Lethal Lee wants top three finish

On the back of a highly praised performance from Elliot Lee, he has admitted that he loves scoring goals for the West Ham U21s and was delighted to net again after being ill last week.

Lee scored in the Development Squad’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Friday night and it was his 13th goal of the season, described by manager Nick Haycock as “fantastic”.

Speaking to West Ham TV, Lee said: "as a striker and as a goalscorer, you've got to be confident and composed in those positions. To be honest, I've done this since I was Under-8 at this club, so I love being in those positions and I love scoring goals.

"It's going, really well. I've been ill for a week and off training, but I came back last week and got a goal, [even though] I didn't play my best. But this week I thought I played really well, I got my goal as well and it was a great win for the team.

"I'm just getting my sharpness back and on Friday it looked like I'd got it back. I took on my man and slid it in the corner, so I'm really happy with my goal."

The side have now won two in a row, and Lee hopes that the momentum can carry on to see the side finish in the top three of the league and gain a Play-Off place.

He said: "We're playing really well at the minute, playing some great stuff, so hopefully we can go to Southampton, get the three points, then again at West Brom and end up in that top three."

Lee also hinted that some of the players have been told they may get a run out in the first-team in the last couple of games. He has already made his first-team debut in January, at Old Trafford of all places, but the chance of another match at the highest level is not putting anyone off concentrating on the Development Squad job in hand.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Positives aplenty for U18s boss Potts

West Ham U18s manager Steve Potts has been reflecting on his side’s convincing 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday and is looking forward to the last game of his side’s season.

Joe Ward netted first for the Hammers followed by another first half goal from Nathan Mavila. Alex O’Hanlon scored for Liverpool, but the defensive display was enough to mean that West Ham came out with all three points.

The win means West Ham now sit fourth in Tier One and afterwards a proud Potts told West Ham TV: "I'm very pleased with what I saw...I thought we gave an all-round good performance in the first half.”

“We worked very hard defensively and didn't let the Liverpool players settle on the ball. When we had the ball, we moved it around the pitch well and grabbed ourselves two goals. I think we deserved more goals.”

On the defensive side of their game, Potts said, "it's part of the game, especially when you are playing against decent opposition... there are always going to be times when we are going to have to dig in and work hard defensively, which we did.”

He was also keen to talk about the U21 Development Squad, a few of which began the season in Potts’ team: "When I watched the West Ham Development Squad match on Friday against Liverpool, I thought all the lads that played were excellent. I really did think it was a brilliant performance. Nick has got that team going really well and it's just nice to see some of the younger lads in there pushing on. They are getting pushed a lot but playing well at the same time.

The U18s now face Stoke City in the last match of the season, and Potts hopes for a win to end the season on a high. He also said that he has enjoyed his time this season with the Under 16s in the first half and Under 18s in the second, but does admit that managing the U18s has been more intense.

He concluded “tactically, the team is looking stronger because, with the younger teams, the games can be more end to end, whereas at this level, you may only get one or two chances in a game and you have to take them."

We wish all the best to the U18s this Saturday and maybe we’ll see a few more of the players in Development Squad action next season.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Hammers in Hunt for Reading striker

West Ham are keeping tabs on Reading striker Noel Hunt, according to Sky Sports.

The 30 year old is out of contract at the end of the season and Royals manager Nigel Adkins is believed to want to trim his squad after relegation to the Championship was confirmed with a 0-0 draw at home to Queens Park Rangers yesterday.

The Irons have been linked with Hunt's brother Stephen, currently at Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the past.

One selling point for the younger of the Hunt brothers, Noel, is that he is a Hammers fan, as he admitted last season after Reading's 4-2 win at Upton Park. Sam Allardyce will reportedly face competition for Hunt from newly promoted Cardiff City and Hull City, who can seal promotion to the Premier League with a win next Sunday.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons to pay Wolves 'full whack' for £10m Jarvis

West Ham will be paying Wolverhampton Wanderers the full amount of transfer fee for wing wizard Matt Jarvis, Sports Direct News are reporting today.

The one-time England midfielder signed for an original £7m last summer, with the rest of the money conditional on clauses. However, co-chairman David Gold has today stated that all of those clauses have been met, so the Hammers will be splashing out an eventual fee on Jarvis which will break the club's record transfer fee and push the deal up to £10.25m.

"We'll be paying top whack for Jarvis," Gold revealed today. "It looks like all of the clauses [which reportedly included appearances, survival and money at the end of the season for league appearances] will be met so it'll be the fee in full."

The 26 year old has only scored two goals this season for the club, but finally looks like he's settled in and is upbeat about his future in East London, saying today that he 'felt the pressure of the price tag' but he is 'very happy here' and believes he and his teammates can make a real impact on the league in the coming seasons.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Moncur good enough for first team, says Dev Squad boss Haycock

West Ham Development Squad manager Nick Haycock has been singing the praises of midfielder George Moncur after his outstanding performance in the win over Liverpool on Friday.

The Hammers won 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on a night which saw both Ben Marlow and Elliot Lee net for the home side. Haycock was very proud of the side’s second consecutive win, but picked out Moncur’s efforts on the night.

Haycock told West Ham TV:  "I think that was the best we've played. We went out on the pitch before kick-off to just touch upon how we were going to play in and out of possession and I have to say the players were brilliant in response to that. They are growing up as young players and as young men.

"You saw a few leaders out there and I think I should give George Moncur a special mention. I thought his energy, his appetite, his play in tight areas, his decision making with the ball was excellent. He's just got to keep going. He has been like that most of the season anyway. He's had a very good season, he's very good around the dressing room and out on the pitch he's now pushing and pushing and he can do no more.”

Haycock also called Lee’s goal “fantastic” and revealed that the goal-scorer has been struggling with a recent illness.

On promoting players to the Premier League side, Haycock said: "Sam [fAllardyce], Macca [Neil McDonald, Hendo [Ian Hendon] and the team support us massively. Sam will do what he sees fit but he knows there are young, hungry lads waiting and I'm obviously pushing him behind the scenes and chomping at the bit to get them in there. But I appreciate the job he has done this season. That's a decision he has to make and like he has done many times this season, he'll make the right one."

With more calls from fans for Sam Allardyce to let a few of the emerging youngsters have a first team run-out after reaching 40 points, praise such as this can do Moncur and co. no harm.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Super Premier League disappointment for Ladies

West Ham Ladies are disappointed this morning after being told that their application to join the Women's Super League second division has been declined.

Sunderland Ladies have been accepted at the Hammers' expense, and will join Aston Villa Ladies, Doncaster Belles, Durham Women's, London Bees Women's, Millwall Lionnesses, Oxford United Women's, Reading Women's, Watford Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies in the second tier.

Whilst it is a setback for the girls, a little perspective must be had. West Ham play in the Southern Division of the women's football pyramid and have had a lethargic season by their standards, having been eliminated from both cup competitions, lying 5th from top in the league and are without a win in their last five games. Leeds United Ladies, currently flying high in the National Premier League, the division above the Irons, also had their application rejected.

The ladies now have four games remaining of this season and, just like their male counterparts, will want to make the most of it and finish the season as strongly as they possibly can, before kicking on next season.

In better news however, the West Ham U11 girls side have rounded off a fantastic league campaign by triumphing 4-0 in their final league game and in doing so, have gone the entire league season unbeaten and romped to the league title, eight points clear of 2nd placed Writtle Minors.

The girls now have the chance to double their joy as they face a May 12 date to take on in Upminster Park Rovers in the Essex County Girls cup final.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Swans drop out of race to sign Spain star Negredo- Hammers in pole position

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has told Sky Sports that he cannot see a move materialising for Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo, as he feels his club will simply be priced out of the market.

West Ham have been linked in recent weeks with the powerful Spain international and have emerged as  the favourites to sign Negredo with Capital One Cup winners Swansea dropping out of the race.

"It's out of our league," Laudrup told Sky Sports. "I think we're talking double figures in terms of millions of pounds, I know there are other teams who want to sign him and we cannot pay £10m, £12m or £14m."

Get in there, Sam, while the going's good...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Alf a minute: Finnbogason's agent admits contact from England

Amid reports earlier this week that a whole host of clubs, including West Ham, have been watching Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason, the Iceland international's agent has moved to clarify the situation.

Magnus Agnar Magnusson told Italian newspaper calciomercato that despite reports from Italy claiming that AC Milan legend and current Heerenveen boss Marco van Basten had tipped off his former club about the 24 year old, there has been no contact from the Italian giants- but there has been interest from the Premier League.

"Nobody from AC Milan has called me and I am inclined to believe this is just a rumour, Finnbogason's agent said yesterday.

"We have been in touch with English clubs, but there is no rush. The English league is one of the best in the world and Finnbogason has the quality to emerge in one of Europe's top leagues but for the moment, he only wants to think about finishing the season well with his club."

Another one to watch...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No new contract offer, say Cole's representatives

After a morning of reports surrounding the future of West Ham striker Carlton Cole, Sky Sports have just confirmed that there has been no new contract offer tabled by the club to the player- according to Cole's representatives.

A statement issued to Sky Sports by the 29 year old's representatives stated that "there was only one offer [of a new contract] that was discussed during pre season, after which nothing has been discussed since.. Carlton's only focus has been to do his best for the team to help them stay in the Premier League. Carlton is out of contract in the summer and has always performed at his best whenever he's been called upon."

In this age of digital media, the earliest confirmation from footballers of news regarding their futures usually comes on Twitter, but the big striker has said nothing on the social networking site as of yet. We'll keep you posted with all the latest on this one.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Tweets sweet but untrue- Bony Twitter account a fake

Rumours have been circulating today, on the mire of salacious transfer gossip that is Twitter, that Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony is on his way to England to sign for West Ham.

The 24 year old has been strongly linked with the Hammers in recent weeks, and Irons co-chairman David Sullivan held talks with the Ivory Coast international's representatives in London last month.

However, contrary to what noises from a Twitter account going under the name of '@officialbony' have been articulating this morning, Blowing Bubbles understands that this account is fake. The account tweeted just after 9am 'on way to sign for #WestHam', a tweet which has since been deleted, presumably because the owner of the account realised that the majority of fans weren't buying it.

The account has been tweeting for several months but does not yet have a verified profile with the signature verified blue tick, which seems odd as Bony is one of the world's most high-profile players at the moment and also the tweets are all in English, which also seems strange as Bony plays in Holland and previously in the Czech Republic and hails from the Ivory Coast, where the spoken language is French.

The striker, to the best of our knowledge, does not have a personal Twitter account at all.

Transfer excitement over chaps, not that any of you were excited in the first place...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No new deal for Cole or anyone else, says Big Sam

Amid reports this morning that West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been offered a new contract worth more than £1.5m a year, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has denied that any such deal has been tabled by the club.

The 59 year old told TalkSport this morning that the out-of-contract striker has "not been offered a contract verbally" and furthermore, that no deals will be discussed for any Irons players out of contract this summer or returning from loan periods until the end of the season.

On the future of 20 year old midfielder Ravel Morrison, currently on loan at Championship side Birmingham City, Allardyce stated that "I've said it all along, we'll discuss it [a new contract] when the season's over."

"With the loan players and those out of contract, we will sit down and make a judgment before we enter into contracts with any other players."

Big Sam is going to have to get his skates on, especially with Morrison, with recent reports linking the former Manchester United starlet with a summer return to Manchester, after fallen champions City reportedly made discreet enquiries last week about the former England U19 international's availability.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Allardyce "satisfied" but wants even better performances in last four games

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has told of his satisfaction at his side's solid first season back so far in the Premier League, and says that he now wants his players to push on and seal a top half finish.

Speaking to a press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to the Etihad Stadium to face fallen champions Manchester City, Big Sam praised the 'consistency' of his players, but warned that although survival is virtually secured for the Irons, anything could happen in the remaining four games.

"I always said from the start that I wanted us to finish around mid table, and that tenth was the highest we could possibly finish, and now we're there with four games to go. We've not been lower than 14th all season, so it really shows the consistency the players have shown."

"We had a bleak spell around December and January but now we're in a very comfortable position and now we can enjoy and relax [in the final four games] without it detracting from the performance. In fact, it hope it will make the lads perform even better than they already have done- while we're not mathematically safe, it's going to be very difficult for the teams around us to put us in a relegation-threatened position."

On the coming trips to City and to Everton a fortnight later, the 59 year old was equally pragmatic.

"We've got two very difficult away games at Manchester City and Everton, and we could lose our last four games."

"First and foremost, we are concentrating on City, and trying to give the best performance we can at a very difficult place to play football. Then we have, on paper, two less difficult games, against Reading who are struggling at the bottom and Newcastle who haven't performed that well away from home this season."

There have been calls from the fans in recent weeks for Brazilian loanee Wellington Paulista to be given his chance in the first team, and the 29 year old was deemed worthy of a place on the bench against Wigan Athletic last Saturday, but the manager is making no promises to blood Paulista or any other fringe players in the final few games, with survival all but assured.

"We've talked about it, but at £800,000 a place in the league it's something I have to consider. The higher we finish in the league the more revenue it generates, the greater budgeting figures we have for next season. We will try one or two young players but it will not be a big change to the team."

Allardyce concluded the press conference by confirming that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's trip up north.

"James Tomkins [calf] and George McCartney [cruciate] are our only injuries at the moment, the rest of the squad are all fine and enjoyed a couple of well-earnt days off after the week they had and are ready to go against Manchester City."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Last day deadline for Cole in £1.5m contract offer

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been given until the last day of the season to sign a new deal at the Boleyn Ground, the Sun are reporting this morning.

The powerful frontman has been in talks with the club for some weeks but negotiations were believed to be on the brink of breaking down, with the 29 year reported to be demanding £40,000 a week wages and the Hammers hierarchy having a figure of around £20,000 in mind.

However, according to the newspaper this morning, the club have been prepared to compromise on a new deal for Cole and have offered him a new contract worth £30,000 a week, plus £5,000 in appearance money. The appearance money is an interesting turn in the contract negotiations, given that the one time England striker has only started six games this year for the Irons.

The forward is out of contract at the end of the season and is believed to have been considering his options, with Reading and Crystal Palace among the sides reportedly interested in Cole's services. Now, he has 24 days to decide his West Ham future.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

O'Neil looking forward to top half finish

West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil has told West Ham TV that the Hammers are full of confidence and looking forward to the end-of-season run in after Saturday's win over Wigan Athletic took the club's unbeaten streak to five games.

"It's nice to be able to look up without worrying what's behind you," the former Middlesbrough star said last night.


"Wigan was a big three points for us, we managed to punish them twice and capitalise on the way they leave themselves open at the back."

"Three games in a week is really tough on the legs and mentally as well, so to keep the unbeaten run going was really important. We're looking forward to the last few games of the season ans seeing if we can finish in the top ten."

On Saturday's trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City, the 29 year old stated that "it's a tough place to go, but City are out of the title race now and we've been a little bit more solid on the road of late, so hopefully that'll help."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

It's a fine finish t'be sure! Top half finish was always the aim, says Irons defender O'Brien

West Ham defender Joey O'Brien has told West Ham TV that finishing the top ten was the main aim for the club at the start of the season and that he and his teammates are on track to achieve it.

"At the start of the season, a top ten finish was always the target," the Ireland international said today.

"As a newly-promoted team, that would be a fantastic achievement. Reading won the Championship last season but they've struggled; in pre season for us, there was never any talk of relegation."

The Hammers currently lie 10th in the league and have four games to play, starting with a trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to face fallen champions Manchester City. O'Brien believes that much of the club's success has been down to the experience within the squad.

"It's a hard league but we had players who'd played in the top flight before and that helped us from the start."

Keep it up son...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

The lad's of good Stock: Irons want Fulham keeper

West Ham are planning a summer bid for Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, according to the Express.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol is a fan of the 27 year old but would be prepared to offload him in order to free up some funds for his main summer transfer target, Roma keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, and an offer of £4m would reportedly be enough to persuade the West Londoners to sell Stockdale, who has spent most of this season on loan at Championship outfit Hull City.

The Tigers would potentially be keen on a permanent deal for the former Darlington stopper, but that is likely to be conditional on their gaining promotion this season. The Yorkshire side currently sit 2nd in the Championship and can guarantee themselves Premier League football next term with a win on Saturday at relegation-threatened Barnsley.

The Hammers have now been linked with both Fulham goalkeepers in the last fortnight, with recent reports linking Australia international Mark Schwarzer with a summer move to Upton Park.

We're just Ful of it at the moment...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Looks like that's Rat! Romania star on brink of Hammers move, says agent

Reports from Romania claim that Shakhtar Donetsk full back Razvan Rat will sign for West Ham in the next week. The 31 year old is out of contract at the end of the season and after a proposed move to Marseille stalled, looks set to move to Upton Park- and the deal could be done any day now.

In an interview with Romanian website Ziare.com, Rat's agent Florin Manea  revealed that he and his client have been in talks with the Irons for three months and a three year deal has been offered to the Romania international, a deal described by Manea as "very advantageous."

 The agent says he "would advise a Premier League move," despite Shaktar offering to extend Rat's contract. The deal from the Ukrainian side is that it would only be a one year extension and with a reduced salary, so not as attractive as a lucrative move to England.

Rat is currently said to be considering his options, with interest from unnamed Turkish clubs, as well as Marseille. However, the Hammers are the first to make a formal offer, says Manea, and states that "we will give an answer to West Ham shortly.. if it is positive, Rat will probably go to London next week and sign."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Carroll non-story alert- Daily Star in lazy journalism shocker

In a story which has made Sky Sports this morning, the Daily Star are reporting that on loan West Ham striker "fears that any chance of a summer escape is doomed unless Liverpool drop their asking price."

Not really a story in the first place; the Sun reported on Saturday that the Irons will offer Liverpool £10m in the summer for the England man, which was then followed by Sports Direct News' exclusive yesterday that the Hammers hierarchy will make Carroll their number one transfer target in the summer.

However, the line from the Star this morning is that the 24 year old would "love to return for a second spell at hometown club Newcastle."

This claim is supported by the paper's 'source,' which states that "Andy is realistic about next season and is not expecting to be back at Newcastle or West Ham. He is prepared to go back and fight for his place at Liverpool, where he feels there is unfinished business."

Yeah.. interesting how that ostentatiously original 'source' looks like the source quoted in yesterday morning's  Evening Chronicle, innit? Almost identical, in fact..

Watch yourselves, kids. Lot of baloney out there and the transfer window hasn't even opened yet!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Oh, while we're at it.. Hammers plan talks with fans over Olympic Stadium move

West Ham will give fans a chance to have their say on the proposed move to the  Olympic Stadium in Stratford in 2016, TalkSport are reporting this afternoon.

 The move was confirmed last month and will go ahead, subject to approval of stadium alteration plans being given the green light by the LLDC, but the club are keen to get the opinions of supporters on the subject in an independent consultation process by YouGov, in the form of a survey which can be taken here.

Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said in a joint statement this afternoon, "the supporter consultation will be the first real chance we have had to garner the detailed thoughts of our fanbase about this massive move for our club."

"From the conversations we've been having with supporters, it seems most are as excited about the proposal as we are, however we welcome and encourage feedback from all supporters. It is vitally important everyone has their say."

A video from the vice-chairman Karren Brady, detailing the plans for the renovation of the athletics ground, was posted by the club last week, something which they were seemingly keen to push into the centre of supporters' attention, with a news story going up on whufc.com yesterday proudly announcing that 'more than 55,000 West Ham United fans have already watched Vice-Chairman Karren Brady's presentation of the plans for the converted Olympic Stadium'.

This is a decent PR campaign by the club (for the first time in living memory), but the fact is that the owners' statement that 'this is the first real chance' they've had to get fans' opinions on the move simply isn't true. 

They've had ample opportunity to get fans' views on the moves; as they've stated themselves ('from the conversations we've been having with supporters..') they have simply chosen not to take fans' views into account until the decision's already been made. This makes little sense and serves little purpose, given the numbers of fans who support the move.. surely the club don't fear that the bulk of West Ham fans don't back the move?

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No Irons contact over hotshot Finnbogason insist Dutch club

Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen have stated that no inquiries have been received from West Ham for their prolific young striker Alfred Finnbogason.

The Iceland international has been in scintillating form in Holland this season, netting 28 goals in just 30 games, a sensational return for what is only the 24 year old's first season in Dutch football after signing from Belgian side Lokeren last summer. 

Heerenveen technical director Johan Hansma told Voetbal International today, "we have not been contacted by any club yet for Alfred, but we understand he is in the spotlight."

The Hammers are interested in the exciting young forward and have been keeping an eye on his progress in recent weeks, according to Sky Sports.

Finnbogason is the second Icelandic player West Ham have been linked with in recent weeks, with the club also rumoured to be keen on a loan move for Juventus' classy defender Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson.

They will face competition for Finnbogason's signature should they go for him however, with Premier League rivals Everton, Aston Villa and Sunderland all chasing the former Helsingborgs loanee. 

The Black Cats would appear to be in the most advanced position in regard to any move, with chief scout and former West Ham favourite Bryan 'Pop' Robson travelling to Holland last weekend to see Finnbogason score in a 1-1 draw with Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena. 

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hammers will go all out to land Carroll

In another line on the future of Andy Carroll, Sports Direct News have reported in the last hour that co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have decided to make the on-loan Liverpool forward their number one transfer target this summer.

A highly-placed club source has revealed to the newspaper that although the club are not in a financial position to pay the £17m that the Reds want for Carroll, they can afford his £84,000 a week wages and will be in a position to compete with rival clubs for the 24 year old's signature.

The source quoted in SDN states, "there has been a lot of bluff and counter bluff on this one but the die is cast- it's all systems go for Andy. The club are ready to compete for him, knowing that in Sam [Allardyce] he has a manager who seriously values him and will make him a Premier League top player and maybe resurrect his England career, but at the end of it all, the only person who will make the decision is Andy."

This story comes in at the same time as reports from the Chronicle that the striker's preferred destination this summer is a return to Anfield, where according to sources, he has 'unfinished business.'

Another thread in the devil's tapestry that is Andy Carroll's future...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

"Realistic" Carroll to fight for place at Liverpool and resolve "unfinished business"

In an interesting twist to the Andy Carroll transfer saga, the Evening Chronicle are reporting this morning (yes, we know that sounds odd) that the on loan Liverpool striker is not expecting to be making a return to boyhood club Newcastle United- NOR is he planning a permanent switch to West Ham.

The Chronicle's man Lee Ryder claims that sources close to Carroll have said that the big striker has "unfinished business" at Anfield, where he is eager to continue his "good rapport with the Kop" and that he is "not expecting to be back at Newcastle or West Ham next season."

Mixed messages have been coming from Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, with the 59 year old stating in recent days that the club can't afford to sign the England man, under the new financial fair play regulations, but that Carroll is "critical" to the Irons' immediate future.

This is all just speculation at the moment, but this isn't good news for us Irons. There seems, for one thing, to be an awful lot more speculative stories floating around claiming to have been told by a source that Carroll's set to head back to Liverpool than those claiming they've heard he wants to sign for West Ham...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Damn it, Granit! Hammers target happy in Germany

Reported West Ham transfer target Granit Xhaka has told the Rheinische Post that he is content to remain at Borussia Monchengladbach- for the time being.

The 20 year old Swiss has made just 11 Bundesliga starts after signing from Basel in his home country last summer and has been linked with a move abroad, with Lazio also reportedly interested. Manchester United and Arsenal both also tried to sign Xhaka before the move to Germany.

Irons boss Sam Allardyce tried to sign the exciting young attacker in February, and could be poised to make a second attempt in the summer, but Xhaka says he is not thinking about another move so early in his career.

"There are rumours, this is true, but now is not the time to talk about it. I've had little game time, but Borussia is where I like to be and I want to pick up trophies with them."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Nolan lauds progress made on "sorry" West Ham and now wants to stay for years

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has told the Evening Standard this afternoon that he is proud of the progress that has been made at the club since he signed nearly two years ago, but that he is not getting carried away and sees European football as the next step.

"When I first walked into this club, it was in a sorry state," the Scouser revealed. "Players didn't want to be here and everyone was on the floor. What we've done here in such a short space of time is fantastic but we don't want to get carried away."

"It's all about getting stronger and stronger and working towards that Olympic Stadium so we can make sure we can have some good European nights there. I've seen this team come together, grow together and get strong together and I want to carry on playing for this fantastic club for a good few years to come."

On his manager, whose contract is up in the summer and who has yet to agree a new deal with the club, Nolan said, "with Big Sam at the helm, we have a really good chance of progressing. I am sure his contract will be done and dusted soon so we can start talking about next year and who he wants to bring in."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Will he stay or will he go? Mixed signals from Irons target Lindegaard

The future of reported Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard is as unclear as ever, after the goalkeeper, who has been reported to be in talks with West Ham in recent weeks, rubbished on Twitter reports that he is set to leave Old Trafford this summer, yet gave an interview to the Daily Mirror over the weekend hinting at an exit.

The Denmark international tweeted today, saying "fictional conclusions from old interviews in today's newspapers. Subjective journalism as bad as it can be. #keepbelieving".

Yet Lindegaard, 28, was quoted on the Mirror's website last night as saying that "it's not easy being on the bench.. everyone wants to play and I'm not any different from everyone else."

The Express claimed on Monday that United are conducting negotiations to sell the keeper, so this story is unlikely to go away in the near future.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Celtic boss Lennon wanted Hammers hotseat in February

According to the Daily Star's Paul Hetherington in his column in the newspaper, Celtic legend and current Bhoys manager Neil Lennon was eyeing up the West Ham job when speculation over the then-uncertain future of Irons boss Sam Allardyce was flying around in February and March.

The Northern Irishman is known to be keen on a move to England, having guided his Celtic side to the Scottish Premier League title and the last 16 of the Champions League this term, recording a famous victory over Catalan megaclub Barcelona on the way and according to the Star is considering his future at Celtic Park, where he is on a one-year rolling contract.

Championship side Leicester City, where Lennon spent much of his playing career, are said to be keen on the outspoken Celtic chief, as are West Ham's Premier League rivals Stoke City and Everton.

Whether David Sullivan and David Gold were/are as keen on Lennon as he is on us is another matter entirely...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Magic Maguire delighted with first Dev Squad goal

With West Ham triumphing 2-0 over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, the omission of over-age players Wellington Paulista, Dan Potts and Jordan Spence from Friday’s Development Squad win over Wolverhampton Wanderers turned out to be of no significance. However, it did give forward Sean Maguire a chance for his first start and debut goal for the reserves.

Maguire has opened up about his delight at playing and scoring in the 3-2 win after being hampered by an ankle injury, and is aiming to finish the season on a high.

The 18-year-old Irishman told West Ham TV: "I'm very happy to be honest with you. It has been a good while coming, before that an ankle injury had me out for about four weeks and I'm delighted now to actually be starting.

"It kicks on from here and hopefully that will be the first of many. I'm looking forward to the upcoming games and hopefully we can end the season strongly.”

He added that his training has been going well and hopes to score a few more goals this season.

Wolves had Cameroon international George Elokobi on defensive duty in the first half on Friday, which was a tough test for the Ireland U19 international. It was a defensive error that allowed Maguire to strike, but he was in the right place at the right time.

Maguire admitted: "The goal was a mistake, the defender tried to head it back to the keeper and I thought I'd take a chance and luckily enough it fell straight to me. I took it around the 'keeper, it was a tight angle and it took forever to go in. I was just standing there watching, but fortunately it went in and I was just delighted.

"Nick [Haycock] said he was pleased with my performance and personally I thought I did very well. At times I could have done better, I could have held it up better. But it's my first 90 minutes in a while and my calves started to cramp up but I kept going.

"It was a good experience coming up against George Elokobi. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity coming up against a top-class defender. He looks like a rugby player! But he's a very good player as well, so it was good to play against him."

Maguire is settling in well with fellow Irishmen to help him feel at home. First teamers Joey O’Brien and Stephen Henderson have helped him, whilst he said he is good friends with Eoin Wearen and lives with Kieran Sadlier.

After what could have been a frustrating start for Maguire, it seems as though the only way is up, and to finish with the words “...I couldn't really be any happier” is a good sign from a young talent.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

We deserve top ten finish says Jarv the Marv

West Ham winger Matt Jarvis has told TalkSport that the Hammers' current run of form is no more than they deserve for the shift he and his teammates have put in this season, after Saturday's 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic put the Upton Park club into the top half of the Premier League table.

The former Wolves star opened the scoring with a in-swinging cross which went all the way through into the Wigan net as it eluded teammates and opponents, and now the one-time England international wants a top half finish for the newly-promoted Irons.

"We have worked extremely hard all season to get to where we are now," the 26 year old said.

"As long as we keep doing what we've been doing all season, we'll be up and around it  [the top half of the table] by the end of the season and that was our aim from the start."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

West Ham United 2 Wigan Athletic 0

West Ham all but secured their Premier League status with a great 2-0 win over struggling Wigan Athletic on a sunlit Saturday at Upton Park.

The game got off to a regular start, with a few tackles being thrown into the mix early on. West Ham were on the back of the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, and were chomping at the bit for three points over Roberto Martinez's Wigan.

The first real chance of the game came for the visitors as Shaun Maloney was played through on goal by a beautifully weighted through ball, however, Jussi Jaaskelainen was at his best and rose to the challenge to keep him out with a fine stop.

West Ham pressed for the next few minutes and Ricardo Vaz Te linked well with right back Guy Demel to ask questions of the Wigan defence. However, it was left winger Matt Jarvis who provided the break through with an in-swinging cross. Captain Kevin Nolan and Vaz Te both endeavoured to make contact but missed, and the ball calmly found its way into the net straight from Jarvis' cross, the one-time England international's second goal of the season.

For much of the first half, the Irons had the better chances, but in the second half a revitalised Wigan side came out pressing for an equaliser, but the agile Jaaskelainen was there to keep them at bay once again.

Kevin Nolan was in sight of his 100th career goal in the wake of his auntie's death. The prolific midfielder hadn't been in the best of form as of late, but started to pick it up as the Hammers pressed on.

Andy Carroll was up to his mischievous self causing havoc in the opposition half with his aerial dominance and his sheer strength. An early yellow card had kept him much more quieter than usual, but he was still in his top form which could earn him a summer move away from parent club Liverpool; West Ham look set for s summer battle with Newcastle to sign the England man.

The second goal of the game came ten minutes from time as a lofted ball forward was met by Carroll, who with his back to goal, directed an overhead kick into the onrushing Nolan, and the skipper made no mistake in converting with a close range volley into the Wigan net.

Nolan didn't partake in his usual chicken dance celebration as he was rugby tackled to the floor by his best mate Carroll, and he then pointed to the skies in adulation, dedicating the goal to his late aunt.

West Ham now sit in 10th spot, as the season draws to a close with only four games remaining. The Hammers now look to be safe from relegation, judging at point totals required to survive in previous seasons as the win took them onto 42 points and also into the top half of the table, and the Irons can now push on in the remaining games to finish the season an absolute high. This win is also a big step forward to sealing a new contract for manager Sam Allardyce, whose future has been the subject of media speculation in recent weeks.

Match report by  Ben Edkins

@benedkins12

£10m for Carroll- take it or leave it, Irons tell Liverpool

The Sun are reporting this morning that West Ham have told Liverpool to accept £10m for on loan striker Andy Carroll or risk negotiations falling apart.

The Merseyside club paid £35m for the England man from Newcastle United in January 2011 and want to recoup as much of that as possible, and have put a £17m price tag on the big striker. However, the new financial restrictions being put on Premier League clubs mean that the Hammers will struggle to find that, with boss Sam Allardyce stating last week that the club can't afford to sign Carroll at the current asking price.

Former club Newcastle are the other side with a reported interest in the 24 year old, but indications from Tyneside in recent days have been that they too would be unwilling to stump up the full whack for the centre forward.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Team news update: Cole to make injury return v Wigan

West Ham's injury problems seem to be getting better, as according to co-chairman David Gold, Joe Cole could make his comeback from injury in today's game at home to Wigan Athletic.

The midfielder has been out of action with a recurring hamstring injury suffered in the 1-0 victory at Stoke City last month and was expected to miss out, but Gold tweeted yesterday confirming that the former Chelsea man is fit and ready for the game.

"Just spoke to Joe Cole. He's in the squad for tomorrow's game against Wigan and available for selection."

Boss Sam Allardyce is said to be considering starting the influential playmaker in a game that could see the Irons seal their Premier League survival with a win.

We'll keep you up to date with all the latest developments in team news before the game.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshillling

Hammers target Bedimo has "agreement" with unnamed Premier League side

Montpellier full back Henri Bedimo last night told French sports daily L'Equipe that he has a verbal agreement with a mystery English side over a summer move.

"Nothing has been written down, but I have a moral agreement with the club," the defender said yesterday.

Sam Allardyce is known to be an admirer of the powerful Cameroon international and saw a £1.75m bid for Bedimo rejected by Montpellier in January, and recent speculation has suggested that the Hammers boss will make a second attempt to sign the 28 year old in the summer. One way or another, Bedimo looks set to head to the Premier League.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Youthful U21s sink Wolves as senior players left out

The Development Squad last night beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 at Rush Green, but left it late to seal the three points.

Possibly the most noteworthy thing about the match was that there were no over-age players included in the squad as Dan Potts, Jordan Spence and Wellington Paulista were all left out. Could this be an insight into today’s first team squad to face Wigan? Rumours are rife that Paulista may in fact get his chance in the Premier League soon, and manager Sam Allardyce said this week that he has been looking for the right opportunity to blood the Brazilian in the first team.

In the Development Squad match tonight, Sean Maguire scored on his first start for the Hammers as he netted in the 11th minute. The rest of the half was a little slow, but the side came out for the second half in better form and Elliot Lee finished well to make it 2-0.

Wolves managed to peg West Ham back to 2-2, before finally midfielder Sebastian Lletget, who scored in the reverse fixture at Telford United earlier in the season, met George Moncur’s ball into the box after 82 minutes for the Hammers to seal an important win in the Elite League.

So, a good win for what was a very young side tonight. Keep your eyes peeled for Big Sam’s teamsheet this afternoon.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Club announce 2013/2014 season ticket cost hike: disabled fans hit hardest in average 47% increase

West Ham yesterday announced the season ticket prices for the new season (hopefully in the Premier League) and there are increases across the board, ranging from 3.5% to 50%, with disabled fans suffering the most.

The club have pursued a loyalty policy whereby for the first time, existing season ticket holders will pay less to renew their seats than new applicants will to purchase theirs.

However, this reduction does not broadly apply to disabled fans, all of whom will not only pay more than last season, but will pay the same as new applicants in four out of five categories, with only U10 season tickets remaining cheaper for current season ticket holders.

Those season ticket holders who applied for the 'five per cent discount over four years' option when renewing their seat last season will have their reduction applied upon request.

The average regular adult season ticket is priced at £756- an increase of £20. This does not sound like a huge increase, but the fact is that all prices are now above the current rate of inflation and disabled fans are hit hardest, despite the club having backed down from plans to raise the cost of a disabled season ticket by 107%, and all this despite the increased television revenue from the Premier League next season.

Business as usual...

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wigan boss Martinez praises "unique" Carroll

In a sharp contrast to the hysterical post-match hissy fit of Alex Ferguson after the 2-2 draw between West Ham and Manchester United on Wednesday night, Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has heaped praise upon talismanic Irons striker Andy Carroll ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash in East London.

The Spaniard hailed the England star as a throwback to a bygone era, telling the Daily Mail that "Carroll is proving that there is a place for an old-fashioned number nine in the Premier League."

"He has great power and strength and the way he attacks the ball in the final third is very effective. He is one of the best in the business as that and is becoming a very important player for West Ham, with the service he gets from the flanks and the connection he has with Kevin Nolan just behind," the Latics boss said today. 

"It is no surprise to see what he is doing now, as he was very impressive for England in the European Championships. If you allow him to use his best attributes, he will be a very powerful and dangerous player for his team, and we have to be on our guard for that."

Relegation-threatened Wigan come to Upton Park tomorrow desperately needing a win to boost their survival hopes, while Sam Allardyce's men can all but guarantee their survival with three points. 

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Issue #17 now online and completely FREE

Editorial


As the season draws to a close, I wanted to use my column
in this issue to thank everyone associated with Blowing
Bubbles for making our first season such a huge success.
When we started our bid to create a new matchday
magazine back in July, we could not have predicted the
success it has achieved already.

We were overwhelmed at the start by the sheer number
of people who wanted to get involved and I’m pleased to say
the majority of these people are still with us today and have
helped to make Blowing Bubbles the most read West Ham
United magazine.

We obviously could not have done any of this without our
fantastic team of writers who not only met every deadline
but have also sent over some fantastic copy. There are too
many writers to name individually here but you know who
you are and I hope you know how much we have
appreciated having you on board this season.

We also couldn’t have done any of this without our loyal
band of readers who have read our digital magazine in their
thousands every matchday weekend. I hope you’ve enjoyed
flicking through our magazines this season whether it be on
your computer, tablet or mobile phone and we hope you will
join us again next season.

Looking ahead, we’ve got plenty of brilliant ideas to make
Blowing Bubbles even better next season and if you’d like to
help us achieve our goals please feel free to e-mail
editor@blowing-bubbles.co.uk and we can go from there.

Enjoy the game today. Here’s to another season in the
Premier League and maybe a push towards Europe?

David Blackmore, Editor.

Read online, on your mobile phone, iPad or tablet- http://issuu.com/blowingbubbles/docs/issue17?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

10 year anniversary tribute for Foe planned by West Ham and City fans

In a story covered today by the Daily Mail, West Ham and Manchester City supporters are planning to honour former player of both clubs, Marc-Vivien Foe, who passed away following a cardiac arrest during a Confederations Cup match almost exactly 10 years ago.

The Hammers take on the Premier League champions at the Etihad next Saturday in a 12.45pm kick off which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and fans of both clubs are putting into motion plans to remember the midfielder who was a favourite at both West Ham and City. The idea started with a post by a Blues fan on City messageboard mcfcforum.com proposing that the 10th anniversary of Foe's death be marked by a minute's applause in the 23rd minute (Foe wore number 23 for both clubs and City have since retired the shirt number) from both sets of fans.

"On the 27th April, City host West Ham United in the league. How fitting would it be to have the entire stadium applaud and remember Foe's life for one minute in the 23rd?"

"I am here to ask you to spread the word amongst your fellow Citizens and Hammers fans. Many of you will not be aware, but there was to be a City v Lyon/West Ham XI game but for reasons unknown it was cancelled. That would have been a fitting tribute, but now we, as fans, can perform our own."

The campaign can be followed on Twitter by clicking on the hashtag #RememberFoeOn23.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wolves challenge won't pass Bywater by

West Ham Development Squad midfielder Kieran Bywater thinks that tonight’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers will carry extra spice after a last minute defeat to the Midlands side in February left the Hammers despondent.

The sides meet in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League tonight, and Bywater has been reflecting on the previous encounter.

He told West Ham TV: "I think that disappointment does [spur us on]...No one likes losing, especially the way we did at Wolves last time."

"A few decisions went against us and a few lapses of concentration cost us the game in the end. I think we were unlucky in some ways. After a good start in the game we conceded two late goals, but hopefully we can turn that around on Friday with a good performance and a good result.”

He also recognises the importance of a win in terms of the league and hopes that good performances can be turned into three points.

The last three home fixtures for the U21s have been played at Upton Park, but tonight sees the Hammers return to Rush Green, and Bywater hopes this will benefit him and his team mates.

He said:  "I think a lot of the lads are confident there. It's a tough place to go for opposition sides when they come down. It's a different environment to what a lot of players are used to and hopefully we can use that to our advantage."

At just 17, Bywater is one of the youngest players in the side, but is already becoming a key man in midfield, and has been drafted in as a defender on occasions. After nine appearances this season, Bywater is enjoying his time with the squad.

"It's been a good experience playing with the older players and training with them day in, day out, can only be good for my development. So it's all good for me really."

"I'm happy to play anywhere as long as I'm playing. I'm enjoying my football and just trying to put in good performances for the team. If I'm needed to provide cover in games, as a younger player it's all good experience for me to be able to play in a number of different positions and it should help my selection prospects.”

As always, season ticket holders can attend tonight’s match at Rush Green for free. Adult tickets are £3 and Under 16’s are just £1. Kick off is 7pm. If you’re in the area, go and support the lads!

By Lucy Woolford

Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Irons to face Wigan without crocked three

Blowing Bubbles understands that West Ham will take on Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow still under-strength, as playmaker Joe Cole and defenders James Tomkins and George McCartney are all set to miss out through injury.

Cole is still recovering from a recurring hamstring problem which flared up and forced him out of the 1-0 win at Stoke City last month, while centre half Tomkins will miss his second consecutive match as he fights his way back from a calf injury suffered in the draw at Southampton on Saturday. Left back McCartney has been suffering with a knee injury since December and despite comeback appearances, is believed to be out for the season.

In positive news, however, midfielder Mark Noble could be in line for his first start since suffering nerve damage in his arm in February, after making his return from injury as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Big Sam blasts "scared" England boss Hodgson

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has continued his media rampage against anyone who crosses his path by lambasting England manager Roy "Hodg the Dodge" Hodgson for not picking Irons star Andy Carroll.

The 59 year old told Sky Sports, "Roy would be scared to pick Andy because of the reaction he'd get; he'd be accused of a direct approach and people would be on his case."

"But playing Andy does not make you a long ball team, it just gives you extra options. It would benefit Wayne Rooney, who is often carrying England's hopes all on his own."

"I'm not going for any of that stuff about Rooney being on the way down, against us I thought he was really good and some of his passing was excellent; as far as I'm concerned he can play anywhere, and playing with Andy would take the pressure off him."

"Michael Owen always used to say he had his most productive spell when he was playing off Emile Heskey- and Andy Carroll is a better goalscorer than Heskey."

Have to say, loving Allardyce's current boisterous style. You tell 'em gaffer!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

No FA charge for Big Sam

The Football Association last night confirmed that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would not face any disciplinary action for his comments criticising the officials following Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Manchester United, which saw the Hammers denied what Big Sam described as " almost a famous win" by a late and clearly offside Robin van Persie equaliser.

The Irons boss was not happy and raged at a post match press conference, "the linesman needs better coaching, his bosses have got to look at it. If my players make those mistakes they get dropped. If you don't get it right you're out of the team, if he'd had better coaching, he could have made a better call."

Allardyce also appeared to break FA rule E3, which relates to questioning the integrity of match officials; the same one which a contravention of after West Ham's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to the same opponents in January saw him fined £8,000.

"He can see Van Persie is two yards offside and should put his flag up but he doesn't, it's blatant. Two minutes into the second half, we have a shot and the assistant referee puts his flag up, what's going on there?"

Maybe Big Sam's becoming the new Fergie.. the FA are big scared of Big Sam!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling