-final 2nd leg. I've never experienced an atmosphere like that or seen it replicated anywhere else. Incredible night.
5) Seeing Paolo come off the bench in our ill-fated 2002-03 season to score the winner against Chelsea in what would be his last ever match at The Boleyn. Tears were aplenty from the Italian magician.
6) A true "I was there moment" as I witnessed the best goal ever scored by a professional footballer. Di Canio's volley against Wimbledon. I don't need to say anymore.
7) During the influx of the foreign legion down West Ham way in the Redknapp era, we had this little gem of a player who produced what I still say is the best individual performance I've ever seen live. Hugo Porfirio destroyed Nottingham Forest in the League Cup as we ran out 4-1 winners. Even more remarkable was Dowie notched two that night but Hugo was a class apart from anything I've seen over a 90 minute period. Class.
8) Paolo twisting Martin Keown inside and out with a delicious little flick before curling the ball into the top corner in front of the Bobby Moore – chaos in the stands, absolute chaos.
9) Not a win, but the most satisfying draw a West Ham fan has probably ever experienced as Ludo had the game of his life and we held Manchester United 1-1 to deny them the title – again. Obscene…
10) A Youth Cup match. The 2nd leg in the Final followed a 3-0 victory at Coventry and a capacity crowd of 26,000 crammed in to witness one hell of a show. We won 6-0 (9-0 on aggregate) and the talent was amazing, including a certain Joe Cole that looked like he was having the time of his life. However it was another player that grabbed my attention that went under the radar big time that night – Michael Carrick was absolutely astonishing.
To finish up, I asked family and friends for their chosen words which encapsulates their feelings towards what it means to be a West Ham fan and how The Boleyn Ground has had an impact on their lives. I believe the following reflects our collective thoughts and feelings….
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Palace stars impressed by Zarate show
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Staff Writer
He many not have scored during the game, but West Ham striker Mauro Zarate certainly left a lasting impression on Crystal Palace's players following yesterday behind-closed-doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground. KUMB member Row X was travelling from Essex to West Ham on the tube yesterday afternoon when three Eagles stars - including first team players Brede Hangeland and Connor Wickham - joined him at Upton Park.
And according to our man, the trio were eulogising over the performance of Zarate during United's 1-0 friendly win - secured thank to Jaanai Gordon's second half strike. "I was travelling in from Elm Park with my headphones in," said Row X. "When the Palace lads got on I instantly recognised Brede, as he was massive! All three looked shattered. "I didn't know we were playing Palace, but put two and two together and thought it might have been a behind-closed-doors friendly. So I switched my music off straight away to listen in on what might be said."
According to Row X, Wickham and Hangeland agreed that Zarate had been "quality" during the game, whilst the Norwegian defender praised his attitude, adding "he ran that game today". Meanwhile the third, unidentified player decreed that the West Ham number 10 had been "the stand out player", whilst all three agreed that summer signing Yohan Cabaye was the only Palace player capable of performing in a similar manner for the Selhurst Park outfit. "As we pulled into West Ham, Wickham said his goodbyes," added Row X. "It was a shame I only got to listen to their conversation for a few minutes, but you could tell they were impressed with Zarate!"
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Come on folks, do keep up!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th November 2015
By: Paul Walker
James McCarthy should have been sent off. There you go, I've said it again.
Referee Paul Tierney got it wrong and those of a blue persuasion have been on my case ever since.
So now I am about to break my rule that says I should not get involved in slanging matches over something I have written for KUMB. People write on fans' sites and expect to get stick, everyone is entitled to their views and football is a passionate business, it's why we are all so involved.
The whole point is writing for you own fans means you don't have to be impartial, you are able to be biased and a piece that provokes debate--and sadly--some abuse, is what you expect. I can handle that, I am old enough and ugly enough.
And in the midst of all this I want to apologise to Everton and their fans for the shocking, way out of order, comments about the late, great Howard Kendall from some so-called West Ham fans.
How his name got dragged into this, I cannot fathom. But because I was annoyed with some Everton fans being spiteful and just nasty about Dimitri Payet, wishing him the worst possible damage, is absolutely no excuse for any sick remarks about Kendall.
Must admit, I was horrified. Kendall was a long-time professional acquaintance of mine, not a friend as such, but someone I talked to regularly in my former life for close on 20 years!
He was one of the nicest, most helpful managers I have ever met. He was very kind to me when I first moved to Liverpool to work--we both escaped Manchester at about the same time--and he went out of his way to cooperate with me.
I recall a long chat over a glass or two of wine about the 1964 FA Cup Final, when Howard played for Preston against us. He became the then-youngest ever player in a cup final that day, just beating our own John Sissons.
Sissons went on to become the youngest, at the time, scorer in a final and the pair left the pitch with their arms around each other, being friends and room mates for England Youth. That they never played for the full England side was a disgrace, and a chat about that day with Kendall was a memory of him I will never forget.
When he died recently I was away in Majorca on holiday, and still there when he had his funeral, a wonderfully fitting farewell at Liverpool cathedral. I was upset then, still am. So I am disgusted with any sick remarks from West Ham fans' forums. Some things are way out of line, and this is one of them.
Sadly, all clubs have their brain dead, pond life who hide behind invented names to abuse people. Sites should do more to filter out such filth, as well as death threats. Come on, do they think they are Reggie Kray?
Now back to my original point. Everton fans keep saying in countless postings that McCarthy got the ball, so that's OK. Where have they been these last couple of years?
Whether you touch the ball first with a scissor tackle is nothing to do with it. The new interpretation is all about how strong or reckless the referee feels the tackle is. The damage is done, as with Payet, with the trailing leg.
One post from 'Martin' insisted that it wasn't intentional and McCarthy got the ball. I have no idea whether McCarthy was trying to hurt Payet, only he knows that, or whether he's a nice boy and wouldn't hurt a fly, as 'Helen' from Wigan thinks.
Someone going under the name of 'Avishek' even used as mitigation the theory "that he could not control his trailing leg". That mate is just the point, and why the directive to referees has been made.
Payet posted a picture on twitter which showed McCarthy had two feet off the ground. Another picture shows his tackling foot about six inches off the ground with studs showing. Referees have been told to penalise this. Tierney, in my view, got it wrong and only booked the Everton player.
Countless refereeing pundits have made it very clear on this issue that players can be sent off even if they do get the ball first. Is that clear? I hope so.
And there have been Everton fans moaning about the scissor tackle from Spurs' Eric Dier on Tom Cleverley that put their midfielder out for months. And Luke Shaw's injury was also mentioned in mitigation.
The assault on Cleverley was not even penalised with a free kick, and Shaw's assailant was even named man of the match by the Dutch press. Both tackles were red card offences and should have been punished. That they were not is surely not an argument in McCarthy's defence.
Oh, and then Kevin Nolan's name gets thrown into the mix, something about a challenge he made while at Newcastle. He wasn't a West Ham player then and is not now. And whatever he has done still does not excuse McCarthy, or what I feel was a referee's mistake.
And finally, I did not mention anything about McCarthy's previous. Also not important. But I believe he and Morgan Amalfitano do not exchange Christmas cards.
The bottom line is that McCarthy should have walked. Simple as that, but none of this will get Payet back playing any quicker.
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West Ham say they are 'protecting' Reece Oxford in Premier League
Last Updated: 12/11/15 10:27am
SSN
West Ham teenager Reece Oxford has been kept out of the first team to help nurture his development, the head of the club's medical team has revealed. The midfielder played in three of the team's opening four Premier League games this season, having made his league debut in August, aged 16 and 236 days in the surprise 2-0 win at Arsenal. But the player has not featured for the Hammers since August 29 and the club have explained their reasons for keeping the youngster out of the first team. West Ham's head of medical Stijn Vandenbroucke told the club's website: "Reece Oxford has had some significant development over the last few weeks. "We have been working with him to prepare him for the demands of the Premier League. "He is obviously a big talent and it is my responsibility to protect him, along with the responsibility of the manager, who is fully on board with how we are managing Reece."
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THANK YOU MR BILIC
By Tony Hanna 12 Nov 2015 at 16:05
WTID
The West Ham Way? Not sure when this term or colloquialism came about? Like a few others on this site I was lucky enough to watch the Moore, Hurst and Peter's team of the Greenwood era and the Brooking, Bonds and Devonshire team under John Lyall. During those two era's I never heard the "West Ham Way" term used. But that is not to say it is not part of our ethos. Just as the "Academy of Football" phrase was booted around in past years there has to be a starting point for any catchphrase. The philosophy around the term is spot on. Whatever anyone's view on the subject, the transformation of our football club within a few short months has been enormous. Not only do we have some fantastic ball players at the club now, but they are being played! The injury to Dimitri Payet has robbed us of one of the seasons delights so far, if only for three months. We can only wish that he can return as soon as possible. It would be great to see Payet, Lanzini and Song all on "song" in the same team. We could really take someone apart!
For those with short memories we were actually 4th at Christmas last year. I really doubt we will be able to equal or better that by this festive season. However, even disregarding the nosedive that transpired in the second half of last season, this season has already been more of a success for me. The depth of the squad, in my opinion, is the best I have ever seen at the club. We have had better players in certain positions in the past, but never the riches of back up we currently have except perhaps in the fullback positions. Sakho gets injured and Andy Carroll returns. Reid and Ogbonna both out and in come Tomkins and Collins. Payat gets injured and Song returns. Even Randolph is a great understudy to Adrian. There are many more examples and you don't need me to explain any further. This squad may not be able to break into the top four or six, we shall see, but they have not only provided a feast of entertaining football but some absolutely cracking goals to savour as well. Twenty three goals in just twelve matches shows a little more forward thinking than respect the point. It is also refreshing that we as fans can stop looking at future fixtures wondering how and where we can amass enough points to avoid relegation.
Now I am 60 next birthday and some will say I am old and some will say I am still young, depending on their own age and outlook on life. But I must admit, I was really starting to think I would never see the Hammers win at Anfield again in my lifetime. Thank you Slaven Bilic! That is one hell of a chip off the old shoulder. However, Everton still remain our bogey team on home and away form. I still remember them making me cry at a football match for the first time when I was about 13 because we were so unlucky against them in a 1-0 home defeat. A 1-1 draw last weekend is not the end of the World, but the injuries to Payet and Valencia were at a higher cost than the loss of two points.
For me, all the feel good factors that have made this season so far are wide and variable. The silky skills of Payet and Lanzini; the pace of which we break from defence, the outstanding wins at Arsenal, City or Liverpool, or just the fact we are trying to play football again. But one man is largely responsible for making all this possible and it is he who has also brought respect back to our club with his honesty and humility in pre and post match interviews. Once again, thank you Mr Bilic.
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West Ham receive major fitness boost with Alex Song set to return to first team
22:30, 11 NOV 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The former Arsenal midfielder played 45 minutes in a friendly and could be back in the Hammers squad after losing Dimitri Payet for three months
The Mirror
West Ham have received a huge boost with the return to fitness of Alex Song . The ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder played 45 minutes of a friendly win over Crystal Palace. Song could now feature against Tottenham in the Hammers' first game after the international break. Impressive during the first half of last season, he has yet to play for the Irons this time around after ongoing ankle surgery during the summer. But he has now been training with the first team for over two weeks and the club are happy with his progress. It is a welcome relief for the club after they were left reeling by the news earlier this week that star man Dimitri Payet will be out for three months following a crunching tackle from Everton's James McCarthy. West Ham are also hoping to have news later this week on Enner Valencia who was also injured in the same game. The club are concerned that he too could be set for another lay-off.
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Irons striker told to do what experts say
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's top brass are hoping Enner Valencia will take expert advice when he meets a top specialist in London on Monday. The club have still not given details of the striker's injury and he is back in Ecuador tonight but there are fears he may have suffered a reaction to the injury that sidelined him for 12 weeks.
At the time of the last injury Valencia appeared caught between two stalls and hit out at the club claiming : "West Ham seem to have forgotten that I'm injured. But they don't let me speak to another doctor. I don't understand why West Ham doctors are doing this to me. The truth is that West Ham have not been supporting me."
Valencia later moved to smooth the waters with a statement on West Ham's official website saying: "I have had a number of consultation meetings with specialists in London, accompanied by members of the club's medical staff, and they have always kept me updated me on my injury.
"It has been a frustrating time, but I would like to make clear that I have the utmost respect and confidence in the club's medical team and the specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage.
However, ClaretandHugh insiders told us at time that the striker was unhappy at the prospect of surgery and it was that which may have been at the root of the problem."
And tonight we were told: "He returns tomorrow (Fri) and the expert will say what needs to be done on Monday. Last time there was no operation as he didn't want it and that's POSSIBLY why its gone wrong again.
We really hope he has the operation this time IF the expert says he needs it."
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OS: Band 4 issue riles fan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Information has reached Claret and Hugh HQ that season ticket holders from Bobby Moore Lower have been forced to upgrade to band 3 to get a comparable seat in the Lower Tier of the Olympic Stadium.
One season ticket holder in the back row of the Bobby Moore Lower contacted Claret and Hugh this week to say he wasn't offered any seats in the lower tier as a band 4 ticket at £499.
When he visited the Stratford reservation centre earlier this week he was offered band 4 seats in the upper tier.
The sales person did offer him a comparable seat which is back row of the lower stand behind the goal at the Olympic Stadium but the catch is he would need to upgrade to band 3 which is £100 more expensive.
The irritated season ticket holder of 45 years told us "Gobsmacked mate is the only thing to say, as predicted we were offered back row lower tier seats, which fits the bill nicely with an almost identical sight line to the BML today, so why am I upset as I appear to have got what I wanted?
"Well BML Band 4 has suddenly become OS Band 3 £599. I if I want Band 4, I am upstairs row 2 backwards, so after venting my annoyance I was swiftly met with the retort, 'Band 3 is cheaper than what I pay for band 4 today, so that makes it all OK then?'
Ultimately, it's not the money, as what is a ton in the great scheme of things over the course of a season, but it's the principle. BML and STB lower tiers are band 4, there's a reason for that which is distance from the pitch and only a forward view aspect, just the same as the OS will be.
"As for newbies, two friends came with us, and were offered only upper tier, they ended up with some nice looking seats in line with the left corner flag for Band 4, but friendship only goes so far, so they are up there whilst we elevated to Band 3″
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Irons wait on Valencia Ecuador medics
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have taken a cautious approach to releasing full details of Enner Valencia's injury until his international team medics have had the opportunity of examining the striker.
The national team are involved in a match against Uruagay tonight (k/0 9pm GMT) and the Irons – having fallen foul of Senegal in a similar situation, when Diafra Sakho sustained a back injury, are playing this one by the book.
ClaretandHugh @blogger @ExWHUemployee – who is in the process of setting up his own exciting website project in conjunction with us – tweeted earlier: "The hold up with Valencia's scan is because when a player is meant to be on international duty they have to assess first before the club.
"The reason the national team assess first is if there is a call-up and they pull out! Man U had a habit of saying players were "injured."
It's for reasons like this that the rule was introduced and we obviously had issues with Sakho last year too."
A West Ham source said: "Once bitten twice shy. There is no question about Enner's injury"
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Hammers talk on defender 'interest'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are unlikely to be making a move for reported target FC Lorient defender Lamine Kone. The Ivory Coast international is apparently bang on the Irons radar according to morning reports although club sources have played down the supposed interest. Sunderland and Aston Villa are also reported to be interested and with the Irons well stocked with central defenders it would be a surprise if they weren't left to fight it out among themselves. Kone has had a great season but the Hammers are more than happy with the central defenders available to them at the moment. ClaretandHugh was told: "We have Winston Reid, James Tomkins and Angelo Ogbonna available along with James Collins. "And we have made it clear in the past that we may be ready to recall Reece Burke from his loan spell at Bradford City if needed. "Quite apart from anything else, there is no money avaialble and players will have to leave for us to bring in new ones. However, that won't be at central defence."
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Gold: 'Footballers and beef burgers don't mix'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Chairman David Gold has hit back at former Hammer Benni McCarthy by saying 'Footballers and beef burgers don't mix!" In response to sexist comments made by McCarthy about Karren Brady, Gold tweeted "More importantly Benni. Footballers and beef burgers don't mix. dg" McCarthy recently said about his time at West Ham "I saw so many things in my life and in football for me, it was nothing. Woman and football, it's not such a good combination.I was just hurt and when I returned, I was not the same. You have to get into shape. People forget that if you did not feed for twelve weeks and you do not come back for a game, it's very hard to find your best level. You have to link several games before, maybe, to get fit."
When McCarthy was released in 2011 after 13 disappointing appearances for the Hammers McCarthy hit out at Karren Brady saying "It makes me want to throw up. There's the devil with a set of tits." Brady later rebuked "At least I'm supposed to have tits"
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Irons player gets special protection
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is taking big precautions with Reece Oxford, putting the 16-year-old and it is working. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has explained the player's absence this season after is great start explaining the club are not ready to overwork their teen prodigy. He explained: "Reece Oxford has had some significant development over the last few weeks. We have been working with him to prepare him for the demands of the Premier League. "He is obviously a big talent and it is my responsibility to protect him, along with the responsibility of the manager, who is fully on board with how we are managing Reece. "He is away with England Under-19s now and will be involved in their matches with Holland and Japan."
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Irons progress on several fronts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Whilst Dimitri Payet's injury is the most significant blow to the club, there's been great progress on various other fronts. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke was delighted with yesterday's match against Palace reporting:"We played Crystal Palace on Wednesday in a behind-closed-doors game which was very competitive because both clubs put out strong squads which could have played in the Premier League. "Alex Song played 70 minutes in this game without any problems, which was a good step in the right direction as it was his first game in six months. "Also positive is that Winston Reid came through 90 minutes against Everton on Saturday after four weeks out. He is now going to have a few days rest and we can build him up again for the Tottenham Hotspur game. "Diafra Sakho has been out running on the pitch this week and we are very confident we can recover him from his quadriceps injury for the trip to Tottenham, should he not suffer any setbacks. "Pedro Obiang is continuing with his own rehabilitation following the quadriceps injury he suffered in training before the Watford game."
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West Ham made summer bid for Raul Jimenez
11:58, 12 NOV 2015 UPDATED 11:58, 12 NOV 2015
BY RICHARD BEECHAM
Mexico hero claims he turned down an offer from Slaven Bilic to join the Irons, opting instead for a loan move to Benfica.
London 24
Benfica's Raul Jimenez in action against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez said he turned down a summer move to West Ham. The 6ft 3in forward was one of a number of strikers linked with the Hammers over the summer of 2015, but Jimenez opted for a loan move to Portugese giants Benfica . "There was also an offer from West Ham and for several days I had to think about the two options and in the end chose Benfica because I felt it was the club that could give me what I needed," he told Portuguese newspaper A Bola .
"It's the best club in Portugal and they can help me a lot to continue to improve and grow as a footballer." After impressing in the Mexican league with Club America , the 24-year-old was snapped up by Atleti as a replacement for Diego Costa. However, the Mexico international struggled for form in his first season in Spain, scoring just one goal.
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HANGING UP YOUR BOOTS
By Terence Bates 12 Nov 2015 at 09:00
WTID
Ex Hammer Teddy Sheringham currently manages Stevenage. He recently announced his intention to play again in an FA Cup match at the age of ninety-eight… (ok forty-nine then!)… It does feel like an eternity that he's been around, but maybe that's me not wanting to acknowledge or accept I am further along the conveyor belt of life than him!
His playing comeback as it happens… well it didn't happen, but it begs the question of when is it time for players to hang up their boots from playing, especially at the higher level in the Premier League? And have the standards improved so much in football that a playing career is now shortened age wise? Is burn-out something we are all facing in an ever stressful and speedier life?
Benni McCarthy is also in the news after making sexist comments about Karen Brady. His spell at West Ham was a disaster due to his inability to knuckle down and get fit. As we get older it is harder to stay fit and for most of us to keep the pounds off. McCarthy was around thirty-three years old when he was contracted to play for West Ham and he was a big fat flop. It was already game over because he could not work at fitness levels and stay in shape, as David Gold has tweeted in defence of Karen Brady "More importantly Benni "Footballers and beef burgers don't mix." Quite.
I realise football-wise age is subjective, in so much that some players are genetically blessed, have better fitness, a better attitude towards diet, have less injuries or can adapt to a different positional role. Sheringham to his credit played top flight football until he was forty plus, playing for the Hammers in the heartbreak FA Cup Final against Liverpool in 2006 and thus becoming the third oldest player to appear in an FA Cup Final. His legacy also includes being in the top ten of all time goal scorers in the Premier League at 147 goals, he stands in the top twenty of all-time appearances in the Premier League and is still the oldest player to have ever set foot in a Premier League match at the age of 40 years, 272 days or thereabouts! Add to this he holds the record for being the oldest goal scorer in the Premier League…. Well I'll have some of what he's drinking please!
Before Teddy, West Ham had the legendary Billy Bonds who looked like he would go on ad-infinitum and he too played in the top flight albeit pre-premier league, past the age of forty before injury convinced him to call it quits. The difference of course is that Billy Bonds spent twenty years at Upton Park whereas Teddy Sheringham shared his career with several clubs, the majority playing time between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both players it could be argued possessed a certain elixir of youth or indeed an elixir of the right attitude, an element perhaps lacking in the DNA of Mr McCarthy.
History is littered with great veteran players, the most famous of whom is the great Stanley Matthews who finally hung up his boots from playing at an incredible seventy years of age, five years after he started claiming his pension! Matthews still holds the record for being the oldest man to play at the top level in the UK at fifty and the oldest to play for his country. Matthews was credited as a non-smoking vegetarian teetotaller, which is an interesting point making him way ahead of his time from a health thinking perspective, however it still didn't stop him endorsing cigarettes as a healthy lifestyle choice in a newspaper advertisement!
Stanley Matthews the oldest footballer was yes... a health freak!
The holy chalice called Bobby Moore saw his career all but fall apart in the disastrous England World Cup game game against Poland that subsequently became the catalyst for not only his career at the top being over, but that also of the England Manager Sir Alf Ramsey. Moore's final game for England was in 1974 against Italy, he was 33. Shortly after also saw the end of his career with West Ham. Thirty-three years of age even by the standards back then was relatively young. Bobby Moore's final match for West Ham was in their reserves. We can only surmise what the underlying health issues of Bobby played in a relatively short career at the top.
The question to be asked is whether any of these past players or indeed our current premier league players would ever be able to compete in the same way now at such ripe ages? Football at the highest level is becoming a young mans game where performance, speed, health & fitness and athleticism is paramount and the thought of Bonzo having a bottle of beer before the game, McCarthy munching a dozen Big Macs or Slaven Bilic as a footballer sucking on several fags at half time would send the media into a frenzy and pull in the men in white coats.
And with all this in mind I bring up thirty-two year old James Collins or 'Ginger Pele' as he is affectionately known by the West Ham faithful, who is way younger than Sheringham, Bonzo or even Bobby Moore at the tail end of their careers. James Collins was in my view a disaster pre-season and in the Europa Cup where he was being outrun and ultimately found himself being sent off after two clumsy challenges against pacier opponents, which in turn greatly contributed to our exit from the competition. Collins then repeated this in the Hammers annoying defeat against Watford.
At the beginning of the season I could see Collins being shown the exit door, which I am sure others would agree would have been really sad. Collins has spent ten years over two spells at the club and clearly loves both club and supporters. To his credit he has redeemed himself since by putting in some good performances without a lot going wrong, but…. will it last? I have my doubts as the game against Watford has shown.
This flagging of fitness, slowing down through ageing and nagging injuries scenario also led to Kevin Nolan leaving the club and disappointedly (from his perspective), even his favourite manager Sam Allardyce has not yet rescued him and rekindled the working relationship they held for years by heading towards Allardyces's new club Sunderland, although of course who knows that could change. I think it is unlikely that a premiership club will hire Nolan, but again I could be wrong, perhaps Bournemouth who look like they are facing a serious relegation battle, might turn to him to help.
Of course any sympathy one has to current footballers whose careers are in a slide is tempered by the knowledge that these guys are earning ridiculous amounts of money and we ultimately pay their wages. Do the maths, ten years at an average of 30 -50k a week equates to an overall income of around £15 to £25 million…. Nice work.
Elsewhere in the premier league, I believe it is no coincidence (despite the Mourinho shenanigans) that Chelsea are struggling and so is John Terry who at thirty-five is showing signs of maybe having to hang his Premier League boots up. Maybe there's one last hurrah in the American MLS or one last pay day in the Far East. No player can now be carried at the top level in the Premier League, especially if you want to win trophies even John Terry. I am sure of course most Hammers fans will be sad to see John Terry's exit from the PL!
In the past it was generally found that age combined with fitness filtered from youngest at the front, to the oldest playing career being the mantle of the Goalkeeper. Players could adapt their game and position as age, fitness and injury prevailed, central defenders could easily go onto their late thirties, West Ham had such players like Alvin Martin and of course Billy Bonds. But I doubt this is the case anymore, it is highly unlikely we will see players in their late thirties or post forty (even as a goalkeeper) playing in the Premier League, unless it is some kind of symbolic run out in an unimportant match.
I am filled with wishful thinking for the popular James Collins and really hope that I am wrong in singling him out for the exit door, as it is easy for those of us sitting with our beer belly's munching a Kit Kat, whilst sitting at a computer or tapping away on a tablet screen to make such ironic judgement on another man's age, fitness and career. Dig in Ginger Pele… prove us wrong, work at it and keep lacing those West Ham boots up… the Olympic Stadium beckons!
Terence Bates
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WEST HAM BATTLE NEWCASTLE AND ASTON VILLA FOR HIGHLY-RATED DEFENDER
By Dylan Bregman
IronsInTheCircle
According to The Daily Star West Ham United are tracking 26-year-old Ivorian centre-half, Lamine Kone. Kone has really started to become one of Ligue 1's best centre half's this season and he could be at the centre of a tug of war in the January transfer window. The Lorient defender has played 9 games this season and has caught the eye of scouts from England. Lorient's next game is at home to Paris Saint-Germain and this will be Kone's chance to prove that he is good enough for the top tier of English football. The centre-half is valued around €3m, however, it may not be a case of simply buying him. Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also keen to get in on the act. With the high demand for the Ivorian, Lorient could easily bump up his price and get up to double his value if the English clubs are as interested as they seem. With rumours that club hero James Collins might be heading towards the exit at the Hammers, West Ham may need a new centre back to do a job for them when they need.
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