Thursday 28 March 2013

I won't sign until we're safe- Allardyce

Amidst reports this morning that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is on the brink of signing a new lucrative deal to keep him in the Upton Park hotseat till 2016, the Irons chief has stated this afternoon that although negotiations are ongoing, he will not sign a new deal until the club's Premier League survival has been secured.

"Contract negotiations are ongoing at the moment- we will come to an agreement shortly but I want us to be safe first. I don't want to sign a contract saying that if we are relegated then I don't want it."

Allardyce is confident that he will remain in charge after his current deal expires in June, stating that pre season training has been "sorted out" and potential transfer targets "have been put in place."

There is no official word from the club yet on Allardyce's contract situation, with the latest update coming from co-chairman David Sullivan on Monday, confirming the club's previous position that has been re-iterated time and time again, both by Sullivan and by his co-chairman David Gold, that no contract talks will begin until the end of the season. It's difficult to read too much into this just now, but Allardyce certainly thinks a new deal is imminent, the papers certainly do, but there is an odd radio silence from the Hammers hierarchy on the matter. All will, in all probability, become clear in the coming weeks and as ever, we'll keep you bang up to date with any developments.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Making a Bolton for it: young striker Hall signs for Championship side on loan

West Ham youngster Robert Hall has returned to the NPower Championship after signing a one month loan deal with Bolton Wanderers.

Hall has been tipped for a bright future and could be the most recent of graduates to make it big time.

The speedy striker was on loan at Birmingham City earlier this season, but a groin injury forced his deal to end early, but after a successful operation, the England U19 international is looking forward to his time at Bolton.

Hall could definitely be a great addition to the West Ham squad once he gets some more match experience under his belt, and hopefully next season is the time when he does it.

Birmingham fans felt that Hall was a magnificent player and were rather down following his return to West Ham.

Hopefully Hall has a good run out with Bolton who have a good history of giving young players chances, the recent few including the likes of current England stars Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge. I just hope Hall returns to Upton Park a bigger and better player like his fellow countrymen.

What does the game have in store for Hall? Give us your say now!


Ben Edkins (@benedkins12)



Water surprise for Dev Squad youngsters


Four members of the West Ham United Development Squad have been making the most of modern training techniques in order to exercise away the injuries keeping them from playing.

Rob Hall, Elliot Lee, Matthias Fanimo and Sebastian Lletget have been using swimming pools to try and rid themselves of injury more quickly.

Tom Smith is the Academy Head of Sport Medicine and Sport Science, and it was his initial idea to use the water in this healing way.

Smith told West Ham TV: "We brought the lads down as they have had various injuries or tightness in their muscles from previous games to use the facilities to do some mobility work and rehabilitation exercises.

"The plunge pool is like an ice-cold bath with nice deep water, so the pressure and temperature of the water both have their therapeutic benefits. The exercises the lads did in there were to mobilise their hips, marching on the spot and cycling their legs. It basically pre-empted the session they did in the swimming pool on a larger scale.”

He went on to detail the players’ injuries; Hall is recovering from a groin operation, Lee and Lletget have tightness in their hips and Fanimo is getting over a hamstring injury. Each player was given a specific regime in the water to target their specific injury needs.

Hall enjoyed the change and said:"We used this visit as a rehab session, whereas we usually use the pool for recovery after games or hard training sessions.”

Whatever works to get these youngsters back in action is fine by us!

By Lucy Woolford, Development Squad correspondent

@lucy_whufc

Ooh La Ca! Irons eye Reims midfielder

West Ham are keeping tabs on Reims midfielder Bocundji Ca, according to TalkSport. The experienced midfielder is well known in France for his robust style of play and has attracted the interest of Hammers boss Sam Allardyce.

Worrying for Irons supporters however, is the rumour that the Guinea international is being looked at as a potential replacement for Mohammed Diame. Despite remaining at the club in January after reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, the rumour mill has it that the Senegal man is unhappy in East London, and Allardyce is looking to bring a replacement in as soon as the summer transfer window opens.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Sugar and spice and all things Allardyce: Hammers boss to sign new £9m Boleyn Ground deal- reportedly

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is set to put pen to paper on a new £3m-a-year deal which will keep him at the club till 2016, the Mail reported last night.

Despite repeated statements by Irons co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, that no negotiations would commence until the end of the season, the newspaper stated on Tuesday that talks had begun over a new deal for the 59 year old, and the "exclusive" was "confirmed" yesterday by Big Sam.

The Mail claim that "it is understood that talks have progressed to the stage where only the fine details need ironing out" after Allardyce's agent Mark Curtis "has been in discussions with West Ham and the bumper pay  packet is a reward for steering the club out of the Npower Championship at the first time of asking and for taking the club to the brink of preserving their Premier League status."

Whilst this fanzine does not wish to begrudge a fellow media outlet an exclusive (if that's what it is), one should bear in mind that just because Sam Allardyce says something, it doesn't make it true. Big Sam and the board have been issuing completely opposite signals in the press and stating completely opposite things in regard to the manager's new contract for nearly two months now.

Keep watching this one- we've got a feeling this deal is far from sealed...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Blues to pilfer Wilf: Chelsea set to hijack Hammers move for Ivory Coast star

The Sun are reporting this morning that Chelsea are closing in on West Ham summer transfer target Wilfried Bony- and made their move on the player just hours after Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan met one of the player's representatives, Francis Cacou, in London on Monday.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are said to see Vitesse Arnhem hotshot Bony, 24, as a long term replacement for the hapless Fernando Torres and the Ivory Coast striker's similarity in terms of his playing style to former Chelsea favourite Didier Drogba makes him a perfect fit for the Blues.

According to the Sun, Vitesse owner Merab Jordania and managing director Erwin Kasakowski were both in attendance at Monday night's friendly between Brazil and Russia at Stamford Bridge; as were Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, currently being linked with a return to West London; and the hot topic of conversation between the four was believed to be Bony.

Chelsea appear to have overtaken the Irons as the frontrunners in the race to sign the pacy forward, who has put away 26 goals thus far this season; having already forged a close relationship with Vitesse, who have taken seven young Blues stars on loan in the last two seasons, and now Bony looks increasingly likely to sign a four year deal worth £80,000 a week at Stamford Bridge.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Pav the man puts down transfer talk after reported Hammers interest

Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has rubbished rumours in recent days linking him to West Ham, describing the stories as "bullshit" on Russian website Sport Express.

"These stories are nonsense, I haven't heard anything about it and don't want to comment until the end of the championship," the Russian international said.

"We'll talk everything over with the president at the end of the season- but we won't be relegated."

The former Fulham forward however suggested that in the event Reading were relegated, he would be keen to remain in England, stating that his priority is England. Southampton are also reported to be keen on Pogrebnyak, who has scored 8 goals in all competitions this season, and both the Saints and West Ham are said to have held talks with the powerful 29 year old.

And so the summer transfer rumour mill begins...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling




Allardyce flying too close to the sun again- new deal close says Hammers boss

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce this morning has told Sky Sports News that he is close to agreeing a new  contract at the club- despite Irons co-chairman David Sullivan yesterday telling the Sun that no discussions would begin till the end of the season.

Big Sam said that "we (the club and Allardyce) both want to do it (sign the contract). It's just a case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's."

"It's not as easy as you would like but then you always have to do some negotiations over a new contratc, just as there were plenty of negotiations over the first contract."

This is not the first time Allardyce has openly made a public statement directly contradicting statements by Sullivan or his co-chairman David Gold; only the other week, Allardyce flew in the face of insistence by the two that no new deal would be discussed till the end of the season by commenting before the recent game at Chelsea that "we'll discuss it when we're safe- what's the point in me waiting till the end of the season if we're already safe from relegation?"

A reminder of those comments can be found at our story on March 16: http://blowingbubblesfanzine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/big-sam-at-war-with-board-over-contract.html

Big Sam Allardyce could well be in for a shock in the summer; if I were Sullivan and Gold, I'd be getting pretty tired of his constant public mouthing off and contradicting statements I'd made..

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No surrender from Cole: striker will continue fight for Hammers future

In the second Carlton Cole-related story of this morning, the England striker is not panicking over his future at the Boleyn Ground despite his contract being up in the summer and no new deal on the table- and will continue to fight his way into manager Sam Allardyce's thoughts.

The ex Chelsea man has not started a first team game since the 5-1 defeat by Arsenal in January but is remaining calm and will continue to push for a regular first team place.

"I've been here 7 years and I've seen strikers come and go," the 29 year old told the Mail.

"You've got to realise it's not a joke. If another striker comes in, I'll push him with open arms but will push him all the way. You've got to put yourself in the manager's thoughts, otherwise you're just wasting your time."

Cole has been playing second fiddle to on-loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll for most of the season and was linked with a move to Turkey in January, but says the move never interested him.

"I wasn't ready to move in January. Other clubs spoke to the agents but I wasn't interested, I was concentrating on West Ham. My contract's up in the summer and it's the first time I've been in this position but it's no slight or my or the club's behalf why it's like that."

Carlton Cole, you are a talented, determined gentleman of a footballer and the game needs more players like you. Sign him up, Sullivan/Gold!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Old school striker Cole slams "pampered" young players of today

West Ham forward Carlton Cole has today told the Mail that young footballers have everything put on a plate for them today- and he would like to see a return to the way things were for young pros when he was cutting his footballing teeth as a youngster at Chelsea.

"People might batter me, at the FA or whatever- but I think there's too much pampering. When I got my first pro contract aged 17 (at Chelsea) and was travelling with the team to Premier League games, I still had to wash Dennis Wise's boots."

"I used to walk to home matches through the crowds of fans going to the game and used to play a Premier League game and then get on a bus to go home. Today, these kids are getting driven everywhere. I was working six days a week to try and get to where I am now when I was young; I sacrificed all my mates. These kids have to realise it's a job. They've got to be washing senior players boots' so you have that authority over them; I see kids today getting showered after training and just leaving their kit on the floor and I'm like 'what?' They're not respecting."

Cole even uses the example of his younger brother, Ivan, who has had trials with Premier League sides Sunderland and QPR and is still only 15.

"He's going to get there if he keeps working hard and stops listening to outside influences," the England man said. "A problem he had was thinking just because I'm his brother, he could get into any club he wanted. Kids these days have to realise they're going to get knockbacks. I got rejected by Brentford- six months later, Chelsea offered me a contract. I was like 'what scout have you got there then? He can't see talent!"

Whenever the 29 year old speaks, you always know that he does so completely honestly and from the heart and it is incredibly refreshing to hear a senior pro tell it how it is. Cole's right- there are a lot of spoilt, greedy, lazy young footballers about today who want a shortcut to the top and have to learn that there's no such thing. The big man's contract is up in the summer and whilst he's not the most talented striker on our books, he's easily the most committed and you can't replace his kind of professionalism.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling


Tuesday 26 March 2013

Moncs in it for the long haul: young midfielder pens new deal

George Moncur has signed a new deal at the Boleyn Ground as the club have tied him down in East London till 2015, with an option of a third year in two years time. Now, the Development Squad midfielder wants to make his mark on the first team.

"I'm over the moon to have signed my new contract," Moncur told whufc.com today. "To sign for another two years is great for me and my development- the club have put faith in me and I want to repay them by putting in good performances in out on the pitch."

The 19 year old made his first team debut in the 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Crewe Alexandra in August, and now he wants more.

"Obviously my old man (John Moncur, 205 games in a nine year spell in the claret and blue from 1994 to 2003) played here for quite a while, so it would be nice to follow in his footsteps and make that progression to the first team- if I keep on doing what I'm doing then hopefully a first team chance will come."

All the best George!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Don't believe all you read in the papers: Mail's Allardyce "exclusive" isn't.

Newspapers really do love printing rubbish when it comes to football rumours, don't they? In January, we had the Mail, the Sun and the Mirror all at fault for publishing "exclusives" over the future of Hammers midfielder Mohammed Diame which all, ultimately, turned out to be completely untrue; now, it appears that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is the figure of choice for papers to spread entirely unfounded rumours about.

This time, it is every Iron's favourite quality daily the Mail which have made a bish of sorts. The paper's "EXCLUSIVE" looks, to be frank, a little suspect. Allow me to explain. The "story" is that the Hammers hierarchy are going back on what they originally said in regard to Allardyce's contract and are, in fact, opening talks over a new contract this week after recent rumours linking former Irons Paolo Di Canio and Harry Redknapp to the job at the end of the season. This, despite months of statements from co-chairman David Gold that no negotiations would begin until the end of the season. Fair enough though, maybe the Mail knows something that the man in the street doesn't.

However, this would be an incredible feat of investigative journalism indeed, given that Gold's co-chairman David Sullivan has been widely quoted in the press this morning, notably the Sun as saying that "at the end of the season, we will sit down with Sam. If he is reasonable in his demands and wants to stay, he will stay."

Now, contract negotiations in the football world are a secretive business and there is often a whole sub-plot of smoke and mirrors, but from where the Mail has gleaned the knowledge that what the Hammers chairmen have been saying for months and what one of them re-iterated only this morning is false, I'd truly love to know.

Just business as usual on Fleet Street I guess...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Monday 25 March 2013

Hammers hunt Fab Juventus forward

West Ham's hunt for a goalscorer continues, as today Italian football website ilcalcio24 report that the Irons are on the trail of Italian international Fabio Quagliarella. The 30 year old is one of Italian football's most recognisable names but after last month's signing of former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, Quagliarella has found his opportunities in Turin limited of late. Despite this, the big striker has netted 10 goals in 21 games in Italy so far this season, but with La Vecchia Signora planning further signings in the summer, now would seem to be a good time for the ex-Torino starlet to move on, and a transfer to England could well be on the cards. We'll keep you posted on this one.


By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hold the Bony! Hammers to face competition from Fulham for Ivory Coast star


West Ham will have to fight off interest from London rivals Fulham in order to land Vitesse Arnhem hitman Wilfried Bony, the Evening Standard will report this evening. Bony has stated his interest in a move to England and the Irons appear to be the main team in the loop, with the club believed to be in negotiations this afternoon with the 24 year old representatives, but the Cottagers are also in the market for a striker, with captain Dimitar Berbatov not as sharp as he once was and could rival the Hammers for the Ivory Coast man's signature. The Standard's source, reporter Ken Dyer stated, has said that no fewer than FIVE other Premier League clubs are in the market for Bony- but that West Ham are the frontrunners. For the time being, anyway...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Story not to Bed yet: Cameroon left back set to leave France- Hammers on red alert

The transfer tribulations continue for the Irons, after news last night from Sky Sports that Montpellier chairman Louis Nichollin has told his club's left back Henri Bedimo that he is free to leave the club in the summer. West Ham had a £1.75m bid for the Cameroon international knocked back in January, but a move could now be re-ignited, with the player having previously admitted interest in a move to England. We'll keep you posted with all the latest on this one.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

It's Hall going on: Irons starlet wanted by Liverpool as contract talks stall

West Ham striker Rob Hall could be on the move in the summer, according to reports over the weekend. The 18 year old striker has recently returned from a highly productive loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City, where his impressive displays up front caught the eye.

Among the eyes caught are believed to be those of Premier League rivals Liverpool, Fulham and Southampton. Academy graduate Hall is tipped to be the next Jermain Defoe after making his West Ham debut in January 2012 but is yet to sign a new contract at the club and with his current deal set to expire in the summer, one of the gang of three could move in and snap up this young talent on the cheap.

The news has not escaped the attention of Hammers fans, and Hall yesterday retweeted messages on social networking site Twitter such as "please say you going to sign a new contract with #westham" so the young striker is aware how the fans feel about his situation. One to keep an eye on- we'll keep you posted.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

"Ambitious" Bony cagey on Hammers link

In the midst of widespread reports in Holland and England that Wilfried Bony is set to sign for West Ham with his agents representatives believed to be in London this afternoon for talks with the Irons, the man himself is refusing to make any comment one way or the other on his future.

The 24 year old told Sky Sports an hour ago that he is "an ambitious player who loves the Premier League" and that he "wants to play there if there is an opportunity" but then deliberately drew the conversation onto another topic, stating that he was "happy" that he had helped his national side the Ivory Coast win their last match.

This sounds very much like standard procedure.. Bony's agents have likely told him to stay schtum while talks are ongoing and to deadbat all media requests for comment on the move in this fashion. More news expected later, so keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Wilf for West Ham: Irons in talks with Ivory Coast hitman

West Ham could be set to smash their transfer record for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, a number of newspapers reported over the weekend. The Sun and the Mirror both claimed that the 24 year old's representatives are due in London this afternoon to sit down with Hammers manager Sam Allardyce and chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold over a potential £14m move for the Ivory Coast frontman.

Sullivan's 13 year old son Jack, always a viable source for news of potential new signings, tweeted on Saturday that "Dad is meeting the agent of a top European striker on Monday #COYI #whufc #whu".

Blowing Bubbles understands that a fee has been agreed with the Dutch club for Bony, who has hit 26 goals so far this season in the Eredivisie and so terms are all that is left to be agreed. The Irons' current transfer record is £10.75m, the figure paid this summer to Wolverhampton Wanderers for England winger Matt Jarvis but it is not news to any West Ham fan that the club need some firepower up front, with a permanent move for on loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll out of the question, according to club sources who have revealed in recent weeks that the Hammers hierarchy simply don't think England man Carroll, who has scored three goals this season, is worth the reported potential £16m transfer fee.

If this move happens, it would be a real coup for the club, to have landed one of Europe's hotted striking prodigies, a player who has been courted by the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan but who looks likely to move to the Boleyn Ground. A deal could be concluded by the end of the week and Bony could be unveiled at Saturday's home match against West Bromwich Albion.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Friday 22 March 2013

The Dash for Strat won: Hammers secure Olympic Stadium

West Ham last night agreed a deal to be the anchor tenants for the Olympic Stadium in Stratford after a series of long drawn-out negotiations.

The deal was secured after the government agreed to put in £25m of their own money- and after the Irons condescended to increase their own funding of the project by £5m, to £15m.

The Treasury are now part-funding the move to the tune of £60m, and converting the stadium; including reducing the capacity from 80,000 to 60,000 and laying seats over the reviled running track in order to bring fans closer to the action and a retractable seating plan which will allow the athletics stadium to be converted to a football ground within days; is set to cost ultimately a figure between £150m and £190m.

The rest of the money will now come from a variety of sources, including London Mayor Boris Johnson's budget, a £40m loan from Newham Council and around £20m of borrowings by the LLDC. The club will, as part of the agreement which secured the 99-year lease, give the LLDC a cut of any future sale of the club in the next ten years; a sign, say West Ham, of co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan's long-term commitment to the club.

The LLDC will now start work on renovating the roof in a bid to get the stadium ready in time for the 2016 Rugby World Cup, and after the tournament, will close the roof, before restarting work on reconfiguring the stadium's lower seating bowl in time for the Hammers to start the 2016/2017 season there.

In addition to the £2m a year rent, the club will share catering and hospitality revenue with the LLDC but will take all ticket and merchandising income. West Ham will also work with the LLDC in order to sell the naming rights for the stadium to a major sponsor- it is thought extremely unlikely that the word 'Olympic' will be in the title unless the sponsor of the stadium is also a big commercial partner of the Olympic movement.

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn is still hopeful of a judicial review into West Ham's move to the stadium, with regard to the supposed "challenge" posed to his club's livelihood.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Irons outcast Morrison "a pleasure to play with" says Birmingham team mate Redmond

Birmingham City star Nathan Redmond has heaped praise on teammate Ravel Morrison, on loan from West Ham. Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, the England U19 international described his midfield partner as having "great technique and vision" and says that he is "a pleasure to play with.

"It's good to have someone who likes to play football, who knows how to keep the ball on the floor and pass it about. Rav can always get you the ball and see where you are, the forward-thinking that he does gives us security."

Morrison is on loan at St Andrews for the current campaign and will return to the Boleyn Ground as soon as it finishes; having originally signed for the Hammers from Manchester United in January of last year.

The man once believed to be the most talented prospect to emerge from Old Trafford since Paul Scholes and described by Sir Alex Ferguson as "a very, very talented boy" was put up for sale by United after a series of scuffles with the law including two counts of witness intimidation, for which he was given a 12-month referral order. The loan move to Birmingham was with the idea in mind of giving Morrison first team football and settling him down, but in October, Blues boss Lee Clark criticised the forward's attitude in training and was on the verge of sending him back to London. However, he kept him on and Morrison has now in Clark's words, "knuckled down," and to the extent that former Newcastle player Clark has compared him to one of his old teammates- Paul Gascoigne. This latest praise from teammate Redmond shows the progress which Morrison has made so hopefully when he makes his return to Chadwell Heath, the young Mancunian will be able to remind West Ham boss Sam Allardyce why he took a chance on him.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Hearn to give up "the good fight" if no judicial review forthcoming

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has said today that should no judicial review into the LLDC's decision to name West Ham as their preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium be forthcoming, he will drop his case against the body and against this club.

"I've spent a lot of money and cost a lot of people money during this, but that doesn't matter because I'm in the right," Hearn told a press conference at the Nolan Partners Sport Industry Breakfast Club this morning.

"But if I lose this, I have to walk away. It must stop- I can't do anything else."

However, the 64 year old businessman is intent on fighting his case all the way and gave Sky Sports his views on the judicial review earlier:

"We are suggesting a groundshare with West Ham but are not getting much support. We think our case is pretty straightforward. It is a question of weeks rather than months on the decision and let's see if the judges agree. We think our case is cast iron and we'll fight it all the way, as we do in the East End."

Hearn is clearly pulling out all the stops for his case, and is lashing out at anybody within arm's reach. The LLDC, West Ham and the politicians involved in the case have all borne the brunt of the ever-opinionated Hearn's tongue.

"West Ham won't even talk to us about the process of teaming- I phoned David Sullivan, who I've known for 25 years, and he said "I've been advised not to talk to you."

"The whole saga has been mismanaged; I've spoken to the politicians involved and they're awful. They don't have much common sense or any practical knowledge- they keep getting it wrong. (Former Olympics minister) Tessa Jowell and (former Mayor of London) Ken Livingstone made a decision to create a Meccano stadium with a running track round it and it doesn't work."

One wonders, in that case, just why Hearn wants so desperately to move his club to this "Meccano" stadium? We're put in mind of an alternative take on Hearn's motives for wanting to move, reported by us on March 10: 
http://blowingbubblesfanzine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/hearnd-it-all-before-or-have-we-orient.html

Anyway, food for thought and hopefully, this whole pointless, unnecessary saga will be over soon and Hearn can retire to whatever it is he did before he decided he wanted a football club to play with.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Flaming El! Hammers linked with Holland international Elia

West Ham could move to sign Dutch international Eljero Elia in the summer, the East London and West Essex Guardian is reporting today. The 26 year old, who starred in the World Cup three years ago for his national side, currently plies his trade in Germany for Champions League side Werder Bremen and has earned rave reviews for his performances so far, since moving from Juventus last year after an unhappy spell in Italy. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to strengthen his team in the summer, with a series of injuries exposing just how weak the Hammers squad really is, and with Elia's experience on the big stage, he well could be the man to push the Irons onto the next level next season.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



DEEC! Young winger Turgott pens new Hammers deal

Young West Ham winger Blair Turgott couldn't have had a better day yesterday, as he put pen to paper on a new two year contract at the Boleyn Ground, before notching a fantastic hat trick for a West Ham XI against an experienced QPR XI made up of Premier League stars such as Adel Taarabt and Jamie Mackie.

The Hammers now have tied the livewire 18 year old at the club till 2015, and he was visibly delighted to sign the deal

"It's going well at the moment and that's a great way to celebrate a new deal and now I've really got to push on from here and hopefully show the management staff what type of player I am."

Turgott was also delighted with his first ever goals at the Boleyn Ground

"It's good to get my first goals here and hopefully the first of many- I scored two against Dagenham last season but obviously a hat trick is even sweeter. It's always good to play alongside the senior boys and get that experience and QPR had a few senior players out there which is always good, as you can measure yourself up against them. Ultimately it's about me, showing what I can do and what I'm about."

Keep watching this boy- cool hair, cool future.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



All follow the Reid-er: Hammers defender named New Zealand skipper

West Ham centre half Winston Reid has been appointed as the new captain of his national side New Zealand, the All Whites manager Rickie Herbert has confirmed this morning.

The 24 year old has been in consistently excellent form for the Hammers this season, captaining the side for the last two games in the absence regularly in the absence of regular skipper Kevin Nolan, and his performances have impressed his national team manager.

"Winston plays in a high level environment, week in, week out and has captained his side in that environment- for a young man to have that level of responsibility speaks volumes for his character, especially when you look at his Premier League peers in a similar position."

Reid will replace fellow centre half Ryan Nelson as captain as the former QPR and Blackburn Rovers man has retired from the game and will take over as manager of MLS outfit FC Toronto.

The Irons cruncher described himself as being "humbled by the opportunity" to captain his country, which was, he said, "a tremendous honour and privilege. Reid will take the New Zealand armband for  the first time in the friendly against New Caledonia on Friday night in Dunedin.

This is a great honour for Winston, and after the season he's had in the Premier League, he thoroughly deserves it. I honestly can't look past him for Hammer of the Year either!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Tuesday 19 March 2013

Santiago in the sticks: former Cardiff stopper plays friendly for Hammers


Former Cardiff City goalkeeper Jordan Santiago started in goal for a West Ham XI today as the Hammers overcame an experienced Queens Park Rangers side 3-1 at Upton Park in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

West Ham youngster Blair Turgott netted a superb hat-trick and there were also starts for first team defenders George McCartney and James Tomkins with both players seeking match fitness after spells on the sidelines.

Santiago had been released by Cardiff last summer, but the young Canadian stopper featured for the whole ninety minutes. After wild rumours circulating on Twitter that current QPR keeper and ex Hammer Robert Green was the man between the posts for the Irons, co-chairman David Sullivan's 13 year old son Jack confirmed on the social networking website last night that "Are (sic) trial GK was WAS NOT Robert green today in are Friendly with QPR today", and it became clear that Santiago was the man.

Conceding just one goal in the game could lead to a longer trial with the East End club, but for now it remains uncertain as to what his career holds for him. The Hammers are currently short on goalkeepers with just Jussi Jasskelainen, and Raphael Spiegel on the books as well as Stephen Henderson who is out on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town till the end of the season.

Santiago tweeted after the game today, saying "Really enjoyed getting 90 minutes and a 3-1 win for West Ham today at QPR at Upton Park. Some unbelievable finishes!! Whole team was great. Unbelievable work rate."

Just before 9pm on Tuesday evening, TalkSport reported that the ex Bluebirds man has been offered a trial period by the club; how long for will likely become clear in the coming days. West Ham are without doubt looking to fill the potential goalkeeping vacancy that may possibly be free come summer with Jaaskelainen ageing, but after a decent season in goal, no retirement plans have been mentioned by the Finn.

In recent days, the Irons have also been linked with Manchester United's Andres Lindergaard and Manchester City's Costel Pantilimon.

By Ben Edkins 

@benedkins12

Survival the priority says Jack the lad


Jack Collison agrees with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce that 39 points will be enough for the Hammers in order to secure another season of Premier League football.


Collison is confident that in the remaining nine games they can keep ahead of the bottom three, with the current gap at six points.

Speaking to whufc.com, he said: "between now and the end of the season, we're obviously aiming to get as many points on the board as we can.. the sooner we can do it, the better for us, and then maybe we can look to push on.

"It's hard to say [how many points we need]. It's very tight down there, but as long as we concentrate on ourselves, work hard and get a couple of wins on the board, we'll be fine.

"There are a lot teams down there but, we feel that with the squad and manager we've got, we're good enough to stay up. The sooner we can get the points on the board, the better for us.”

Collison will be busy between now and the next Premier League game against West Brom whilst on international duty with Wales. He will be involved in their World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia and is focussed on trying to get the country to its first major finals since 1958.

On his Wales duty, he said:"We are looking forward to it and we've got a bit of momentum going into it because we won our last game against Austria.”

Good luck this week Jack, but keep out of those 50/50 tackles. West Ham needs you!

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Ruddy hell, Pelly! Young winger pleased to be back in Dev Squad action

Promising West Ham youngster Pelly Ruddock returned to Under-21 action on Friday after being forced to miss the last two fixtures due to injury.
 
He played a role in the Hammers’ goal in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, with his tricky feet and subsequent cross providing the own goal by the Gunners’ Nico Yennaris, and was quickly congratulated by his teammates.


Ruddock has now spoken to West Ham TV about his happy return: "I've been trying the step over in training so I thought I'd try it in a match...I pulled it off and fortunately a goal came from that. It was good in front of the fans at the Boleyn Ground.


"The ball came over and I was there at the back post. I just did a little skill and crossed the ball in. I was expecting someone to get across the defender and then it went in off the defender, so I'm claiming that.

"I've not had so many assists but I need to get among them and help the team score more goals. Hopefully there will be more goals between now and the end of the season."

Ruddock did admit that he found the match difficult fitness wise, as he had only trained the day before the game. He suffered some cramp, but he knows that his fitness will soon return.

He added: "I'm feeling good and fit, but just need to work on my stamina a little bit and then hopefully press on.”

With a name like Pelly Ruddock, he’s got a lot to live up to. The early signs are good and from what we’ve seen and heard in previous matches, the Development Squad will be pleased to have him back.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Blair the Flair: young winger Turgott nets hat trick in closed doors friendly

A West Ham XI triumphed 3-1 over their Queens Park Rangers counterparts this afternoon at the Boleyn Ground, with 18 year old winger Blair Turgott scoring all three goals. Fresh from a productive loan at League Two outfit Bradford City, Bromley-born Turgott was in scintillating form as he rattled in three excellent goals against an experienced Rangers side including first team stars Jamie Mackie, Jay Boothroyd and Adel Taarabt.

Managers Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp agreed to pit their teams against each other in order to give their fringe players some match fitness, with no game for either side this weekend owing to the international break, and it was the Hammers who looked much the sharper, with Turgott firing the home side into an early lead after just 12 minutes. Defensive duo George McCartney and James Tomkins were both using the game to gain match fitness after spells on the sidelines and both looked sharp and solid.

The Irons doubled their lead just before the half hour mark with young forward Turgott grabbing his second of the game with another curler from the edge of the box following more good link up play with Development Squad team mate Kieran Bywater. Although QPR halved the deficit early in the second half via a stunning free kick from Taarabt, West Ham's two goal advantage was soon restored, 5 minutes later as man of the match Turgott completed a wonderful hat trick with another fiercely struck drive from the edge of the box. The last half hour was simply an exercise in patient, coordinated defending from the Hammers as they saw out the remainder of the game.

Good solid performance from the lads, great to see McCartney and Tomkins getting close to full fitness, but what a performance from young Blair Turgott. The lad's been a consistently excellent performer for the reserves, and after this performance against what was on paper a competent and experienced QPR side, surely he merits his chance in the first team soon?

Blair himself certainly seems happy with his performance today, tweeting "BEST HAT TRICK I'VE EVER SCORED! Won 3-1 against a strong QPR team.. #DEEC". Reserve team manager Ian Hendon was happy with his man's performance as well, telling whufc.com that "Blair has got that in his locker- (assistant manager) Neil McDonald was watching as well, so he has given him a little nudge." Turgott obviously needs to be producing displays like this on a regular basis to be in with a shot of the first team reckoning, but has massively boosted his chances with today's show.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Marked by injury: Noble ruled out for season


West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is set to have an operation on the nerve damage in his shoulder which has kept him out of the club's last three games- and will be ruled out for the rest of the season, the Sun are reporting this morning. This is terrible news for Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who already has several notable casualties on his hands and with winger Matty Taylor revealing this morning that he is walking wounded and played against Chelsea on Sunday with a fractured jaw. 25 year old local boy Noble has been one of the Irons' shining lights this season and West Ham now have a very serious dilemma in central midfield, with the extent of captain Kevin Nolan's toe injury not yet clear and with no estimated return date apparent.

Hammers co-chairman David Gold tells a different story however, tweeting yesterday that "We must regroup and prepare ourselves for a big and important game against WBA. The good news is that we could have a fully fit squad."

We'll keep you bang up to date, as ever, with all the latest on this as soon as we hear it.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons in for City slicker Ibrahim


West Ham are keeping tabs on the situation of Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim, the Mail report this morning. The 21 year old is currently on loan at Norwegian side Stromsgodset and a summer move could seemingly be on the cards. The Norwegian U21 international has only started one game for City since signing three years ago, and has spent most of his time away from the club, having taken in three separate loan spells during his time at the Premier League champions. His contract is up next summer and now may well be the right time  for Ibrahim to up sticks. The Irons will however face competition from Premier League rivals Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

The "mini Messi": 4 year old football prodigy training with West Ham

Four year old Archie Shepherd is the latest footballing sensation, in a story reported by the Mail today. The young lad, from Grays in Essex, recently scored 10 goals in a match for his club side County Park FC against boys two years older than him and has caught the attention of Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham. The Hammers look to have stolen a march on their London rivals with Archie, as he is currently training with the club's U6 team. He also trains once a week with Arsenal and has an offer from Chelsea to join their academy in May, so the Irons need to act fast if they are to nail down what looks like a hugely promising and highly explosive young talent.

Archie's dad, construction worker Pat, said of his son that "he is just football obsessed and there are a lot of clubs monitoring him and just waiting for him to get a bit older. He doesn't stop playing and doesn't care if other kids are bigger than him- he shows no fear."

This boy is clearly promising, and not to put a dampener on the burgeoning young talent but these child footballing prodigies have come up before and a footballing career hasn't always materialised. Definitely one worth keeping an eye on though!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

New date for Stratford move confirmation- announcement expected by Friday

ITV News revealed last night that a new date for confirmation of West Ham's move to the OLympic Stadium has been decided. With drawn-out negotiations with the LLDC and the government still ongoing, Hammers co-chairman David Gold claimed on Twitter a fortnight ago that the move would be finalised and a club announcement made on 16 March, but no confirmation was forthcoming. However, negotiations are now believed to be at an advanced stage and the news is expected later this week; notably, the club are understood to be keeping the running track, freeing up any British bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games; despite Gold claiming the other week that he "wouldn't go" to the stadium if the track was maintained. Watch this space!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling


Away day members club plans being discussed as Hammers look to weed out troublemakers

West Ham are considering introducing a members club for fans wishing to support the Irons away from home in a bid to crack down on incidents such as the ones which marred the Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday, after Irons supporters lobbed missiles at Chelsea players John Terry and Frank Lampard in response to the two celebrating Lampard's goal in front of the away end.

Numbers of seats were also ripped out of the Shed End away section and according to a club insider quoted today in the Sun, the Hammers could be set to introduce a scheme which would make it easier to find fans who misbehave at away games.

"West Ham fans are among the best in the country but this kind of thing lets them down," the source said last night.

"An awayday club would log the names and addresses of those who buy tickets and match them to their seats- if only members were allowed to buy tickets, it would make it a lot easier to find the idiots  who misbehave."

The two Irons supporters arrested yesterday with racially aggravated offences at the match on Sunday have since been bailed by police, and the club's fans are now under investigation on four separate counts now, with police still hunting West Ham fans involved in a bar brawl at Sunderland in January and guilty of anti-Semitic chanting at the London derby with Spurs last month, as well as the coin throwing culprits on Sunday.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling


The members club sounds like a good way to weed out the morons but it has been tried by clubs in the past; there was a similar scheme in place at Stoke about ten years ago in a bid to crack down on the club's 'Naughty Forty' hooligan element, and it proved so unpopular with fans, who had to pay £10 for I.D cards to join the awayday membership scheme that the club dropped it. It would be interesting to see how West Ham would work this idea out.

Monday 18 March 2013

Aymen to that! Hammers to battle Barca for Tunisian centre half

West Ham are set to take on Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Spanish giants Barcelona in the race to sign Tunisian international Aymen Abdennour.

The 23 year old has produced a string of outstanding performance in France for Ligue One side Toulouse, and Barca are said to see the Tunisian international as a long term replacement for club legend Carles Puyol. The Magpies, meanwhile, are looking for defensive reinforcements following what looked like a serious injury to former West Ham target Massadio Haidara in their 2-1 defeat by Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Reports in France have linked both Premier League outfits to watch Abdennour, who according to TalkSport, has already been watched by scouts from Barcelona. It's clear which would be the most desirable destination for the defender, but this is definitely one worth keeping an eye on. As ever, we'll keep you bang up to date with any further developments.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

A brave Tayl: Hammers winger will play through the pain


West Ham winger Matty Taylor has revealed that he suffered a fractured jaw against Stoke City a fortnight ago but has continued to play despite admitting to being in some pain.

Taylor came on at Stamford Bridge despite being expected to be sidelined with the fracture sustained after Potters' striker Peter Crouch left him concussed with an accidental boot to the face.

The ex Portsmouth star told TalkSport: "It was more of a case of whether I felt ready to play and I felt fine. I have had no ill effects  from the concussion fortunately, so there was reason not to be involved."

"It is not something that us going to cause me too many problems in the future, providing I don't go in for any challenges like the one that actually hurt it!"

Nice to see someone giving their all for the cause. Even if he says there aren't any problems with it, most of us wouldn't fancy playing with the risk of further injury. With his contract up in the summer, Matty's certainly earned some plus points here.

By Lucy Woolford



@lucy_whufc

Two Irons supporters arrested on race charges following Chelsea match

Two West Ham fans have been arrested on racially-aggravated offences following the Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yesterday, the BBC are reporting.

Police are concurrently undergoing an investigation into separate incidents of missiles being thrown by Hammers fans at Chelsea players Frank Lampard and John Terry after the pair celebrated Lampard's goal in front of the away end yesterday, but no arrests have been made on that case.

This is further bad publicity for the club, with supporters being investigated on no fewer than four counts now; following incidents of anti-Semitic chanting in the recent game against Tottenham Hotspur; a reported bar brawl at the away game at Sunderland in January and now these two counts of missile throwing and racial aggravation relating to yesterday's game. The chances seem fairly high that the offence that saw the two supporters arrested following the Chelsea game are for the same offence that saw a 25 year old man ejected from the ground against Tottenham last month and arrested and bailed. Anti-Semitic chanting is still very much a problem for the club and hopefully, something might be done about it now after years of neglect from West Ham boards perpetually threatening to ban fans and throwing empty threats around like they were going out of fashion.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



West Ham's O'Neill wants Chelsea's Lamp to light up the Boleyn Ground

Hammers midfielder Gary O'Neill has risked the wrath of the Upton Park faithful by saying that he would "love" to see reviled ex-West Ham midfielder Frank Lampard make a return to the Boleyn Ground to sign for the Irons.

Talking to the Sun before the game yesterday, the former Portsmouth man expressed incredulity that the Chelsea star's contract hadn't yet been renewed and revealed his admiration for Lampard, who scored the opening goal for the Blues in their 2-0 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

"It's surprising that a player of that quality is being allowed to have his contract run down. He's a player I'd love to have back at West Ham if the deal was right; he'd be a great player to sign if the club could get hold of him."

The story has flared up again now after allegations that Lampard, 34, was the victim of missiles thrown by Hammers fans after he crassly celebrated his goal in front of the away end yesterday. O'Neill perhaps isn't aware of the history between Lampard and West Ham fans but, having been a virtual passenger yesterday as the England midfielder led his side to an all too comfortable win over the Irons, he really hasn't done himself any favours with these comments.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

No Irons move for non-league starlet Freeman

Young trialist Nick Freeman will not be moving to West Ham just yet but the Hammers are still keeping an eye on him.
 
The youngster impressed in his recent trial period at the Boleyn Ground, but Histon manager Brian Page has said that a move is not on the cards just yet.

Page told Cambridge News: “West Ham are going to monitor him here, the same as Norwich are going to do.

“He went down there and acquitted himself well. They were very happy with the way he performed but feel that to bring him into their club at the moment wouldn’t be right thing for him in his development. He’s going to come back here, work hard for us and make sure he knuckles down.

“He’s a very talented and dedicated young man. As long as he keeps working hard, keeps listening and keeps learning he’ll be a fine player in the future.”

Histon are happy to have Freeman back but they hope he’s not too disappointed at missing out on a Premier League move. Page told him to draw on the positives of his experience and use his football to prove a point.

You would feel sorry for a young lad having to deal with being built up and let down, but if the West Ham staff are still watching him, he shouldn’t give up hope just yet.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Two more wins enough for Premier League survival: Allardyce



West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has said that his side need two more wins to secure Premier League football next season.


Despite being only six points clear of the relegation zone after defeat at Stamford Bridge, Allardyce is confident that 39 points is a good target to avoid the drop.

Allardyce was asked if he had a points target, and his response was: "I'd say 39, because it's the average over the last 10 years.

"It probably might be 38, who knows, but all we want to do is get to it as quickly as we can and have a few games left if we can because that would mean that we would finish in a position in the league well clear of the bottom four, and that's what we want to try and do."

Given some of the poor shows from othe sides this season, he could well be right, but of course it’s all ifs and buts. West Ham were relegated from the Premier League in 2002/2003 with a record high 42 points, so never say never.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Any sauce on that mate? Lampard and Terry pelted with a hot dog and coins in London derby

West Ham fans could be in trouble again after the Mail reports this morning that Chelsea players Frank Lampard and John Terry were on the receiving end of missiles thrown from the away end at Stamford Bridge during the Premier League match yesterday afternoon.

Following chanting (on the side of banter, rather than "torrid abuse" as claimed by the ever-excitable Mail) aimed at former England captain Terry, the Chelsea man began bending over towards the Irons supporters as he warmed up on the touchline and then started lifting imaginary trophies. However, as reviled ex-Hammer Lampard celebrated scoring the game's opening goal, a succession of objects were allegedly flung from the away end; one of which was set to strike Terry. A complaint was made to the Metropolitan Police following the game, and Chelsea are now set to study CCTV of the game in order to identify the possible culprits.

Lampard's celebrations came right in front of the West Ham fans; a coincidence according to him. This seems unlikely, given the midfielder's past behaviour in this fixture. This is the man who once said that he'd "like to score the goal that sent West Ham down" and makes a point of celebrating goals and wins directly in front of Hammers fans every time they occur. The Guardian's reporting of the incident makes reference to Lampard's deliberate provocation of the travelling Irons supporters; the Mail's coverage does not.

The nature of the missiles was believed to be a succession of coins and, amusingly, a hot dog. Typically, the Mail have failed to see the funny side of the latter missile and have gone into full "birch 'em all" mode but personally, this journalist finds the idea that a football fan could be potentially banned from football matches for life for throwing a snack onto the pitch hilarious. Equally hilarious is the failure of the Mail to see the bitter irony in their outraged stance on fans getting caught up in the atmosphere of a London derby- given the role said newspaper plays in stoking up tensions before such games. Over and out, just a little bit saucy.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Sunday 17 March 2013

Tomk it to them: centre half to return at Stamford Bridge

West Ham defender James Tomkins has shaken off the virus which has kept him out of the Irons' last two Premier League matches, and is in line for a start against Chelsea in a couple of hours, whufc.com have just revealed.

This is good news for Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, who already has a considerable injury headache, with midfielder Mark Noble and captain Kevin Nolan both ruled out of the London derby through an arm injury and a toe injury respectively. In a double boost for Big Sam, left back George McCartney is also available for selection, but having made his comeback from the knee injury which had ruled him out since December for the Development Squad on Friday night against Arsenal U21s, today may well come too soon for him, with the Northern Irishman lacking match fitness. Winger Matty Taylor, however, is odds-on to be back in the starting line up (as exclusively reported to you by Blowing Bubbles this week) after being taken off during the 1-0 victory at Stoke City a fortnight ago with concussion. Confirmed team news is expected at 3pm.

By Alex Shilling


@alexshilling

Saturday 16 March 2013

Hall set for bright Hammers future

West Ham youngster Robert Hall has been praised by former boss Lee Clark after his Birmingham City loan came to an end.

Hall's loan was cut short due to and injury, however, Clarke has declared that if a possible future loan deal is on offer it would interest him without doubt.

The youngster played really well for Birmingham in the championship and has opened up West Ham fans' eyes as to his potential.

Could Hall be a future regular for the Hammers? Or is he the next Freddy Sears?

The 18 year old could be our next big thing, powerful and pacey, the English forward caused all sorts of trouble in the Championship. Hopefully for the Hammers, he can continue to grow and match the great potential that he has now been labelled with.

I would love to see Hall in some first team action next season. The youngster has all the attributes to make the bench, and with a bit more experience under his belt he could definitely make it further.

West Ham are famously renowned for their academy, and this man could be the next big thing to come out of it since the likes of Joe Cole who has found his way home after a troubling time away.



By Ben Edkins 

@benedkins12

Big Sam at war with board over contract: Hammers boss wants talks before end of season


West Ham manager Sam Alllardyce is putting pressure on the Irons hierarchy to open negotiations on a new contract before the end of the season, it is clear now, after comments made in his press conference yesterday ahead of Sunday's London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The club's co-owner David Gold has repeatedly stated that no new deal for 57 year old Allardyce will be discussed until the end of the current campaign; and implicitly, with Premier League survival secured, but with the Hammers sitting pretty in 12th place in the table on 33 points and requiring only 3 wins from their remaining 10 games to all but guarantee survival, Big Sam wants a new deal before the end of the season.

"We'll sit down (and discuss it) when we're safe. What's the point of me waiting till the end of the season if we're mathematically safe with a few games to go?"

In the event of any new contract being discussed, Allardyce will also demand guarantees that the squad be strengthened; a fair request, given the relatively small size and weakness of the squad, when compared to most of our Premier League rivals.

These comments in the press are unlikely to go down well with Gold and his fellow co-chairman David Sullivan- managers speaking out in the media rarely does them any favours with their chairmen. This is not a rant from Allardyce, but he does appear to be indulging in some sort of mind game with Gold and Sullivan here; he knows full well that they're not willing to discuss a new deal until the end of the season so his comments make no sense at all from a logical perspective. Just that time of the season I guess!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Friday 15 March 2013

The Italian Job: Di Canio "flattered" by West Ham rumours


Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio has spoken out about being linked to the vacant manager's job at Reading and possible links with West Ham.

He has denied having any involvement in either club, stating that it would be unfair to be linked with West Ham as Sam Allardyce is still firmly in the job and it was a coincidence he was at Reading just before Brian McDermott was sacked.

He admits to being flattered by rumours that he could get a Premier League job after resigning from his Swindon post earlier this year.

Di Canio also told BBC Sport he hopes Sam Allardyce will get success at West Ham because that is the club he cares about most.

To see the full interview with a very cool looking Di Canio, tune in to Football Focus tomorrow.


By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Big Sam gives a Yoss: Irons chief interested in bringing playmaker Benayoun back to Upton Park

Should West Ham boss Sam Allardyce extend his contract and be given a good transfer budget, it looks like he could be interested in bring Yossi Benayoun back to Upton Park... again.

The Israeli midfielder was on a six-month loan with West Ham earlier in the season but injury brought him back to Stamford Bridge earlier than expected. Since his return to Chelsea, Benitez has played him twice.

Allardyce is remaining tight-lipped on transfer and contract speculation, but he told TalkSport: "I've not thought about that yet. It's about being safe then securing my position and seeing where we go.

"There will be lots of clubs chasing players who won't cost anything in terms of a transfer fee. He will be on our list probably but we will wait and see when the time comes around."

The loan deal was his second time at West Ham and if a third is on the cards, the East End is clearly somewhere Benayoun wants to be.


By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Linde a hand: Irons in negotiations with Man Utd over Danish ace Lindegaard

According to Danish website sporten.dk, West Ham are currently in talks with Manchester United over the possible transfer of Danish international goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

The 28 year old has recently fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, with Spaniard David De Gea having established himself as the Red Devils' number one, and big keeper Lindegaard has stated previously that he has no intention of staying at the club to warm the bench. United boss Alex Ferguson has also reportedly had designs on Stoke City's Bosnian keeper Asimir Begovic for some time, and is now seemingly keen to offload Lindegaard to make way for the ex Portsmouth stopper, and a move to the Boleyn Ground would seem to suit the interests of both United and Lindegaard.

The Hammers are presently talking to the Manchester club over a fee, and this signing; if it happens; will likely signal the end of 37 year old Jussi Jaaskelainen's time at Upton Park. The Finn has been inconsistent between the posts this season and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is known to be looking at addressing the goalkeeping issue, with the experience of Fulham's Mark Schwarzer also said to appeal to him, according to the Express.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Corch blimey! French star keen on summer move as West Ham move in

French U21 international Sebastian Corchia could be on his way to the Boleyn Ground in the summer, says Sky Sports. The full back has been linked with some of Europe's most illustrious clubs, including Champions League quarter finalists Bayern Munich and now interest from Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has become public knowledge.

The 22 year old currently plays for Sochaux in Ligue One, and with the club struggling in the relegation zone in France, a summer move could well be on the cards. He has a contract at the club till 2015, but may well be tempted to move now while the going's good.

Corchia says that "people are working on" any possible move, but that he wants to help Sochaux secure survival in the French top flight before considering any possible move away from the club.

"Above all, I want to get safety for Sochaux before thinking about me- my value and possible opportunities if we remain in Le Championnat or not."

This boy is definitely one to watch for the future; having been previously linked with a move to Arsenal and with Werder Bremen, Monaco, Juventus and Lyon all reportedly interested in his services and with left back a major problem position for us, we'd do well to get in there now and snap up this rising star, who already has 26 caps for the French U21s.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Get yer boots on Wellington! Brazilian striker set for Hammers chance at Stamford Bridge


Wellington Paulista could make his first team debut for West Ham against Chelsea on Sunday, TalkSport are reporting. The Brazilian striker has been in excellent form for the club's reserves and has netted four goals since moving on loan from Brazilian club Cruzeiro in January, but has not yet made his bow for the senior side. However, with a broken toe set to keep top scorer Kevin Nolan out of the London derby this weekend and with first choice strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole having scored just 5 goals between them all season, Irons boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly ready to give the 29 year old his big chance, having seen him score yet again for the Development Squad in the 3-3 draw at Liverpool on Monday afternoon. A starting place is unlikely for the Brazilian, who did not travel to Dubai with the rest of the first team squad recently, claiming that staying in London to play for the reserves would help him improve his game more, but a place on the bench looks increasingly likely, with the team needing goals- and fast.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling


Nolan and Noble set to miss London derby as Hammers injury woes continue

Blowing Bubbles understands that both captain Kevin Nolan and fellow midfielder Mark Noble will miss this Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Nolan, a club source revealed last night, was willing to take pain-killing injections to get him through the game after suffering a broken toe against Tottenham last month, but West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is apparently unwillingly to risk his star man worsening the injury. Academy graduate Noble meanwhile was set to face a fitness test on his shoulder, in which he suffered nerve damage before the defeat to Tottenham at the end of Febraury and which caused him to miss that game and the win at Stoke City two weeks ago; however, it is now believed that club medical staff have told Allardyce that the injury is at a stage that Noble does not have even a slight chance of playing this weekend. Winger Matty Taylor, however, is in contention for a return for first team action; as exclusively reported to you yesterday by Blowing Bubbles; two weeks after being knocked out at Stoke. We'll give you more on all this as soon as we hear it.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Captain fantastic: Nolan set to play through pain barrier to start at Stamford Bridge

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan will have a pain-killing injection in his broken toe suffered against Tottenham last month in order to play against Chelsea this Sunday, the Sun are reporting this morning. An original assessment of the injury stated that Nolan could be out for as long as 8 weeks, but the Irons skipper is determined to be back to action as soon as possible, and as we reported to you on February 28, would apparently be willing to take painkilling injections in order to see him through the final 10 games, before having surgery on the injury in the summer; with a West Ham source revealing today that "the sick list looks pretty grim at the moment- but Kevin is determined to be there on Sunday."

This would be great news if true; but we don't want to rush Nolan back. The lads played very well against Stoke the other week and are clearly capable of managing without him, so maybe better to err on the side of caution. We'll keep you bang up to date with any further developments on this one so keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Mahamadou the hump: Irons close in on Mali defender

West Ham are poised to make a summer bid to Portguese outfit Vitora Guimares for their highly-rated defender Mahamadou N'Diaye, the Mirror are reporting this morning. The big centre half, who has 8 caps for Mali, has impressed in Portugal this season and Sky Sports reported on Monday that the Hammers' Premier League rivals Fulham are also interested and have sent scouts to watch N'Diaye. However, Vitora sources stated earlier in the week that no offers had been made for the player, saying that "formally we have not received any propositions; it is normal we would look at this at the end of the season."

The Irons currently have one of the smallest squads in the league and unquestionably need reshaping in the summer, particularly across the back four. James Collins is not quite the player we sold to Villa four years ago- some fresh blood is needed. This could be the man...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor


@alexshilling

Thursday 14 March 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Irons injury problems ameliorated- three first teamers to return in next fortnight

West Ham's injury woes look like they may be getting better, as Blowing Bubbles understands that key players Mark Noble, Matty Taylor and Joe Cole will all return to first team action in the next two weeks.

Midfielder Noble missed the defeat to Spurs and the win at Stoke through severed nerves in his arm; while winger Taylor and playmaker Cole both limped out of the win at the Britannia after suffering concussion and a hamstring injury respectively.

But we can exclusively reveal that ex Portsmouth man Taylor has returned to full first team training and is available for selection for this Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge; while local boy Noble will undergo a fitness test ahead of the clash and is expected to return at the latest on March 30, when West Bromwich Albion visit the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile Cole, who suffered a reoccurrence of the same hamstring problem which has dogged him since his Chelsea days, will return against Albion. Captain Kevin Nolan is also believed to be making good progress with his toe injury suffered against Tottenham last month but the extent of the injury is still being assessed and an estimated return date is not yet known.

This is yet more good news for manager Sam Allardyce, after he was buoyed yesterday by the news that left back George McCartney has completed his recovery from a knee ligament damage which had kept him out of action since the start of December, and is available for selection on Sunday.

As ever, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest, so keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

EXCLUSIVE: Hammers in hunt for giant City keeper- negotiations ongoing



Blowing Bubbles understands that West Ham are in advanced negotiations with Premier League champions Manchester City over goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.

The 26 year old Romanian stands at an astonishing 6ft 8in and has represented his national side 15 times since 2008. With the Irons set to miss out on national teammate Razvan Rat, who is set to seal a move to French giants Marseille, they have turned their attentions to their goalkeeping issue.

With current Hammers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen nearing the end of his playing days, the East London outfit haven't wasted any time in finding a replacement for the Finnish 'keeper. Jaaskelainen has been in fine form for West Ham this season but with young stopper Stephen Henderson not yet considered ready for the first team; having spent most of this season on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town, other alternatives have been considered, and Pantilimon could fit the bill. 

No fee has been reported as of yet but negotiations are in place. Time will tell for now though.

By Ben Edkins 

@benedkins12