Thursday 28 February 2013

Boleyn Ground falling down

The Boleyn Ground has been subject to a review by Newham Council's
safety-advisory group, and according to the subsequent reports it needs
“major work”.



The Guardian newspaper have managed to find the report which explains that
although no danger is posed to the public and attending fans,  there are
issues that mean "major works would need to be done by 2015".



The newspaper was told by an official from the club that maintenance work
has been on hold until an Olympic Stadium decision is made and was assured
that this kind of maintenance is regularly required at all stadia. A club
executive said: "It's major in terms of it being a long job, but it's not
particularly expensive".



Despite the deadline of 2015, Newham council's principal licensing officer
David Grant hinted that "if the deal (for the Olympic Stadium) does not go
through then extensive work would need doing" but will not be necessary if
West Ham do move.



This story could do the rounds for a while, with some hoping that this may
prove to be a spanner in the works for a West Ham relocation, but reading
between the lines, it doesn’t seem to be a big issue for the club.

By Lucy Woolford

Mixed emotions for Lletget on Friday night

Development Squad regular Sebastian Lletget celebrated signing a new deal West Ham deal by scoring his first goal of this season on Tuesday night against Wolves. However, he was disappointed not to go on and win the match.

The 20-year-old American has just signed a new two year contract with the Hammers and was happy that he could finally put the ball in the net this year to repay the belief shown in him.

Lletget told West Ham TV: "I was just very happy to give back to the club what they've given me through the past couple of years so hopefully I can keep moving on and getting some goals.

"It was particularly pleasing to score. With Nick being the new Dev Squad manager he has pushed me forward a bit and has really got on to me to score more goals.”

However, his bubble was soon to be burst against Wolves, when the side conceded two late goals, which was disappointing.

Lletget is looking forward to tomorrow’s test against Manchester United and agrees that such matches will help to shape the young players in the side.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Hammers wary of relegation threat: McDonald

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has spoken to the press ahead of this weekend’s big match at Stoke.

In an honest interview, he admitted that the club are looking over their shoulders and are taking the threat of relegation seriously.

When asked if he was concerned about relegation, McDonald told the assorted press: "Of course we are. We've always looked up the table this season and we've always tried to get into the top ten and with a good result on Saturday we can push ourselves a little bit closer to that.

"I think the away form hasn't been as good as we'd have liked. I think our home form has been really, really good, even though we've lost a couple. We have to address that, we've got to be a little tighter and a bit more physical away from home and make sure we try and keep a clean sheet. And if we can do that, that gives us a good chance to get back to winning ways on our travels."

The task will be made tougher on Saturday with captain Kevin Nolan and key players Mark Noble and James Tomkins all set to miss out, but McDonald went on to say that West Ham took positives from the game against Spurs and they can use those to push on against a tough Stoke side.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Bony not Russian anywhere: Hammers still in hunt for striker

The stage is set for West Ham to make a summer bid for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, after no move was made for the striker from any Russian clubs before the transfer window closed last night. Zenit St Petersburg, CSKA Moscow and Anzhi Makhachkala were all reportedly interested, but none of the clubs made an offer for the Ivory Coast international and Vitesee interim director Erwin Kasakowski confirmed last night to Dutch newspaper AD that "no club made an offer, so Bony will finish the season at Vitesse."

Should the Hammers make a play for the 24 year old in the summer, they will face stiff competition; with Italian sides Inter Milan and Fiorentina, and Premier League rivals Liverpool all reportedly interested in the pacy frontman. We certainly need a striker, with three of our current senior strikers all on loan deals which expire at the end of the season, and this lad looks like he'd fit the bill.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Injury-hit Irons to miss THREE key players at Stoke- updated

Things go from bad to worse for Sam Allardyce's West Ham as assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed today that captain Kevin Nolan, plus homegrown talents Mark Noble and James Tomkins are all likely to miss Saturday's trip to Stoke.

Both Noble and Tomkins missed out on the 3-2 defeat to Spurs on Monday night; Noble with trapped nerves in his arm (as reported exclusively to you by Blowing Bubbles on Monday afternoon) and Tomkins through a virus; while skipper Nolan limped out of the London derby after 35 minutes following a crunching tackle from Tottenham's Moussa Dembele- and it has been confirmed this afternoon that the 30 year old Scouser has indeed broken his foot and, pending a further scan in a fortnight when the injury will be re-assessed, could be out for as long as eight weeks.

McDonald told the East London Advertiser this afternoon that "we're still waiting for the results of Kevin's scan to come back but his toe is still very sore. He's had problems with his foot all season and has been playing through the pain barrier but now has had a right old whack on it- we'll be able to assess it properly in the next 24 hours, but I would say he's a real doubt for Saturday."

Fellow midfielder Noble is also a major doubt for the trip to the Britannia, the assistant manager confirmed. "We're still assessing his arm- he has a trapped nerve in his neck and arm and so will be a doubt for Saturday. We're working on it but he's not training at the moment." James Tomkins, the Advertiser states, was at the training ground this morning but was still looking under the weather and the defender himself stated that he had doubts about his availability for the clash with the Potters. The only good news for the Irons is that right back Guy Demel will be available for Saturday after making a full recovery from the knock which forced him off early in Monday's game.

All in all, injury woe for West Ham. Stoke away is a tough game at the best of times and it will be interested to see how Big Sam responds to this. The Hammers surely can't afford to lose three games on the bounce or will be dragged into a relegation dogfight. As ever, the Blowing Bubbles team will keep you bang up to date with any further developments.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Nolan undergoes scan: broken toe revealed

A scan has revealed that West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has broken his toe, Eurosport have reported this afternoon. The 30 year old midfielder suffered the injury in a tackle with Spurs' Moussa Dembele in the 3-2 defeat on Monday night and the Hammers' worst fears have been realised with this latest scan. However, it is not conclusively disastrous- the case may well be that the injury is treatable with painkilling injections and so if that were the case, the former Newcastle man would be able to play out the rest of the season before undergoing surgery in the summer. The injury will be reassessed in a fortnight and the club will have a clearer picture of the issue by then. As ever, we'll keep you bang up to date with all the latest developments, so keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No move for Gardner, says assistant manager McDonald

West Ham will not be signing ex Bolton utility man Ricardo Gardner, according to assistant manager Neil McDonald. Sam Allardyce's number two told TalkSport this morning that the Jamaican international has "just been in for a few weeks trying to get his fitness up and we've helped him out with a few games." There's no chance of a move, says McDonald, as there's no spaces left in the Hammers' 25-man Premier League squad. However, Gardner; who can play at left back, left wing or in central midfield, is now "raring to go and is now fit to get fixed up with a new club," according to the assistant manager. Probably for the best- a 34 year old free agent doesn't sound like the most ambitious signing; it's good that this one's biting the dust.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No Inter deal for ex Hammer Carew- Italian side say Norwegian striker lacks fitness

John Carew will not be offered a contract at Serie A side Inter Milan after the Italian team confirmed this morning that the ex Valencia man was not fit enough to be considered as a potential signing, and they will now look elswhere for a short-term replacement for Argentine striker Diego Milito, currently suffering from a serious cruciate injury and out for the rest of the season.

The Nerazzurri said in a statement on their website that they "would like to thank John Carew for the willingness and professionalism that he has shown.. however, his present physical condition would require a lengthy period of specific individual fitness work which is not compatible with the needs of the club."

Ex West Ham striker Carew has been out of the game since his Boleyn Ground release last May, and may now be thinking of calling time on his footballing career, with the 33 year old admitting yesterday that he has been spending a lot of time pursuing other activities during his period as a free agent, such as travelling and filmmaking, and now may well decide to pursue those or other business ventures; having been without a club for almost a year now. Former Norway international Carew was declared bankrupt last March. All the best, big man.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

We've got the quality, the results will come: Collins

West Ham defender James Collins has said that the side are looking onwards and upwards after Monday's last-gasp defeat to Tottenham Hospur at the Boleyn Ground.

 The centre half, who made his comeback from injury on Monday night, told whufc.com that "the way we started the season shows what we are capable of- we have some more tough matches coming up, but we have a great squad, a great team spirit and we want to win every game."

Despite the sickening last mintue defeat to Spurs, the Welsh cruncher is adamant that the defeat was not in vain and that lessons were learnt.

"It is gutting when you are only minutes away from getting something, but overall we were very happy with how we played; we were strong on Monday night; and that's something we can take into the Stoke game on Saturday."

The Hammers' task at the Britannia Stadium will be made even harder with both captain Kevin Nolan and his central midfield colleague Mark Noble both set to miss out through injury, but Collins says that there is no reason to be despondent.

"We have to go to Stoke and give it a go; we are training hard and I strongly believe that if we keep playing the way we are, the results will come."

Let's hope you're right, Ginge. Here's to three points on Saturday!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Ex Portsmouth star Belhadj keen on move to "prestigious" Hammers

Algerian winger Nadir Belhaj has told Sky Sports that he would be interested in a return to the Premier League to sign for West Ham. The 30 year old won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 but left the club two years later and now plays for Qatari outfit Al Sadd. Belhadj told reporters today that he was "happy" to be linked with the Irons, who he says are "a good team with a good reputation." Portuguese giants Benfica and Italian side Lazio are also interested in his services, but a selling point for West Ham may be Belhadj's desire to return to English football. The pacy frontman, who represented his nation and played against England in the 2010 World Cup, seems to be very much keeping his options open and said that he was "happy to be linked with prestigious clubs such as Benfica, Lazio and West Ham," but that "nothing has been decided yet." It's certainly true that we need some more options on the flanks and Belhadj would seem to fit the bill- the only stumbling block would appear to be the wages. He was one of quite a few Portsmouth players on huge wages during Harry Redknapp's time at the club, and having been playing in Qatar, he will have been picking up good money there as well, and will be unlikely to be happy at taking a big loss on his earnings. One to watch though!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Stoke to bid for Hammers target

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is poised to make a summer swoop for reported West Ham transfer target Marcos Alonso, according to the Mirror. The Potters almost signed the former Real Madrid wizkid in the January transfer deal, but couldn't agree a price with Alonso's side, Championship outfit Bolton Wanderers. This is bad news for us Irons, as yet another left back target appears to be biting the dust- Sam Allardyce was reportedly interested in the exciting young Spaniard; as reported to you by Blowing Bubbles on February 11, and sent a scout to watch him against Burnley in the Trotters' 2-1 win over Burnley in the Championship earlier in the month, but Stoke now look set to gazumph the Irons' bid for the versatile youngster, who can also play in central midfield, after watching him in person in Bolton's win over Peterborough on Tuesday. With Italian club Fiorentina also seemingly interested, this deal seems less and less likely to happen for West Ham.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Rob back from Brum

West Ham forward Rob Hall has returned to the Boleyn Ground after picking up a groin injury during his loan with Birmingham City.The young striker had a successful loan with the Championship outfit; building a good relationship with the supporters and team. Hall was accompanied by fellow Hammer Ravel Morrison who is remains on loan at St Andrews. Hall grabbed 7 assists in 12 games during his loan and his blistering pace looks to be a potentiall great asset to West Ham in the future.

Hopefully Hall can push on from now and chase up on a regular first team spot at Upton Park.

By Ben Edkins, Youth News correspondent

@benedkins12

Nolan and Noble injuries give Big Sam a headache: is it time for a change of formation?

With captain Kevin Nolan out of action for as long as potentially eight weeks, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will have to think about re-shuffling the team for the coming games.
West Ham's fortunes have literally faded and are almost dying as their form continues to dip following a great start to their Premier League campaign.

The Hammers' form of late has been poor and have picked up only four points from the last eighteen available and this blow to their captain will be another blow to the team who are fast slipping down the table following consecutive defeats to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Nolan seems to be an influential character at the heart of West Ham as he leads the team out every game and will surely be missed.

West Ham were also without the industrious Mark Noble, who is currently suffering from an arm injury incurred during training and missed the 3-2 defeat by Tottenham on Monday evening. Trouble are coming hard and fast for the Hammers now with two star players out and both set to miss Saturday's trip to Stoke City- always a difficult game, under any circumstances.

What will happen now with Nolan out remains a mystery, but Jack Collison would seem to be a suitable replacement as the Welsh international can play in the free role behind the striker, which has been dominated by Nolan during his one and a half seasons at the Boleyn Ground.

Who do you think should play the free role behind Andy Carroll? Or is it time for a formation shake up?
By Youth News correspondent Ben Edkins

@benedkins12

Irons need accuracy: Premier League stats reveal West Ham to be Premier League's 4th sloppiest team

Mohamed Diame is West Ham’s most accurate passer of the ball according to TalkSport.

Stats for each Premier League team have been put together by the statistic providers Opta, and for the Hammers, Diame has proved his weight in gold.

Accuracy is something that West Ham have struggled with in recent years, Diame’s 82.9% accuracy for this season is still below the average of the findings. In fact, there are only three clubs in the league whose top passer has a lower percentage of passing accuracy.

This is also a potentially worrying statistic given that Diame has missed a few games this season, meaning that even our other midfielders haven’t lived up to his high standards- which aren’t actually that high in comparison to the rest of the Premier League.

This might seem like another pointless statistic exercise for the Premier League, but actually findings like this should be used to warn players of slipping standards in a league with very skilled passers of the ball. The stat will sure to be of some comfort to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, who was criticised ahead of Monday’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham by Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas for his scientific approach to club management, but these stats are clearly worth something and are worth looking at.

By Lucy Woolford

EXCLUSIVE: Engine room shut down- Nolan and Noble both out of Saturday's game

Blowing Bubbles understands that West Ham's midfield will suffer a severe blow ahead of this Saturday's game away to Stoke City with both Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan set to miss out on the trip to the Britannia through injury. Noble, as we exclusively reported to you on Monday afternoon, recently sustained nerve damage in his arm during training, and missed the 3-2 defeat to Tottenham two days ago. The 25 year old midfielder is also, we understand, extremely unlikely to be match fit in time for the Premier League clash with the Potters in three days time.

Captain Nolan meanwhile limped off after 32 minutes of Monday's game with a foot injury sustained in a tackle with Spurs' Moussa Dembele and the extent of the injury is not known yet, but is likely to be a bad one, with a club source confirming earlier today that the midfielder dynamo's foot is so badly swollen that a scan cannot be taken at the moment- and the skipper could ultimately be out of action for as long as 8 weeks.

The timescale of Nolan's injury is not clear as of yet but he is almost certain to join fellow midfielder Noble on the sidelines on Saturday, giving West Ham boss Sam Allardyce a serious problem in the centre of the park. As ever, we'll update you with further news as soon as we hear it.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Last minute nightmare for the Dev Squad

Much like their first team counterparts, the West Ham United Development Squad conceded goals late on as they came a cropper against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a disappointing loss.

The Hammers Under-21 side went 1-0 up thanks to Sebastian Lletget's first goal of the season, but then two goals in the last eight minutes saw the Wolves youngsters gain a win.

Wolves equalised with a controversial penalty late-on and an unfortunate mistake from Frazer Shaw allowed the opposition to score a second in the 90th minute.

After the match, manager Nick Haycock told West Ham TV: "It's probably the first time that I do feel really aggrieved.

"Every game that we've played has been competitive and this was no different. We've come to a good club in Wolves and I think the environment was exactly what the boys are going to experience out on loan. The game played that way as well and it's a great game for the boys to have played in. There are some young lads out there who are learning by the day and this was no exception.”

Haycock’s style seems to be preparing the youngsters for a tough career, again enforcing the point that the players will learn from their mistakes at this level, which will prepare them for moving up to the first team or out on loan.

The Development Squad now only have six points in the U21 Premier League Elite Group Stage, but by the sounds of it they deserve more, and surely the results will come. The next test is Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on Friday night.

By Lucy Woolford

Down to the bare Bony: Vitesse hopeful of keeping West Ham target

Vitesse Arnhem interim director Erwin Kasagowski has told Voetbal International that the club are hopeful of retaining the services of top scorer Wilfried Bony- at least till the summer. The Russian transfer window closes later today and the Ivory Coast hitman has been linked with Russian sides Zenit St Petersburg, CSKA Moscow and Anzhi Mackhachkala, but Kasagowski says that the club have received no offer from any Russian club and he "does not think" the 23 year old will leave this transfer window. Bony himself has expressed an interest in a move to Russia, but his agent, Francis Kacou, has stated recently that the best thing the striker can do is "score lots more goals (in the Eredivise)," as then he will "have lots of offers to choose from in the summer." Bony, who has netted 22 goals so far this season has attracted interest from Inter Milan as well in recent weeks and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a known admirer of the pacy frontman and will be hoping Vitesse do manage to hold onto him- so he can launch a bid in the summer.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Inter-esting: Hammers reject Carew to sign for Italian giants

In an astonishing move, Europa League contenders Inter Milan have reportedly swooped to sign former West Ham striker John Carew on a contract till the end of the season. The 33 year old has been without a club since leaving the Boleyn Ground at the end of last season, having failed to cement a regular starting place in a Hammers side then playing in England's second tier, and scored only two goals during his time in East London, makiing nineteen appearances. But the former Norwegian international will be strutting his stuff at the San Siro alongside the likes of Walter Samuel and Diego Milito, with the Nerazzurri set to snap him up on a free transfer.

The big centre forward told reporters yesterday afternoon that "I was not expecting this call- I have been travelling and I have also made a film (since leaving West Ham) but now I am ready to give my best for Inter." This is an incredible turnaround in fortunes for Carew, who was declared bankrupt in March of last year and looked set to leave football altogether, with no clubs showing an interest in him but now the deal is almost sealed and the former Valencia and Aston Villa hitman will be playing football once more. All the best John!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Chelsea game rescheduled

West Ham's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has been moved from Saturday 16 March to Sunday 17; after the Blues progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League this week and will be playing the home leg of their two-legged tie against Steaua Bucharest two days before Saturday, when the game was originally scheduled. The game is unlikely to be broadcast on television; with Sunderland v Norwich and Wigan v Newcastle occupying the two Super Sunday slots on Sky Sports for that weekend and so the Hammers game will almost certainly be a 3pm kick off, subject to police requirements.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Spurs' Parker "upset" by Boleyn Ground boos

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has told the Daily Mail of his disappointment at being booed by the West Ham fans on his return to Upton Park on Monday night. The 30 year old midfielder gave away a penalty in the first half and told the paper that "I didn't expect the West Ham fans to boo me and it was a little bit upsetting. Maybe it's because I went to their local rivals, but I had four great years here and I loved the club and I loved the fans and I don't know why they did it." It's a real shame; every Irons fan has their own opinion on Parker but whatever any fan's feeling on the bloke, he gave his all to try and keep us in the Premier League and deserves respect for that- and should not be treated in the same way as someone like Lampard, who genuinely deserves everything he gets from our fans.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Skipper Nolan faces lengthy injury lay off

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan could be out of action for as long as eight weeks, according to the Sun. The tabloid reports that the 30 year old midfielder's foot is so swollen, following a tackle by Spurs striker Moussa Dembele in Monday's 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham, that it can't even be scanned yet and the tenacious Scouser could face two months out of action. A club insider stated that Nolan will "play through injury if necessary- but it's impossible to determine the extent of his injury. It could be one week, it could be eight." Nolan is expected to miss Saturday's trip to the Britannia to face Stoke City. As ever, we'll keep you updated with the latest developments, so keep watching Blowing Bubbles.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hammers getting hammered? West Ham party run up £1.1k bar tab on eve of Premier League match

In a story which has been reported in two very different ways by the Sun and the Daily Mail, evidence has come to light this morning showing a bar tab of £1,100 run up by a party of West Ham players and coaching staff at the Hilton Hotel in Staffordshire on December 15- the night before the Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion.

The Sun report that the 33-strong Hammers party spent a total of £774.85 on alcohol, including £205 on six bottles of wine and two Jack Daniels whiskies at 3.37am on December 16; the day of the match, and the implication from the tabloid, with a headline of "West Hammered", is very much that this was a case of out-of-control footballers getting on the lash. However, an official spokesman for the club denied that this was the case in any sense, stating that "this was a private bill paid by the manager as a Christmas thank you to his backroom staff," and that "no players consumed any alcoholic beverages.

The details of the club's bar tab got into the hands of the Sun after receipts were inadvertently sent to an unnamed firm, one of whose staff was quoted as saying "for a party of 33, if most were players and didn't touch a drop- which is unlikely- then that's a hell of a booze bill for the rest."

The Mail backs the Hammers spokesman up, with reporter Matt Lawless stating that "none of the first team had an alcoholic drink and hours later West Ham went to record one of their best performances away from Upton Park this season, holding Steve Clarke's in-form West Brom to a 0-0 draw." According to the paper's source, the West Ham party went to bed shortly after midnight and the two Jack Daniels, on which the Sun appears to basing their 'Hammered Hammers up drinking into early hours of morning before big game' take on the story, were nightcaps for "someone who couldn't sleep."

The feeling amongst West Ham fans so far seems to be that of grudging praise for the Mail; not always a source of well-balanced stories about the club; for their coverage of the story, and that actually, this isn't a story at all.

It's hard to disagree with that attitude; whilst it is true that the booze bill does seem extremely high for a backroom staff believed to number eight (if we assume the Hammers brought a 25-man squad up north); it should be considered that this is a well to-do hotel the squad were staying in and as such, prices were likely to be extortionate. In addition,  the club's claim that this was Big Sam's treat for his backroom staff seems to check out, there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that any players drank any alcohol at all, and after all, the main fact in this story is surely that the team gave a solid, committed and thoroughly professional performance the next day to frustrate a West Brom team who had hitherto been raining in the goals all season. Innocent until proven guilty- and they seem innocent.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Tuesday 26 February 2013

West Ham United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 3

Report by Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

The Boleyn Ground

In an excruciating climax to a pulsating London derby, West Ham were beaten at the last on Monday night by a fantastic goal from the Premier League's most in-form player, Gareth Bale. The result was incredibly harsh on the Hammers, who pulled together as a team for 90 minutes and played some of the best attacking football we've seen all season; but football can be a cruel game. The result was especially hard individually on West Ham's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen; who has been criticised by the media and by fans in recent games; but who pulled off world class save after world class save to thwart Spurs time and time again, with a full-stretch tip over the bar to prevent a trademark Bale chip from finding the net, the pick of the bunch. The Irons played well and any lingering doubts about the club's Premier League status will soon be swept away if they keep up that level of performance in the next few games.

After a a moving pre-match tribute to Bobby Moore, the day after the 20th anniversary of his passing, the game was underway and West Ham's gameplan became obvious from the off. A crunching tackle by Gary O'Neill on Emmanuel Adebayor that left the Tottenham man wincing and rubbing his calf set the tone for the rest of the game; the plan from Big Sam was clearly to get stuck into the self-annointed North London aristocrats. And it worked- for all of thirteen minutes. Just as the Boleyn Ground faithful were striking up a beautiful rendition of the timeless classic "Gareth Bale, he looks like a chimp," the Spurs winger picked up the ball on the edge of the West Ham penalty area, was given too much room by his Wales colleague James Collins; who failed to close him down; then shimmied away from Winston Reid, created the space for the shot and placed a pinpoint finish into the corner beyond Jaaskelainen.

The goal could not be said to have galvanised Sam Allardyce's men in any sense; on the contrary, there appeared no change to the gameplan and they continued to play with the same calm determination that they had started the game with; and simply continued to press the Spurs defence, looking for an opening. Twelve minutes later, it came. A good run from Momo Diame gave Andy Carroll the opportunity to run at Scott Parker inside the visitors' penalty area. Ex Iron Parker, not known for his precision when tackling, lunged at the England striker, bringing him down. The Geordie frontman got up and dispatched a Julian Dicks-esque penalty high into the net and suddenly we had a game on our hands again. From that moment, the balance of the play changed and Tottenham found their attacking opportunities strictly limited to swift counter-attacks as the Hammers dominated possession; and even those were swiftly snuffed out by a West Ham back four defending with an efficiency such that they were barely recognisable from the leaky, error-ridden rearguard which had given their fans such jitters since New Year. Matt Jarvis and Diame were both having excellent games and produced several telling balls in the final third, but no player in a claret and blue shirt could capitalise and after a Bale free kick on the stroke of half time went high and wide, the half time whistle went.

Spurs came out for the second half resurgent; a team clearly on a mission. They could go third in the Premier League with a win, and clearly wanted the points. A brilliant Jaaskelainen save at point-blank range from England centre half Caulker kept the score at 1-1; and then a spirited counter-attack gave the Hammers their lead. Following good work on the left from Matt Jarvis, Academy graduate Joe Cole appeared in the Tottenham box, and rifled his shot low beyond Hugo Lloris. With half an hour to play, Spurs threw everything forward and after yet another fantastic stop from the flying Finn Jaaskelainen; this time showing great reflexes to stop a goalbound Adebayor header, the break came for Tottenham. West Ham's punishment for failing to properly deal with an another textbook Bale ball into the danger zone was a stabbed finish home by Spurs substitute Sigurdsson. The goal came just minutes after Irons winger Matty Taylor was put clean through on goal and should have made it 3-1, but had his shot well parried by Lloris; but worse was to come for West Ham.

As the game entered stoppage time, too much room was afforded to Bale by Gary O'Neill, who had had an industrious game at the heart of the Hammers' midfield engine, and the 23 year old launched an extraordinary shot beyond Jaaskelainen and into the corner of the net. So near, yet so far. Been here before, you Irons, and we'll be here again. Keep the faith.

Man of the Match- Jussi Jaaskelainen, West Ham United

Line ups and player ratings

WEST HAM UNITED

Jaaskelainen- 8
O'Brien- 6
Collins- 7
Reid- 7
Demel- 8
Jarvis- 7
Cole- 7
O'Neill- 6
Diame- 7
Nolan- 5)
Carroll- 6

Substitutes: Taylor- 5 (for Nolan, '35); Pogatetz- 4 (for Demel, '72); Collison- 5 (for Diame, '84)

Substitutes not used: Spiegel, C Cole, Vaz Te, Chamakh

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Lloris- 7
Vertonghen- 6
Dawson- 6
Caulker- 7
Walker- 7
Lennon- 5
Parker- 6
Bale- 8
Holtby- 6
Adebayor- 6
Dembele- 5

Substitutes: Sigurdsson- 6 (for Holtby, '56); Carroll - 4 (for Dembele, '75); Livcermore -3 (for Parker, '88)

Attendance: 35,005

Referee: Howard Webb- 7

Monday 25 February 2013

He's my Mayn: Allardyce admits Figueroa interest

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has told the Newham Recorder that he wants to sign Wigan Athletic defender Maynor Figueroa when the defender's contract at the DW Stadium runs out at the end of the season. The Hammers have been strongly linked with the Honduran international in rcent weeks and now Big Sam has admitted he is poised to move for the 27 year old at the end of the current campaign.

The Irons chief told the paper "when you look at what he (Figueroa) has done at Wigan, there will be a lot of clubs interested in him over the summer- and we will be one of those clubs." Allardyce was however at pains to stress that any deal would be very much dependent on both the Hammers' Premier League survival and on the left back being out of contract. "We would be looking at any player that might be available in the summer- if we stay in this league."

If we take that last remark of the gaffer's literally, then in the evemt we are relegated, we won't be signing any players that are "available" in the summer, so would beginning the next campaign in the Championship without any new signings- hardly likely. Thus, I think it is safe to conclude that if we stay up, we will be making a move for Figueroa. It is pretty unusual for a manager to declare interest  in February in a player he wants to sign in the summer, so this; if not quite a done deal; is certainly well on its way.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Italian gang of three chase Hammers target Amorebieta

Sky Sports have reported that Serie A clubs Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all interested in reported West Ham target Fernando Amorebieta. The long serving Athletico Bilbao left back's contratc is up at the end of the current season and he reportedly has no interest in negotiating a new deal and is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign. The 27 year old's representatives are understood to be in Italy at the moment talking to unnamed clubs about a possible Bosman summer move.

 The Hammers were strongly linked with the Venezuelan international during January and may well renew their interest in him when the summer transfer window opens. If they do, however, they will face stiff competition for him, with Champions League sides Juventus and Milan and Europa League outfit Inter all now joining the Irons' Premier League rivals Arsenal; whose interest in the player we reported on February 19; and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in pursuit of Amorebieta.

With all this competition for the player; and with an alternative target in Wigan Athletic's versatile defender Maynor Figueroa reportedly lined up for a deal at the end of the season, a move for Amorebieta seems increasingly less likely for Irons chief Sam Allardyce.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Spurs' Bale up there with Messi: Hammers midfielder Collison

West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has told the Sun that Wales teammate Gareth Bale is as good as Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Collison, who will be facing his fellow countryman tonight at the Boleyn Ground, told the paper that "it's always good fun to play with someone like Bale (for Wales) because you know he's liable to do something extraordinary. I've played against him as well and you know what you're up against- pace, enthusiasm, energy. He's always hard to stop but we've got a gameplan and we'll stick to it."

Hammers academy graduate Collison tipped the Spurs man for Footballer of the Year, stating that he "would put Gareth up there with Messi and Ronaldo- he's improved his all-round game so much this season and plays with a smile on his face as well."

After West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's comments on Bale today, saying that the 23 year old is worth "£40-£50 million," Jack's comments could be yet another attempt from the West Ham tempt to take Tottenham's star player's mind off the game ahead of him. However, if that is the case, it'll likely take more than that to stop the on-fire winger.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

EXCLUSIVE: Noble out of tonight's game after suffering arm injury

Blowing Bubbles understands that midfielder Mark Noble will play no part in tonight's game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground after suffering nerve damage to his arm this week during training. The midfielder has been a shining light in what has been a series of poor Hammers performances so far in 2013, but according to our sources, will be kept out of tonight's game through injury. The club refused to comment when we asked them for clarification of Mark Noble's availability for tonight, but we have heard the news from a number of sources now and have no reason to doubt them. Updated team news is expected at around 6.30pm, so we'll know for certain then and will let you know all the latest. Keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur: match preview

West Ham go into this all-important London derby with both sides more eager than usual to get the three points. The Hammers can move into the top half of the Premier League table with a big win; while North London rivals Tottenham can leapfrog Chelsea, who lost 2-0 at champions Manchester City yesterday, and go third, putting four points between themselves and neighbours Arsenal in the process.

FORM

Of the two sides, it is clear that Spurs are the in-form team. The Irons have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, and have struggled for goals- they haven't scored more than twice in a single Premier League game since defeating Norwich City 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on New Year's Day.

Tottenham by comparison are in good shape; their last five Premier League outings have brought them a total of nine points, with two wins and three draws; and they are on a high, having defeated French ginats Lyon 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League. Spurs are actually undefeated in 2013 thus far and haven't tasted the bitter pill of defeat since a 2-1 reverse to Everton at Goodison Park on December 9, so West Ham have their work cut out to take anything from tonight.

RECENT MEETINGS

Recent games between West Ham and Tottenham is a prickly subjetc for Hammers; out of our last ten meetings, the Irons have triumphed just once- a goal from now-exiled striker Fredi Piquionne being enough to see off an out-of-sorts Spurs team in September 2010. That's as good as it gets for those of a claret and blue persusasion though; with our friends from North London triumphing in seven of the other meetings, with two draws making up the numbers. It's a good job this game is at the Boleyn Ground, as we haven't won at White Hart Lane since August 1998, when Ian Wright and Mark Keller both featured on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win.

TEAM NEWS

West Ham

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce almost has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with co-chairman David Gold confirming on Twitter today that only long-term absentee George McCartney being the only player not at Big Sam's disposal. As reported by Blowing Bubbles on February 13, centre half James Collins, a long term absentee from the first team since limping off during the 3-0 defeat at Sunderland in January with a hamstring strain, is set to make his comeback tonight; and fellow defender Joey O'Brien will also be back after successfully recovering from a thigh injury- both players skipped the trip to Dubai in order to get their fitness levels up and have been back in full training for the last few days. Blowing Bubbles' sources inform us that midfielder Mark Noble will play no part in tonight's game, however, after suffering an arm injury during training this week. January loan signing Wellington Paulista; a prolific scorer for the Development Squad with three goals in three games could be in line to make his Hammers debut as he makes the squad.

Tottenham

Spurs have a few injury worries, with former Hammer Jermain Defoe, the scorer of 14 goals already this season, sidelined with an ankle injury. Our heart at Blowing Bubbles bleeds for him. The visitors' other injury problems all relate to one part of their anatomy, with defender Younes Kaboul and midfielders Sandro and Tom Huddlestone all being sidelined with knee injuries. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is expected to return after sitting out the midweek 1-1 draw at Lyon.

OLD BOYS

This isn't as painful as it used to be, but there are still a couple of notable Hammers-Spurs connections which raise the blood pressure for us Irons. England forward Jermain Defoe spent four and a half seasons at the Boleyn Ground after making his first team debut against Walsall in the League Cup in September 2000; scoring 29 goals in 93 appearances before handing in a transfer request after relegation to the Championship in 2003 and eventually leaving for White Hart Lane in January 2004 in a deal which saw £7 million and Bobby Zamora head the other way. Former West Ham captain Scott Parker also signed for Spurs; the summer before last; for a fee of £5 million, after winning the 2010/2011 Football Writers' Player of the Year award but failing to prevent the club being relegated for the second time in eight years. With the game taking place the day after the 20th anniversary of the death of West Ham and England legend Bobby Moore and a wave of tributes planned by the Hammers, it is worth remembering that one of Bobby's closest pals, '60s and '70s winger Martin Peters, a World Cup winner with Mooro in '66, played for both sides, signing for Spurs in 1970. The original Judas? As Sir Matt Busby once put it about George Best, I prefer to remember his genius.

Dedicated to Bobby Moore- the greatest ever. Always in our hearts and in our minds.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling





Mind games continue: Spurs boss AVB describes Big Sam's methods as "useless"

In what appears to be a burgeoning mind game battle between the West Ham and Tottenham managers ahead of tonight's Boleyn Ground clash, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has fanned the flames of rivalry and has slammed his opposite number Sam Allardyce's statistical analysis approach to club management, describing the methods as "useless" and telling the Metro that although "it differs from coach to coach and we all have different approaches, I have never used ProZone. The mind and how the player feels is much more important from us when it comes to preparing players for training or matches."

This string of comments from the White Hart Lane chief is a decided knock at Big Sam, who is renowned in the game for his love of sports science and analytical approach to the game- and Villas-Boas' comments may well be a backlash for what was admittedly a pretty blatant attempt in the Independent this morning by the West Ham manager to unsettle Spurs' star man Gareth Bale, stating that he believes the Welsh star is worth £50 million and saying that "there could be (another club) from another country that decides could be the man."

These mind games are all par for the course before London derbies, and personally I think it's rather flattering that Villas-Boas has seen fit to take a knock at our manager's methods; it certainly does a fair bit of harm to Tottenham fans' longstanding claim that this game is our "cup final" and that they don't care about us. You might not, lads, but your manager certainly does!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons set to move for free agent Gardner

The Mirror are reporting today that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is poised to make a mid season swoop for ex Bolton utility man Ricardo Gardner, 34. The news comes after Blowing Bubbles told you exclusively on February 16th that the Jamaican international was on trial with the club, having played an hour in the previous night's reserve game against Southampton at Rush Green, and now it seems that Big Sam will move to add the experienced defender to his Hammers squad. Gardner is apparently keen to sign a short term deal in what is likely to be the final move of a solid career. We'll inform you of confirmation of any signing as soon as it happens, so keep watching Blowing Bubbles!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Dev Squad relish Boleyn Ground opportunities

West Ham’s Development squad are looking forward to playing some of their matches at the Boleyn Ground this year.

Manager Nick Haycock has been told that the matches against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will all be held at the home of the first team.

Haycock told whufc.com: "It will make a big difference playing at the Boleyn Ground, as that's ultimately where we'd like the boys to play- the more games you can get at your main stadia the better.

"Obviously, it won't be a full house, but hopefully we'll get a decent crowd in. That just raises the environment for the boys to prepare themselves for the biggest challenge, namely when they do step out in that domain for the first team.”

Haycock will use the matches to push the players even further. The squad will make the most of all of the facilities including dressing rooms, and hopefully this will make their desire to play first team football even stronger.

The first of these matches will be against Manchester United on Friday 1 March. Kick off is 7pm with under 16 tickets priced at £1, adults at £3 and Season Ticket holders gain free entry.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Derby day mind games begin: Big Sam talks up hotspur Bale

Sam Allardyce is confident ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Spurs, but says that the Hammers could be dealing with a player worth £50 million.

Allardyce has suggested that Gareth Bale could be tempted to move abroad when he leaves White Hart Lane, and believes that Tottenham will be looking for £40-50 million.

Discussing Bale with the Independent ahead of another important home match, Big Sam said: “There might be somebody else from another country that decides he could be the man, so that would inflate the price a little more, rather than people that might just be interested in this country. So who knows.”

He also noted that West Ham will not just pay attention to Bale, but also to the other big talents in the North London side.

On tonight’s game plan, Allardyce said: “They are very, very strong in possession and we must be very good defensively to cope with that. But then of course try and deliver the sort of performances at home we've done on a regular basis this season to cause them a few problems and score a few goals.”

This may be another story about the dangers of Bale, but keeping him quiet is something that the best sides find tricky. Let’s hope Andy Carroll is on form and can prove just as much of a nuisance to the Spurs defence.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Hammers sweat over anti-Semitic chanting charge

West Ham expect to learn by the end of today whether they will face any action by the Football Association for alleged anti-Semitic chanting by their fans at this season's reverse fixture against Tottenham Hospur at White Hart Lane on November 25, the Telegraph reports.

Immediately after the match, two West Ham fans reportedly accepted a police caution and one was given a lifetime ban from football matches for alleged Nazi gestures made during the match; but police have confirmed that a 23 year old man arrested following the match for the same offence was released last Monday with no further action taken. However, it is being reported that on Friday, seven men were charged over alleged football-related racist offences committed at the match against Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground six days before the game at White Hart Lane.

All this is in one sense rather worrying and in another rather relieving. On one hand, the club's name is being dragged through the dirt; on the other hand, the anti-Semitic problem that we've had for years is finally being dealt with- or so it seems. It seems very unlikely that this will be the last we've heard of this- as ever, we'll keep you in the loop.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor.

@alexshilling

Sunday 24 February 2013

Spurs not a one-man team: Taylor

West Ham winger Matty Taylor has warned his Irons teammates before tomorrow's Premier League clash at Upton Park that there is more to Tottenham than just the threat of Gareth Bale. The 23 year old chimpanzee-lookalike has been in fine form for Spurs this season, rattling in seventeen goals- with thirteen of those coming in the league. But ex Portsmouth star Taylor has told Sky Sports that tomorrow night's visitors have more to them than just the Welsh international.

"Everybody is talking about Gareth because he is playing well and scoring, but Bale is only one of a number of players we are going to have to watch- we'll have to try and shackle them. I wouldn't suggest Tottenham are a one-man team because there are a lot of exceptional players we have to keep our eye on, but also do our stuff."

The 31 year old's comments would seem to suggest that Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will not be making any significant changes to his gameplan for the London derby, and that the manager feels the best way to stop the North London side is to, as Taylor says, shackle them, and take our chances when they come. That sounds like a plan, but the performance will have to be a world away from the dismal showing at Villa Park two weeks ago if we are to get anything out of the game.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

New deal for Big Sam- if he keeps us up

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be offered a new contract at Upton Park if he secures Premier League survival for the Irons, the Sun say today.

The newspaper claim that a source within the club has told them that "if the club stays up, Sam will be offered a new deal. He will have brought us up in a season and kept us up- it gets no better than that. The club needs stability and he will have brought that; but if we were relegated, he would have to accept a big pay cut (in the event of being offered a new contract) and that probably wouldn't be acceptable."

If a new deal were offered to Sam, according to what Blowing Bubbles has understood from our sources previously, it would be in the region of £1.5-2 million a year- a fair deal on paper. However, if we are to take this source as genuine, it seems to imply that the club are refusing to rule out the possibility of offering him a new deal in the event that we are relegated; as in the statement making clear that it would be unlikely that Big Sam would stay if we went down, the emphasis is very much on what Allardyce himself would want and not what the club themselves would be prepared to offer.

This is all purely theoretical of course, but it is a nasty thought that the club wouldn't definitely make a change of manager if we finished in the bottom three. Love Sam as I do, there's no way we should keep him if he take us down; keeping a manager after relegation never ends well.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Friday 22 February 2013

Allardyce: I'll walk if West Ham go down

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that if West Ham fail to stay in the Premier League, he will leave the club.

With contract talks still at a vital stage with owners Gold and Sullivan, Allardyce has suggested that they will not renew his contract if the club is relegated and furthermore, that he will let that happen and walk away from Upton Park.

Sam told the London Evening Standard last night: "If we're safe we will talk about a new deal but, if not, there's no contract to discuss. That's on my part as well as the owners. I have always said that if I can't keep the club in the Premier League, I will quite happily let the contract run out and walk away so there is no financial burden on them.”

Blowing Bubbles understands that the hesitation from the club in offering Allardyce a new deal is that of financial caution- any new deal would be in the region of £1.5 to £2 million a year and it is thought that the club cannot offer the 58 year old that kind of guarantee until Premier League survival and revenue from a place in the top flight and television money is secured.

Big Sam’s words can easily be taken out of context, so it’’s important to highlight his consideration for the financial cost of being relegated and that it is also in the hands of the owners. All in all, it’s in everyone’s interest to stay in the top league.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc



Jussi issues warning

West Ham ‘keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has warned his outfield players against conceding free kicks against Spurs on Monday night.

Jaaskelainen’s main fear is that Gareth Bale will cause him problems with dangerous free kicks in promising positions.

He told whufc.com: "The ideal situation is that we don't give those silly free kicks away around the box, that's how you stop him because if you don't give him free kicks he can't do it again.

"He has obviously done lots of practice on the free kicks and the only thing a keeper can do is see the ball all the way and hope it doesn't go in right next to the post and he has a chance to save the ball."

Giving away possession and needless free kicks is something that West Ham are quite good at, so the Finnish stopper’s appeal is timely.

As painful as it is to accept, Gareth Bale is the best in the game on his day and no matter how on form a goalkeeper may be, the Welshman can and will punish even the slightest mistake

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Breaking bad: Swindon forced to change locks as Di Canio breaks into old office at midnight

If further proof were needed as to why now is not the right time for Paolo Di Canio to be appointed as West Ham manager, this is it. Charles Reynolds reports for the Independent this morning that ex Swindon boss Di Canio made a successful bid last night to break into his old office at the County Ground. Accompanied by a member of his backroom staff; the Italian, who quit as Swindon manager on Monday; was allegedly caught on CCTV at the club letting himself into his old office with keys from his time in Wiltshire at approximately 11.50pm last night and proceeded to "remove photographs from his successful spell as boss at the club from the walls." Reynolds states that Town have now "changed the codes on the stadium entrance and replaced the locks to his (old) office," and that whilst the club had been hopeful of persuading Di Canio to return as manager, "this incident looks to have scuppered" that idea. Extraordinary. I should have changed the lock, I should have changed the key- if I'd know, Paolo, for just one second that you'd be back to bother me!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hammers to warn fans against trouble on Monday

West Ham are set to warn the fans of the consequences of causing trouble at Monday's Premier League match at home to Tottenham. When the two sides met at White Hart Lane earlier in the season, a minority of Irons fans let themselves and the club down and chanted anti-Semitic songs at the Spurs fans and gave Nazi salutes. Now, the club want to avoid a repeat of that- especially after Tottenham fans were attacked in a bar by anti-Semitic Lyon supporters at their Europa League game on Wednesday night (the second time this has happened to Spurs fans this season after a similar incident occurred against Lazio in Rome earlier this season); and according to the Daily Mirror, the fear at the club is that the same morons will seek to make light of the incident and goad the Spurs supporters about it. The club will put a message in the match programme warning fans about their behaviour at the match and a statement on the website is expected later as well.

It's good to hear that the club are on the case with this; but realistically, they're only acting now because the behaviour of our fans at the game earlier in the season put the club in a bad light on a national scale. West Ham fans have been singing anti-Semitic songs to Tottenham fans for as long as I've been going to watch West Ham-Tottenham games and nothing's ever been done about it; occasionally a couple of fans get caught and banned but the problem hasn't been stamped out. Fair play to David Gold and David Sullivan if they're on the case with it and do something about it.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Lletget "relieved" to sign new deal and expects debut soon

West Ham's young midfielder Sebastian Lletget has spoken about his "relief" at signing a new deal at the club. The U.S U23 international penned a new contract- revealed exclusively to you by Blowing Bubbles on Monday- for the next two years, and whufc.com that, having "really enjoyed" his time so far at the Boleyn Ground, he was relieved everything had gone smoothly with negotiating his new deal.

"My contract was running up this year and I wish that I can stay here for as long as I like," the 20 year old American told the official website. "In the first half of this season, I've just being trying to impress the manager and have been blessed to play with a lot of great teammates- particularly in the first half of this season when our chemistry was really on point and I was really enjoying myself."

Lletget has been an unused substitute for the first team no less than five times this season and whilst he values the experience he's had on the bench, he wants to be stepping out onto the Boleyn Ground turf himself. "I sure feel my debut's coming- all I can do is keep my head down and keep doing what I'm doing. Every experience I get with the first team, even if I don't get on, I try to use the experience to my advantage." The boy from San Francisco hinted at a loan move away from the club, stating that "sooner or later, a club will show some interest and a loan move wouldn't be a bad idea."

Seb Lletget certainly seems an ambitious young man and a definite one to watch for the future- all the best son!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Thursday 21 February 2013

McCallum back from Dons

Paul McCallum has returned from a successful loan spell at league two outfit AFC Wimbledon.

The 6ft 3in striker was in fine form for the Dons, scoring 4 goals in 9 appearances.

McCallum had signed on an initial one month deal, however, a red card on his debut kept him out for three games. Despite this, Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley decided to give him another chance and thus extended the loan deal.

All of McCallum's goals came within three matches, which resulted in him winning League Two Player of the Month in January 2013.

The 19 year old declared that he was happy with the turnout at Wimbledon, and hopes a few more loan periods under his belt can help him secure a future starting spot in the West Ham team.

By Ben Edkins, Youth News correspondent

@bedkins12

Seventh heaven for Irons U17s

Steve Potts’ West Ham U17 side put seven past Dagenham and Redbridge youths
in a half-term friendly.

Marcio Martins managed netted a hat-trick, and schoolboys Jerry Amoo,
Reece Burke and Jami Rafati put another three past the Daggers ‘keeper, with the
other goal coming courtesy of a Daggers' defender.

Steve Potts was suitably impressed with the victory. He told whufc.com: "We
had a mixture of first-year scholars and Under-16 schoolboys and we played
some really good football and scored the goals to go with it."
“On Thursday, we put the ball into the back of the net and it was very
pleasing on the eye and very good.”

Potts took this opportunity to remind his young players that there are
Development squad places available and that good performances may be
rewarded by higher level football.

Hopefully the side will build on this result and transfer the confidence to
their league matches, for which results haven’t been as flattering.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Big Sam's our man, no place for Di Canio: Gold

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has quickly dismissed rumours that Paolo Di Canio could be
making his way back to Upton Park in a manager’s role.

Gold took the sensible option to quash the whispers before it gets out of
hand. Although the Hammers’ favourite is now out of a job, the co-owner
made clear that Sam Allardyce is the manager and that there is no vacancy.

Speaking to SportsDirect News, Gold said: “I want to make this absolutely
clear there is no managerial vacancy for Paolo or anyone else at the club.
There is no job available.

“I understand he is an absolute hero here, but as we have said previously,
we will be holding talks with our manager Sam Allardyce at the end of the
season and that’s exactly where things stand.”

Meanwhile, newspapers continue to assume that all West Ham fans will
disagree with this statement.

David Gold did the right thing in putting an end to the rumours. Unsettling
a team who are already unnerved by a recent bad run is the worst thing West
Ham fans could do. Di Canio one day, yes please, but not yet.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

I had to leave West Ham to improve: Zavon Hines

Ahead of the biggest game of his life, ex-Hammer Zavon Hines has been talking about his feelings for West Ham, and why he left.

The Academy graduate will walk out with Bradford City onto the Wembley turf this weekend to try and gain League Cup victory over Swansea.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror about leaving Upton Park, Hines said: “[Allardyce] was trying to build a squad to get promotion and I could have been playing in the Premier League now...But I just felt at that stage of my career, I had to back myself, go somewhere and play regular games to really push on and become better player.”

He went on to reveal that West Ham still holds a special place in his life: “West Ham will always be in my heart and the club was so good for me but the thought now of playing at Wembley, the highlight of my career on the big stage means it was worthwhile and the right thing to do.”

We wish him the best of luck this weekend. He could be another one that got away, but maybe his words tie in well with Sam Allardyce’s belief that academy players face tough careers being in competition with seasoned footballers.

By Lucy Woolford

@lucy_whufc

Carroll applauds fans impact

West Ham striker Andy Carroll has told whufc.com how much he appreciates the support from the Upton Park faithful. The England international, who grabbed the winner against Swansea City in the last home game, stated that "the fans here have been great with me. They could have got on my back early doors, what with my being injured, coming back, then getting injured again and not scoring the goals that everyone had hoped I would score, but they've been very patient and to have them singing my name is excellent." The 24 year old's future at the end of the season is up in the air, with Irons boss Sam Allardyce telling Yahoo!-Eurosport last week that, contrary to previous reports from Sky Sports, no deal had been agreed with Liverpool for the permanent transfer of the ex Newcastle man. Call me idealistic, a Happy Hammer with his head in the clouds, but I'm hopeful that the backing form the fans might yet prove to be a factor in whether Carroll signs for us or not.. here's hoping, anyway!

By Alex Shilling

@alexshilling

Irons lead Football v Homophobia campaign

West Ham have carried on their good work for equal rights in football done last year, when they became one of the first professional clubs in Europe to back the Football v Homophobia campaign by supporting the campaign once again.

Led by captain Kevin Nolan, the Hammers donned t shirts bearing the campaign's message during training at Chadwell Heath this week and showed total solidarity with the campaign, which aims to take action against discrimination and prejudice based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game.

The backing for FvH by the club comes just days after former Leeds United and USA international Robbie Rogers came out as gay and stated his intentions to "step back from football," and in doing so, became only the third professional footballer ever to do so, following in the footsteps of former England U21 international Justin Fashanu and Swedish lower league player Anton Hysen, son of former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen, so the support for the campaign by West Ham could not be any better timed.

Irons skipper Nolan stated the importance that the club back the campaign, telling whufc.com that "we as footballers are role models and we've got to show that we respect all members of society and show that we're open minded. If someone came to me and told me- or any of the lads- that they were gay, it wouldn't change my view of them one iota, and that's the only way it can be, so it's a vital message to push."

This month has seen a period of action, with an international show of unity with the campaign and FvH director Megan Worthing-Davies praised the club, saying that "in order to effectively challenge homophobia and transphobia in football, it is imperative that players support the message of FvH and we are delighted to see West Ham once again leading the way against discrimination- well done, lads!" Well done lads indeed- it's great to see the club backing this campaign and hopefully it will have some real impact on eliminating mindless prejudice in the game.

By Alex Shilling

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Corden backing Big Sam

West Ham fan and actor James Corden has spoken of his desire to keep Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to TalkSport radio this morning, James Corden was asked a series of questions and he was more than happy to answer them honestly.

On Allardyce, Corden said: “I had a text from a mate saying “Di Canio’s left Swindon, this could be it”, and I think “could be what?” We’ve got an amazing manager who’s done a brilliant, brilliant job this season. I think some of his buys have been incredible.”

The Gavin And Stacey and History Boys star struggled to name who could even replace Allardyce should he leave, and said that he trusts Big Sam to keep us afloat for a few years to come.

He also used the air time to suggest that Arsenal fans should consider themselves to be in a bad situation, bearing in mind what West Ham have been through before them.

Well said James! Good to hear someone using the media to be positive about the current era.

By Lucy Woolford