From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's draw with Stoke City...
With Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses all out injured, you'd be forgiven for wondering where the chances would come from before Saturday's game.
But after registering 24 shots, with 10 being on target, it is clear that creating chances wasn't the issue, but a combination of luck, misjudgement and Jack Butland being in the form of his life, forced Slaven Bilic and Co. to settle for a point. Within just three minutes, Michail Antonio was shining on his full debut for the club, forcing the future England No1 into two saves. We were forcing the Potters back into their own half, but their new brand of fast-paced, attacking football was proving an issue, and almost lead to a goal early on. Ibrahim Afellay did excellently out wide, before playing it to Marco van Ginkel, who was drafted in to replace the injured Xherdan Shaqiri, but the Chelsea loanee completely scuffed his shot, and it bobbled wide from inside the six-yard box.
Bojan and Marko Arnautovic, who were both phenomenal against Manchester City last week, struggled to find that form again, and instead were kept relatively quiet by the excellent Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. Andy Carroll was tasked with leading the line, but came up against a resilient Ryan Shawcross, who palmed him off in the face early in the first half, giving him a sign of things to come. Carroll was limited to only four touches in the penalty area over 90 minutes, the same number as Mame Diouf, who only came on with half an hour to go. This might seem like a poor statistic for the former England striker, but credit has to go to the Stoke back four who kept him quiet for most of the game. Mauro Zarate has really upped his game since the injury crisis began, and he was full of energy on Saturday, constantly twisting and turning and running at the Stoke defence, causing all sorts of problems for the back line.
The best chances, bar van Ginkel's miss-kick in the first half, fell to Diouf and Cheikhou Kouyate late on. Diouf should have netted twice, having broken through one-on-one with Adrian on both occasions, but the Spanish keeper was alert and made two excellent stops, leaving the Stoke striker visibly frustrated. We could have won the game with literally the last kick, or should I say head of the game. The ball was put into the box and kept alive by Andy Carroll, but Kouyate's powerful header was cleared off the line by about three Stoke men. A draw against a side who have just beaten Manchester City, with five first team players out injured, is not a bad result at all. Yes, we are now winless in six, but we are also unbeaten in our last six home games, so even with draws, the Boleyn Ground is once against becoming a place where it is difficult to take all three points. Stoke have now kept an amazing seven clean sheets in their last nine Premier League games, and haven't conceded a single goal whilst Shawcross has been on the pitch, so not scoring was to be expected.
Next up for the Hammers is a trip to managerless Swansea, where three points could and should be picked up. We go again.
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Spiegel - We're always improving
WHUFc.com
Development Squad goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel was happy to do his bit as the Hammers secured a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Monday night. The Swiss stopper made a string of fine saves as the Hammers looked set to cling onto the lead given to them by Alex Pike's first half goal.
It took Arsenal until the 81st minute to equalise, but having suffered a heavy defeat at Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, Spiegel is happy with the progress made since. He said: "I think we could have won the game. We had the chances to score at least one more, but in the end it was a tough game for us and we have to respect the point. "It's nice to make some saves - I work hard in training to make those kind of saves in games, so on Monday I was pleased to help the team to get the point. "We didn't start the season that well, but we are always improving. We're playing very well at the moment and we can still improve. The team spirit is good and it's nice to be playing in this team. "We did well in the past few weeks and haven't lost in a long time. That gives us confidence and now we can start again in the New Year."
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Vive la difference
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Paul Walker
So exactly what is the difference now as West Ham struggle through their worst injury crisis since…well, last season…but do it with a smile on our faces?
So before any smart Alec comes on with the fact that we are worse off points and position wise now than we were at the same stage last term, let's get it out of our system.
That smart Alec will probably be failed TV man Richard Keys, sneering on twitter and implying that his big mate Sam was hard done by.
Ok, last season at the 16 game stage we were four places higher than we are now with four more points. Four draws in a six match winless run like now would have had us all moaning. Not now, it seems.
Saturday's 0-0 draw with Stoke makes the point, though. My match going pals--son and his mates--walked out of the Boleyn applauding the team, saying how good a game it was and genuinely exciting.
Considering we were missing six key men from the starting line-up a draw against an increasingly impressive Stoke team was very acceptable. But it was the manner of that draw and the way the game was played that impressed, not just the point won.
And this is where Keys and his Sam-loving mates will never get it. We really should ignore him, the abuse he gets when he makes snide remarks about West Ham is the oxygen he needs. This odious, sexist who has been an apologists for the murderous slave labour of his Qatar paymasters. I am just waiting for the next little outburst from his Doha bunker.
The difference was clear. Slav did not once take a backward step against Stoke. Every substitution was positive, Enner Valencia on for a flagging Alex Song, Nikica Jelavic for an equally tired Michail Antonio..not once a thought of 'respecting the point.'
And yes, it gave Stoke the chance to break out and almost win it. That we should have won the game ourselves in that last half hour suggests a draw was about right. What it did do was to produce an entertaining match.
In the previous two home games, draws with Everton and WBA, again all the substitutions were positive. Also the three substitutes used in the awful defeat at Watford. I will forgive Slav sending on Carl Jenkinson and Pedro Obiang at Manchester United, let's not be silly now.
But you cannot see Slav picking a team like Sam did at Chelsea last Boxing Day, a team set-up not to lose and one that intentional left out players with home matches against WBA and Arsenal to follow. We never really recovered from that piece of defensive thinking.
So we are now getting something worth watching. That must also please the Davids, who we are now told are the second best club owners in the country. After Manchester City's money-no-object owners, that is.
I always sense that there is a lot going on behind the scenes of this season. I do not think for one second the second best owners are telling Slav what team to pick. But I fancy he is in no doubt about what is wanted.
David Sullivan desperately wants Mauro Zarate to have a run in the side and to be a success, so he can prove a point to Sam, who it is clear would not play him because he was not his signing. Zarate , for me, has been the surprise of this term even if he still does not do much to protect defenders when not in possession,
But he is grasping his chance with Dimitri Payet injured long-term. Our second best owners also want to see us play the ball out from the back, even if it did cost us that calamity third goal at Spurs. Adrian's roll out was poor and put James Tomkins under needless pressure. The end product of that was predictable.
I would have thought that when you are facing a high pressing team like Spurs, then the 'keeper should clear from his hands to get the ball well away, take opposing players out of the game and give the target man--sorry, I know that's a banned word--the chance to win some sort of possession in our opponents' half not ours. But then what do I know?
And , of course, the second best owners want some return from their vast investment in Andy Carroll. So don't expect him to be sold any time soon. He is slowly getting match fit now, and did well at Old Trafford and against Stoke.
And despite all the rumours, why should be want to leave because he is highly unlikely to get a contract elsewhere like he has here? He has a new Essex-girl partner, a big pink house, a new baby and the love of his life has a nice little nails shop somewhere in the posh Essex suburbs. She is not going to want to move anywhere than means having to learn another language..like the north east!
That all said, it would be nice if the second best owners stopped prattling on about the Champions League and Europe. It is putting undue pressure on Bilic and the team. Our current expenditure and the FFP restrictions does not allow us anywhere near the Champions League party and the top four. It is just not going to happen.
Yep, Chelsea are having a bad time and Liverpool and Everton are below us. But that won't last. And then there is Spurs, who I hate to admit, look a pretty decent side these days. We don't have the fire-power to compete just yet. After the move to the Olympic Stadium maybe.
And that brings me round to the migration to Straford, and I'm sure you will all be delighted to know that me and my mates in the Bobby Moore lower have finally got our season tickets for next season. I have certainly grizzled on about it enough here.
Our interviews were last week, and I had to sit by the phone at home in Cheshire to wait for the call from our elected group leaders. An 11am interview in Stratford was never going to see me there in person, so the group idea was a bonus.
Hard to finger the club for that, they can hardly be expected to look at every address and than have a debate with the person as to when he can be make it.
And it went pretty well, I am told. But the fears I had were about right. No chance of upgrading to a view down the sides rather than at the ends, the 'plus twos' have seen to that. And we all had to upgrade to band three to get a comparable seat. I have since noticed a new phrase now appearing, 'comparable seat at comparable prices.' Thanks for that Karren.
It is fair to say that it is just a change of number, and where we are now sitting in band three is still cheaper than our current band four at the Boleyn. But it was not what we were told initially.
And it seems than the first few rows behind the goals are now branded as band four, I suppose because the view is just rubbish that low down. And it means that a third of the way up the seating in the lower tier, a more expensive band three ticket holder will sit right behind a cheaper band four fan, with the view obviously no different.
We are three rows from the back of the lower tier, just behind the left hand goal post and with the two aisle seats we have now. If you want band four prices, you are going to have to move to the far reaches of the upper tier, where you are probably nearer to the Gherkin than you are to the pitch.
But we are all pretty happy with what we were offered, and grateful for the research from one of our leaders, who attended rugby and athletics event at the OS and took lots of pictures of our potential seating positions. And he was proved right, so we have all seen for ourselves because you still cannot take pictures of the views offered at the meetings. Absolute nonsense, that.
And a lot of our close neighbours from the Boleyn are very near (you don't get rid of us that easily). So the banter can continue. One guy did note that his seat is now a few rows in front of us, so he does not have to sit behind one of our number who spends a fair amount of time loudly abusing the visitor's goalkeeper!
He seems to have a problem with 'fat' goalkeepers and the size of their backsides.(Boaz Myhill is the worst , it seems)!I can only apologise.
So onwards and upwards. A few big names back soon and we may well have decent league position in our sights.
And Slav is proving to be a cute manager. On the weekend that the injury toll was at it's worst, Slav got stuck into the old argument about our Chadwell Heath training ground. He blamed the pitches there for the injury toll and demanded we move early to Rush Green.
He is a lucky manager. Previously other managers and players have moaned about the outdated Chadwell Heath, but a least Slav had an alternative and he grabbed it. And of course we hear Sam praising him for that decision and moaning himself about the place.
In fact, only Winston Reid and Lanzini had suffered injuries in training from the six big names out. Valencia and Payet were kicked out of the game by Everton, Victor Moses did his hamstring at Old Trafford, Diafra Sakho hurt his thigh at Upton Park against West Brom. So it is not all down to the training pitches.
But Slav got action. Chadwell Heath is way below the standards in the Premier League. Chelsea have a state of the art premises in deepest Surrey rather than the old windswept field alongside the M4 at Harlington, where players had to book airport hotel rooms nearby for a shower!
Spurs have new facilities, Arsenal's are excellent while Manchester City have built an amazing campus in east Manchester. Neighbours United have top notch stuff at Carrington rather than the old Cliff while Everton have also built a very impressive new set-up near Liverpool airport. Stoke City also have a new place.
We have been lagging behind. It's hard to blame the second best owners, at least they have been doing something, although it is now several years since the old Fords sports ground was bought, it really should have been finished by now.
The task for Slav is now not to worry about being a little behind our position from last term, but to ensure there is no criminal collapse in form like last term. Sam, I see, is re-writing history and blaming it all on injuries. What rubbish.
We now know, because Ian Hendon has told us, that everyone knew Sam wasn't going to be re-employed last January and the man himself was never going to sign a new deal.
All that nonsense from the Davids about a new contract depending on the final dozen games! It was never going to happen and Sam just allowed things to drift…just like it seems is happening at Sunderland!
Oh, and one more thing about the second best owners and one of the brothers Grimm! Please stop giving our opponents chapter and verse about our injuries and when players may be about to return.
I am amazed Slav permits this. Can you imagine the uproar if ,say, Roman starting tweeting about Chelsea injuries, or Sir Alex's reaction if a Manchester United owner did the same thing. Or even if Yanks started talking about Jurgen Klopp's players in that way. It is very unprofessional.
Slav may well want to keep opponents guessing about his team selection. Ferguson used to tell bare faced lies to the media every Friday on the subject. Now days every scrap of information that can be gathered about a team's opponents is very useful, so why give stuff to rivals on a plate.
The interesting point about Lanzini's injury ahead of the excellent point at Old Trafford--it should have been three and they should have been down to nine men, anyway--was the surprise.
Nobody knew about the injury until the teams were announced, and it must have caused Louis van Gaal to change his tactics…it does not take much to confuse him, does it! So lets keep our team and injury information to ourselves and out of the twittering of David Gold or Sullivan's lad.
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Potential January window signings
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Staff Writer #3
West Ham may have extended their barren run without a Premier League victory to six games following the goalless draw against Stoke City, whilst coming away disappointed with just a point against Old Trafford the week before is a real indication of how far the team have come this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers currently sit eighth in the table following an impressive start to the campaign that may have taken those outside of the Boleyn Ground by surprise, with memorable victories against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool raising hopes that Europa League qualification could be on the cards (again).
Bookies.com have reduced the odds on West Ham to qualify for Europe this season, but although there is evident quality at Bilic's disposal, a spate of key injuries has dented the strength in depth that made fans confident of challenging the big guns.
With Diafra Sakho ruled out until March 2016, and the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses also on the sidelines, it may be the right time for Bilic to consider his options ahead of the January transfer market.
He has already proven himself to be a shrewd negotiator with targeting players that have significantly improved the quality at West Ham, but although it remains to be seen if the board are willing to back him with sufficient funds next month, strengthening the squad further could make the difference between a top ten finish and European qualification.
Gokhan Tore
Managers often develop an attachment to certain players who make a real impact under their guidance and deliver the goods when their club needs them the most. It often results in the same two individuals being often reunited at different clubs when a manager leaves for pastures new, with Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore rumoured to be high on Bilic's January transfer market wishlist.
The 23-year-old has reignited his career after failing to make the cut at Chelsea, with the Turkish international developing into a powerful midfielder who offers creativity and pace on either flank. Joining up with his former manager would certainly make sense and worth backing with Betway Free Bets, particularly as Moses' hamstring injury may leave Bilic short of options in an area of pitch where West Ham have enjoyed a lot of success this season.
Seydou Doumbia
With Diafra Sakho ruled out through injury, it would come as no surprise if Bilic scours the market for more options upfront. The rumour mill has already thrown out a number of strikers that West Ham are lining up in January, and although fans are left to decipher fact from fiction, there would be few complaints if Seydou Doumbia walked through the doors at the Boleyn Ground.
His arrival would undoubtedly improve West Ham's odds of 9/1 to finish in the top six or compete for the FA Cup where they will be good value for taking up any offer from Betway, as seen on West Ham shirts, to back them as dark horses. An injection of firepower and quality in attack is always welcome at West Ham, and with a number of forward options currently sidelined, any opportunity to sign someone of Doumbia's calibre should certainly be considered.
The striker is enjoying something of a renaissance since returning to CSKA Moscow on loan after he struggled to make an impact at Serie A side Roma, with reports that the Italian side are willing to offload the Ivorian international sparking interest in a striker who has proven his worth in Europe over the years. He currently has three goals, including a penalty against Manchester United, to his name in the Champions League, but although he has endured a barren spell of ten games without a goal in all competitions, Doumbia's pace and power could be a valuable asset if Bilic was able to lure him to East London.
Kevin Mirallas
Convincing a Premier League rival to sell one of their players may come at a considerable cost, but with Kevin Mirallas seemingly out of favour at Everton, there could an opportunity for West Ham to swoop in January. The 28-year-old has cut a forlorn figure on the bench as Gerard Deulofeu has continued to shine in his place, and with Euro 2016 on the horizon, Mirallas may look for a move in order to remain in Marc Wilmots' thoughts for the Belgium squad.
West Ham have been long-term admirers of the winger-cum-striker, and although a move failed to materialise in the summer, Bilic may see the January transfer window as the perfect opportunity to add a player who can certainly make an impact into the squad.
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A TRANSITION CAN BE A DRAWN-OUT PROCESS
By Benjamin Cronin 15 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
In recent weeks, you could be forgiven for thinking our impressive start to the season was beginning to crumble away, just like many rival fans had hoped for (they'll say 'predicted'). However, I believe recent results have shown we are more than capable of mixing it with the 'big teams' in the Premier League. It was over a month ago that we lost Dimitri Payet, for what was initially reported as a 3 month absence, and after the embarrassing loss to Spurs that followed, many fans went into a state of meltdown. Although we haven't managed to get a win on the board since that demoralising defeat, under the circumstances, I'm quite proud of what the squad has achieved.
I'm not suggesting that going without a win in six Premier League matches is acceptable form, but the way I look at it, things could have gone a lot worse. In the wake of Payet's injury, we saw another four influential players get signed up for a stint in the treatment room. In my analysis of the implications Payet's ankle injury could have on the club's fortunes, I suggested that players like Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses were more than capable of filling the void left by the Frenchman. Within weeks of that observation, both had been ruled out, along with another two key players, Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid. If people thought we were going to struggle without the creative prowess of Payet, I dread to think what was going through their minds when they discovered we'd be without the pace and flair of Lanzini and Moses, the movement and goal threat of Sakho and the stability in defence provided by Reid.
It isn't bad luck to have five players out injured (in fact, it puts us slap bang in the middle of the premier league injury table) but where we can feel hard done by, is when you consider not the number of injuries, but the importance of the individuals who have been sidelined. If I were asked to pick our four most dangerous players, the ones who have the biggest impact in our successful counter-attacking set-up, the names of; Payet, Lanzini, Sakho and Moses would pass my lips without a moment's hesitation. It isn't just these injuries and the strength of the team left at our disposal that has made me see the last three results as acceptable though, it's the way we have played to get them.
Under Sam Allardyce's reign , we probably could have scraped out similar results in the last three fixtures but I can assure you, it wouldn't have looked the same. There was one striking similarity present in the games against West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke. We wanted to win the game. Not just that, we actually tried to win the game. Rather than sit back and contain the game, we took it to our opponents and if truth be told, we could have (maybe should have) won all three games. We were by far the better side in the first 45 minutes against West Brom and should have gone into the break three goals to the good. Once they clawed themselves back into the game (with a stroke of good fortune), they did everything they possibly could to spoil whatever time for playing football was left. Next up was Manchester United and granted, it was a more even contest, but it was still one I certainly felt like we could have won. This weekend's fixture against Stoke saw us face the same problem, we created several decent chances and had someone been on the pitch who was capable of putting the ball in the back of net, we would have come away with three points.
Some may be reading this and thinking failing to win games when we've had plenty of chances to do so is a major problem. It may well be, but it's a problem I'm happy to have at the moment. We're limiting our defensive mistakes (something that has been a recurring problem this season) and still managing to pose an attacking threat, all without four of our strongest attacking players. I also believe this period, along with upcoming fixtures, has allowed the likes of Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll to start producing what we know they are capable of. Yes, we haven't got a win in the last three games when we should have but we haven't been beaten, when many thought we would have.
I often think I'm far too optimistic for my own good but it's hard not to be this season. We got off to a flyer and now, when everything seems to be going wrong, there still seems to be so much going right. We sit in 8th position in the Premier League, still only 5 points off 4th, going into a run of Christmas and New Year fixtures that on paper, many would be happy with. Enner Valencia is now back in the fold and will be gaining match fitness, with reports surfacing that Lanzini and Payet are ahead of schedule in their recovery. Bilic has been quoted as saying he's unsure as to whether Lanzini will feature against Swansea this Sunday but either way, it's certainly promising news.
I think these last few weeks were always going to be a test of character. After all the talk of our strength in depth, it was almost inevitable and I think, so far, plenty of character has been shown. I understand that people will say things could have gone a bit better (if we won the last three games, people would still be saying that) but it definitely could have been a lot worse. Not only have we managed to show we are hard to beat, we've done so whilst playing good football and not just settling for a point. Players who weren't performing to a standard we are used to have stepped up to the mark and the ones we are desperate to see again, will soon be playing their part. I must admit, I'm getting quite excited about Christmas. Not because of the socks and toiletries I'll be inundated with and not because I've got to cook for 12 different tastes on Christmas Day, but because of all the football coming our way and the opportunity West Ham has to do something with it.
COYI!
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Rock legends AC/DC will be first band to perform at revamped Olympic Stadium
19:34, 15 DEC 2015 UPDATED 19:35, 15 DEC 2015
BY KERRI-ANN ROPER
Aussie band, whose hits include Thunderstruck and Whole Lotta Rosie, set for UK gig as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour
The Mirror
Rock band AC/DC will be the first band to perform at the former Olympic Stadium following its re-vamp. The Australian band , whose hits include Thunderstruck and Highway to Hell, will perform in a concert there as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour. The concert will be the first major event to be held at the former Olympic Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park following extensive work to transform the venue. Work on the stadium, to turn it into a year round multi-use venue, includes installing the largest roof of its kind in the world, retractable seating and more. Other notable events on the 2016 calendar include Usain Bolt at the Anniversary Games, and the first match for West Ham United in their newly renovated home.
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Loss of Lanzini is as big as Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers hero George Parris believes Manuel Lanzini's injury has been as big a blow as losing Dimitri Payet. Writing in December's issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly http://www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk/read-our-latest-issue.html, Parris said that whilst Payet's injury was a 'huge blow', he hadn't feared for the Hammers season with Lanzini playing well. He said: "He'd done all right this season, and I'd been impressed with what I'd seen. He's scored some crucial goals already, and took his goal against Spurs very well, and you just thought he was starting to step out of Payet's shadow.
With no Payet until , we needed him to keep scoring, creating chances, and playing well but his injury is very cruel on Slaven Bilic."
Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood believes now is a brilliant time to be born into West Ham's brave new world following the arrival of her nephew but admitted there was a time she didn't want any child of hers, niece or nephew to support West Ham. Blowing Bubbles' writers also give their views on whether or not it's time for the Premier League to consider a winter break, and if it's time we stopped taking Karren Brady for granted. The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
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Irons chase 10 million rated German
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham this afternoon admitted that Beskitas winger Gokhan Tore is still very much on the club's radar next summer. The German-born Turkish international is a particular favourite of Slaven Bilic's, who's on public record as saying: ""I have always said that Gökhan Töre could play at any European team. He has both the quality and the potential. "After agreeing terms with West Ham I told the board that I want him and I strongly believe he would add a lot to the team and be a success in England." Töre joined Beşiktaş permanently on a five-year deal in 2014 for a fee believed to be in the region of €4.5 million and is currently quoted on his www.transfermarkt.co.uk profile as having valuation of €10.5 million. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "Yes he is one we are looking at because quite apart from anything else he is German born and qualifies for a work permit. "The big question is how much Besiktas want for him and he is not to be ruled out. Having said that we rule nobody out at this stage."
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Crazy season gives us a real chance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's a season like no other with Leicester City top having made the best start in their 131 year history to go top just 10 days before Christmas. It's another of those little ironies that Claudio Ranieri was mentioned in dispatches as a future Boleyn boss at one stage but, as well as he's doing, I'd sooner have Slav at the Hammers helm. Chelsea are in 16th, Liverpool celebrated a home draw against West Brom on Sunday by linking hands in front of the Kop to celebrate and Spurs are nailed by Newcastle who turned up at White Hart Lane in the relegation places.
West Ham, meanwhile with five massive players injured, sit in eighth place after a thoroughly competitive performance at Old Trafford and a highly entertaining display against Stoke City.
Yet I continue to read comments from fans on social network claiming we are worse off as far as points are concerned than we were were last year. The fact that we are also fewer off the top is conveniently forgotten. These comparisons and complaints are best ignored in a season when the likes of Palace and Watford are directly above us – emphasising again this abnormal season when everybody is beating everyone else. We were victorious against one fo those teams and beaten by the other.
Given this topsy turvy season and with the news that Lanzini and Payet are on their ways back ahead of schedule I'll make the same forecast as I made a few games in. I believe we will finish in the top six and that our last season at the Boleyn will have started with European football and end with us having qualified to take our place in the Uefa Cup Tournament next season. And that will be the perfect end to our final system as we wave farewell to the 'old lady' has had our hearts for so long and will remain there forever.
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Lanzini deal safe despite Al Jaziera change
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Gianluca Nani's arrival at Manu Lanzini's parent club Al Jaziera will make no difference to the player's availability to West Ham. ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that Nani had joined the club as technical director raising fears that the man fired by David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010 could look at the deal again. Nani of course was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, but his £300,000 a year deal was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners. But with Lanzini having performed at Upton Park, it was feared Nani may try to re-negotiate or even scupper the deal but a Hammers source declared emphatically this morning: "That's not possible. We have a solid option to buy out the player's contract.
"We have said several times in the past, it's watertight and a change of personnel at the club can't change that."
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LET'S END THE WINLESS RUN AT SWANSEA
By Bobby Shovels 15 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
The Stoke game felt a lot like the previous home match against West Brom: while we deserved to have won three points, it was to the opposing team that the best chances fell. We have been lucky that both these sides failed to utilise clear-cut opportunities – although Adrian has proved his immense worth as a goalkeeper too.
Having written about how exciting our attacking options were at the start of the season, the injuries have clearly deadened our goal-scoring prowess. That is to be accepted given the absence of Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini. Yet I can't help but feel there is now a lack of confidence among other players who are not using the opportunity to make their mark on the first team when it comes to having a punt at goal. Too often against Stoke was there a desire to pass the ball into the net – an admirable tactic but one that is not that effective when you most deft passers of the ball are not on the pitch.
There is also a clear issue with poor decision-making, and on that point Mauro Zarate is most at fault. I certainly feel his dribbling and control on the ball has become so much better since last season, a rare possible case of QPR actually increasing a player's worth. However, far too often he becomes selfish on the ball and fails to make a decisive, effective pass. Yes, he hit the post, but too often he either doesn't shoot at the right time or shoots at completely the wrong time or doesn't pass ever. It is something Slaven Bilic must improve in him – but also the rest of the team: he has spoken before at our lack of shots on goal.
Indeed, the first five minute were so promising after Cheikhou Kouyaté stung the fingers of Jack Butland. Yet after that, it felt like we failed to test the keeper, albeit it is very tough to test someone of Butland's prowess and confidence.
On a final note regarding the Stoke game, I have to vocalise something I have long felt but never spoken of: the brilliance of Kouyaté. He has the defensive, holding play of Noble but with more drive and energy, seemingly mustering bundles of energy at certain points in any game to make surging runs forward. Moreover, I have never seen him fail to give a solid performance. He is an underrated star among out first eleven, and what a signing he has been.
I have been blessed in recent years by West Ham always winning on the match falling closest to my birthday, 23 October. That was Chelsea this year (24 October 2015) and Manchester City last year (25 October). Of course, since that joyous afternoon against Mourinho's lacklustre men, we have not won a game, enduring a rather dismal November. How much I hope we end this run – that admittedly has not been full of losses – against Swansea.
However, it is just our luck that Swansea will be raring to go after such misfortune against City last weekend and will most probably have the excitement of the "new manager bounce" that means next Sunday's fixture will be no easy feat. However, it is games like these that we should really test the depth of our squad and see whether we can weather our long injury list with a vital three points before Christmas.
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David Sullivan discloses what Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Slaven Bilic has given a positive update on Dimitri Payet's injury. Speaking to the official West Ham website, David Sullivan has admitted that Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet's recovery from injury - revealing that he is ahead of schedule. Sullivan said: "Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club."
Payet was one of the best players in the Premier League prior to his injury, acting as the main playmaker in an extremely enjoyable Hammers team. The Frenchman had scored five goals and registered three assists in 12 league appearances, but he has missed the last four games due to an injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Everton. He is meant to be out of action recovering until the New Year, but Sullivan has heard from Bilic that Payet is ahead of schedule, and could be back before his expected date. This is fantastic news for Bilic, the West Ham fans, and everyone involved with the Hammers, having seen the East London side struggle in his absence. A number of other players are also out of action through injury, but Payet is the biggest loss, with Bilic's men scoring just two goals in the four games since the start of his absence. It was feared that Payet's injury could end West Ham's season, but Sullivan has been given hope by Bilic that the playmaker will be back before too long.
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West Ham coach Terry Westley raves about Pedro Obiang's Under-21 display
HITC
Olly Dawes
Pedro Obiang has earned praise from West Ham coach Terry Westley. West Ham United academy boss Terry Westley has told the club's official website that he was impressed with Pedro Obiang's performance against Arsenal Under-21. The Hammers first-team drew 0-0 with Stoke City on Saturday, and it was the same story for the club's Under-21 side on Monday evening. West Ham took on Arsenal at Upton Park, and whilst the Hammers took the lead through an Alex Pike goal, Chris Willock rescued a 1-1 draw for the Gunners. By far the biggest name on show during the match was midfielder Pedro Obiang, with the Spaniard still looking to find his feet in English football. The 23-year-old joined West Ham from Italian club Sampdoria over the summer, and whilst he has played nine games in the Premier League so far, only four of those appearances have been starts due to issues with his fitness. On Monday though, Obiang played a key role for West Ham's Under-21 side, and his performance has earned rave reviews from academy boss Terry Westley. Speaking to the West Ham official website, Westley stated that Obiang impressed him in three key areas; a benchmark of how players should play, how experienced players should help young talent, and for having the extra bit of quality on the pitch. "On that, I think Pedro Obiang deserves a big mention, because if a senior player plays for the U21s, he's set a real benchmark of how you should play and how you should help the younger players, as well as having that little bit of quality. He did all three things on Monday," said Westley. With players such as Alex Song, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble competing for places in midfield, Obiang has a tough task on his hands to break in to Slaven Bilic's starting line-up - but his display against Arsenal on Monday was a step in the right direction.
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Burke puts Hammer down to make fast progress with Bradford City
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter / 3 hours ago / Bantams
REECE Burke could be on borrowed time at Valley Parade but he is determined to make every minute count. The gifted West Ham youngster's youth loan runs until the Gillingham away game which kicks off the New Year. At this moment, nobody is sure what will happen after that and whether Burke will still be around to take his place in the heart of the City back four for the FA Cup third-round trip to Bury the following week. In a strange way, Burke might have almost done too well during his stint with the Bantams. The regular reports that the Hammers have received will have been glowing.
A nomination for League One player of the month in October proved that plenty have been taking notice. Phil Parkinson is realistic enough to know that he faces a fight to retain the teenager's services past January 2. An unnamed Championship club tried to muscle in and snatch the defender away before the latest extension. Not that Burke had any desire to make a short-term switch to anywhere else. He said: "There were other clubs interested but I spoke to Phil and, as a young boy, I think it was best to stay here until January and get a few more games in. "I didn't want to go through the upheaval again and if I wasn't playing somewhere else, it would have been a bit of a waste of time. "Phil said to me that if I did stay here I'd most likely get games and that's what I want. "I want to play every game. That's obviously not down to me but I'll keep doing my thing on the training pitch and hopefully get picked.
"I feel like I'm fitting in quite well and it's good for my experience to be playing against big boys out there. I've played against a few physical strikers in the opposition, so it's been good for me. "I know West Ham will be keeping an eye on me, so we'll see where it goes from there."
The weekend postponement denied Burke his 16th start – and his first in the league since November 3 after missing the last four through England under-20 international commitments and injury.
He tweaked the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his knee, which meant a brief return to east London for treatment with his parent club. Burke said: "It was a bit sore so the best thing was to rest up a while and I felt fine when I came back. It was nice to play again in the FA Cup because it had been a while. "Obviously I'd been keeping an eye on the team when I was at West Ham and they were still doing well. That makes it easier when you come back. "I think we've improved as a team and the boys are playing with confidence now. "You can see we are one of the better teams in the league and other sides will tell you we are hard to play against. "Once all the new signings and loan people came in, everyone got together as a group and that has shown on the pitch."
The statistics speak for themselves. City have conceded 11 goals in Burke's 13 league games – and only three in the last six. Throw in two FA Cup outings and he has been involved in seven clean sheets – nearly half the games he has played in. The centre-back said: "I like to get clean sheets. As a defender, that's what you set out to play for every game. I know it is obvious but if they can't score, you can't lose. "Clean sheets are always a bonus and hopefully we can keep doing that. It's good for individuals at the back. If I make a mistake I know that Rozza (Rory McArdle) will be round the back to cover me. "It's good having Ben (Williams) there as well. He's been outstanding and made a few very good saves, especially towards the end of games."
Williams, like Burke before him, found himself on the divisional shortlist for the November player of the month accolade after going over 11 hours without letting a goal past him. Burke said: "Ben deserved the nomination. He's pulled off some unbelievable saves at times to keep us in games. "I was pleased to get nominated myself and a bit surprised after just going on loan. I would love to have won it but I was happy just to get named. "With Ben as well, it's good to have a keeper thrown in. It's not just about the strikers. At the end of the day, all players on the pitch play a big part."
Burke's contribution in City's improving campaign has been substantial. Whatever the approaching transfer window holds, he is convinced the club have developed his game. He said: "I was never going to come here just for one month, play five games and then go somewhere else. It was never going to be like that. By staying here until January, I've had the chance to play plenty of games. "I feel like I've matured a bit by fitting in with the boys at Bradford. They are good lads and it's nice to be properly involved in the first team and playing week in, week out. "I haven't got a Yorkshire accent but I can understand them now just about!"
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 16
Tuesday, December 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th December 2015
Adrian – We need to be more clinical
WHUFC.com
Adrian's joy at a second successive clean sheet was tempered by his side's failure to take all three Barclays Premier League points against Stoke City and so the West Ham United stopper urged his teammates to be more clinical in front of goal. The Spaniard felt the Hammers created more than enough opportunities to win Saturday's game at the Boleyn Ground, but were still indebted to the 28-year-old for two excellent stops from substitute Mame Biram Diouf. Still, Adrian insists the Hammers are doing all the right things and he insists the winning feeling will return so long as they continue to keep it tight at the back. "We have to be happy with the clean sheet, but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score," he told West Ham TV. "[Jack] Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well. "I do my job, I always try to help my team by making saves and this time we got a point with those saves. The two saves [from Diouf] were with my right foot, I think I saved more with my right foot than with my hands. I'm the 'keeper and I need to save with all parts of the body! "The team defended well, not just me, all the team defended well and I think if we keep a clean sheet we have a chance to win the next game. "If we keep showing the same performance, continue to keep clean sheets and if we are more clinical in attack, I think we can get the three points there [at Swansea City]."
Saturday's story was not dissimilar to that of the Hammers' goalless draw at Old Trafford a week earlier, where the Hammers were also left wondering what might have been. He continued: "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing.
"We showed good team spirit. We have five or six injuries and it's hard at this time, because we have many games coming over the Christmas period. I think we have a good squad now and the players that have the chance now, like Antonio, need to continue to play well."
With the season's halfway mark now just three games away, what does Adrian make of the Hammers' long-term prospects? "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six, or seven. We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table is so narrow, you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."
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Loan watch
WHUFC.com
In Sky Bet League Two, Hammers youngster Josh Pask has extended his youth loan with Dagenham & Redbridge until 16 January 2016. On Saturday, the defender was an unused substitute as his team suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at Crawley Town.
Elliot Lee's Blackpool enjoyed a notable 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in Sky Bet League One. Lee played 65 minutes, while Tom Aldred's header secured victory for his team.
Diego Poyet was an unused substitute as Milton Keynes Dons suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday. The result drops the Dons into the bottom three, with 16 points from 20 games.
Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Clarke Bogard's Tilbury gave Vanarama National League side Welling United a real scare in the FA Trophy on Saturday. Tilbury, of the Ryman League Division One North – three leagues below their visitors – were only edged out by a 4-3 scoreline.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
I thought the whole team had an impressive display against Stoke on Saturday and it is just a matter of time before our luck turns. Just like the game against Manchester United, we could have easily had all three points and I am sure that Slaven Bilic would have been pleased with the effort that the players have shown in recent weeks. Mauro Zarate was desperately unlucky not to get the goal of the season as we hit the post again and how we didn't win the game in the last 20 seconds when the ball was cleared off the line twice, I still don't know!
I will mention it again but over a season for every time you hit the post you score four goals, so we are now due 15 or 20 before we hit the post again!
Stoke nearly got lucky when a wicked deflection ended up in the top corner, but Adrian managed to deflect the ball onto the crossbar.
It was pleasing to see the side come away with our second consecutive clean sheet and I thought it was a very good defensive display.
James Collins came back into the side and looked good alongside Angelo Ogbonna and James Tomkins once again showed his versatility with another solid display at right back. We have been suffering with injuries over the last few weeks but it was very pleasing to see Enner Valencia back on the pitch in the second half. We have been missing Enner for a large part of the season so we all hope he can have a successful return to action and play a big part for us in the second half of the campaign. Manuel Lanzini is also close to making a return and I know that Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club. We have another big game against Swansea on Sunday and I know the management will be working hard with the players as we look to get back on the winning trail at the weekend.
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Noble - The facilities are great
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble says it felt different for him to change his daily routine to get to the training ground but insists the squad will not be affected by the short move to Rush Green. After securing another well earned point against Stoke on Saturday, the Hammers players were in good spirits as they began their first session two miles down the road from their normal setting at Chadwell Heath. The Rush Green training ground is normally used by the Development Squad and all the facilities that the first-team require will still be at their disposal.
Noble insists the players can only benefit from the move and says he is fully focused on helping his side getting back on the winning trail when they face Swansea on Sunday – even if he has to change the settings on his Sat Nav system. Noble said: "It is different as I have been used to going to Chadwell Heath every morning for the last 12 years. "We are training at Rush Green so we can look after the pitches a little bit at Chadwell. The facilities are great here so the other pitches can repair themselves a bit. "We are here to play football and that is our job. We had a warm-down session on Monday and the real test will be over the next couple of days when we are fully at it."
With Enner Valencia making a first-team return against Stoke on Saturday and Manuel Lanzini due back in action in the near future the injury situation is looking a lot better for Slaven Bilic. The Hammers manager also revealed that Dimitri Payet could be back in action ahead of schedule and Noble says that is a big boost for everyone at the Club ahead of a busy Christmas and New Year period. Noble added: "It is great news for the Club that we are starting to get back the injured players. We lost five or six of our top players in the space of a month and it is not ideal. "But all credit to the lads as we went away to Manchester United and got a point, we had a good draw at home against Stoke which was an entertaining game to watch. "We have dug in well and sometimes you need to ride those moments when you get a bit of bad luck. We have hit the post a lot in the last few weeks but we have not lost a game. "We have come away with two clean sheets and it puts you in good stead for the rest of the season."
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FT - Dev Squad 1-1 Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 1-1 Arsenal
Barclays U21 Premier League Division 2
FT: West Ham United U21 1-1 Arsenal
90: West Ham's final substitution sees Amos Nasha replace Djair Parfitt-Williams. Meanwhile three minutes of additional time have been signalled.
89: 2,394 people have turned out for this game. Great support for our U21s!
86: Arsenal have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out, but one-time Academy player Ben Sheaf can only find the wall with his effort.
81: Goal! The Hammers aren't so lucky this time. Chris Willock does well to keep the ball in on the left flank, races down the line, cuts inside and fires into the bottom corner. 1-1.
75: Josh Cullen gives the ball away cheaply and the Hammers are very nearly punished as Malen takes the ball on and attempts an audacious chip over Spiegel, but clears the crossbar.
73: Arsenal look to their bench as they try to change their fortunes and the players on are Kaylen Hinds and Ismael Bennacer, replacing Alex Iwobi and Dan Crowley
71: If Arsenal are going to get back into this is looks like Crowley or Malen will be their go-to men, and it is the former who tests Spiegel again with a curling shot from range.
66: Arsenal are starting to press and Dan Crowley floats a cross-shot just beyond Raphael Spiegel's left hand post.
58: Time for the Hammers' first changes of the evening as Anthony Scully and Jordan Brown come on for goalscorer Alex Pike and Jaanai Gordon.
56: Arsenal striker Malen is looking lively and he slips his way through before forcing another low save from Spiegel. The Swiss stopper is enjoying a fine evening so far.
54: To the other end and Donyell Malen produces a sharp turn to lose the attentions of his man. His shot from 20 yards is a fierce one too, but Spiegel gets down well to his right to tip the ball behind.
50: The subsequent corner is a deep one, but Obiang helps it back into the mix and Parfitt-Williams finishes, but is offside. A third disallowed goal for the Hammers.
49: Should be 2-0. Gordon disposseses Robinson in a dangerous area and passes inside to Cullen. He then feeds Makasi 12 yards out, but keeper Macey dives to his right to make a fine save.
48: Cullen then delivers the corner and Oxford isn't far wide with his cushioned volley.
47: Arsenal defender Bielik plays the ball straight to Cullen and he advances towards the area before slipping tyhe ball to Gordon, whose shot needs a touch from the keeper to take it wide.
46: Back underway at the Boleyn Ground with no changes for either team.
HT: The half time whistle blows and the Hammers will take a 1-0 lead into the interval. Alex Pike taking advantage of some defensive indecision to notch the only goal so far. Are West Ham on track for a sixth straight win? Join us in 15 minutes to find out in the second half!
43: The Hammers look for offside as Iwobi slips Adelaide in down the left channel, but no flag is forthcoming and Spiegel has to stand up well to deny the Arsenal man by his near post.
38: GOAL! 1-0 to the Hammers! The visitors are sloppy in defence and Alex Pike takes full advantage of the error to flick into the bottom corner.
37: Lovely move from the Hammers as they sweep the ball across the pitch. Cullen finds Knoyle advancing from right back, but he can't pick out a man with his cross.
31: Then a minute later Raphael Spiegel is called into action to make his first real save of the night, and it's a good one too as he flies to his left to push Sheaf's stinging effort away.
30: Arsenal are enjoying a little spell and Crowley threatens to weave his way through the Hammers' backline, but Obiang slides in to make a fine tackle on the edge of the box.
23: Arsenal are penalised for handball in the left channel and Cullen has the chance to deliver from a promising position, but the cross is too close to goalkeeper Macey, who claims easily.
21: The Hammers have a corner down the left and although the initial delivery is cleared, the ball falls to Lewis Page 30 yards out. He takes the shot on, but his radar is slightly off and the goalkeeper Macey can watch the ball wide.
17: Two minutes later and it's deja-vu as Gordon steps inside his man and fires home...but is offside again. No goal.
15: Gordon has the ball in the net for the Hammers, but it won't count as he was judged to have strayed off side to collect Cullen's pass. Still 0-0.
12: After that flurry for Arsenal the game has settled down again. West Ham yet to make their mark truly in an attacking sense yet though.
7: Big chance for the Gunners and Malen as his quick feet makes room in the heart of the penalty box for a shot, but he prods straight at Spiegel and the Hammers survive.
6: Arsenal threaten for the first time as Donyell Malen looks to find a pocket of space and burst onto Crowley's flicked pass, but he strays offside to find that pass and the flag goes up immediately.
5: Five minutes gone and not much to report so far. Both sides still to settle into the game.
0: The Hammers get us underway, kicking towards the Sir Trevor Brooking end in the first half.
6.57pm Reecre Oxford leads the Hammers out onto the pitch and it's almost time for action. The Hammers are going for a sixth straight win here.
6.20pm A very warm welcome to our live coverage of this evening's Development Squad clash with Arsenal. The teams are in!
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Oxford, Page, Pike, Makasi, Cullen, Obiang, Parfitt-Williams, Gordon
Subs: T.Brown, Scully, Onariase, J.Brown, Nasha
Arsenal: Macey, Sheaf, Robinson, Kamara, Bielik, Pleguezuelo, Adelaide, Iwobi, Malen, Crowley, Willock
Subs: Hinds, Huddart, Bennacer, Mavididi, Bola
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Monday musings: no goals, but no lack of entertainment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.
With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils, after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.
Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri. That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.
Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine Premier League appearances.
However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.
Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses - the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.
And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex with immediate effect.
Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far - may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam Allardyce in the summer.
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Boleyn Ground memories: skinheads, Harringtons and tattoos
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Alison O'Brien
Queueing up at the North Bank turnstiles, I suddenly looked around and felt very nervous. I was the only woman as far as I could see and Jimbo, who was nine, was the only little boy.
We were surrounded by skinhead haircuts, Harringtons and tattoos! It'd been a spur of the moment decision on a Saturday lunchtime to take Jimbo to see our favourite team and, as it was 1988, we could still pay and get in on the day.
Jimbo was the son of my then partner and a lovely boy. He was clever, funny and cheeky with a heart of gold. The family had been going through a really hard time but Jimbo and his sister, Natasha were amazing and managed to cheer everyone up around them.
This particular week, Jimbo was desperate to go to West Ham, he'd been asking everyone and anyone if they'd take him. He'd been to a few games before with his Grandad but he really wanted to see this particular match.
In the morning we'd been round at his Nan's and Jimbo was getting increasingly fed up. His Nan said "Oh, I wish someone would take him". I looked at her, looked at him and said "Come on, let's go, you and me!"
We paid our money (I think it was a fiver!) and entered the stand just before kick off. The sound of "Bubbles" was deafening. The place was jam-packed and we struggled to push ourselves through the standing crowd.
I wanted to get Jimbo down to the front with the other kids so that he could see the game. But no matter how hard we squeezed and pushed we couldn't move any further than where we were, right in the middle of the North Bank.
I looked down at Jimbo and he smiled but I knew he could hardly see a thing in amongst all those adults. I tried to help him to a slightly better position but the most he could see was the halfway line and beyond through a gap. I wondered if this had been such a good idea.
The match began and West Ham made a fast move forward towards the goal down in front of us. The crowd leaned forward as one, cheering and shouting "Come on you Irons!!" I took a look at Jimbo next to me and all I could see was his little legs and trainers dangling at my eye level!
The man behind him had lifted him up so he could see! Jimbo was laughing his head off and watching the game. When the ball went back up to the other end of the pitch, he plonked him down again.
The man was huge with a skinhead haircut, Harrington and tattoos. He did not have a look that would normally make me feel safe - but that gentle giant must've picked Jimbo up and down about fifty times during the match and absolutely made his day!
We only drew, but I remember having trouble trying to keep a hold of Jimbo's hand walking down Green Street to the tube, he was so excited, jumping around talking and laughing about the game and of being chucked right up in the air! I think it'd been like being on a fairground ride in the Boleyn Ground!
I had said "thank you" a few times and tried to make conversation but the gentle giant didn't seem to want to or need to talk.
I'm hoping that he might read this and recognise himself. It's one of the best memories I have out of the many hundreds of good memories of the Boleyn Ground. My son and I have been season ticket holders for five years. He is 6 foot 2 now, but even when he was very little, I had no qualms about bringing him to Upton Park on my own, thanks to that gentle giant.
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Too good for Real Madrid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammer Julian Faubert has been linked to shock move to Aston Villa as a free agent. Faubert signed for the Hammers for £6.1m in 2007 on a five year contract amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 103 appearances. He was famously loaned to Real Madrid for a loan fee thought to £1.5m plus wages while a Hammer where he was snapped sleeping on the subs bench. His loan spell finished with only two appearances. He is now a free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and the Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. West Ham play Aston Villa at Villa Park on Boxing Day and there remains a remote possibility he would face his former club.
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Nani joins Lanzini's parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Lanzini's parent club Al Jazira has recruited former West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani as their new sports director today.
Officials at the Abu Dhabi club did not reveal much details but said he would begin work immediately. Jazira parted ways with their returning coach Abel Braga last week and Ali Khamis Al Junaibi, the club's Under 23 coach, has been appointed as caretaker until a new manager arrives. Nani was fired by new owners David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010, the Italian was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, with his main role being that of chief scout. His salary of £300,000 was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners.
Whether this news has any impact on the deal to sign Lanzini on a permanent transfer at the end of the season from Al Jazira remains to be seen. Let's hope Nani doesn't let any personal feelings come in the way of a deal which is said to have already been agreed between the two clubs.
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January Shopping Spree NOT Needed
December 14, 2015
Thewesthamway.co.uk
It's nearly time for Christmas! Or as the football world sees it, almost time for the January transfer window to open.
With the Premier League's lucrative television deal looming, it is anticipated that most clubs will be spending more than average in order to ensure top flight status for next season.
West Ham especially are desperate to ensure that the Premier League is where their home football is being played, considering the fact that home games will be at the new Olympic Stadium.
However, all these things considered, it is highly unlikely that the Hammers will dip into the transfer market come the new year.
Is that the right choice, what with all these injuries to key players? After all, January's window is there for exactly that; to add reinforcments to depleated squads, to bolster the numbers and ensure that there is enough cover to see out the season and let's face facts, if any club falls perfectly into that mantra, it is West Ham.
Nevertheless, the Irons can safely save themselves the expense. For one, Premier League status should be a given (without taking anything for granted).
West Ham are looking up the table not down it this season. A respectable top half finish will count as a success under Bilic's debut season as the boss. But what about the injuries? Surely they justify a player or two? Well, quite simply put; no. One needs to consider the team that Bilic managed to put out against Manchester United and Stoke City.
The depth in the squad allowed, despite six key players out of action, for a very decent starting XI in both games. Albeit with a certain lack of creativity at times, but decent nontheless.
Antonio gave a performance to be proud of, Collins covered the centre half spot well enough, Tomkins is excelling in his new role at right back, Carroll looks stronger and fitter each game as well.
All things considered, the Hammers are doing ok and they have Valencia and Song back in the team and Lanzini and Payet are very close to a return as well.
It will be the end of the transfer window before all players are back in the action. I make that four new signings for the Hammers in the winter (or as good as) if the results and performances continue to be as solid in the mean time, there is absolutly no need whatsoever for any knee-jerk panic buying. West Ham have an extremely talented squad this season and unless a super star is available, no January spending is needed.
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Adrian: Here's where we can finish
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian remains convinced the Irons can land a top six place and European football next season. The ever-upbeat keeper believes that if we can maintain our current performance levels and get our injured players back it's ON! He said: "I think we're playing well, especially away from home If we get the injured players back after January or February, and we're in the same position we're in now, we can stay in the top five, six or seven. "If we maintain the same level of performance away and improve at Upton Park, then we can have a great season. "We need to improve a little bit here at home, but I think we are showing a great level of performance in all of our games." "When we play away, the other team start with the ball and try and attack, which allows us to counter-attack, and we are very dangerous playing that way," he added. "Here at home, we have the ball and play out from defence and sometimes the other team are really narrow and defend well."
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Bilic sees something different
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News
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Slaven Bilic believes new players in the team are bringing something different to the Hammers. Discussing the draw against Stoke this morning on the official site the manager said: "I am very happy that the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford that the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did."
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This player really does look the business
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I didn't honestly expect to be particularly impressed by Michail Antonio. That's no disrespect to the fella. I knew very little about him but £7 million really isn't a lot of money these days and Championship arrivals can't really be taken too seriously until they have had the chance of a decent PL run. I understood why Slav had not given him his chance. Things were going really well so why fix it if it ain't broke. Too many have done that in the past. It's far too early to make a judgement but my instincts told me on Saturday afternoon that this lad could be special and my immediate reaction was not to be too unhappy with the Victor Moses injury absence. The Chelsea player has signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and is costing £185,000 a game with wages, loan fee apportioned and appearances.
Has he been worth it? Very debatable! Antonio on the other hand slowly started to excite me far more than Moses as he picked up the speed and eventually received a man of the match award on his debut. Victor can frustrate with a tendency to overplay. Antonio's power, pace, some devilishly quick turns and more direct approach was fresh and invigorating. Ok, there was a naivety in his play and the final ball was lacking but that can probably be put down to lack of match action and I really want to see a lot more of this fella. He looks the business to me and if he gets back to full match fitness over the next two or three weeks Moses may find it hard to return. Yep I really do like Antonio. Looks a real player.
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Hurt Gold's frankest interview
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Gold has given his frankest ever interview to ClaretandHugh within the last few minute after a deeply insulting tweet in which he was described as "illiterate" and questioned as to how he ever took charge of a real football club. The hugely offensive tweet from @gabbyobaetan has since been removed and it appears the page no longer exists but Gold remains hurt at the content. He responded at the time by saying: "I had dysentery, scarlet fever and nearly died from tuberculosis. I then left school at 14. I am dyslexic. dg"
He told us: "Yes it hurt badly at the time because I had such trouble with my schooling. I missed so much and it wasn't until much later that I discovered I was dyslexic. "It was so hard because you spend time wondering what's wrong and whether you are mentally retarded. It was a relief to discover the problem. I have tried very hard and don't think I'm doing too badly."
Gold was tempted to block the individual responsible for the Twitter disgrace but said: 'I can't do it. That would be like giving into them.' "However, I'm not prepared to say the day might come when I will do so. It really was pretty horrible butI am bouncing back as is usually the case."
Gold refuses to come off Twitter because he explains: "There are so many good fans out there from whom I learn a lot and who deserve to be kept as up to date as I can manage. "I can cope with the odd one or two who are so intensely awful but I have learned there's not much point in trying to engage within 140 characters. It doesn't work. Blocking? I don't want to but wouldn't rule it out."
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Rush Green will have state of the art facilities
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
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The new Rush Green training ground will have state of art facilities when rebuilt. Last week we revealed that planning permission was granted subject to minor conditions. The main remodelled building will boast separate offices for the manager and first team coaches, an analysis room with the latest technology, a Sports science room, a first team restaurant and separate youth team restaurant served by a enlarged modern kitchen.
There are separate dressing rooms the first team with their own showers, elite staff, general staff have their own dressing rooms as well as visiting away teams. These are backed up by a fully functioning laundry plus separate boot and kit rooms. There is a large gym, medical room, a large treatment area and a Hydotherapy pool. Added to football related facilities there is also a large press room which doubles as a presentation room, a meeting room, a visiting Chairman's office which is adjoined to a large boardroom so the Chairman can keep a close eye on their investments.
Slaven Bilic and his first team moved into Rush Green this morning but will have to slum it until the end of the season at which point the building works will begin.
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West Ham transfer news: Karren Brady admits Hammers could buy if 'something interesting' comes up
RICHARD PARRY Saturday 12 December 20150 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady admits that, while the club have 'no real plans' to sign players in the January transfer window they could react if something 'interesting' comes up.
Slaven Bilic's squad has been struck hard by injuries to Winston Reid, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia in recent weeks, but the clubs has so far played down talk of a flurry of business when the market opens next month. Writing in his Evening Standard column last week, Bilic insisted that club won't make 'panic signings', while David Gold insisted that the Hammers already 'have a £35m striker in Andy Carroll' when asked if they needed striking reinforcements. In an interview with BT Sport, vice-chairman Karren Brady followed suit, albeit without ruling a move should the right player be available. Speaking to BT Sport's Football tonight show, Brady admitted: "January's never a great time for any club to buy players, because most of the good players are not really available for sale." "So we're not planning to do anything …but if something comes up that's quite interesting and makes sense for the manager then we might consider it, but no real plans."
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Manuel Lanzini drops hint about his West Ham future whilst discussing Olympic Stadium
HITC
Olly Dawes
Manuel Lanzini is looking forward to West Ham's arrival at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini has raved about the Olympic Stadium in an interview with the club's official website, dropping a possible hint about his future in the process. The Argentine star, 22, is currently on a season-long loan with the Hammers having signed from United Arab Emirates club Al-Jazira over the summer.
So far, the former River Plate man has made a huge impression during his time at Upton Park, having scored five goals and notched one assist so far. Fans are keen to see Lanzini stay at Upton Park beyond the expiration of his loan deal, but are currently dealing with his absence, given that the midfielder has suffered a thigh injury and is currently on the sidelines.
Lanzini will return and look to recapture his best form under Slaven Bilic, and if he continues to do that, a permanent stay will be on the cards - but it won't be at Upton Park. West Ham leave Upton Park next summer in order to move in to the Olympic Stadium, which is seen as being the springboard for future success in East London.
Lanzini went to the Olympic Stadium last week, and told the club's official website that he was impressed with the stadium - before stating that he's looking forward to enjoying success and playing there, suggesting that he sees his long-term future in claret and blue.
"It is a very impressive stadium, not only the stands and the pitch but all the other facilities; they are just excellent," said Lanzini. "I think the move is really going to give West Ham a boost and that is obviously very important. I really think the fans and the players will enjoy it and I'm sure we'll have some successful years in the near future."
"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to play in some fantastic stadiums so far, I think this stadium is going to be absolutely incredible, all footballers will want to come and play here and it'll help the Club grow. One of the most important things is that the fans, I'm sure, are going to enjoy coming here, and we're going to be relaxed about putting on a really good show," he added.
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Diafra Sakho shares nasty surgery scar on Instagram as West Ham striker continues three-month recovery from thigh injury
Diafra Sakho injured his thigh attempting to shoot against West Brom
West Ham's Senegalese star striker had surgery on December 5
Sakho said he's looking forward to the next stage of his rehabilitation
By MICHAEL GADD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 21:37, 14 December 2015 | UPDATED: 21:46, 14 December 2015
Diafra Sakho has shared a large incision made in his thigh during surgery as the West Ham striker counts down the days until he can begin the next phase of his rehabilitation. The 25-year-old who limped off the pitch in the Hammers' November 29 draw with West Brom and went under the knife the following weekend isn't expected back on the pitch for three months. On Monday night, he shared an image of his healing wound with a message: 'After 10 days I can start with the next step in rehab!! Happy to start working and give it my best!! #100% #COYI #inshallah.'
Sakho has given a timeframe of three months after the injury he suffered while attempted to shoot for goal. The layoff is a huge blow to Slaven Bilic's side which hasn't recorded a win since they beat Chelsea on October 24. Since then in the Premier League they've recorded two defeats (Watford and Tottenham) and four draws (Everton, West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke). All going to plan, Sakho's estimated return date of March 16 would come ahead of their nxt clash with Chelsea on the 19th. Senegal international Sakho has scored five goals in his 14 appearances this season and his absence over the past fortnight has opened the door for back-to-back starts up front for Andy Carroll. However, the English striker who's returning from his own series of injuries has failed to deliver with both games against Man United and Stoke ending in scoreless draws. West Ham's horror run of injuries has seen Bilic move the team from their Chadwell Heath base, where the pitches are deemed notoriously hard, to Rush Green, where they intended to relocate to next season.
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Agent claims Russian international Aleksandr Kokorin will join a club like West Ham
HITC
Olly Dawes
Aleksandr Kokorin is being backed for a move to England by a Russian agent. Dinamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin is being linked with a move to England - but Russian agent Alexey Safonov has told Izvestia that the player should be signing for a club like West Ham. Kokorin, 24, has long been regarded as one of Russian football's stars of the future, and after 19 goals in 114 games for Dinamo Moscow, he left for Anzhi Makhachkala - but returned to Dinamo having failed to even play one game for Anzhi due to financial problems. With 22 goals in 57 games for Dinamo in his second spell, it's clear that Kokorin is improving as he gains more experience, whilst he has also bagged ten goals in 36 games for the Russian national team, becoming their leading striker in recent years. Now, with the January transfer window drawing ever closer, speculation surrounds Kokorin's future at Dinamo. The Sun reported last week that, with Kokorin's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is plotting a cut-price move to sign the forward next month. It's fair to say that Arsenal may need more attacking options, but one Russian agent isn't convinced that Kokorin is good enough for the Gunners.
Alexey Safonov represents a number of Russian players, and has told Izvestia that he thinks Kokorin isn't at the level Arsenal need - and he should instead be signing for an 'average' Premier League club like West Ham United instead. "In England, he could improve, but I do not believe that he is good enough for Arsenal," said Safonov. "This is a case when the level of the team is at a much higher level than the player. I think he eventually he will join an average British club, such as Swansea or West Ham," he added. West Ham fans will no doubt take offence to the comments that their team is 'average', especially considering that the Hammers beat Arsenal 2-0 at the start of the season - and in fact, with West Ham enduring an injury crisis, Kokorin could be a smart target in January, if the Hammers are indeed looking for striking solutions.
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INJURED DUO 'AHEAD OF SCHEDULE'
By Dan Wilcox 4
ironsinthecircle
West Ham duo Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are both ahead of schedule in their recovery from injuries according to Slaven Bilic. The pair were absent from the 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday, but Bilic believes both may well be back sooner than anticipated.
The manager said (quotes via Evening Standard): Every day I talk to my medical department. We had Enner Valencia back ahead of schedule and also it looks as though Lanzini and Payet might also be ahead of their planned return date. Lanzini looks the most likely to return. Whether that will be for Swansea next Sunday I don't know. It was reported last week that Bilic was planning on moving his side's training sessions to West Ham's new training plot, Rush Green, and that has now happened.
Bilic intimated that the recent injury crisis could be down to the standard of pitch at Chadwell Heath. He said: It's not about the dressing rooms or the sauna, it's about the pitches and they are much better. The Croatian took the team for training at Rush Green for the first time today, with the manager hoping the move might help prevent more injuries.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic was full of praise for his backup brigade after the Hammers' 0-0 draw with Stoke City on Saturday
Guardian.com
West Ham United head coach Slaven Bilic has praised the players who have deputised for the Hammers' growing list of absentees. The Croatian is without Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses, Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid but West Ham remain unbeaten in three following Saturday's goalless draw at home to Stoke City. West Ham might even have nicked a winner at the death but Cheikhou Kouyate saw his header punched over the bar by Jack Butland. Speaking to the club's website, Bilic said: I am very happy the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. "Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. "We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did." He added: "We wanted to win, we always want to win. Sometimes you have to take risks. This is football, it is worth throwing everything you've got for three points. "Saying that, the team defends as a whole and attacks as a whole, so the 11 on the pitch are only half of it. It is the shape and the mentality that is key."
The Hammers carved out a number of opportunities at Upton Park on Saturday – 22 to be precise – but couldn't find a way past the in-form Butland. West Ham keeper Adrian, was kept busy too – saving well from Mame Biram Diouf on two occasions – but felt the east Londoners ought to have taken maximum points. He said: "We have to be happy with the clean sheet but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score. "Jack Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well." The Hammers have now drawn their last three and Adrian felt there were similarities on Saturday to last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United in which they could also have claimed all three points. "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing," explained the Spaniard. With the season almost at the halfway stage and the Hammers in eighth place, just five points shy of the Champions League spots, Adrian believes there is every reason to be optimistic for the second half of the campaign. He said: "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six or seven. "We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table are so tight; you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. "We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."
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Report: West Ham hopeful of signing Argentina international Federico Mancuello for £2.5m
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham are eyeing in form winger Federico Mancuello. West Ham are looking to sign Argentine midfielder Federico Mancuello, report The Sun. Mancuello plays for Independiente and has two international caps for Argentina, with one goal, netting against El Salvador. The 26-year-old plays predominantly as a central midfielder but is also capable of featuring at left wing or at left-back. In 34 games in all competitions in 2015 Mancuello has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists. The Sun claim West Ham are hopeful of signing him at just £2.5 million, and do not need to worry about a work permit as he hold an Italian passport. The Hammers are unlikely to be the only side interested, and the bargain price could increase. He has played in South America his entire career to date, into his second spell with Independiente after a brief stint at Belgrano. West Ham are currently adjusting to the loss of Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini to injury, and have drawn their last two games 0-0. Both are expected back in the New Year, but the addition of Mancuello would mean they will have greater strength in depth, and he could develop into a real star in the Premier League.
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Aston Villa eye shock transfer move for Julien Faubert
HITC
Dan Coombs
Aston Villa are considering signing former West Ham winger Julien Faubert. Ason Villa are considering a shock swoop for free agent Julien Faubert, The Sun claim. Faubert is best known in England for a spell with West Ham in which he was a huge disappointment. He signed for the Hammers in 2007 amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 70 appearances.
His career at the club was stunted early on by injury problems and he could never establish himself in the first team. He is free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and The Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. The connection comes via French manager Remi Garde who is familiar with him, and showing a real interest in the 32-year-old. Faubert had one cap for France but this came back in 2006 before he signed for West Ham, but perhaps the biggest surprise of his career came when he was signed by Real Madrid. The La Liga champions inexplicably signed him on loan while he was at West Ham, but he played only twice and the Spanish side did not take up an option to sign him permanently. It is tough to see that he would have a big impact at Aston Villa, but Remi Garde's side currently need all the help they can get, stuck at the bottom of the table with only six points. If Garde feels working with players he is familiar with will help, Faubert is a low risk option that despite reservations, may be of some use in the short-term.
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Slaven BIlic gives clear verdict on Michail Antonio's first West Ham start
HITC
Olly Dawes
Michail Antonio started for West Ham against Stoke City on Saturday. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the Daily Mail that Michail Antonio 'did really well' on his full Premier League debut against Stoke City. Antonio, 25, was a deadline day signing from Championship club Nottingham Forest, where he starred last season with 15 goals in 49 games, before another four goals in five games at the start of this season before his big move to Upton Park. Noted for his pace and power out wide, the former Reading winger had big expectations on him - but so far he hasn't quite had the impact many imagined. Before Saturday's game against Stoke, Antonio had played just 91 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham, but he was called upon against Stoke after a number of injuries. With Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses all out injured, Antonio was finally handed his first Premier League start in the 0-0 draw against Stoke - and now, manager Bilic has given his view on Antonio's performance. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bilic stated that he believes Antonio took his chance when it came to him, and is 'really pleased' for the wide man. "Michail did really well," said Bilic. "He worked hard and has been waiting for his chance. Now he has got it and he used it really well. Sometimes it is hard for a player to come in and take their chance when they get it. But he did exactly that and I am really pleased for him," he added. With Lanzini, Payet and Moses still out for at least a few weeks yet, Antonio could be in line for more starts over the Christmas period, as he finally bids to show the West Ham supporters what he can do.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Adrian's joy at a second successive clean sheet was tempered by his side's failure to take all three Barclays Premier League points against Stoke City and so the West Ham United stopper urged his teammates to be more clinical in front of goal. The Spaniard felt the Hammers created more than enough opportunities to win Saturday's game at the Boleyn Ground, but were still indebted to the 28-year-old for two excellent stops from substitute Mame Biram Diouf. Still, Adrian insists the Hammers are doing all the right things and he insists the winning feeling will return so long as they continue to keep it tight at the back. "We have to be happy with the clean sheet, but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score," he told West Ham TV. "[Jack] Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well. "I do my job, I always try to help my team by making saves and this time we got a point with those saves. The two saves [from Diouf] were with my right foot, I think I saved more with my right foot than with my hands. I'm the 'keeper and I need to save with all parts of the body! "The team defended well, not just me, all the team defended well and I think if we keep a clean sheet we have a chance to win the next game. "If we keep showing the same performance, continue to keep clean sheets and if we are more clinical in attack, I think we can get the three points there [at Swansea City]."
Saturday's story was not dissimilar to that of the Hammers' goalless draw at Old Trafford a week earlier, where the Hammers were also left wondering what might have been. He continued: "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing.
"We showed good team spirit. We have five or six injuries and it's hard at this time, because we have many games coming over the Christmas period. I think we have a good squad now and the players that have the chance now, like Antonio, need to continue to play well."
With the season's halfway mark now just three games away, what does Adrian make of the Hammers' long-term prospects? "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six, or seven. We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table is so narrow, you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."
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Loan watch
WHUFC.com
In Sky Bet League Two, Hammers youngster Josh Pask has extended his youth loan with Dagenham & Redbridge until 16 January 2016. On Saturday, the defender was an unused substitute as his team suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at Crawley Town.
Elliot Lee's Blackpool enjoyed a notable 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in Sky Bet League One. Lee played 65 minutes, while Tom Aldred's header secured victory for his team.
Diego Poyet was an unused substitute as Milton Keynes Dons suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday. The result drops the Dons into the bottom three, with 16 points from 20 games.
Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Clarke Bogard's Tilbury gave Vanarama National League side Welling United a real scare in the FA Trophy on Saturday. Tilbury, of the Ryman League Division One North – three leagues below their visitors – were only edged out by a 4-3 scoreline.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
I thought the whole team had an impressive display against Stoke on Saturday and it is just a matter of time before our luck turns. Just like the game against Manchester United, we could have easily had all three points and I am sure that Slaven Bilic would have been pleased with the effort that the players have shown in recent weeks. Mauro Zarate was desperately unlucky not to get the goal of the season as we hit the post again and how we didn't win the game in the last 20 seconds when the ball was cleared off the line twice, I still don't know!
I will mention it again but over a season for every time you hit the post you score four goals, so we are now due 15 or 20 before we hit the post again!
Stoke nearly got lucky when a wicked deflection ended up in the top corner, but Adrian managed to deflect the ball onto the crossbar.
It was pleasing to see the side come away with our second consecutive clean sheet and I thought it was a very good defensive display.
James Collins came back into the side and looked good alongside Angelo Ogbonna and James Tomkins once again showed his versatility with another solid display at right back. We have been suffering with injuries over the last few weeks but it was very pleasing to see Enner Valencia back on the pitch in the second half. We have been missing Enner for a large part of the season so we all hope he can have a successful return to action and play a big part for us in the second half of the campaign. Manuel Lanzini is also close to making a return and I know that Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club. We have another big game against Swansea on Sunday and I know the management will be working hard with the players as we look to get back on the winning trail at the weekend.
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Noble - The facilities are great
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble says it felt different for him to change his daily routine to get to the training ground but insists the squad will not be affected by the short move to Rush Green. After securing another well earned point against Stoke on Saturday, the Hammers players were in good spirits as they began their first session two miles down the road from their normal setting at Chadwell Heath. The Rush Green training ground is normally used by the Development Squad and all the facilities that the first-team require will still be at their disposal.
Noble insists the players can only benefit from the move and says he is fully focused on helping his side getting back on the winning trail when they face Swansea on Sunday – even if he has to change the settings on his Sat Nav system. Noble said: "It is different as I have been used to going to Chadwell Heath every morning for the last 12 years. "We are training at Rush Green so we can look after the pitches a little bit at Chadwell. The facilities are great here so the other pitches can repair themselves a bit. "We are here to play football and that is our job. We had a warm-down session on Monday and the real test will be over the next couple of days when we are fully at it."
With Enner Valencia making a first-team return against Stoke on Saturday and Manuel Lanzini due back in action in the near future the injury situation is looking a lot better for Slaven Bilic. The Hammers manager also revealed that Dimitri Payet could be back in action ahead of schedule and Noble says that is a big boost for everyone at the Club ahead of a busy Christmas and New Year period. Noble added: "It is great news for the Club that we are starting to get back the injured players. We lost five or six of our top players in the space of a month and it is not ideal. "But all credit to the lads as we went away to Manchester United and got a point, we had a good draw at home against Stoke which was an entertaining game to watch. "We have dug in well and sometimes you need to ride those moments when you get a bit of bad luck. We have hit the post a lot in the last few weeks but we have not lost a game. "We have come away with two clean sheets and it puts you in good stead for the rest of the season."
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FT - Dev Squad 1-1 Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 1-1 Arsenal
Barclays U21 Premier League Division 2
FT: West Ham United U21 1-1 Arsenal
90: West Ham's final substitution sees Amos Nasha replace Djair Parfitt-Williams. Meanwhile three minutes of additional time have been signalled.
89: 2,394 people have turned out for this game. Great support for our U21s!
86: Arsenal have a free-kick in a dangerous position 22 yards out, but one-time Academy player Ben Sheaf can only find the wall with his effort.
81: Goal! The Hammers aren't so lucky this time. Chris Willock does well to keep the ball in on the left flank, races down the line, cuts inside and fires into the bottom corner. 1-1.
75: Josh Cullen gives the ball away cheaply and the Hammers are very nearly punished as Malen takes the ball on and attempts an audacious chip over Spiegel, but clears the crossbar.
73: Arsenal look to their bench as they try to change their fortunes and the players on are Kaylen Hinds and Ismael Bennacer, replacing Alex Iwobi and Dan Crowley
71: If Arsenal are going to get back into this is looks like Crowley or Malen will be their go-to men, and it is the former who tests Spiegel again with a curling shot from range.
66: Arsenal are starting to press and Dan Crowley floats a cross-shot just beyond Raphael Spiegel's left hand post.
58: Time for the Hammers' first changes of the evening as Anthony Scully and Jordan Brown come on for goalscorer Alex Pike and Jaanai Gordon.
56: Arsenal striker Malen is looking lively and he slips his way through before forcing another low save from Spiegel. The Swiss stopper is enjoying a fine evening so far.
54: To the other end and Donyell Malen produces a sharp turn to lose the attentions of his man. His shot from 20 yards is a fierce one too, but Spiegel gets down well to his right to tip the ball behind.
50: The subsequent corner is a deep one, but Obiang helps it back into the mix and Parfitt-Williams finishes, but is offside. A third disallowed goal for the Hammers.
49: Should be 2-0. Gordon disposseses Robinson in a dangerous area and passes inside to Cullen. He then feeds Makasi 12 yards out, but keeper Macey dives to his right to make a fine save.
48: Cullen then delivers the corner and Oxford isn't far wide with his cushioned volley.
47: Arsenal defender Bielik plays the ball straight to Cullen and he advances towards the area before slipping tyhe ball to Gordon, whose shot needs a touch from the keeper to take it wide.
46: Back underway at the Boleyn Ground with no changes for either team.
HT: The half time whistle blows and the Hammers will take a 1-0 lead into the interval. Alex Pike taking advantage of some defensive indecision to notch the only goal so far. Are West Ham on track for a sixth straight win? Join us in 15 minutes to find out in the second half!
43: The Hammers look for offside as Iwobi slips Adelaide in down the left channel, but no flag is forthcoming and Spiegel has to stand up well to deny the Arsenal man by his near post.
38: GOAL! 1-0 to the Hammers! The visitors are sloppy in defence and Alex Pike takes full advantage of the error to flick into the bottom corner.
37: Lovely move from the Hammers as they sweep the ball across the pitch. Cullen finds Knoyle advancing from right back, but he can't pick out a man with his cross.
31: Then a minute later Raphael Spiegel is called into action to make his first real save of the night, and it's a good one too as he flies to his left to push Sheaf's stinging effort away.
30: Arsenal are enjoying a little spell and Crowley threatens to weave his way through the Hammers' backline, but Obiang slides in to make a fine tackle on the edge of the box.
23: Arsenal are penalised for handball in the left channel and Cullen has the chance to deliver from a promising position, but the cross is too close to goalkeeper Macey, who claims easily.
21: The Hammers have a corner down the left and although the initial delivery is cleared, the ball falls to Lewis Page 30 yards out. He takes the shot on, but his radar is slightly off and the goalkeeper Macey can watch the ball wide.
17: Two minutes later and it's deja-vu as Gordon steps inside his man and fires home...but is offside again. No goal.
15: Gordon has the ball in the net for the Hammers, but it won't count as he was judged to have strayed off side to collect Cullen's pass. Still 0-0.
12: After that flurry for Arsenal the game has settled down again. West Ham yet to make their mark truly in an attacking sense yet though.
7: Big chance for the Gunners and Malen as his quick feet makes room in the heart of the penalty box for a shot, but he prods straight at Spiegel and the Hammers survive.
6: Arsenal threaten for the first time as Donyell Malen looks to find a pocket of space and burst onto Crowley's flicked pass, but he strays offside to find that pass and the flag goes up immediately.
5: Five minutes gone and not much to report so far. Both sides still to settle into the game.
0: The Hammers get us underway, kicking towards the Sir Trevor Brooking end in the first half.
6.57pm Reecre Oxford leads the Hammers out onto the pitch and it's almost time for action. The Hammers are going for a sixth straight win here.
6.20pm A very warm welcome to our live coverage of this evening's Development Squad clash with Arsenal. The teams are in!
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Oxford, Page, Pike, Makasi, Cullen, Obiang, Parfitt-Williams, Gordon
Subs: T.Brown, Scully, Onariase, J.Brown, Nasha
Arsenal: Macey, Sheaf, Robinson, Kamara, Bielik, Pleguezuelo, Adelaide, Iwobi, Malen, Crowley, Willock
Subs: Hinds, Huddart, Bennacer, Mavididi, Bola
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Monday musings: no goals, but no lack of entertainment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
As goalless draws go, West Ham's nil-nil with Stoke at the Boleyn has to go down as one of the more entertaining ones in recent times.
With the Hammers managing to produce more than 20 efforts at goal - and with nearly half of those on target - Jack Butland proved to be busier of the two goalkeepers on the day. However the Irons also had their custodian - Spanish stopper Adrian - to thank for ensuring they took a share of the spoils, after he made two superb saves in the losing stages to deny the Potters.
Mark Hughes' side, on a high following last weekend's victory against Manchester City may have produced fewer shots (12 in total) but always looked dangerous on the counter despite missing star man Xherdan Shaqiri. That, combined with City's physical threat - a lingering legacy of the Tony Pulis era - meant the Hammers defence had to be on their toes throughout.
Despite having witnessed his squad extend their run without a win to six matches Slaven Bilic was nonetheless reasonably pleased with the team's performance, specifically the number of occasions on which they managed to test Butland who has now managed to keep seven clean sheets in his last nine Premier League appearances.
However Bilic will no doubt be privately concerned at West Ham's inability to convert those chances and possession into goals, with his team having scored just three times in their last six fixtures - in stark contrast to the beginning of the season when they couldn't stop finding the net.
Much of that of course is down to the crippling injury situation at the club which has left Bilic without his main creative force Dimitri Payet and a supporting cast including Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses - the latter being the only player expected to feature again in 2015.
And there was further bad news in midweek as key defender Winston Reid was similarly ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring strain. The Kiwi became the latest in a long line of players to suffer a muscle injury during training at Chadwell Heath - a situation that prompted Bilic to being forward next summer's planned move to the club's Rush Green training complex with immediate effect.
Following their tough recent run of fixtures, it's lowly Swansea and Aston Villa who provide the next two opponents for West Ham. Fail to beat either of those and Bilic - who has been afforded an easy ride by supporters so far - may well begin to feel the heat for the first time since succeeding Sam Allardyce in the summer.
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Boleyn Ground memories: skinheads, Harringtons and tattoos
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 14th December 2015
By: Alison O'Brien
Queueing up at the North Bank turnstiles, I suddenly looked around and felt very nervous. I was the only woman as far as I could see and Jimbo, who was nine, was the only little boy.
We were surrounded by skinhead haircuts, Harringtons and tattoos! It'd been a spur of the moment decision on a Saturday lunchtime to take Jimbo to see our favourite team and, as it was 1988, we could still pay and get in on the day.
Jimbo was the son of my then partner and a lovely boy. He was clever, funny and cheeky with a heart of gold. The family had been going through a really hard time but Jimbo and his sister, Natasha were amazing and managed to cheer everyone up around them.
This particular week, Jimbo was desperate to go to West Ham, he'd been asking everyone and anyone if they'd take him. He'd been to a few games before with his Grandad but he really wanted to see this particular match.
In the morning we'd been round at his Nan's and Jimbo was getting increasingly fed up. His Nan said "Oh, I wish someone would take him". I looked at her, looked at him and said "Come on, let's go, you and me!"
We paid our money (I think it was a fiver!) and entered the stand just before kick off. The sound of "Bubbles" was deafening. The place was jam-packed and we struggled to push ourselves through the standing crowd.
I wanted to get Jimbo down to the front with the other kids so that he could see the game. But no matter how hard we squeezed and pushed we couldn't move any further than where we were, right in the middle of the North Bank.
I looked down at Jimbo and he smiled but I knew he could hardly see a thing in amongst all those adults. I tried to help him to a slightly better position but the most he could see was the halfway line and beyond through a gap. I wondered if this had been such a good idea.
The match began and West Ham made a fast move forward towards the goal down in front of us. The crowd leaned forward as one, cheering and shouting "Come on you Irons!!" I took a look at Jimbo next to me and all I could see was his little legs and trainers dangling at my eye level!
The man behind him had lifted him up so he could see! Jimbo was laughing his head off and watching the game. When the ball went back up to the other end of the pitch, he plonked him down again.
The man was huge with a skinhead haircut, Harrington and tattoos. He did not have a look that would normally make me feel safe - but that gentle giant must've picked Jimbo up and down about fifty times during the match and absolutely made his day!
We only drew, but I remember having trouble trying to keep a hold of Jimbo's hand walking down Green Street to the tube, he was so excited, jumping around talking and laughing about the game and of being chucked right up in the air! I think it'd been like being on a fairground ride in the Boleyn Ground!
I had said "thank you" a few times and tried to make conversation but the gentle giant didn't seem to want to or need to talk.
I'm hoping that he might read this and recognise himself. It's one of the best memories I have out of the many hundreds of good memories of the Boleyn Ground. My son and I have been season ticket holders for five years. He is 6 foot 2 now, but even when he was very little, I had no qualms about bringing him to Upton Park on my own, thanks to that gentle giant.
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Too good for Real Madrid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammer Julian Faubert has been linked to shock move to Aston Villa as a free agent. Faubert signed for the Hammers for £6.1m in 2007 on a five year contract amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 103 appearances. He was famously loaned to Real Madrid for a loan fee thought to £1.5m plus wages while a Hammer where he was snapped sleeping on the subs bench. His loan spell finished with only two appearances. He is now a free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and the Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. West Ham play Aston Villa at Villa Park on Boxing Day and there remains a remote possibility he would face his former club.
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Nani joins Lanzini's parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Lanzini's parent club Al Jazira has recruited former West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani as their new sports director today.
Officials at the Abu Dhabi club did not reveal much details but said he would begin work immediately. Jazira parted ways with their returning coach Abel Braga last week and Ali Khamis Al Junaibi, the club's Under 23 coach, has been appointed as caretaker until a new manager arrives. Nani was fired by new owners David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010, the Italian was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, with his main role being that of chief scout. His salary of £300,000 was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners.
Whether this news has any impact on the deal to sign Lanzini on a permanent transfer at the end of the season from Al Jazira remains to be seen. Let's hope Nani doesn't let any personal feelings come in the way of a deal which is said to have already been agreed between the two clubs.
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January Shopping Spree NOT Needed
December 14, 2015
Thewesthamway.co.uk
It's nearly time for Christmas! Or as the football world sees it, almost time for the January transfer window to open.
With the Premier League's lucrative television deal looming, it is anticipated that most clubs will be spending more than average in order to ensure top flight status for next season.
West Ham especially are desperate to ensure that the Premier League is where their home football is being played, considering the fact that home games will be at the new Olympic Stadium.
However, all these things considered, it is highly unlikely that the Hammers will dip into the transfer market come the new year.
Is that the right choice, what with all these injuries to key players? After all, January's window is there for exactly that; to add reinforcments to depleated squads, to bolster the numbers and ensure that there is enough cover to see out the season and let's face facts, if any club falls perfectly into that mantra, it is West Ham.
Nevertheless, the Irons can safely save themselves the expense. For one, Premier League status should be a given (without taking anything for granted).
West Ham are looking up the table not down it this season. A respectable top half finish will count as a success under Bilic's debut season as the boss. But what about the injuries? Surely they justify a player or two? Well, quite simply put; no. One needs to consider the team that Bilic managed to put out against Manchester United and Stoke City.
The depth in the squad allowed, despite six key players out of action, for a very decent starting XI in both games. Albeit with a certain lack of creativity at times, but decent nontheless.
Antonio gave a performance to be proud of, Collins covered the centre half spot well enough, Tomkins is excelling in his new role at right back, Carroll looks stronger and fitter each game as well.
All things considered, the Hammers are doing ok and they have Valencia and Song back in the team and Lanzini and Payet are very close to a return as well.
It will be the end of the transfer window before all players are back in the action. I make that four new signings for the Hammers in the winter (or as good as) if the results and performances continue to be as solid in the mean time, there is absolutly no need whatsoever for any knee-jerk panic buying. West Ham have an extremely talented squad this season and unless a super star is available, no January spending is needed.
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Adrian: Here's where we can finish
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian remains convinced the Irons can land a top six place and European football next season. The ever-upbeat keeper believes that if we can maintain our current performance levels and get our injured players back it's ON! He said: "I think we're playing well, especially away from home If we get the injured players back after January or February, and we're in the same position we're in now, we can stay in the top five, six or seven. "If we maintain the same level of performance away and improve at Upton Park, then we can have a great season. "We need to improve a little bit here at home, but I think we are showing a great level of performance in all of our games." "When we play away, the other team start with the ball and try and attack, which allows us to counter-attack, and we are very dangerous playing that way," he added. "Here at home, we have the ball and play out from defence and sometimes the other team are really narrow and defend well."
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Bilic sees something different
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic believes new players in the team are bringing something different to the Hammers. Discussing the draw against Stoke this morning on the official site the manager said: "I am very happy that the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford that the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did."
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This player really does look the business
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I didn't honestly expect to be particularly impressed by Michail Antonio. That's no disrespect to the fella. I knew very little about him but £7 million really isn't a lot of money these days and Championship arrivals can't really be taken too seriously until they have had the chance of a decent PL run. I understood why Slav had not given him his chance. Things were going really well so why fix it if it ain't broke. Too many have done that in the past. It's far too early to make a judgement but my instincts told me on Saturday afternoon that this lad could be special and my immediate reaction was not to be too unhappy with the Victor Moses injury absence. The Chelsea player has signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and is costing £185,000 a game with wages, loan fee apportioned and appearances.
Has he been worth it? Very debatable! Antonio on the other hand slowly started to excite me far more than Moses as he picked up the speed and eventually received a man of the match award on his debut. Victor can frustrate with a tendency to overplay. Antonio's power, pace, some devilishly quick turns and more direct approach was fresh and invigorating. Ok, there was a naivety in his play and the final ball was lacking but that can probably be put down to lack of match action and I really want to see a lot more of this fella. He looks the business to me and if he gets back to full match fitness over the next two or three weeks Moses may find it hard to return. Yep I really do like Antonio. Looks a real player.
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Hurt Gold's frankest interview
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has given his frankest ever interview to ClaretandHugh within the last few minute after a deeply insulting tweet in which he was described as "illiterate" and questioned as to how he ever took charge of a real football club. The hugely offensive tweet from @gabbyobaetan has since been removed and it appears the page no longer exists but Gold remains hurt at the content. He responded at the time by saying: "I had dysentery, scarlet fever and nearly died from tuberculosis. I then left school at 14. I am dyslexic. dg"
He told us: "Yes it hurt badly at the time because I had such trouble with my schooling. I missed so much and it wasn't until much later that I discovered I was dyslexic. "It was so hard because you spend time wondering what's wrong and whether you are mentally retarded. It was a relief to discover the problem. I have tried very hard and don't think I'm doing too badly."
Gold was tempted to block the individual responsible for the Twitter disgrace but said: 'I can't do it. That would be like giving into them.' "However, I'm not prepared to say the day might come when I will do so. It really was pretty horrible butI am bouncing back as is usually the case."
Gold refuses to come off Twitter because he explains: "There are so many good fans out there from whom I learn a lot and who deserve to be kept as up to date as I can manage. "I can cope with the odd one or two who are so intensely awful but I have learned there's not much point in trying to engage within 140 characters. It doesn't work. Blocking? I don't want to but wouldn't rule it out."
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Rush Green will have state of the art facilities
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
The new Rush Green training ground will have state of art facilities when rebuilt. Last week we revealed that planning permission was granted subject to minor conditions. The main remodelled building will boast separate offices for the manager and first team coaches, an analysis room with the latest technology, a Sports science room, a first team restaurant and separate youth team restaurant served by a enlarged modern kitchen.
There are separate dressing rooms the first team with their own showers, elite staff, general staff have their own dressing rooms as well as visiting away teams. These are backed up by a fully functioning laundry plus separate boot and kit rooms. There is a large gym, medical room, a large treatment area and a Hydotherapy pool. Added to football related facilities there is also a large press room which doubles as a presentation room, a meeting room, a visiting Chairman's office which is adjoined to a large boardroom so the Chairman can keep a close eye on their investments.
Slaven Bilic and his first team moved into Rush Green this morning but will have to slum it until the end of the season at which point the building works will begin.
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West Ham transfer news: Karren Brady admits Hammers could buy if 'something interesting' comes up
RICHARD PARRY Saturday 12 December 20150 comments
Evening Standard
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady admits that, while the club have 'no real plans' to sign players in the January transfer window they could react if something 'interesting' comes up.
Slaven Bilic's squad has been struck hard by injuries to Winston Reid, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia in recent weeks, but the clubs has so far played down talk of a flurry of business when the market opens next month. Writing in his Evening Standard column last week, Bilic insisted that club won't make 'panic signings', while David Gold insisted that the Hammers already 'have a £35m striker in Andy Carroll' when asked if they needed striking reinforcements. In an interview with BT Sport, vice-chairman Karren Brady followed suit, albeit without ruling a move should the right player be available. Speaking to BT Sport's Football tonight show, Brady admitted: "January's never a great time for any club to buy players, because most of the good players are not really available for sale." "So we're not planning to do anything …but if something comes up that's quite interesting and makes sense for the manager then we might consider it, but no real plans."
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Manuel Lanzini drops hint about his West Ham future whilst discussing Olympic Stadium
HITC
Olly Dawes
Manuel Lanzini is looking forward to West Ham's arrival at the Olympic Stadium. West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini has raved about the Olympic Stadium in an interview with the club's official website, dropping a possible hint about his future in the process. The Argentine star, 22, is currently on a season-long loan with the Hammers having signed from United Arab Emirates club Al-Jazira over the summer.
So far, the former River Plate man has made a huge impression during his time at Upton Park, having scored five goals and notched one assist so far. Fans are keen to see Lanzini stay at Upton Park beyond the expiration of his loan deal, but are currently dealing with his absence, given that the midfielder has suffered a thigh injury and is currently on the sidelines.
Lanzini will return and look to recapture his best form under Slaven Bilic, and if he continues to do that, a permanent stay will be on the cards - but it won't be at Upton Park. West Ham leave Upton Park next summer in order to move in to the Olympic Stadium, which is seen as being the springboard for future success in East London.
Lanzini went to the Olympic Stadium last week, and told the club's official website that he was impressed with the stadium - before stating that he's looking forward to enjoying success and playing there, suggesting that he sees his long-term future in claret and blue.
"It is a very impressive stadium, not only the stands and the pitch but all the other facilities; they are just excellent," said Lanzini. "I think the move is really going to give West Ham a boost and that is obviously very important. I really think the fans and the players will enjoy it and I'm sure we'll have some successful years in the near future."
"Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to play in some fantastic stadiums so far, I think this stadium is going to be absolutely incredible, all footballers will want to come and play here and it'll help the Club grow. One of the most important things is that the fans, I'm sure, are going to enjoy coming here, and we're going to be relaxed about putting on a really good show," he added.
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Diafra Sakho shares nasty surgery scar on Instagram as West Ham striker continues three-month recovery from thigh injury
Diafra Sakho injured his thigh attempting to shoot against West Brom
West Ham's Senegalese star striker had surgery on December 5
Sakho said he's looking forward to the next stage of his rehabilitation
By MICHAEL GADD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 21:37, 14 December 2015 | UPDATED: 21:46, 14 December 2015
Diafra Sakho has shared a large incision made in his thigh during surgery as the West Ham striker counts down the days until he can begin the next phase of his rehabilitation. The 25-year-old who limped off the pitch in the Hammers' November 29 draw with West Brom and went under the knife the following weekend isn't expected back on the pitch for three months. On Monday night, he shared an image of his healing wound with a message: 'After 10 days I can start with the next step in rehab!! Happy to start working and give it my best!! #100% #COYI #inshallah.'
Sakho has given a timeframe of three months after the injury he suffered while attempted to shoot for goal. The layoff is a huge blow to Slaven Bilic's side which hasn't recorded a win since they beat Chelsea on October 24. Since then in the Premier League they've recorded two defeats (Watford and Tottenham) and four draws (Everton, West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke). All going to plan, Sakho's estimated return date of March 16 would come ahead of their nxt clash with Chelsea on the 19th. Senegal international Sakho has scored five goals in his 14 appearances this season and his absence over the past fortnight has opened the door for back-to-back starts up front for Andy Carroll. However, the English striker who's returning from his own series of injuries has failed to deliver with both games against Man United and Stoke ending in scoreless draws. West Ham's horror run of injuries has seen Bilic move the team from their Chadwell Heath base, where the pitches are deemed notoriously hard, to Rush Green, where they intended to relocate to next season.
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Agent claims Russian international Aleksandr Kokorin will join a club like West Ham
HITC
Olly Dawes
Aleksandr Kokorin is being backed for a move to England by a Russian agent. Dinamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin is being linked with a move to England - but Russian agent Alexey Safonov has told Izvestia that the player should be signing for a club like West Ham. Kokorin, 24, has long been regarded as one of Russian football's stars of the future, and after 19 goals in 114 games for Dinamo Moscow, he left for Anzhi Makhachkala - but returned to Dinamo having failed to even play one game for Anzhi due to financial problems. With 22 goals in 57 games for Dinamo in his second spell, it's clear that Kokorin is improving as he gains more experience, whilst he has also bagged ten goals in 36 games for the Russian national team, becoming their leading striker in recent years. Now, with the January transfer window drawing ever closer, speculation surrounds Kokorin's future at Dinamo. The Sun reported last week that, with Kokorin's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is plotting a cut-price move to sign the forward next month. It's fair to say that Arsenal may need more attacking options, but one Russian agent isn't convinced that Kokorin is good enough for the Gunners.
Alexey Safonov represents a number of Russian players, and has told Izvestia that he thinks Kokorin isn't at the level Arsenal need - and he should instead be signing for an 'average' Premier League club like West Ham United instead. "In England, he could improve, but I do not believe that he is good enough for Arsenal," said Safonov. "This is a case when the level of the team is at a much higher level than the player. I think he eventually he will join an average British club, such as Swansea or West Ham," he added. West Ham fans will no doubt take offence to the comments that their team is 'average', especially considering that the Hammers beat Arsenal 2-0 at the start of the season - and in fact, with West Ham enduring an injury crisis, Kokorin could be a smart target in January, if the Hammers are indeed looking for striking solutions.
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INJURED DUO 'AHEAD OF SCHEDULE'
By Dan Wilcox 4
ironsinthecircle
West Ham duo Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are both ahead of schedule in their recovery from injuries according to Slaven Bilic. The pair were absent from the 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday, but Bilic believes both may well be back sooner than anticipated.
The manager said (quotes via Evening Standard): Every day I talk to my medical department. We had Enner Valencia back ahead of schedule and also it looks as though Lanzini and Payet might also be ahead of their planned return date. Lanzini looks the most likely to return. Whether that will be for Swansea next Sunday I don't know. It was reported last week that Bilic was planning on moving his side's training sessions to West Ham's new training plot, Rush Green, and that has now happened.
Bilic intimated that the recent injury crisis could be down to the standard of pitch at Chadwell Heath. He said: It's not about the dressing rooms or the sauna, it's about the pitches and they are much better. The Croatian took the team for training at Rush Green for the first time today, with the manager hoping the move might help prevent more injuries.
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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic was full of praise for his backup brigade after the Hammers' 0-0 draw with Stoke City on Saturday
Guardian.com
West Ham United head coach Slaven Bilic has praised the players who have deputised for the Hammers' growing list of absentees. The Croatian is without Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses, Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid but West Ham remain unbeaten in three following Saturday's goalless draw at home to Stoke City. West Ham might even have nicked a winner at the death but Cheikhou Kouyate saw his header punched over the bar by Jack Butland. Speaking to the club's website, Bilic said: I am very happy the players who have come in since the injuries have stepped up, they have really stepped up. Their all round play has brought something different to our game. "We are missing some really key players, especially offensively. "Considering that, we did very well. I told the guys before and after Old Trafford the only we way are going to compensate for that is by working as a team. "We are still going to miss big players but the effect will be minimized if we work hard collectively, not as individuals. With teamwork and hard work, that is exactly what we did." He added: "We wanted to win, we always want to win. Sometimes you have to take risks. This is football, it is worth throwing everything you've got for three points. "Saying that, the team defends as a whole and attacks as a whole, so the 11 on the pitch are only half of it. It is the shape and the mentality that is key."
The Hammers carved out a number of opportunities at Upton Park on Saturday – 22 to be precise – but couldn't find a way past the in-form Butland. West Ham keeper Adrian, was kept busy too – saving well from Mame Biram Diouf on two occasions – but felt the east Londoners ought to have taken maximum points. He said: "We have to be happy with the clean sheet but I think a little bit frustrated that we didn't get the three points, because we had plenty of chances to score. "Jack Butland also made some very good saves and, at the end of the day, we got one more point and another clean sheet is important as well." The Hammers have now drawn their last three and Adrian felt there were similarities on Saturday to last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United in which they could also have claimed all three points. "In both games we showed a great performance, we played well, we made good chances, we had opportunities to win the game but I think we need to be a little bit more clinical with our finishing," explained the Spaniard. With the season almost at the halfway stage and the Hammers in eighth place, just five points shy of the Champions League spots, Adrian believes there is every reason to be optimistic for the second half of the campaign. He said: "If we pass the Christmas period and start to get the injured players back into the team in January and February, and we are still in the same position, we can look to stay in the top six or seven. "We play to win and I think we deserve to be in the position that we are. "The points and the table are so tight; you win two games and you go up, you lose two games and you're in the middle. "We need to go game by game and nothing further. I think if we keep this same level of performance and improve results here in Upton Park, we can have a great season."
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Report: West Ham hopeful of signing Argentina international Federico Mancuello for £2.5m
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham are eyeing in form winger Federico Mancuello. West Ham are looking to sign Argentine midfielder Federico Mancuello, report The Sun. Mancuello plays for Independiente and has two international caps for Argentina, with one goal, netting against El Salvador. The 26-year-old plays predominantly as a central midfielder but is also capable of featuring at left wing or at left-back. In 34 games in all competitions in 2015 Mancuello has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists. The Sun claim West Ham are hopeful of signing him at just £2.5 million, and do not need to worry about a work permit as he hold an Italian passport. The Hammers are unlikely to be the only side interested, and the bargain price could increase. He has played in South America his entire career to date, into his second spell with Independiente after a brief stint at Belgrano. West Ham are currently adjusting to the loss of Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini to injury, and have drawn their last two games 0-0. Both are expected back in the New Year, but the addition of Mancuello would mean they will have greater strength in depth, and he could develop into a real star in the Premier League.
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Aston Villa eye shock transfer move for Julien Faubert
HITC
Dan Coombs
Aston Villa are considering signing former West Ham winger Julien Faubert. Ason Villa are considering a shock swoop for free agent Julien Faubert, The Sun claim. Faubert is best known in England for a spell with West Ham in which he was a huge disappointment. He signed for the Hammers in 2007 amid big expectations, but could score only two league goals during 70 appearances.
His career at the club was stunted early on by injury problems and he could never establish himself in the first team. He is free agent after being released by Bordeaux in the summer and The Sun claim Aston Villa want to snap him up. The connection comes via French manager Remi Garde who is familiar with him, and showing a real interest in the 32-year-old. Faubert had one cap for France but this came back in 2006 before he signed for West Ham, but perhaps the biggest surprise of his career came when he was signed by Real Madrid. The La Liga champions inexplicably signed him on loan while he was at West Ham, but he played only twice and the Spanish side did not take up an option to sign him permanently. It is tough to see that he would have a big impact at Aston Villa, but Remi Garde's side currently need all the help they can get, stuck at the bottom of the table with only six points. If Garde feels working with players he is familiar with will help, Faubert is a low risk option that despite reservations, may be of some use in the short-term.
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Slaven BIlic gives clear verdict on Michail Antonio's first West Ham start
HITC
Olly Dawes
Michail Antonio started for West Ham against Stoke City on Saturday. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the Daily Mail that Michail Antonio 'did really well' on his full Premier League debut against Stoke City. Antonio, 25, was a deadline day signing from Championship club Nottingham Forest, where he starred last season with 15 goals in 49 games, before another four goals in five games at the start of this season before his big move to Upton Park. Noted for his pace and power out wide, the former Reading winger had big expectations on him - but so far he hasn't quite had the impact many imagined. Before Saturday's game against Stoke, Antonio had played just 91 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham, but he was called upon against Stoke after a number of injuries. With Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses all out injured, Antonio was finally handed his first Premier League start in the 0-0 draw against Stoke - and now, manager Bilic has given his view on Antonio's performance. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bilic stated that he believes Antonio took his chance when it came to him, and is 'really pleased' for the wide man. "Michail did really well," said Bilic. "He worked hard and has been waiting for his chance. Now he has got it and he used it really well. Sometimes it is hard for a player to come in and take their chance when they get it. But he did exactly that and I am really pleased for him," he added. With Lanzini, Payet and Moses still out for at least a few weeks yet, Antonio could be in line for more starts over the Christmas period, as he finally bids to show the West Ham supporters what he can do.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, December 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th December 2015
Zarate laments Stoke stalemate
WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate says West Ham United 'need to do more' if they are to turn a
recent series of draws into wins. The Hammers have finished level in four of
their previous six Barclays Premier League fixtures – losing the other two –
including Saturday's stalemate with Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground. The
Argentinian came within inches of scoring the winner in an entertaining, if
goalless, clash with the Potters, but his second-half shot cannoned back off
the outside of the post. Zarate also completed 30 of his 36 attempted passes
- six of them key, including a number of dangerous crosses. "I thought it
was going in when I hit it and it was unlucky," said the No10, who also hit
the woodwork in a 0-0 draw at Manchester United the previous weekend. "We
created many chances but we can't score – we can't score against Man United
and we can't score."
While some players might have been content with another point added to the
tally, Zarate is not one of them. Instead, the former Velez Sarsfield, Lazio
and Internationale star insists the Hammers need to improve their
performances if they are to start winning again.
A rollercoaster match saw both sides enjoy periods in the ascendancy, with
West Ham creating 22 shots on goal – nine of them on target – and Stoke
substitute Mame Biram Diouf twice testing Adrian when clean through late on.
Finally, James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate both saw efforts cleared off the
line in the final seconds, and Zarate was left to lament a draw that was
'not enough' to satisfy him. "I think it's tough on us," he continued, "but
we have to win at home. It was a good match and we did a decent match
ourselves, but we have to do better if we want to win. "They created some
chances in the second and Adrian had to be really good. The zero-zero was
not a normal result because they created some chances and we did our job
too, but a draw is not enough for us. "We needed that goal at the end and we
needed to do more if we wanted to win."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
BBC London Sport reporter Nick Godwin says there are still plenty of reasons
for West Ham United to feel upbeat about this season... Saturday's game was
terrific. It was a great game of football and West Ham created a lot of good
chances. To be honest, Stoke created some good chances as well, and it could
easily have finished three-all. I suppose, when you have got as many
injuries as West Ham have got in attacking areas, it is going to take time
to gel. Michail Antonio made his first start, Mauro Zarate is being asked to
take a lot of responsibility and Andy Carroll is a very different player to
Diafra Sakho. It's not all going to click automatically. There is going to
be a bit of time needed for these players to bed in. Enner Valencia has also
come back in after basically missing the whole season, aside from two games,
so I don't think people expect West Ham to be scoring a lot of goals at the
minute. The turnover of attacking players has been so great. Previously, it
was Sakho, Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses, so basically this
is an entirely new front line.
The West Ham fans really appreciated the work of Carroll and Zarate and the
goals will come, but I think they're just going to take a little while
because the personnel keeps changing. That's understandable. At the other
end, West Ham have got some terrific defenders. Angelo Ogbonna has come in
and James Tomkins is playing well at right-back, and they've kept two clean
sheets in a row. The punch line these days is that keeping a clean sheet at
Old Trafford is easy but, let's be honest, it isn't.
Adrian made a couple of terrific saves on Saturday from Mame Biram Diouf,
who probably should have scored one of them, if not both.
There are positives to take from West Ham's recent run. The fact is they
have hung together when, more or less, they have lost their five best
players this season, and drilling out results away from home and not
buckling to a Stoke side who took Manchester City aside the previous
weekend. The fact West Ham have got through their last two games – and not
picked up any fresh injuries on Saturday, I understand – means they go into
the horrendously busy festive part of the campaign in relatively good shape.
Lesser teams would have folded, but West Ham haven't. Everyone said they had
a stronger bench this season and I think that's true – Antonio was fantastic
on Saturday, for one. I think the next few games will be interesting.
Swansea aren't in great form and Aston Villa aren't very good, so they are
games in which West Ham will have to try and make the weather themselves,
which has been difficult for Slaven Bilic's team. I get the feeling that, if
Payet is back in three weeks and Lanzini is back for the Swansea game, those
are massive boosts. If Enner Valencia gets some fitness into his legs as
well, you've got three of the four missing attackers back. I thought Andy
Carroll was excellent on Saturday, so these are all positive things going
into those games, where West Ham will have to do more of the playmaking. You
get the feeling that, because they've been so good for so much of the
season, West Ham know how well they can play and know the way back to those
high standards, so a couple of bits of luck should see them continue to
thrive.
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Michail Antonio fulfils dream with first Premier League start for West ham
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 13/12/15 1:02pm
SSN
Michail Antonio shook off his 'missing man' tag as he finally got a chance
to impress for West Ham on Saturday. The winger had made just a handful of
appearances of the bench for the Hammers since his £7m summer switch from
Nottingham Forest. Even co-chairman David Gold appeared to have forgotten
about Antonio, mistakenly retweeting a picture of him after an internet
prankster appealed for information on a 'missing friend'. But amid an injury
crisis at Upton Park, Antonio was handed his first start against Stoke and
grabbed his opportunity with an all-action display in the goalless draw.
"Michail did really well," said manager Slaven Bilic. "He worked hard and
has been waiting for his chance. Now he has got it and he used it really
well. "Sometimes it is hard for a player to come in and take their chance
when they get it. But he did exactly that and I am really pleased for him."
Antonio went close to claiming all three points for West Ham but his
second-half volley was beaten away by City keeper Jack Butland.
With Victor Moses ruled out for around six weeks with the hamstring injury
he suffered against Manchester United, Antonio is likely to feature heavily
over the Christmas period. "It felt unbelievable to get a chance," he told
the club website. "This was my boyhood dream to play in the Premier League
and I've managed that. "Playing at Old Trafford last week set me up well for
this game. It showed me the levels of the league and it was a good 50
minutes. He added: "They have been 0-0 draws, but they haven't been 0-0
games. Against Man United we had quite a few opportunities, and in this game
I had quite a few opportunities. "We hit the post with Mauro Zarate as well,
so we definitely have the attacking threat, it's just putting it in the back
of the net."
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WHERE ART THOU ANTONIO?
By Zaman Siddiqui 13 Dec 2015 at 07:00
WTID
Antonio against two Stoke players
This is our third successive match that has ended in a draw. We won 2-1
against the champions Chelsea on the 24th of October and were 3rd that
gameweek, but a run of 4 points from 6 games has seen us drop down to 8th,
if not lower this week. A failure to get a win against Swansea, who nearly
beat City yesterday, would result in a winless run of two months! They are
currently without a manager having sacked former player Garry Monk on
Wednesday. I felt a draw against the Potters wasn't the worst result we had.
They had won three of their last four games with victories against last
season's top two along the way. Regardless, they started the day in 11th,
whilst we started off in 7th. If Liverpool win today, there will only be two
places between us just to show how well we need to perform to get back in
the mix for European qualification.
According to WhoScored, we were missing our top three players yesterday,
namely Payet, Lanzini, and Reid. Winston picked up a hamstring injury during
training at Chadwell Heath. Bilic made the decision to move into the new
training headquarters at Rush Green before schedule, despite the fact the
facilities are not completed. It is a good move, as we really can't afford
any more injuries. Additionally, the manager defended the training schedule.
Reid, alongside Moses, will be out until the New Year. Regarding the New
Zealander's injury, the gaffer said: "It's one of those they tell you is
four to six weeks but it doesn't look like a small one." On top of that,
Reid also felt it rupture. I am irate there has been another injury picked
up by a striker without any contact with another player. Valencia picked up
an injury against Everton without contact, but is back in action. Valencia
and Carroll could play quite well, if Bilic feels the need to play both
strikers next week, given that we have only scored 2 goals in 6 matches.
This match emphasised just how much depth we have in our squad. This is our
fourth season in the Premier League, and as such, we have built up our side
very well with cover in all areas. There is a lot of quality on show, with
Tomkins playing well in the RB position: we have not conceded a single goal
when he has played there. Our players are very flexible, with Kouyaté
capable of playing as a CB, CDM, and a presence in the box. Valencia is also
capable of playing as a winger. The Senegalese midfielder is also the joint
best goalscorer for us in the BPL this season along with Zárate. He
contributes well to our passing style of play. However, that is not the case
for Mauro, as he looks like that guy on Pro Clubs in FIFA who won't the pass
and try to do it all by himself.
The club has confirmed that they won't be spending big bucks in the January
transfer window. It is understood we are at the limit of our wage bill. We
have spent £32M in the summer, which is why we can't spend anymore. There
are two approaches we can take. The first is to spend more to ensure we have
improved in the league, and to keep our league standing high. The second is
to spend less, so that we free up our budget for our first season at the
Olympic Stadium. The lowest we have finished since being promoted in 2012 is
13th, so I am very certain that we won't be relegated. Most bookies have us
being relegated at 100/1, which is less than 1%, so I think we can redefine
the term 'mathematically safe'. I feel that a finish in the top 12 is enough
for us to build up momentum for the next season. Us and Everton finished in
12th and 11th last season, but are very likely to finish in the top 8 this
season.
This may have been another goalless draw, but there was a lot of action,
which should of led to quite a few goals. There was a bizarre chance for
Stoke, as a free header for van Ginkel was not met by him or Adrián. van
Ginkel missed a volley from about 8 yards out, which should of put the
Potters 1-0 up. Antonio got forward with a counter from a Stoke counter, in
which he ran into Pieters. Arnautovic missed another fabulous chance, in
which he was 6 yards out. Collins had a couple of chances from a free-kick,
which could have gone in, but for the number of players in the way.
Shawcross passed the ball into the path of Noble who doesn't have much pace,
as he got into the box, but lost possession to Shawcross who backtracked him
superbly. Noble went down, but there was not enough contact for a penalty to
be given by Andre Marriner. Cresswell's low cross across the box is cleared
by Wollscheid, which prevented Antonio from scoring before HT.
The game was adapted to suit Carroll's style of play. In the first half,
getting passes to him in the final third didn't work. Antonio hit a volley
well, but it was straight at Butland. The former Forest man beat Carroll to
the ball. Valencia came on for Song, and had a good impact on the game. An
Arnautovic free-kick hit the crossbar, in which a volley from Bojan was well
over. A cross from Zárate for Carroll is off-target with a strong challenge
from Pieters who was a rock. Valencia's free-kick is dipping from 35 yards
out, but is touched over by Butland. We know how good the Ecuadorian is from
distance. Mauro came closer, as he dribbled across the box, and hit the
crossbar with Butland beaten there. Diouf's shot is magnificently saved when
he is 1 on 1 against Adrián. In the final moment of the game, Kouyaté had a
chance to steal it, but his header was cleared off the line by Butland. The
game deserved a draw, but not a 0-0 draw. It should have been at least 1-1.
Michail Antonio had a great home debut today. I hope he continues his fine
form, as he has a lot of physicality and pace. The hologram has just been
fully projected onto the pitch!
The form in the Premier League never ceases to astound me! Swansea are
bottom of the form table, whilst we are 17th. It should be a cagey affair at
the Liberty Stadium. Bournemouth have won their last two matches against
Chelsea and now Manchester United. They could just stay up, despite the many
injuries they have. They are currently 14th. But the real praise should go
to Harry Arter, who lost a child at birth. He played yesterday on Saturday
Night Football against the side that won 2-1 against Man United. Eddie Howe
appraised him for how well he handled the incident with "real dignity".
Massive respect for him. Our thoughts are with Harry and his family.
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At last a pundit with Irons interests at heart
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
There wasn't a great deal of it but it was pleasing to get a positive MOTD
reaction from the studio pundits following the match. The match recording
confirmed the feelings of most of us during real time – that in the end a
draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play. Danny Murphy and
Alan Shearer both seemed pleased with the football on display and the former
Fulham man – during a very brief summary – said: "I'm really pleased for
West Ham that they are continuing to pick up points during all their injury
problems." And Shearer added: "It was a good game from two good sides."
After all the perceived knocking from a certain BBC pundit it was good to
see that at least one has our best interests at heart. Thanks Danny.
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Injury reports: good news looks likely
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
An interesting trend which is giving rising hope on the injury news front is
developing at West Ham. Yesterday saw the return of Enner Valencia from an
ankle injury he sustained against last month and the early reports were he'd
be out until the New Year. Instead he was back nearly three weeks early and
the same could be true of Manu Lanzini. He took a knock in training ahead of
the Manchester United game and after being informed he'd be back for
yesterday's game we were later told he could be out for six weeks. However,
that may now have been changed with the manager saying he is likely to be
fit for the Swansea game adding that: "Dimitri Payet is making good progress
so who knows?"
All of this follows a series of statements and predictions which have often
caused much public discussion whilst at times proving inaccurate. Even when
it was well known yesterday ahead of the game that Enner Valencia was
certain to be on the bench, David Gold in his 'From the Boardroom' column on
the official site referred only to "keeping fingers crossed for an early
return". One source told us: "People are being more careful and the longest
return date is now being quoted rather than the shortest or the 'hoped for.'
"As a result it's conceivable there could be some pleasantly surprising news
emerging, as we have already seen with Enner."
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"We create many chances but we can't score"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 13, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C and H
Mauro Zarate told a TV interviewer post match "We create many chances but we
can't score, we can't score against United, we can't score against Stoke at
home, we need to score to win. We have to win at home, it was a good match,
a decent match but we have to do better if we want to win, we have to do
more. They created some chances in the second half, Adrian was really good,
0-0 was a result but a draw is not good enough for us, we need to more if we
want to win"
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Noble and corners? Oh dear!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Local boy Mark Noble might be a great skipper and a world class penalty
taker but he can't take corners. Yesterday, we saw the majority of Mark
Noble's corners go out of play before any advantage could be taken by the
home team desperate for a goal. This not a new problem. I for one, have
never rated Noble's corner taking but Sam Allardyce and now Slaven Bilic
continue to pick him as the primary corner taker. When Dimtri Payet joined
we saw a completely different level of corner taking for the Hammers but
since his injury we have drifted back to mediocre corners, many of which
have been wasted opportunities.
West Ham have won 82 corners this season in 15 games, averaging over 5
corners per game with a total of 11 during yesterday's 0-0 draw with Stoke
City. With a recent drop off in our creative attacking and goals from
players like Payet, Sakho and Lanzini we really need to take advantage of
these set pieces. Get practising those corners Nobes or make way for someone
else to take the corners!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate says West Ham United 'need to do more' if they are to turn a
recent series of draws into wins. The Hammers have finished level in four of
their previous six Barclays Premier League fixtures – losing the other two –
including Saturday's stalemate with Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground. The
Argentinian came within inches of scoring the winner in an entertaining, if
goalless, clash with the Potters, but his second-half shot cannoned back off
the outside of the post. Zarate also completed 30 of his 36 attempted passes
- six of them key, including a number of dangerous crosses. "I thought it
was going in when I hit it and it was unlucky," said the No10, who also hit
the woodwork in a 0-0 draw at Manchester United the previous weekend. "We
created many chances but we can't score – we can't score against Man United
and we can't score."
While some players might have been content with another point added to the
tally, Zarate is not one of them. Instead, the former Velez Sarsfield, Lazio
and Internationale star insists the Hammers need to improve their
performances if they are to start winning again.
A rollercoaster match saw both sides enjoy periods in the ascendancy, with
West Ham creating 22 shots on goal – nine of them on target – and Stoke
substitute Mame Biram Diouf twice testing Adrian when clean through late on.
Finally, James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate both saw efforts cleared off the
line in the final seconds, and Zarate was left to lament a draw that was
'not enough' to satisfy him. "I think it's tough on us," he continued, "but
we have to win at home. It was a good match and we did a decent match
ourselves, but we have to do better if we want to win. "They created some
chances in the second and Adrian had to be really good. The zero-zero was
not a normal result because they created some chances and we did our job
too, but a draw is not enough for us. "We needed that goal at the end and we
needed to do more if we wanted to win."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
BBC London Sport reporter Nick Godwin says there are still plenty of reasons
for West Ham United to feel upbeat about this season... Saturday's game was
terrific. It was a great game of football and West Ham created a lot of good
chances. To be honest, Stoke created some good chances as well, and it could
easily have finished three-all. I suppose, when you have got as many
injuries as West Ham have got in attacking areas, it is going to take time
to gel. Michail Antonio made his first start, Mauro Zarate is being asked to
take a lot of responsibility and Andy Carroll is a very different player to
Diafra Sakho. It's not all going to click automatically. There is going to
be a bit of time needed for these players to bed in. Enner Valencia has also
come back in after basically missing the whole season, aside from two games,
so I don't think people expect West Ham to be scoring a lot of goals at the
minute. The turnover of attacking players has been so great. Previously, it
was Sakho, Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses, so basically this
is an entirely new front line.
The West Ham fans really appreciated the work of Carroll and Zarate and the
goals will come, but I think they're just going to take a little while
because the personnel keeps changing. That's understandable. At the other
end, West Ham have got some terrific defenders. Angelo Ogbonna has come in
and James Tomkins is playing well at right-back, and they've kept two clean
sheets in a row. The punch line these days is that keeping a clean sheet at
Old Trafford is easy but, let's be honest, it isn't.
Adrian made a couple of terrific saves on Saturday from Mame Biram Diouf,
who probably should have scored one of them, if not both.
There are positives to take from West Ham's recent run. The fact is they
have hung together when, more or less, they have lost their five best
players this season, and drilling out results away from home and not
buckling to a Stoke side who took Manchester City aside the previous
weekend. The fact West Ham have got through their last two games – and not
picked up any fresh injuries on Saturday, I understand – means they go into
the horrendously busy festive part of the campaign in relatively good shape.
Lesser teams would have folded, but West Ham haven't. Everyone said they had
a stronger bench this season and I think that's true – Antonio was fantastic
on Saturday, for one. I think the next few games will be interesting.
Swansea aren't in great form and Aston Villa aren't very good, so they are
games in which West Ham will have to try and make the weather themselves,
which has been difficult for Slaven Bilic's team. I get the feeling that, if
Payet is back in three weeks and Lanzini is back for the Swansea game, those
are massive boosts. If Enner Valencia gets some fitness into his legs as
well, you've got three of the four missing attackers back. I thought Andy
Carroll was excellent on Saturday, so these are all positive things going
into those games, where West Ham will have to do more of the playmaking. You
get the feeling that, because they've been so good for so much of the
season, West Ham know how well they can play and know the way back to those
high standards, so a couple of bits of luck should see them continue to
thrive.
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Michail Antonio fulfils dream with first Premier League start for West ham
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 13/12/15 1:02pm
SSN
Michail Antonio shook off his 'missing man' tag as he finally got a chance
to impress for West Ham on Saturday. The winger had made just a handful of
appearances of the bench for the Hammers since his £7m summer switch from
Nottingham Forest. Even co-chairman David Gold appeared to have forgotten
about Antonio, mistakenly retweeting a picture of him after an internet
prankster appealed for information on a 'missing friend'. But amid an injury
crisis at Upton Park, Antonio was handed his first start against Stoke and
grabbed his opportunity with an all-action display in the goalless draw.
"Michail did really well," said manager Slaven Bilic. "He worked hard and
has been waiting for his chance. Now he has got it and he used it really
well. "Sometimes it is hard for a player to come in and take their chance
when they get it. But he did exactly that and I am really pleased for him."
Antonio went close to claiming all three points for West Ham but his
second-half volley was beaten away by City keeper Jack Butland.
With Victor Moses ruled out for around six weeks with the hamstring injury
he suffered against Manchester United, Antonio is likely to feature heavily
over the Christmas period. "It felt unbelievable to get a chance," he told
the club website. "This was my boyhood dream to play in the Premier League
and I've managed that. "Playing at Old Trafford last week set me up well for
this game. It showed me the levels of the league and it was a good 50
minutes. He added: "They have been 0-0 draws, but they haven't been 0-0
games. Against Man United we had quite a few opportunities, and in this game
I had quite a few opportunities. "We hit the post with Mauro Zarate as well,
so we definitely have the attacking threat, it's just putting it in the back
of the net."
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WHERE ART THOU ANTONIO?
By Zaman Siddiqui 13 Dec 2015 at 07:00
WTID
Antonio against two Stoke players
This is our third successive match that has ended in a draw. We won 2-1
against the champions Chelsea on the 24th of October and were 3rd that
gameweek, but a run of 4 points from 6 games has seen us drop down to 8th,
if not lower this week. A failure to get a win against Swansea, who nearly
beat City yesterday, would result in a winless run of two months! They are
currently without a manager having sacked former player Garry Monk on
Wednesday. I felt a draw against the Potters wasn't the worst result we had.
They had won three of their last four games with victories against last
season's top two along the way. Regardless, they started the day in 11th,
whilst we started off in 7th. If Liverpool win today, there will only be two
places between us just to show how well we need to perform to get back in
the mix for European qualification.
According to WhoScored, we were missing our top three players yesterday,
namely Payet, Lanzini, and Reid. Winston picked up a hamstring injury during
training at Chadwell Heath. Bilic made the decision to move into the new
training headquarters at Rush Green before schedule, despite the fact the
facilities are not completed. It is a good move, as we really can't afford
any more injuries. Additionally, the manager defended the training schedule.
Reid, alongside Moses, will be out until the New Year. Regarding the New
Zealander's injury, the gaffer said: "It's one of those they tell you is
four to six weeks but it doesn't look like a small one." On top of that,
Reid also felt it rupture. I am irate there has been another injury picked
up by a striker without any contact with another player. Valencia picked up
an injury against Everton without contact, but is back in action. Valencia
and Carroll could play quite well, if Bilic feels the need to play both
strikers next week, given that we have only scored 2 goals in 6 matches.
This match emphasised just how much depth we have in our squad. This is our
fourth season in the Premier League, and as such, we have built up our side
very well with cover in all areas. There is a lot of quality on show, with
Tomkins playing well in the RB position: we have not conceded a single goal
when he has played there. Our players are very flexible, with Kouyaté
capable of playing as a CB, CDM, and a presence in the box. Valencia is also
capable of playing as a winger. The Senegalese midfielder is also the joint
best goalscorer for us in the BPL this season along with Zárate. He
contributes well to our passing style of play. However, that is not the case
for Mauro, as he looks like that guy on Pro Clubs in FIFA who won't the pass
and try to do it all by himself.
The club has confirmed that they won't be spending big bucks in the January
transfer window. It is understood we are at the limit of our wage bill. We
have spent £32M in the summer, which is why we can't spend anymore. There
are two approaches we can take. The first is to spend more to ensure we have
improved in the league, and to keep our league standing high. The second is
to spend less, so that we free up our budget for our first season at the
Olympic Stadium. The lowest we have finished since being promoted in 2012 is
13th, so I am very certain that we won't be relegated. Most bookies have us
being relegated at 100/1, which is less than 1%, so I think we can redefine
the term 'mathematically safe'. I feel that a finish in the top 12 is enough
for us to build up momentum for the next season. Us and Everton finished in
12th and 11th last season, but are very likely to finish in the top 8 this
season.
This may have been another goalless draw, but there was a lot of action,
which should of led to quite a few goals. There was a bizarre chance for
Stoke, as a free header for van Ginkel was not met by him or Adrián. van
Ginkel missed a volley from about 8 yards out, which should of put the
Potters 1-0 up. Antonio got forward with a counter from a Stoke counter, in
which he ran into Pieters. Arnautovic missed another fabulous chance, in
which he was 6 yards out. Collins had a couple of chances from a free-kick,
which could have gone in, but for the number of players in the way.
Shawcross passed the ball into the path of Noble who doesn't have much pace,
as he got into the box, but lost possession to Shawcross who backtracked him
superbly. Noble went down, but there was not enough contact for a penalty to
be given by Andre Marriner. Cresswell's low cross across the box is cleared
by Wollscheid, which prevented Antonio from scoring before HT.
The game was adapted to suit Carroll's style of play. In the first half,
getting passes to him in the final third didn't work. Antonio hit a volley
well, but it was straight at Butland. The former Forest man beat Carroll to
the ball. Valencia came on for Song, and had a good impact on the game. An
Arnautovic free-kick hit the crossbar, in which a volley from Bojan was well
over. A cross from Zárate for Carroll is off-target with a strong challenge
from Pieters who was a rock. Valencia's free-kick is dipping from 35 yards
out, but is touched over by Butland. We know how good the Ecuadorian is from
distance. Mauro came closer, as he dribbled across the box, and hit the
crossbar with Butland beaten there. Diouf's shot is magnificently saved when
he is 1 on 1 against Adrián. In the final moment of the game, Kouyaté had a
chance to steal it, but his header was cleared off the line by Butland. The
game deserved a draw, but not a 0-0 draw. It should have been at least 1-1.
Michail Antonio had a great home debut today. I hope he continues his fine
form, as he has a lot of physicality and pace. The hologram has just been
fully projected onto the pitch!
The form in the Premier League never ceases to astound me! Swansea are
bottom of the form table, whilst we are 17th. It should be a cagey affair at
the Liberty Stadium. Bournemouth have won their last two matches against
Chelsea and now Manchester United. They could just stay up, despite the many
injuries they have. They are currently 14th. But the real praise should go
to Harry Arter, who lost a child at birth. He played yesterday on Saturday
Night Football against the side that won 2-1 against Man United. Eddie Howe
appraised him for how well he handled the incident with "real dignity".
Massive respect for him. Our thoughts are with Harry and his family.
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At last a pundit with Irons interests at heart
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
There wasn't a great deal of it but it was pleasing to get a positive MOTD
reaction from the studio pundits following the match. The match recording
confirmed the feelings of most of us during real time – that in the end a
draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play. Danny Murphy and
Alan Shearer both seemed pleased with the football on display and the former
Fulham man – during a very brief summary – said: "I'm really pleased for
West Ham that they are continuing to pick up points during all their injury
problems." And Shearer added: "It was a good game from two good sides."
After all the perceived knocking from a certain BBC pundit it was good to
see that at least one has our best interests at heart. Thanks Danny.
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Injury reports: good news looks likely
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
An interesting trend which is giving rising hope on the injury news front is
developing at West Ham. Yesterday saw the return of Enner Valencia from an
ankle injury he sustained against last month and the early reports were he'd
be out until the New Year. Instead he was back nearly three weeks early and
the same could be true of Manu Lanzini. He took a knock in training ahead of
the Manchester United game and after being informed he'd be back for
yesterday's game we were later told he could be out for six weeks. However,
that may now have been changed with the manager saying he is likely to be
fit for the Swansea game adding that: "Dimitri Payet is making good progress
so who knows?"
All of this follows a series of statements and predictions which have often
caused much public discussion whilst at times proving inaccurate. Even when
it was well known yesterday ahead of the game that Enner Valencia was
certain to be on the bench, David Gold in his 'From the Boardroom' column on
the official site referred only to "keeping fingers crossed for an early
return". One source told us: "People are being more careful and the longest
return date is now being quoted rather than the shortest or the 'hoped for.'
"As a result it's conceivable there could be some pleasantly surprising news
emerging, as we have already seen with Enner."
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"We create many chances but we can't score"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 13, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C and H
Mauro Zarate told a TV interviewer post match "We create many chances but we
can't score, we can't score against United, we can't score against Stoke at
home, we need to score to win. We have to win at home, it was a good match,
a decent match but we have to do better if we want to win, we have to do
more. They created some chances in the second half, Adrian was really good,
0-0 was a result but a draw is not good enough for us, we need to more if we
want to win"
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Noble and corners? Oh dear!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Local boy Mark Noble might be a great skipper and a world class penalty
taker but he can't take corners. Yesterday, we saw the majority of Mark
Noble's corners go out of play before any advantage could be taken by the
home team desperate for a goal. This not a new problem. I for one, have
never rated Noble's corner taking but Sam Allardyce and now Slaven Bilic
continue to pick him as the primary corner taker. When Dimtri Payet joined
we saw a completely different level of corner taking for the Hammers but
since his injury we have drifted back to mediocre corners, many of which
have been wasted opportunities.
West Ham have won 82 corners this season in 15 games, averaging over 5
corners per game with a total of 11 during yesterday's 0-0 draw with Stoke
City. With a recent drop off in our creative attacking and goals from
players like Payet, Sakho and Lanzini we really need to take advantage of
these set pieces. Get practising those corners Nobes or make way for someone
else to take the corners!
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