Claret and Blue In My Blood

Tevez - Counterpoint & Reality Check

2012-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

So Carlos Tevez is coming to West Ham. Or is he? Playing Devil's advocate for a second, let's slow down, reduce expectation and take a deep breath.

Betting odds are based on rumour, bets placed, and form; odds are lowered not just because something gets closer to certainty, but because more punters put money on the bet. Bets are no longer accepted when something is fact.

Facts known:

3 more days in the transfer window closes
Tevez's rumoured transfer to Milan falls through
Wages were the stumbling block
City refuse to sell Tevez to another English club
City refuse to loan Tevez to any rival European club

Questions:

West Ham cannot afford even half of Tevez's 250K a week; in fact, 60K a week would be too much given the club's financial constraints, and Manchester City aren't going to pay his wages for him to play somewhere else, unless they think it keeps their asset fit and marketable. But the Championship? Is that the stage to maximize the value of their player?
Tevez could be loaned to West Ham at any time this season - outside the window, if necessary. Why now? Over to you, Kia:
Kia Joorabchian is a alleged to have been involved in some deals in the past that have got the club into trouble; would the club would ever deal with him again?
More importantly, with just over 2 days to go, Joorabchian's job is to get as much publicity for Tevez as possible. A heartwarming story like this is sure to do that; it also sure to put other European clubs on alert that Tevez is flexible on his wages, and that a short contract would be acceptable to Tevez. What better way to raise the player's profile in the media?
Last time Tevez came to West Ham his presence, the whole media circus, upset the apple-cart and was the beginning of the end for Pardew. Would Big Sam really welcome such a huge name into his squad: would this be more divisive than productive?

Tevez is a true Claret and Blue hero; no doubt about it: he scored against Manchester United on the last match of the season to send Sheffield United down and keep West Ham up. He crosses his arms over his chest and salutes the West Ham fans whenever he's at the club. He has never played well against us. He is one of my favourite players for his passion, determination and, yes, technical ability.

But, truly, even if these rumours have any merit at all - and I'm not saying they don't, is it really the best solution for the club? Is Robert Hall going to get a chance while Tevez is here?

Help me out here; over to you...

Paul

Sordell Bringing Spurs Down To Earth

2012-01-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the FA Cup between Spurs and Watford, and while Spurs are leading with a very speculative shot, Watford have looked far more threatening. Sordell, in particular, is giving Kaboul all sorts of grief. Spurs reverted to type, poor defending was rampant, with Watford extremely unlucky not to have got something out this game. Mariappa has completely silenced Adebayor. Certainly watching this game, you wouldn't know that it wasn't Watford threatening at the top of the PL and Spurs residing in Championship mediocrity; Saggy has the twitch.

Sordell. Hmmm...Certainly not outclassed tonight.

Paul

State of the Nation: Potential Transfer Targets

2012-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

With four days to go, the phony war is over and the real business is going to start. Once the FA Cup games are finished, the window will start in earnest, and the last two days will erupt with the transfer strategy at many clubs motivated more by panic than by any logical policy or real tactical need.

Let's hope West Ham have their ducks in a row and can be the beneficiary of other clubs' knee-jerk last-ditch transfer panic-buys, and more importantly panic-sales. There is much impatience out there by fans of all clubs waiting for either some player acquisitions, or the window to be closed so they can hold onto their "stars". But I believe the owners at West Ham have worked hard and diligently towards securing the players we need for relatively sensible money - given this is the January transfer window.

The West Ham management team have identified 3 key potential positions for strengthening in the squad (Striker, Winger- Wide player, CB). George John has been brought in on loan, and by all accounts he is going to be good, so CB is perhaps taken care of. Many other offers have been made, with many rejected. Two offers are still being considered, and negotiations are progressing slowly, with the vendors stalling and waiting for potential late bids from others to bump up the price. 2 of the key positions we are looking to fill is for another striker and a wide player. I have made a list of realistic potential targets and their relative merits include the following:

Nikica Jelavic: It's likely the 26 year old Croatian striker will leave Rangers this window as the club are in financial combustion with HMRevenue on their back: the Scottish equivalent of Portsmouth if you like. One club has put in a bid for him so far: West Ham. The first bid was rejected out of hand; the second hasn't been rejected, and negotiations continue, albeit slowly. Jelavic is not playing this weekend for Rangers against Hibs because of a "Virus"; read into that what you will. His average goals per game in the SPL for Rangers has been 0.67. Celtic fans rate him; that should tell you enough about him, given the history of "love" between the clubs.

Verdict: 50% chance of success with this bid - Rangers are dragging their feet, although they need to sell him; West Ham are running out of patience: there are other targets out there. At between 7-8M he is pricey given our budget, but by all accounts, worth it; Liverpool and CSKA are sniffing; hence the reluctance of Rangers to accept early bids for him.

Nicky Maynard: The 25 year old Bristol City striker was in "advanced negotiations with Wigan" according to Bristol City's manager last week. However, Wigan deny they have even spoken to him. Nicky Maynard is back at the Robins training hard for tomorrow's league game. The scoop is Maynard was dissatisfied with Wigan's personal terms. Maynard is a good, not great, journeyman Championship striker. That doesn't mean he doesn't have potential: you can only score with service. Last summer, Bristol City turned down a 6M bid from Leicester, but since then Maynard's contract negotiations with Bristol City have stalled, and Maynard can walk on a free in May.

Verdict: No bid yet. Considering their predicament, the lack of firm interest from PL clubs, his mediocre 0.35 goals per game average while at Bristol City, 6M is far to much for this player, 3M is all City should be offered if Jelavic or other options fall through. Maynard will be sold by Tuesday: Bristol City simply cannot afford to let this player walk.

Marvin Sordell: The 20 year old Watford striker has garnered some enquiries from the West Ham owners, but no more yet. He's young, and that's a double edged sword: if we're promoted, is he old enough and experienced enough to deal with PL defenders? I doubt it. However, youth is potential.

Verdict: Sean Dyche values Sordell, perhaps too much. Paying more than 4M would be unwise, but this window is often expensive. Given his age and his 0.375 goals per game average this season, he must be considered in the same breath as Maynard. And, if that is the case, given lower wages and more potential, perhaps he's a better deal?

Billy Sharp: Trying to find loyalty in a football player these days is like trying to find a Republican who will vote for higher taxes. And I can't work 25 year old Billy Sharp or Doncaster Rovers out: he was willing to move Leicester after they bid an undisclosed (thought to be in the region of 6-7M) amount on January 7th for him. He tentatively agreed the move, but then Doncaster offered him improved personal terms and he rejected the move to Leicester to stay at Doncaster. Is that loyalty? A lack of ambition? Greed? Who knows. But if you consider that he's playing for a poor side and has still managed a consistent goals per game average of 0.48, you'd have to say he's a better bet than either Maynard or Sordell. But is he still on the market?
Verdict: Unlikely to leave since he just signed a contract with improved terms. Not worth more than 5M, and given Doncaster turned down a rumoured 6-7M, you'd have to say his arrival is extremely unlikely. Too bad - a goal every two games for Doncaster could translate to better for us...and that's potentially good stats for any striker (Torres eat your heart out).

Jordan Rhodes: League One Huddersfield Town wonderkidVerdict: Never say never, but flying pork is rare as are blue moons and bargains in the January transfer window, and, until he's proven in the higher leagues, you'd have to say, despite the stats, he's over priced.

Wingers

Robert Snodgrass: Leeds United's 24 year old Scottish winger/striker was a boyhood Celtic fan, so disregard anything you hear from Rangers supporters on this player! Leeds fans generally speak very highly of "Snoddy". He is portrayed as a hard working team player who is consistent week in and out. Not a prodigious goal scorer, he is more the creator of chances and a set piece merchant, rather like a younger Matty Taylor in that respect. Like Taylor he has had his issues with injuries, and recently (New Year's Eve) was in having his appendix out. But his rapid recovery and willingness to play quickly is another testament to the man's motivation. Leeds originally valued him at 8-9M last year, but with his contract expiring in May, he will likely walk into another Championship club or a lower Premier League club this summer if he isn't sold now. Ken Bates, the Leeds owner, is fairly mercenary when it comes to money (and would give his eye teeth for profit - sorry couldn't resist), so, despite how very central he is to the Leeds team, he is always up for sale. While I feel for the Leeds fans, who are going through Hell under Bates, he would make an excellent signing for us. While West Ham can't be considered a bigger side than Leeds, we are a better bet for promotion and future Premier League aspirations; whereas, Leeds, while under Bates, will, I fear be kept as money generating pit for Bates' own finances (after all, he's only just admitted to owning them - crafty bugger). Therefore, the Hammers may be a tempting proposition for Snodgrass.
Verdict: There is a tentative bid in for him; however, the Jelavic bid is the priority right now, and room for negotiation will likely be dictated by the Jelavic negotiations. Personally, I'd snap him up now: he can play either wing, and combined with his youth, leadership, motivation he would be an asset to any team in the same way Parker was. Goals per game average: 0.22.

Lewis McGugan: The 23 year old Nottingham Forest midfielder by his own admission lately, doesn't like playing wide. West Ham have a dearth of good solid midfield players; the team needs more width. I'm not sure Lewis McGugan, despite his cheaper valuation than Snodgrass, is the man for West Ham if we're after a wide player. Certainly he has youth on his side, and he is the jewel in Forest's crown. If promotion and survival is the prospect, then who would you dump for McGugan to play in the centre of midfield? Noble? Nolan? Lansbury? Collison? Diop? Perhaps. But is perhaps a good enough reason to blow 3-4M on a player that doesn't really solve our problem - a lack of width?
Verdict: His potential acquisition by the club has to be seen in the light of what we need. If we get a winger and a striker, then go for it, if there's any money left over! Given his goals per game average is 0.19, (which means his cracker against West Ham may have been a lucky strike!) Snodgrass makes infinitely more sense: he's a winger, a team player and scores more goals.

Paul

UPDATE: Herita Ilunga Tweets a Goodbye

2012-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: West Ham have issued an official press release on Herita Ilunga's departure:

Herita Ilunga has left West Ham United by mutual agreement after three years at the club.

Too bad, I was hoping we would get something for him, or that he'd at least be part of a package deal somewhere...

Herita Ilunga just tweeted the following:

Just to say thanks for all west ham's fan, you've been so great with me. Wish we'll support together the hammers in premier league next year Come on you irons!!!!!!!!

This after yesterday tweeting:

Sur le vrai depart

Which roughly translated means:

On the real departure...

Transfers: New Bid in For Jelavic; Leeds Refuse £4M

2012-01-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

Leeds have reportedly refused a £4M "test the water" bid for winger Robert Snodgrass from the Hammers this morning. They are looking for £6M. West Ham are countering. Perhaps £4.5M and Sears?

Lewis McGugan may not be the man West Ham should target if the club is looking for a wide player. He is adamant that he doesn't enjoy playing wide, and that a central midfield role is what he wants. He convinced the Forest manager to play him there on Saturday against the Hammers, and look what happened. What concerns me about McGugan is his mental inflexibility; a team player should be willing to play anywhere - within reason. Is he the man for us?

It is now reported that West Ham have just submitted a counter offer to Rangers for Jelavic. It is another £500K, more cash up front and a sell on clause. Rangers picked Jelavic up for £4 million and he signed a four-year-deal. It is also reported that, despite discussions at West Ham, Piquionne is unlikely to leave during this window because of player wage demands. I'm still hoping someone will come in for him at the last moment. It's probably pie in the sky, but optimism can't hurt!

Paul

Jelavic: West Ham to Counter Offer

2012-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Despite all the talk of a "take it or leave it" clause in the first offer, West Ham are reportedly preparing a counter-offer for Jelavic after Rangers' initial rebuttal. If this is true, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm sure he's worth it, but the club need a creative midfielder or winger too, and with a reported 10M transfer budget this window, it doesn't leave much room for further acquisitions. It's not my money, but I hope it's not a penny more, and, instead, includes player swap deal. Perhaps Piquionne? We can hope.

Paul

Jelavic Offer Rejected - 2 Incoming On The Radar; 1 Decoy On The Horizon

2012-01-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

David Gold has re-tweeted, and it is now widely accepted that Rangers have received a 7M bid for Croatian striker Jelavic. It is a take it or leave it bid; that is, the Hammers will walk unless it's accepted on face value. And despite previous protestations from Ally McCoist that 6M wasn't nearly enough, at one point Rangers owner Craig Whyte appeared to be leaking news that they would accept it. However, Chief News Reporter for Sky Sports Brian Swanson has just tweeted that Rangers have rejected the bid.

My feeling is that while, from all the accounts I've heard from both Celtic and Rangers fans, the player is worth it, it was also a large percentage of our transfer budget to have tied up in one deal. The player is not a proven commodity in the Championship, let alone the EPL, and I am not too disappointed if this rejection is the case.

Frankly I'm more excited by the potential signing of 24 year old Leeds United winger/striker Robert Snodgrass. There were productive talks yesterday between both clubs, and West Ham are placing an offer in for him today. Snodgrass is a creative player who can play on either wing. His reputation at Leeds is stellar, and, furthermore, he is very experienced in the Championship. Altogether, he is a better bet, for less money.

Another deal I am hoping for is for 23 year old Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan; Forest are said to be considering the offer.

Both of these young players, I believe, offer far more potential for the club than Jelavic, and both can probably be had for the price of the Jelavic bid.

Finally, reports that West Ham are moving for Salomon Kalou are, at this time, completely wide of the mark.

Fingers crossed, that both Snodgrass and Mcgugan arrive before Monday.

Paul

A Glimpse Into the Future

2012-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

George John and Matty Taylor both played in the development squad match yesterday against the Gills. John volleyed a Matty Taylor corner into the net. Last weekend against Forest, the Hammers had 14 corners against Forest and several dangerous free kicks, from which they failed to find the net. This has been an ongoing concern for the Hammers since Taylor's long-term absence due to a calf injury. Taylor's free kicks and corners are extremely accurate and often result in a goal or near miss. Prior to his injury issue, Taylor was starting to form quite a productive partnership with James Tomkins. Let's hope John's link play with Taylor blossoms into something too: perhaps we got a glimpse into the future?

Solid Gold: Hammers Jelavic Bid Confirmed

2012-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

David Gold has confirmed that West Ham have now made a formal bid for wantaway Ranger's striker Nikica Jelavic and are waiting for a formal response. In a tweet late last night, David Gold answered a tweeter's question:

"any news on Jelavic yet.. Hi Stuart. Still no news DG"

The bid is believed to be for £7.2M, and, according to SPL correspondent Daniel Gordan, it is believed that Rangers are satisfied with the bid, and it is now up to the player to agree terms, although this is unconfirmed, which, of course, contradicts DG's tweet..."still no news". Despite the claims of Rangers supporters, it is known that Liverpool are distancing themselves from false reports ostensibly circulated by Jelavic's father/agent that he was likely to sign for them.

Many twitterati are also claiming that the Hammers have a £3M bid in for the man who last scored against them, Nottingham Forests' 23 year old creative midfielder, Lewis McGugan. He was involved in many of Forest's dangerous opportunities on Saturday and was the scorer of their injury-time goal, which was a cracker. Forest are on a fairly tight budget, and it is suggested they are reluctantly entertaining this offer to bring more new players in. I hate to say it, but given their play on Saturday, I would say patience is their only need right now; I felt they certainly acquitted themselves well at the Boleyn.

Strong rumours purportedly from within the club also insist that if Jelavic or Mcgugan fail to materialize, then West Bromwich's 30 year old Russian Born Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie is next on the list.

At the very least, these are interesting stories. What do you think?

Paul

West Ham: Wants, Needs & Darwinism: Evolve or Die

2012-01-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's performance really sums up West Ham's season so far. The Hammers have not played particularly well, but, with determination, organization and, lately, more than a little luck, they find themselves, at least temporarily, on top of the table. There have been some big wins: away to Watford and Forest are notable, but even in those games - particularly the Watford match, West Ham didn't look stellar.

There has been a truism this season that at home, West Ham have flattered to deceive, and that other clubs don't particularly fear the club, particularly at the Boleyn. Often, prior to the match, opposition managers big the Hammers up, flattering the club with epithets like "favourites", "Big Club" and describe the team as "Premier League quality" and "powerful". However, more often than not, come the post match interview, the opposition manager feels "robbed" or aggrieved at chances missed, lucky calls for the Hammers, and, occasionally, point the finger at the "negative" play. And they do have a point. West Ham haven't really looked the part of runaway champions yet, despite the record. The football, while industrial at times, would perhaps be more tolerable to a larger majority of West Ham fans if the team were running away with league.

But West Ham aren't. A quick look at the table shows that there are now at least four clubs battling for two positions. Of course that may change, but a huge indicator of the potential to grab an automatic promotion spot is Goal Difference.

Clubs with the potential to grab one of the two automatic promotion spots are perhaps best identified by GD. As we saw yesterday, Middlesbrough's biggest handicap to automatic promotion is themselves; with a disastrous loss away to bottom club Coventry: inconsistency, is their Achilles. Of course, West Ham's win at home recently over Coventry City was hardly flattering, but it was a one goal clean sheet. The job was done: a factory win. Hull City, like Middlesbrough have looked inconsistent, showing moments of potential, but then being unexpectedly nobbled. And both teams have mediocre goal differences. To write them off is premature, but there are more pressing predators to worry about for the Hammers right now.

Obviously, Southampton, though, of all the teams, perhaps have to be favourites to grab one of those top two spots. They, like West Ham, are also well organized, confident and, at times, lucky. But the key difference is they are scoring goals and playing with more creativity.

On Goal Difference at least, Birmingham and Cardiff look like definite threats. While Brum are ten points behind, they have a game in hand. Cardiff though are right there, snapping at West Ham's heels. And, unlike West Ham, Cardiff look the part.

Cardiff dominate their matches with attacking play, centred around their creative players: Peter Whittingham and Craig Conway among others. Check out their first goal yesterday. Who created it? Whittingham. Who created their second? Conway. Who scored their winner in injury time? Conway.

West Ham's strikers have taken a lot of stick for not scoring goals, particularly when compared with Southampon's, or, in fact, a whole host of other Championship clubs. And I'd have to admit, I've been a bit narrow-minded in my observations of the club's goal scoring deficiencies lately. Looking at yesterday's match again, Baldock ran his heart out and did open up opportunities, including a penalty call. For the first twenty minutes he seemed to follow the game plan and stay fairly static and wait for service, but when it didn't come he decided to look for the ball himself. And that is when the Hammers started to get a toe-hold in the game. For Carlton Cole, while he looks clumsy at times, and has issues with close-control, there are occasions when he can hit a sweet pass or slot a ball home with aplomb. But, it seems when he gets a long spell of fitness, and appears in the team regularly, he starts to run cold. As a sub or impact player his record shows he is effective.

Perhaps, as many readers have suggested, the solution is not a new striker but another winger or two; after all, we lost loanee Bentley, and the club haven't quite looked the same. The defence has looked rock solid this season, with West Ham's total Goals Against of 24 being the best in the league. Yesterday, apart from a very skillful shot in the dying minutes, the Hammers would have yet had another clean sheet. And, if the full backs weren't expected to bomb up the wings to deliver crosses, then those three real chances Boro got in the first twenty minutes wouldn't have happened. But with no width or midfield players to bomb down the wings and send balls into the box, it's up to Faubert (RB yesterday) and McCartney to do so.

And it's not happening enough. Faubert and McCartney have another job to do: defend. And to rely on them to get balls into the box all the time is being far too optimistic at best? Delusional is perhaps the word?

In order not only to be successful candidates for promotion, but to survive next season in the PL (if the club are so lucky), Allardyce needs to be planning now. With a rumoured £10M to spend in this window and a reported £30M to spend in the summer, Sam needs to purchase players that will see the club through its potential first season back in the PL. West Ham are unlikely to survive Premier League season playing the way they currently are: the team just don't have enough offensive threat. And it's not just down to the strikers. The midfield players who are not providing enough service.

West Ham are lacking creative midfield players. The club need wingers in the Matty Taylor, Matty Etherington style. They need playmakers of the type that will cross a ball like Brooking and score from a free kick, like, well, Taylor. And the club needs them now. So, Ranger's wantaway striker Jelavic? Perhaps, but for £8-9M, absolutely not; having £1-2M left in the budget is not going to buy that creative midfielder that the club so desperately need: Whittigham, Conway? Absolutely.

There are further problems too. Reportedly both Faubert and Rob Green are intending to leave on Free's at the end of the season. Both are refusing to sign a new contract. It's a shame, and while Faubert has upped his game this season (without too many assists or goals it might be noted), it is Rob Green that will be a huge loss to the club. Green has been nothing short of Stellar for West Ham, particularly this season. Without him, the club would not be topping the league; and with West Ham's present reserve GK's, he is irreplaceable. But allowing a prize player and asset to walk is financial suicide for cash strapped club like West Ham. Green either needs to be re-signed now (for better wages - there are few who disagree he, above all, deserves them), or sold within 9 days. There are clubs looking for stop-gap GK's, Manchester United come to mind, as do Arsenal. And Green is good enough to play Champions League (albeit next season), and he deserves a crack at it. Fans will not like to see him go, but if it's going to happen the it must be during this window for West Ham's sake. Almunia did a good job for club on loan, perhaps a swap deal, at least for the short term would be feasible.

Yes, West Ham top the table, but there's a lot to do if the owners want this season to be a "success". Certainly, if they want to attain automatic promotion and transform that into Premier League survival, then planning for the future and filling those needs must start now. Any assembled players need to start to gel now, if the club want promotion and survival.

Evolution and survival of the fittest.

Darwin had it right: will West Ham's bid for automatic promotion and Premier League survival evolve or die? It's in the lap of the God's, the foresight of the manager, and to certain degree, the pockets of the owners.

Paul

West Ham 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest

2012-01-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

This was a good result, despite the slow start and the slack finish, which took the gloss of the win. Despite the aggravating reality that we didn't keep a clean sheet today, overall it was a solid, if largely pedestrian, team performance today with Mark Noble clearing off the line once and scoring two penalties, not to mention a close shot from open play that skimmed the outside of the post. Collison missed a sitter, and Lansbury drew a great save from Camp. And, despite the two goal lead, Sam made a refreshing decision to replace Baldock at 78 minutes with Robert Hall and Piquionne on for Cole later rather than putting a defensive minded player on. Forest's late goal came from Lewis McGugan. It was a left footed 30 yard screamer from just left of the D outside the 18 yard box right on time. Certainly it was a silly way to end the match, and takes the gloss of a good win; let's hope it doesn't make Sam rethink his late substitutions...

Cole had several headed chances today to add to his 8 goals, but was unable to stuff them in the onion bag; if he's not careful he'll have Mark Noble passing him as West Ham's top scorer with 6 to his name now. I'm not sure if that's good news...

For those out there who don't think we need a new striker, I ask you to consider the fact that Baldock, Cole, Carew and Piquionne have not been banging them away of late, and but for Mark Noble and seven goal Nolan, we'd be in a pickle. In fact, but for referees, we wouldn't have scored our last three goals. Yes Cole should be banging them away in this league, but, evidently, he's not.

With Cardiff's late win, we are still only 4 points ahead of them, and with Southampton to play at home on Monday, it's likely we'll be second by Tuesday.

But sitting at the top of the table is fabulous, and certainly gives me heart that we are on the right path. We still have everything to play for, and with a ten day rest until going to Ipswich, we can perhaps pick up a striker and see the return of Matty Taylor and the introduction of Demel and John to the squad.

Paul

Half Time: West Ham United 1 - 0 Nottingham Forest

2012-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well you don't get any luckier than that. Forest's Guy Moussi was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box on the stroke of half time; Noble calmly slotted home. How much longer can we expect him to put those away: brilliant.

However, this was a slow start by West Ham in more ways than one, as the ref started the match some 6 minutes late. In what can only be described as a narrow formation, Sam chose to start with Baldock and Cole up front; however, it was all Forest for the first fifteen minutes, with West Ham looking sluggish, and lucky not to go down by one. Forest started fast and had three corners within the first twenty minutes. However, as the half wore on, West Ham started to motor, eventually playing the ball on the ground for a few moves and starting to look the part. By half time, the stats were even in all respects except corners, where the Hammers had seven to no avail. We really need Taylor back!

The only negative of the half, apart from the awful opening play, was Diop. He went down late in the half and Sam replaced him with Lansbury, which is a little more positive for a home fixture.

Nottingham Forest have not been good once being a goal down; so there's every reason to look forward to some more goals, as long as the boys are not asked to sit back. Cardiff squandered an early lead at home to Pompey and are locked in a 1-1 tie at half time, and Boro are a man down and a goal down at Coventry. Southampton don't play until Monday. So without counting chickens, it all looks good at this juncture...

On to the second half...

£6M + Winger = Nikica Jelavic?

2012-01-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

Nikita Jelavić: He's here, he's there, he's everywhere, or is he?

Everywhere we look, there are claret and blue bread crumbs leading to a 6'2" 26-year-old Croat striker named Nikica Jelavić. From tweets up the ying-yang, to KUMB, West Ham Till I Die, ESPN, and Sky Sports. All of them claim that talks are taking place between Glasgow Rangers and West Ham United, but that no official offer has been made, although the heavy rumour is that between £6 to £9M is the likely asking price. Fans are divided on whether Jelavić is worth anywhere near £9M, with the only real stats available showing he has netted 30 goals in 44 appearances since arriving at Rangers. He is a big player, in the Allardyce mold. But does that mean that these claims have any foundation?

Probably not. But let's explore it anyway.

Grant Holt netted 30 goals in 44 appearances for Norwich City in his inaugural N-Power Championship season in 2009-10. After being promoted with Norwich to the Premier League that has almost been cut in half to 8 goals in 20 appearances. Why do I bring this up? Because I feel that the level of the SPL and the NPower Championship are equivalent; in fact, there are only two really strong teams in the SPL whereas in the Championship one could argue the competition is closer with a host of clubs able to beat any other on their day. That cannot be said in Scotland, where there are only really two dominant clubs that would likely be offered a place in the PL or Championship. And you know who they are; I don't need to name them.

So is £9M as a fair asking price for a player of Grant Holt's calibre? I suppose it depends on a number of factors: (1) Who's money it is! (2) Whether he can contribute to certain promotion (which in itself is worth over £20M) (3) Whether he can maintain his level of performance once, and indeed if, the club are promoted to the EPL. But if it were my money, I'd say categorically no. But maybe this is an unfair comparison because I have never seen Jelavić play, and perhaps he is better than his pure stats (which are pretty good) give him credit for. Conversely, perhaps Grant Holt arguably didn't have the quality around him that Jelavić does at Rangers, so his performance is better?

But perhaps the biggest spanner in the works for the Jelavić story is this: I'm not sure why Rangers would be entertaining offers less than £9Million, as, according to BBC Sport, on 30 August 2011, it was reported that Rangers had rejected a £6.5m bid from Leicester City for Jelavić and also an apparent bid from an unnamed agent working on behalf of an unnamed club, for 9 million pounds on Transfer Deadline Day. So why would they accept anything less now? Certainly, West Ham, having published their accounts, are not exactly rolling in the dosh; Gold and Sullivan are financing most of the acquisitions themselves, but 9 Million quid on one unproven player?

It is true that Rangers are in the need for a winger and a number of defenders. So perhaps a cash plus player deal then? I suppose we could look to see if there are any Rangers scouts at the Boleyn tomorrow... West Ham don't have dearth of defenders, but wingers? Perhaps. Jack Collison's name was bounced around yesterday on Twitter as a Leeds target (you can hear the roar of anger already). Freddie Sears can play as a winger, as can O'Neil, Barrera and a few others. I suppose it's possible.

But I'd be mightily surprised.

Paul

Preview: WHUFC vs Forest - Beware of Tree Spikes

2012-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

If you go down to the woods tonight, you might be in for a big surprise...Then, again, perhaps not.

If you speak to a forest fan right now, there is a lot of negativity flying around; the contrast between between now and the quiet confidence that McLaren's appointment brought last summer is stark. Players are getting stick, and the fans have given up hoping for a win. And, ostensibly, it's hard to disagree with them. With Steve Cotterill's Forest languishing firmly in the relegation zone, some two points off safety after shipping seven goals in their last two matches without response, it's easy to see why many fans are seriously concerned about relegation. Five home losses in a row don't help either, nor does not scoring at home since November 19th.

But digging deeper, there are some mitigating factors that perhaps have conspired to make Forest seem worse than they are. Firstly, having a player wrongly sent off (IMHO) in their last league fixture at home to Southampton for almost the entire second half didn't help matters. And despite all the reports, I watched the match and felt that Forest were certainly giving as good as they were getting for the first half. Southampton didn't look head and shoulders better, and their first goal, honestly was scrappy. But the Luke Chambers sending off at 50 minutes ensured that the game was over as a competitive match. It allowed Southampton the space to get in behind them, and they made Forest pay.

But away to Leicester in the Cup - well, there's no sugar coating it - Forest were awful. They missed two guilt edged chances before half time.

Despite this, Forest fans will rightly tell you that their away form in the league is slightly better, but not much. With only 4 away wins out of 12, and only one of those this year against Ipswich, the previous one being in October, it would be easy to right off their chances of a win. Furthermore, to darken the cloud over Forest, four key players are missing: Chambers is suspended, and Wes Morgan, Chris Cohen and Ishmael Miller are missing through injury. Then there's Matt Derbyshire's twitter outburst that has probably ensured that he won't be high on Steve Cotterill's team sheet...

Ouch. Is there any light for the trees? Yes. Marlon Harewood, after a 6 month spell playing in China (not bad pay, apparently - just ask Drogba...), he has signed on for a short loan spell with Forest. And while he's still working on his sharpness, he will bring an added dimension to Forest's attack on Saturday. No doubt he will be determined to prove a point back at the club where he was leading scorer a few years back. So there's hope for the Forest fans?

Perhaps. Last time we played a bottom of the league team, Bristol City, we were frustrated for 90 minutes. If you're Steve Cotterill how are you going to set up? That's right: 10 men behind the ball with Harewood ready to pounce. And with West Ham's inability to score more than one - perhaps - two goals per game, a draw is quite possible because although it seems that when Forest go down a goal, it's over, we should remember that, lately, when West Ham go up a goal, we sit on the lead and entertain capitulation in the final few minutes. Furthermore, every time we've had the chance to go top, West Ham have blown it. And this weekend, by dint of Southampton's fixture being played on Monday, we have that chance again.

But, in fairness to the Hammers, a loss or a draw is not likely, particularly because, with no fresh injury worries, it looks like Big Sam will have nearly a full squad to pick from. Guy Demel and Matty Taylor are both now in full training, though it doesn't sound like they're quite ready to start a game yet. George John will likely be a few weeks from serious availability, although a bench seat soon is likely. I see Diop as a great away player, or when we need to hold a lead. Reid has done well as late, despite Faye's previous good form, so I'd keep him in. When Taylor is fully fit he is in, no ifs, ands, or buts: we need his creativity and, above all, his set piece expertise. And Demel too, if he can stay fit would have place as right back in my side. O'Brien needs a rest. And while I'm sure Sam will not go with my team tomorrow, but this is what I'd pick, based on the opposition and our need for goals. It's time to change it up, we've become too predictable and constipated. Yes, Nolan is in the line up: he's our best Captain in eons and joint top scorer...before the whining starts. :-)

Green

O’Brien-Tomkins-Reid-McCartney

Noble-----Nolan

Lansbury---------------------Collison

Baldock

Cole

Subs: (No GK) Faye, Faubert, Taylor, Nouble, Hall

This five subs is really annoying! I'd have Demel and John in there if I was sure they were fit.

With all due respect to Forest, who are, and always will be, a big team with a rich history, West Ham have the chance to go top tomorrow and score some goals. Let's hope they do it, and make us all wonder why we're in the market for a striker.

Paul

2 Bids In For Strikers

2012-01-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

There are very strong rumours on Twitter, allegedly attributed to David Sullivan's son, Jack, that West Ham have two bids in right now for two strikers. Usually, I don't pay much attention to Clunge or any of the self annointed Tweeters, but there is one fellow with a good track record - an agent, and he is among many who is independently confirming this news. One, the lesser of the two bids - around 3.5 million, is supposedly for Watford's 21 year old striker, Marvin Sordell. Sordell has scored ten goals (8 in the league) this season for Watford, which, considering their position and the support he gets, isn't bad. It's certainly more than anyone at West Ham has scored so far this season.

jsullivanwhuJack Sullivan:

we have made made two bids today for strikers (£3.5m and £5m). we HOPE to get one and have good news within 7 days if not sooner

There is considerable conjecture regarding the second bid of around 4 to 5 million pounds. One of the favourites seems to be 23 year old Celtic striker Gary Hooper. But, in my opinion, this is highly unlikely as the English striker is said to want to stay at Celtic, and the management are very outspoken in their desire to keep him at Celtic Park. The other target is touted as Jordan Rhodes; however, it is well known that Huddersfield won't sell him for a penny less than 8 million, and they would prefer not to sell him at all. I would be extremely surprised if another bid was put in for Rhodes: if he's going anywhere, then, likely it will be to sit on a Premier League bench. Which is a shame...

That leaves a few other possibilities, one of which I believe is highly likely to be Doncaster Rovers' 25 year old striker Billy Sharp. If you remember Billy Sharp was destined for Leicester City a week or so ago, after they had an offer accepted for 3 million by Doncaster. However, Doncaster had second thoughts and offered Billy an improved contract in order to keep him at the club. He has also scored ten goals this season, and if Sordell's ten for Watford seem impressive, then, by the same token, Sharpe's ten for 23rd placed Doncaster is even more impressive. If Sharp can score goals with the quality of players around him at Doncaster (no disrespect intended), then he should be more successful at West Ham with players like Taylor, Lansbury, Faubert, Collison, Noble, Nolan, and McCartney whipping balls in, not mention Cole holding them up for him. I'm not sure why we haven't heard more about Bristol City's 8 goal striker Nicky Maynard up until this point. Perhaps it could be him?

Given our recent toothless displays in front of goal, Sam's recent comments echoing fan concern about our profligacy in front of goal, let's hope this speculation leads to substance.

Paul

They're At It Again: Piquionne...

2012-01-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

Not content with their appalling journalistic inaccuracy on Friday regarding Piquionne's apparent "move to Wolves", the Daily Mail are at it again. Read into it what you will...

While Piquionne may not go the Wolves; the Daily Mail really has gone to the dogs. No quotes, no evidence, and no author attributed to this story.

Portsmouth 0 - 1 West Ham United

2012-01-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

The right result, if a nervy and frustrating one. West Ham dominated the first 25 minutes, with Pompey coming back into it after the Noble penalty. In the second half, Portsmouth went down to ten men after Norris was sent off. From then on it was all West Ham with Robert Green not having too much to do, despite a late sequence of pressure from Portsmouth's Benjani. However, from West Ham's perspective, that old bugaboo of poor finishing took the edge off of our momentum. There were some horrendous misses by Faubert, Nolan and Noble in the second half. Portsmouth were satisfied to defend deep, but West Ham were passing square balls rather than penetrating. When they did, the offside flag was often up. Noble was my man of the match; overall, he had a fabulous game.

The frustration comes from the fact that this was a chance to pump up our goal difference which we didn't take; unfortunately, Southampton did. I'm sure we're desperately looking for a creative midfielder and a striker, and this performance did nothing but firmly underline our deficiencies in these areas.

While Sam did bring Faubert off for Lansbury late on, it seemed that the strategy was to hold the lead. This was a dangerous tactic, and I am not a proponent of that for obvious reasons: it only takes a set piece success by the opposition and we're back to square one. In fact, Benjani's late chances were very threatening, and one resulted in a handball which, amazingly the referee didn't give. Futacs missed a golden opportunity late on too; frankly, West Ham were lucky to avoid another late goal against. We drew the pressure on ourselves by not making the necessary changes earlier on. One has the feeling we cheated fate today. Certainly the benevolence of the referee today, while correct and brave, cannot be relied upon week in and out. A lesser man would have buckled to the fan pressure and awarded a penalty late on, or perhaps sent Nolan off as an even up call. How that referee is getting home tonight is one of life's great mysteries. An armed escort, I shouldn't wonder.

Sam's inactivity on the sub's bench was interesting: neither Faye or Baldock were called into action, and only Lansbury was brought on late for Faubert. Baldock was perhaps being penalized for his penalty miss (which seems overly harsh and not good man-management to me); and, fair enough, Faye is just back from injury. Why Carew was on the bench though, rather than Hall is a mystery to me.

Still it is another away victory at a very hard venue against a team on a good run of form with the inspiration of a new manager. It's nothing to grumble about, but only a fool wouldn't heed the warnings: we need more creativity and, yes, some more clinical fire-power in front of goal. This game should have been killed off in the first half.

Paul

Norris Sent Off-Deja Vu

2012-01-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Norris: a high boot, far too high. Ref instant red card. Moments before he had clattered Nolan down. Deserved.

Half Time: Portsmouth 0-1 West Ham

2012-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

A Noble penalty on 24 minutes is all that separates these two sides. This started slowly but soon became a firecracker of a game with not much love lost between many of these players: you get the feeling there's a lot of bad history between some of these players. The half has resulted in two yellow cards so far for Pompey. West Ham dominated early, but after the goal, the expected Pompey response came with a series of corners where Robert Green kept our lead safe. Overall, West Ham deserve the lead and take it into the dressing room for half time.

Southampton are one up at Forest; Boro are two down. Cardiff are still 0-0 at Doncaster.

24 Minutes: Portsmouth 0 - 1 West Ham United

2012-01-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth were unable to deal with West Ham, who were gaining the ascendancy with more possession, a series of free kicks, corners and very creditable penalty calls for the Hammers lead finally to more industrial and desperate tackles by Portsmouth. The resulting tackle off the ball on Faubert, convinced the referee that, on second thoughts after dismissing a similar event a minute prior, that indeed this was a penalty. Noble swept it in, as usual. Perhaps Baldock can learn something from that? West Ham are now completely controlling this one.

Piquionne Gone To The Wolves

2012-01-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

That great bastion of journalism that is the Daily Mail is reporting that Freddie Piquionne has been "sold" on free-transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers. If this is true (and it's almost too much to hope for), then I wish him well. He has been at the club since 2010, having arrived from Portsmouth. I have no hard feelings towards Freddie, although I am not sorry to see him go. Initially he seemed promising, but from last season to this, I find it hard to remember him lighting up any single game, or looking like he should win Man of the Match. His wanton reluctance to actually chase or move into space has become a sort of anti-folklore among the fans, and there have been times this season that it has appeared that we have played with 10 men.

So while the obvious bonus to this is that we get an enormous wage earner off our books, free up a space in our squad for another striker, perhaps the real victory goes to Robert Hall or Frank Nouble, both of which have shown far more initiative and nouse in recent games. If it means that Robert, in particular, gets the nod more often, then I think that can only be good news for the club and Robert Hall's development. The boy has potential: perhaps Sam has noticed?

Paul

Objects In Your Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear - Away to Portsmouth

2012-01-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Pompey: Another team left for dead in the wake of "Arry's" trajectory to North London...We can only hope.

Saturday's match at Fratton Park - one of the true great bastions of football - is more about three points than beating Portsmouth. A win is vital, and it's now the time in the season where the opposition needs to become inconsequential; it's all about what West Ham can do, not about the opposition. If we look at promotion like an 800m race, then the bell has rung for the last lap, and Allardyce has put the Hammers firmly on the shoulder of the pace-setter and in pole-position to kick off, but, by the same token, the chasing pack is close behind, and they have exactly the same idea.

It's all about fitness, stamina for the fight, and who has the mental and physical reserves to push to the line. We can dream about a cushion, but I believe this will be tight race to the end, with the lead changing several times. Once you're on top, there's only one direction to go. As a fan, are you prepared for that? Can you accept that we may be passed down the back-straight and that the finish will be nip and tuck? Can you keep your spirits and belief up all the way to the line? With our support, hopefully the players can.

The second half of the season is where the leadership in the club comes to the fore: it's why Allardyce bought Nolan, Faye, and Diop to the club. Are they the most captivating players of all time? Perhaps not, but they have heart and incredible self-belief, so much so, that opposition fans hate them. They're tossers to the opposition, but they're our tossers.

Pompey visited the Boleyn and lost by the odd goal in 7, with things all square at two a piece before Liam Lawrence was sent off. For Allardyce it was far too thrilling, and I suspect he would have been happier with the one goal difference and a clean sheet. For the fans it was an open game where Matty Taylor, Henry Lansbury, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole each scored. It's been a long time since we've rippled the onion bag that many times. Still with all the rest the squad have had, and a few returnees (only Taylor and Demel are absent for this one), West Ham couldn't be in better shape, apart, I fear, from set pieces.

Disregarding the opposition is one thing, but going into a match without a little background is never prudent, so here's what the Hammers need to know: 17th placed Portsmouth's recent form suggests they are better than their league position indicates. Currently they are unbeaten in their last seven games at Fratton Park: with wins against Barnsley, Doncanster, Nottingham Forest, Coventry, and Watford with recent and creditable draws against Leicester, and Southampton in the blood-feud Derby. Much of their recent form can be attributed to their new young manager, ex-West Brom coach Michael Appleton. He was an outsider for the job, beating out experienced applicants like Sean O'Driscoll and Steve Coppell. An, ex-player whose career was cut short by an injury and a surgeon's neglect, he successfully sued the surgeon which does show some self confidence and determination, if nothing else. He started a coaching career at 27 at the Baggies and by all accounts was greatly admired by fellow coaching staff, players and, above all, manager Roy Hodgeson, who was sad to see him go.

As far as goal scorers, 30 year old striker Luke Varney and 31 year old midfielder David Norris have 5 a piece, but it's someone with the name Futacs who is chipping them in lately (sorry couldn't resist).

West Ham? You can be sure Sam will be back to fielding the strongest possible side available, which I hope, at least, includes Robert Hall on the bench. I certainly don't expect to see his place taken up by one Freddie Piquionne. Faye and Diop are available; however, Taylor and Demel are not. Lansbury hasn't really impressed me lately, although Collison had a good match last time out. George John won't be available either.

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Faubert - Noble - Diop - Nolan

Cole - Baldock

Subs: Kurucz (for obvious reasons), Reid, Collison, Carew, Hall

It's no use whining about the 5 sub limit, but it would be nice to include Lansbury and Potts, but oh well. I'm sorry, but its time for deadwood to move, and I have no place for FP in a squad that, hopefully, has to start thinking about top-level football next year.

Given everything we have seen lately from both teams, a draw would be a reasonable conclusion; however, I think force of character will win the day and we'll break the tape first on this one.

Paul

A Word For Sam

2012-01-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

Nice to pick up one of the Sunday papers with a full page spread from Sam saying that the FA cup means sweet FA to him.

There were about 3.500 of us at Hillsborough on Sunday who had some passing interest in getting a result. I worked till 3am Sunday morning then left home at 9.30am to drive to Sheffield. Nice to know I wasn't wasting my time ! For any of you that have been ever been to Hillsborough you will know what an awful place it is, hardly a nice day out, I went to watch West Ham !

Sam needs to understand that whilst promotion is the priority, (getting back to the greedy league seems to be what it's all about), this is a proper well supported football club. He isn't at Bolton, or Blackburn, or even Newcastle, there are proper supporters here, people who care. Don't sell us short ! If I want to watch the reserves I can nip over and watch them up the road for about a fiver !

Are that many of you really that happy to see us bow out of both cups with a whimper ?

For the record, Whilst he says "rotation" was what it was all about, Sam's interest in the game see him get up from his seat about 4 times in over 100 minutes, hmmmmm, is that the Sam that everybody knows ??

COYI's

Martin

FC Dallas' George John Loan Deal Concluded

2012-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

George John, a centre back come defensive midfielder from MLS team FC Dallas has concluded a load deal to join West Ham until February. If all is well, then apparently a full transfer can be expected.

Hopefully this is cover and not as a replacement for Tomkins.

Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 0 West Ham United: A Striker Or Two, Please - Post Haste!

2012-01-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

While winning this FA Cup clash would have been the best result, the second best result is to lose away from home. Certainly it is prefereable to a draw: a replay would have been disasterous to our already tight league schedule and may have resulted in fatigue or injuries that we can well do without. And while Southampton can hold their heads high, winning away to Coventry, West Ham, like Cardiff, have nothing else to focus on but the league.

There are no excuses, then.

I am not concerned, nor do I believe that Sam doesn't value the FA Cup, but that he, like me, values promotion more. Not that I think he went to Sheffield with the intention of losing this game, just to give some players a rest, some a run out in order to evaluate them, and that he still felt we had enough in the tank for a win. And given the chances 10 v 10, possession 54% to West Ham, and 8 corners to Wednesday's 3, and a missed penalty, West Ham should have got something out of this.

What this match did illustrate is our need for another centre back, a creative wide player and at least two strikers. There's no use sugar-coating things here. Lansbury and Collison were a decent pairing in midfield, but it does bring things into perspective when, without the presence of Cole and Nolan on the pitch and their cumulative 15 goals this season, and, leaving Baldock's five goals aside, the rest of the starting lineup have only scored a total of 8 goals among themselves in 24 games. So just where was the goal going to come from? I say goal, because frankly, Baldock should have put the penalty away. If he had, then it would have been a grudging 2-1 victory to the Hammers. Baldock himself hasn't scored in his last nine games for West Ham.

This isn't about finger pointing, that's never constructive, but it is about converting chances into goals. Something that Allardyce recognizes:

"We did everything right apart from not finishing our chances and making a basic error that cost us the tie. The changes we made weren't the problem. The problem was not finishing the chances we had, the biggest one being the penalty.

But most of all, this loss reiterates how important Noble, Nolan and Tomkins are to our promotion chances. Potts is a fine player with a hell of a lot of potential, but McCartney is better right now in that position, and, by the same token, Tomkins is vital to our back four. Taylor too was missed today, as he has been all season long since his injury. What today's game also demonstrated is that we have no Trevor Brooking: a wide, creative midfielder with accurate looping crosses that always find their mark, a player who can turn a game with a free kick. And while Noble was missed today, he is not that man. Taylor is the closest we have, and given his injury, we obviously need coverage for him. Bentley was that man, but...

Still, onwards an upwards. I don't expect anything to happen too quickly in this window; afterall, would you let your starlet to the club that puts the first offer in? Neither will Huddersfield. This is a bidding war: and Jordan Rhodes will go to the club that pays the most. Maynard is still available, as is Peter Whittingham. It sounds like Sharp will be wearing a Leicester shirt soon.

I'm sure the owners are working hard on this, and, this season, I am certainly appreciating their discretion and confidentiality on impending deals, even if it does make it a little more frustrating.

Paul

FA Cup: Half Time - Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 0 West Ham United

2012-01-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Chances at both ends, with both teams guilty of glaring misses have left the game goalless at half time, with perhaps Sheffield the unluckier of the two sides not to be ahead. West Ham have had 60% of the possession; however, the clinical finishing hasn't been there despite the presence of Baldock. Allardyce has named a young squad with Collison and Lansbury anchoring midfield: this has been a very fluid midfield, with Diop on the bench. Collison has shown glimpses of his previous form, but Potts has been beaten several times for pace and guile. Reid and McCartney anchor the defence, with Tomkins on the bench. Let's hope that's nothing more than squad rotation and has nothing to do with Newcastle.

Second half just about to get under way.

Paul

Parish Notice

2012-01-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Firstly, apologies for my shoddy spelling of both JORDAN Rhodes and Billy Sharp (no E!). No excuses, and as one poster says, I should do better. I will. I've been a little rushed lately, but that's no excuse for substandard proof-reading! So thanks for keeping me on my toes.

Secondly: while friendly banter is fine, pure vitriolic one-upmanship is not. Many postings from both sides - Hammers fans as well as those from rival teams - have become laced with abuse. I choose not to screen all posts on this forum, and, for the most part, I am extremely impressed with all posters for their restraint and willingness to follow my request to "Please keep your posts clean and respectful." However, if the tone continues to diminish, then I will be forced to screen posts. It's not something I want to do, so please, help me by restraining the impulse to insult.

I really appreciate those posters from all sides that demonstrate incredible knowledge and insight, often correcting me or adding interesting perspectives to the conversations, and that is the sort of dialogue I'd like to see on the blog. Fans of other teams have every right to put their two-pence worth in, as long as it is constructive and objective; it's interesting to hear other people's perspectives. Friendly banter is fine; put-downs for the sake of venting are not. They have no place on this forum.

Paul

Give Doncaster Ilunga and Ca$h for Sharp?

2012-01-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

It strikes me, with all the discussion today that Doncaster Rovers have accepted a paltry 1.85 million pound bid from Leicester City for their 10 goal-scorer 25 year old Billy Sharp, that West Ham may be about to miss a coup here.

While I think the Hammers need to cough up big time for Jordan Rhodes, I also think that getting Sharp would be a coup. And why not? Ilunga has just arrived back from Doncaster on loan. Doncaster manager, Dean Saunders, has been very public about wanting Ilunga back. West Ham want to get him off their wage bill, why not give him to them and add a paltry 1.85 million quid on top? We get rid of a player who obviously has no place in Sam's plans and who underwhelmed for two seasons now, and his wages.

According to the BBC, even though Leicester's bid has been accepted, personal terms between them and Sharp have not yet been agreed.

Time for the two Davids to jump in?

Paul

FA Cup: Sheffield Wednesday v West Ham United

2012-01-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

Let's hope Megson gets them to cough up a pellet

Gary Megson's Wednesday have only lost 1 of their last 11 matches in all competitions. The League One team are in an identical position to West Ham; that is, second in their league, to Charlton, with two more points from one less game than the Hammers. As both clubs will have their priority on the league in general and promotion in particular, neither side will want a replay. Megson knows that it is in his best interests to play his strongest side and "give it a right go": West Ham can expect a hard game at Hillsborough. The stadium itself is huge, bigger than the Boleyn (in fact it's even bigger than that enormous club's ground in N17!) with a capacity of nearly 40,000 souls, and Wednesday have been drawing crowds of between 20,000 and 30,000 week in and out for their League One matches, so our boys can expect a very intimidating atmosphere off the pitch.

On the pitch, it will be much the same: Wednesday are grafters with a never-say -die attitude. In their recent game against Jordan Rhodes' third placed Huddersfield in the all-Yorkshire derby, there were 8 goals scored blistering match. Yes, Jordan scored ALL 4 of Huddersfield's! (He also scored all 5 for them today! - Get him Msrs. Gold and Sullivan, even if that means outrageous personal terms to turn his head away from Tottenham's shady ghetto). Megson's teams are more Allardyce-like than Allardyce's! While their midfield playmaker is Chris Lines - a summer arrival from Bristol Rovers - their hatchet man is Portuguese defender José Vítor Moreira Semedo. Lines should relish the chance to showcase what he can do against tougher opposition; Semedo’s steel and Hines' style has worked for the Owls since the two were paired together.

Allardyce is rumoured to be considering wholesale changes from the recent league win against Coventry. That suits me fine. The league is our bread and butter, and it is time to give some youngsters a try. Wouldn't it be nice to discover a hidden gem and save ourselves a few quid in the transfer window? This is the perfect opportunity to give the youngsters and fringe players a chance, and with 7 subs on the bench for the Cup, I'm sure many of them will e up for this. Montenegro, Montano, Hall, Potts, Nouble, and Sears will hopefully all get a chance to either start of come on and strut their stuff. And frankly, there's no time like now...

Boffin

O'Brien - Tomkins - Reid - Potts

ONeil - Diop

Sears - Lansbury

Nouble

Hall

Subs: Green, Moncur, Faubert, Noble, Montenegro, Monteiro, Carew

Despite rambling on about neither side wanting a replay, my bat-intestine divining and tea-leaf reading lady seems convinced this will be a 1-1.

Still, she has been known to be wrong: she predicted the Spuds would wax Swansea on New year's Eve and win the Europa League in 2012, and look what happened there?

Paul

January: Kevin Davies, Vedran Corluka and...Clungewhu

2012-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

This year, I have deliberately avoided much of the hype swirling around the January transfer window. I made a pact with myself to be the model of restraint and to remain low-key, only commenting on sure things, done deals, or patently ridiculous speculation, leaving other bloggers to react/postulate/speculate and repeat everything else...The endless cycle of dramatic headlines punctuated with exclamation marks but without any sources is...tiresome.

But, mostly, they're patently false.

Typically, a deal or two will be done on the first few days of the window, then nothing will happen until the last three or four days of the month. Clubs with players they want to keep will refuse any quick offers (such as those from West Ham for Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes and Cardiff's Peter Wittingham), in the hopes that if they can't keep their star players, then they can wait for desperation, potential rivals, and the impending deadline to drive the price up.

The January transfer window is 99% boredom and 1% panic as far as I can tell. From a West Ham fans' point of view it starts with a massive number of rumours put about by bored Tottenham-supporting media hacks who have little or nothing to go on. They start by putting two and two together and getting, usually, three. Or five. But rarely four. This speculation will typically begin with one of our big/established/top performing players being courted by 'Arry. The Spud's fans will weigh in, call us their 'feeder club', and then rumoured bids emerge, usually without any creditable sources. Then they'll switch to us being the recipient of one of their crocked players, or loaning us a pre-pubescent starlet so that he can get experience with the "junior club". Some West Ham bloggers will get involved and add to the scare-mongering...

I ignore it.

I'm well aware of "Clungewhu" from Twitter. He bills himself as "West Ham Insider". I follow him, but, while many hold him in high esteem, as some anonymous "Deep Throat"-like insider at the club, I'm more dubious. "Clunge" has predicted many a transfer or move to the club over the past few seasons, and some have been right, while some have been...well...wildly inaccurate. This inaccuracy is often put down to a last minute snag with the medical, or a superior offer coming in just under the wire from a competing club. And perhaps it's true. "Clunge" never reveals his sources or, indeed, his identity, but we are assured that he is "in the know". Clunge does seem to get some early team news regarding returning players etc, but so does my contact, Mildred, the tea lady, if only because the more they train, the less tea they want - Sam frowns upon diuretics!

So, again, on the whole, I'm dubious regarding Clungewhu's tweets. Indeed, his latest pronouncement that out-of-favour Spud's right back, Vedran Corluka, is undergoing a medical for West Ham today after the Spuds accepted an offer of 1.8 million quid is contrary to "Arry's adamant assertion yesterday that Corluka was absolutely not for sale.

However, I suppose you can see how a rumour like this could start: Corluka has only started 3 times for the Spuds this season. A serious injury last year and the competition for spaces has knocked him off the team sheet more often than not this season. Adding that to the fact that we need coverage at right back (or even an improvement on O'Brien who seems to lack a little pace), and that Sam is looking for younger pacier players, then it would be a safe bet to start a rumour like that.

And I remain sceptical. Spurs don't like doing business with us as much as West ham don't like doing business with them (You get the feeling much handwashing goes on after the money changes hands), and Levy never lets anyone go for a paltry 1.8 million quid. Corluka would be a good addition to our Championship squad, although whether he has enough quality to serve us in the Premier League (should we make promotion) is, again, dubious, given his failure to hold down a place at the Spuds. Besides, surely he would rather join any of the other clubs (Bolton, Wolves, Everton etc.) who are thought to be bidding for him? Perhaps West Ham offered better personal terms?

I suppose all will be revealed tomorrow. Over to you, Clungewhu.

Meanwhile, rumours of 35 year old ex-Allardyce and Bolton striker Kevin Davies putting his house on the market and joining us had better be wide of the mark! He was good once, but at 35, and with few goals this season, I'm not sure he's a short term or a long term answer!

Paul

The Warnings Are There

2012-01-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

I read an interesting article on this year's promotion battle as compared to years gone by. Apart from pointing out that, so far this season, this is the closest promotion battle in 20 years since 1992, and pointing out some interesting facts and figures, it also got me thinking.

As we all know the top of the table is quite crowded and, ostensibly at least, it looks like a whole host of clubs are quite capable of making a bid for the automagic promotion spots, let alone the playoffs. But if we're a little more discerning, we can see a clear gap forming:

And while I am extremely hesitant to write off any of the top ten clubs (Leeds for instance), certainly, at this point in the season we can see the clubs that are the main contenders for automatic promotion. The top four clubs have established a cushion, and while the Christmas period showed us that anything is possible in this league (West Ham, Southampton, Boro all lost unexpectedly), it also showed us who the main protagonists are likely to be in the battle for automatic promotion.

Of the top four, West Ham have had the worst injury/suspension crisis over the past few weeks. Of the top four, they also have the second worst current form. Whether we can blame this injury/suspension crisis for the West Ham's dip in form is debatable, and certainly a little disingenuous to the opposition that have taken 11 of our last 18 possible points.

Current Form Guide of Championship Clubs Over the Past 6 Games:

As mentioned before, while not writing them off, I'm not too concerned with teams below the "gap" opening up in the Championship right now (5th placed Reading), as I don't think they have the squad or resources to keep up their current form going consistently over the second half of the season. This particularly applies to Burnley, Derby, Hull and Blackpool, some of whom will likely get into the playoff spots, but not likely the automatic spots.

Early title-favourites and media-darlings Southampton have surprised everyone by tanking and dropping 13 of a possible 18 points (Bristol City robbing them of 6 of those). They are also facing a little bit of a crisis now, as their runaway league-leading scorer Rickie Lambert was sent off with a red card in their last match means that he has a three game suspension handed to him. This is no small dent in their promotion campaign. Lambert is responsible for 15 of their 47 goals, and has made a host of others. But write Southampton off at your peril: they will be there right to the end, of that, I'm sure.

Middlesboro have the best form of the top four, joint first overall, grabbing a possible 13 out of 18 points over the last six games, but they still don't concern me as much as one team in particular. Firstly, their resources are meagre. Their manager, while experienced, is getting the best from a very mediocre squad, and they have little in the way of depth.

The Bluebirds though are an entirely different proposition. Only grabbing two points less than 'Boro over the 6 games, their form is quite incredible, especially if you look at it over the past 15 games. In fact, it's amazing.

Cardiff have only lost once in 15 games to Middlesboro by the odd goal in 7, and have won 10 of those 15 matches, drawing 4 of the 15. Their current form is spectacular. They are unbeatable on the road and damn impregnable at home. And they’re doing it with style. It’s a team effort, and to say anything else would be disingenuous to Malky’s men, but one man who is looking sublime for them is their number 7, Peter Whittingham.

Yes, the man West Ham have had a bid turned down for.

Make no mistake, Cardiff are well coached, have a deep squad and have been perennial playoff runners up for years. This year, with Malky MacKay in charge, and a squad of technically gifted and hard grafting players, they will be pushing hard for one of the two spots, and, with their current line-up, have my vote for an automatic promotion spot.

And that is why I believe that the two Davids have to bit a more cynical and pay above the odds to prize Cardiff's fingers off of Peter Wittingham. He is a fabulously creative wide player: just what we need. He is also the jewel in their crown, and depriving Cardiff of him would be, I believe, a devastating blow to their form and their automatic promotion chances. Yes, it's a team game, but he really is something special.

Dirty pool? Perhaps.

Paul

West Ham 1 - 0 Coventry City: A Deserved 3 Points

2012-01-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Coventry: Not so Skyblue today....

West Ham made it count today, although it was never easy. The Hammers took a deserved three points while others faltered: Southampton lost super-star Lambert to a red card and went down by three goals away to Brighton. Middlesboro lost by 3 goals at Blackpool, although Cardiff polished their promotion cred with a 3 -1 win against Reading.

The Hammers certainly deserved the win over the 90 minutes; they dominated large spells of the game, with Coventry finishing the stronger in the last 4 minutes. For most of the game it was the Hammers dominating possession and play, with Coventry throwing ten men behind the ball; when Coventry did get it forward, there was never anyone there to collect. During the last six minutes, Coventry threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Hammers, with a series of corners, shots and one near miss of the bar; consequently, a perusal of the game stats doesn't really tell the whole story.

The whole story from the Hammers perspective is that the team are struggling to put away their chances. Frankly this should have been over after 60 minutes, and West Ham should have been 3-0 up, rather than the nervy ending it was. Again though, it was the combination of a lack of set-play polish (Noble has to be replaced as the primary free kick/corner merchant), a lack of clinical finishing, and a superb Coventry GK in the form of Joe Murphey. Frankly, if it's true that Robert Green is refusing to sign a new contract and wants out even if we're promoted (and I'm not sure it is), then we'd do worse than sign Joe Murphy. He was spectacular today and was the only factor from Coventry's perspective that kept the scoreline so low: it should have been 4 for the Hammers.

And while many will complain that Nolan didn't dominate possession or scamper hither and thither, he did provide us with the goal that kept our automatic promotion chances alive. Complain all you want, but it's his goal that won the game. He is only one goal behind our so called super striker, Carlton Cole. You can't get much better than that from a midfielder. It was George McCartney, in for Danny Potts, who crossed to my man of the match, Tomkins, who flicked it Nolan. Nolan's header made no mistake: his positional play is excellent, and he was always there, ready for a chance. Our strikers could learn something from that. Baldock will undoubtedly get better as he gets match fit; Cole was more of a playmaker today and didn't ever really look like scoring, and Noble missed a sitter from Nouble's rebound late.

Statistically to win a game by one goal isn't good enough when the statistics show that West Ham had 22 shots to Coventry's 7 (most of which came in the last 4 minutes). We need another striker or three.

Overall, it is 3 points, and fully deserved. It's a massive result, particularly given the other promotion hopefuls big slip-ups today: I'm sure I'm not alone in breathing a little more easily today. Back up to second, and out of first only on GD. Hopefully more strikers will put paid to that!

Paul

Should Be Two

2012-01-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Nouble beaten by the keeper; Noble puts the rebound wide. This goalkeeper is fabulous! Really, we need to put this game to bed, before we're punished for profligacy.

Baldock Off; Nouble On

2012-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

Baldock has worked hard, but has not been very effective. A couple of chances on goal, but Murphy was equal. Nouble...Let's see. It's a positive move, at least we're not protecting the lead. Tomkins is recieving attention for a facial cut. Tomkins back in.

NOLAN SCORES!!

2012-01-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

West Ham have dominated; it's been frustrating watching as we have peppered their goal, but Murphy (Coventry GK) has been stupendous. Thank GOD for that. Nolan header. That's why we bought him.

Southampton have had star striker Lambert sent off.

Cardiff are 3-1 up against Reading (ouch)

Boro 2 down to Blackpool

Preview: West Ham United Vs Coventry City: Let's Not Spill the Claret

2012-01-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Skyblues come to the Boleyn

West Ham welcome the Skyblues to the Boleyn tomorrow for 3pm kickoff after beating them by two goals to one at the Ricoh Arena in the away fixture. Coventry arrive of the back off a two-game home winning streak, so in that sense, their current form is better than that of the Hammers. Moreover, Coventry have started to play some attractive football, with the latest results seeing them start to climb off the bottom and to haul in Nottingham Forest and, every Hammers favourite second team right now, the Robins... It was Bristol City who played well at the Ricoh on Boxing Day, having the lion's share of possession and double the chances (26) on net but coming away somewhat unfortunate losers to Coventry two fixtures ago. However the Skyblues completely deserved their subsequent New Year's Eve win over Brighton at home. While possession and chances on goal were split evenly, Coventry were more clinical in netting twice; Gus Poyet's Brighton are having trouble scoring. West Ham may want to take note here: over the last two home games, we have only managed 2 goals.

Coventry's latest success at home seems to have come from Andy Thorn's change in tactics. Lately he is employing a 4-3-3, and this seems to have suited forwards Lukas Jutkiewicz and Gary McSheffrey, both of which scored in the victory over Brighton. However, Coventry City medical staff were today, assessing both forwards as they picked up knocks in the game yesterday. Despite this, Thorn does hope to name an unchanged side for the match (sound familiar - Derby...). However, much of that will depend on whether recently fit-again defenders Martin Cranie and Cyrus Christie can recover quickly enough to start. First pick at left-back for Coventry is Chris Hussey, but he only made the bench against Brighton. Regular captain Sammy Clingan is out with a fractured toe.

Despite their league position, there is an air of optimism at most Coventry fan sites regarding this fixture. The players and manager will have buoyed by the fans singing their names over the past few games: there is a sense that manager Thorn inherited a poor squad, and that, finally, he is getting them to play some attractive football as a team.

Which brings us to West Ham. The captain, Kevin Nolan, will be available from his suspension, as will Collison, Faubert and McCartney. The latest team news from West Ham suggests that Reid, Baldoc and O'Brien (who is playing with a nasty ear infection - hence his lackadaisical performance at Derby) are all available. Faye will not play, but will be ready next game. Demel, Taylor and Bentley are no where near available yet.

While both Hall and Potts have made valuable contributions over the past few game (s), I believe they will be benched for this one, although both I believe are in the initial 20 man squad. Potts' mistake allowed the first goal, and, Hall, despite being a fan favourite and running hard last game, didn't actually do much to impact the game. Settle down! - Both are real talents, don't get me wrong, but softly, softly: steady heads and experience count from the whistle in this match, with the chance to bring them on later.

Our defence has been week since Faye's absence, and having Reid and McCartney back with Diop sitting in front of them will restore a sense of impregnability to the team. Chuck Tomkins and O'Brien into the mix, and I'm fairly confident we won't be down by two goals after ten minutes. Of course, if O'Brien is too poorly to play, then, at a pinch, Faubert can slip back into that slot, now that we have Lansbury, Nolan and Collison back and available in midfield.

Collison hasn't impressed me this season so far; he's just not up to form yet. And there's a lot of conjecture flying about that Sears is for sale. There's no doubt that academy prospect Sears has been given enough chances, both starts and off the bench. The fact is that Sears was an unpicked sub yesterday, so I don' think he'll make the bench tomorrow. Nouble started, and, again rumour has it he's in the shop window, but with Baldoc back, and Cole semi-rested for the last game, I'm not sure we'll see Nouble start. And while O'Neil showed industry, I think he'll also start from the bench for this one, given his fitness levels after his recent horrendous injury lay-off. And yes that's a no sub goalie...

So...

Green

Faubert-Tomkins-Reid-McCartney

Diop

Lasbury Noble

Nolan

Cole Baldock

Subs: O'Brien, Potts, Hall, Collison, Nouble

While often, as fans, we tend to over expect as soon as players are back and the team is strong, only to find that the team don't gel well on the first match back, I'm fairly confident with this one. It's time for a blowout. And while a sensible prediction would be 2-1 to the Hammers, the four bubbles in my Hammers mug of hot tea this morning seems to indicate a four goal bonanza. It's time!

COYI's!

Sam's Strategy?

2011-12-31T14:39:00.000-08:00

If you were a manager and had two underperforming forwards who were commanding huge salaries with respect to all other forwards in the league (Lambert, Maynard etc...), and you wanted some results, what would you do before the transfer window opens up to "stimulate" some action? Perhaps this:

“Sam Baldock will score goals and Carlton Cole’s got eight. But John Carew and Freddie Piquionne have just two each. That’s not good enough. From a wages point of view, we have the four most expensive centre-forwards in this league. And those four have got the responsibility to live up to that."

I would have to say it's almost never a wise tactic to publicly castigate your own players in the media. There are only, in my opinion, two appropriate times to do this.

As a last straw, when your players consistently aren't working, performing and scoring and you've tried everything else behind closed doors, including deflecting criticisms, putting arms around them, bigging-them-up when they do get something right, and showing faith in them by starting them ad-nauseam...and if that fails...
When you want to off load one or both from your wage-bill and free up some funds for a replacement or two...Certainly Sam's criticism may make one or both either step up or more likely to want to ship out. Doncaster anyone?

Frankly, I hope it's the latter. Roll on January.

Paul

Derby 2 - 1 West Ham: A Lack of Quality and Depth

2011-12-31T14:12:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I have to admit that I haven't yet seen the game, but I have listened to the commentary in the car and read copious reports. I usually find a way to watch live, but New Year's plans put paid to that I'm afraid. And now I'm not sure I'm looking forward to watching this one when I get the time: who likes watching matches where your team concedes two goals within the first few minutes and then struggle to convert their apparently long spells of dominance into goals? And you can't blame Sam: he started with five strikers on the bench and no reserve goal keeper today. It's clear that he wanted goals and lots of them; it's clear that also knows none of our goal scorers are in Lambert-like form right now, and he has to find one who is going to start to light up the league.

It was always going to be a hard game. Clough had the luxury of naming an unchanged side from their recent win over Leeds. Pride park has become a fortress of late, and Derby are on the bubble riding a wave of confidence. That can't be said of West Ham who have now only won one game in their last five.

And we can try to blame it on injuries and suspensions, but these are excuses that wear a little thin: yes, we lost today because of a lack of depth in the squad; yes, there was a lack of quality at times, but, frankly, the real reason we lost again was because of a distinct lack of accuracy up front. And if you want automatic promotion, then you need two teams of eleven that can beat anyone on their day by scoring goals! It's very simple. And we don't yet have that.

While Reid, O'Neil and Baldock all made appearances, it was because of our lack of depth that we had to rush these players back so fast. They may be fit, but they're not match ready yet: we're simply not going to see the best of them for three or four weeks. Reid, by all accounts, was fairly plodding. Potts is a wonderful talent, but for a 17 year old to be starting for the first team is an indication of our predicament. A lack of experience and confidence led to the first goal from a throw in. The second was a classy effort by the sounds of it. Nouble did himself proud and damn near added to his late first half goal in the second half, after having two chances in the first. I suppose Sam's logic on starting with Nouble was to rest Carlton for Monday's game at home to a resurgent Coventry.

It's bad enough when you go down by two goals early, but to squander the number of chances we had in what has been described as a fairly dominant second half for the Hammers, is indicative of our problem of late: we're not scoring enough goals. Noble, Diop and Piquionne all missed sitters in the first half. Sam was quite outspoken yesterday in his clear criticism of both Piquionne and Carew, as have many readers of this blog. And he's right: neither of them inspire confidence in me when they come, or, worse, start. And while Piquionne did feed Nouble for his goal, he also missed a sitter!

While Southampton's loss at home takes the edge of this loss, Cardiff and Middlesboro are piling on the pressure. Cardiff in particular look damn near infallible. With a move to third, and the pack fast catching, the two Davids are going to have to open their wallets...

It's fitting that this disastrous relegation year - 2011 - should contain the both scoreline digits of today's last result of the year and our Premier League finishing position of last season. Let's hope that by the time I'm clinking my glass and heralding in a hopefully better 2012 tonight, that the bubbles in my glass aren't the only ones going up in the new year.

Paul

The Robins Do Us A Favour - Again

2011-12-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

After a 25 game unbeaten record at home, Southampton finally lost this evening to Bristol City. This should give the Hammers some motivation tomorrow, not they need it.

Let's hope for Peterborough to put one over Middlesboro tomorrow...Or is that too much to hope for? :-)

Paul

Preview: Derby County Vs West Ham Depleted

2011-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Clough's Rams: A tougher proposition at home...

Tomorrow is a big day for West Ham. It's a pressure day. Southampton will likely go 6 points clear tonight as they play Bristol City at St. Mary's, where they haven't lost all season. It's the battle of the "Boro's as Middlesboro have a relatively easy home game to 13th placed Peterborough. I expect both the Saints and 'Boro to win this weekend, which means it's quite possible West Ham will slip to third and out of the automatic promotion spots. And Derby will be looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat they suffered only 4 weeks ago at Upton Park.

This isn't a crisis though. While West Ham's form has stuttered over the past four games with two losses, a win and a draw, given the injuries the club have had, all is not lost. Three points tomorrow will be a big ask for the Hammers with four out on suspension and five or six out injured, key players all of them.

But what of Derby? Well their home form of late has been impressive, with two wins against substantial opposition. They beat Bristol City and kept a clean sheet while they disposed of Leeds last weekend. Against Leeds, Derby were the better side. It was an open game, which either side could have pinched, but Derby played the better football, created more genuine openings and ultimately, deserved to win. Jamie Ward was Derby's most potent attacking threat, and it was his left-foot finish subsequent to a right foot rebound that somehow made it in from an impossible angle.

In defence against Leeds, it was Shaun Barker who made several crucial interceptions, despite the pronounced "limp" he plays with week in and out at the back. In fact, Barker's last poor game was against West Ham a month ago where he couldn't handle a rampant Carlton Cole. For that reason, Sam will likely be starting Cole up front tomorrow. Between them, the two Derby centre backs seem able to cover most attacks; although neither is blessed with tremendous pace, they are experienced and aware and position themselves correctly every time: Derby have only conceded four goals in the last five games.

Ward on the left side of midfield is a dangerman. He is creative in the way Taylor can be at his best, and he scores. But what of Derby's weaknesses? The right side of midfield is an area to worry about for them, with only Ben Davies a natural in that area; however, he has to be very careful tomorrow as he (together with midfielder Craig Bryson) go into the final game of 2011 on four yellow cards. They will escape a suspension if they can avoid collecting another because the cut-off point for five bookings is this game.

As far as injuries go, Derby are not too bad with Nigel Clough hoping to be able to name the same starting 11 that beat Leeds on Boxing Day. One man certain not to feature, however, is young defender Mark O'Brien, who is out for the season with anterior cruciate ligament damage sustained in training. Jeff Hendrick and Steven Davies have had recent layoffs. 5 goal striker Steve Davies thought, was on the bench for the Leeds game as was 7 goal dangerman Theo Robinson. And both could make an appearance tomorrow.

West Ham's biggest miss tomorrow is their captain. Only fools would doubt how important this man's strength, leadership and desire to win has been to West Ham's success this season. He wasn't brought into the team for his ability, though his six goals (2nd highest club scorer behind 8 goal Cole) certainly indicate how good he is; he was brought into the team to galvanize team spirit and to organize the players on the field. His indomitable spirit and constant in-your-face leadership will be sorely missed tomorrow. No doubt Noble will be named captain against the Rams, and while he has a lot going for him, natural leadership ability isn't one of them. Of course with Abdoulaye Faye (thigh), Winston Reid (shoulder), Guy Demel (thigh), Matt Taylor (calf), David Bentley (knee) and Sam Baldock (hamstring) all either out or doubtful, and Kevin Nolan, winger Julien Faubert, defender George McCartney and Jack Collison all serving suspensions, the team is looking very thin.

What to do? While David Gold tweeted a day or so that both Baldock and Taylor would be fit for the Rams game, it seems their has been some back-peddling on that front since. The official website (Pravda as I call it), is now saying that while Baldock, Reid, Lansbury and O'Neil are all "back in contention", Taylor, Faye, and Demel are not available.

O'Neil has played a few 'reserve' team games behind closed doors. But while Baldock and Reid are "fit", they are not match fit: they haven't played a game in 5 weeks. To start them is to risk them and this would be unwise. Sam has resisted this, unlike Grant last season, and it's likely they won't start, but will warm the bench.

There is no place in my team for the underwhelming Piquionne: frankly it's time for him to go.

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Diop-Potts

Montenegro-O'Neil-Noble-Lansbury

Sears-Cole

Subs: Stech, Reid, Taylor, Baldock, Carew.

I'd like to see Montenegro, but I doubt it: for some reason, and there must be one, he never seems to make the cut. As for Sears: it's now or never. A small man off a big. Give it a go.

O'Niel has to play Nolan's role, and Noble needs to be reticent of the fact that there is no Diop as a DM

Prediction: this will be a hard match, and Derby will see this as a golden opportunity to get three points over a big club with serious absentees. I expect a tight game. My head says 1-2 to Derby, but I'd settle for getting through this game with a point with no more injuries and a lot of returnees for Monday's game against Coventry. However, this is also an opportunity for some players to step up and perform. Lansbury, Montenegro, Sears, O'Neil: I'm talking to you.

COYI's!!

Zamora, Maynard and Rhodes: Nostalgia or Statistics?

2011-12-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

Zamora, Maynard, Rhodes or...Nostalgia, Damned Speculation, and Statistics.

As we all know, January is almost upon us, and that means the papers will soon be full of rampant speculation regarding the potential ins and outs of clubs up and down the land. David Gold has confirmed that West Ham have a list of 25 potential 'targets' that they are chasing to fill two or three spots: a striker, a wide man and a couple of defenders.

As far as strikers are concerned, Sam Allardyce today confirmed that West Ham have made enquiries about Huddersfield Town's 21 year old Scottish striker Jordan Rhodes; however, most sources indicated that initial offers have been firmly rebuffed by the Yorkshire club. Nicky Maynard has rebuffed a new contract at Bristol City, and is a free-agent come season's end; consequently, he has been placed on the transfer list by the Robins and will certainly be sold in January. Bobby Zamora too, is rumoured to walking away from Jol's Fulham in January if he can land a London team.

These three players all have their proponents. I have mentioned Maynard on many occasions, but, up until today, Rhodes had never crossed my radar, and Zamora, as an ex-West Ham player, is, of course, familiar to most West Ham fans.

It's important to weigh up the relative merits of all three players carefully before springing the hard earned cash for them. Zamora is the nostalgic choice of many: his prior history at the club makes him a natural favourite. Who can forget his promotion winning goal in Cardiff against Preston? We all know he is a life-long Hammer fan and bleeds claret and blue. He is a fan favourite in the way Noble and Tomkins currently are. He has certainly made a name for himself at Fulham, and, up until his recent injury, was touted by many as the answer to England's problems up front.

But, and this is difficult for many of us to do, removing the nostalgic glasses for a moment, we have to remember that this isn't about re-uniting an ex-Hammer with his former club. This is about strengthening the promotional prospects of a currently injury-ravaged club by bringing in a fit striker that can have an immediate impact up front for the team.

Baldock has been a revelation when he's played, but as the only true poacher in the squad, a lot is riding on his (small) shoulders. His recent injury has had to mean that we have had to rely on big front men, one of which is older and both of which are frequently nursing a knock. We don't need another big man up front, we need a Baldock backup or alternative, one who can play off of Cole or Carew and nick a goal every match or two. And we need that man to be fit.

Zamora doesn't fit this bill. He will turn 31 in January; he has just got over a major injury and his form of late has been spotty. Statistics can be misleading, but, taken in context, they are an indicator of potential form. Zamora started 130 times during his tenure at the Hammers - some of that in the Championship, netting 30 goals. At Fulham he has started 88 times, scoring 18 goals during that time. These aren't spectacular averages: that is an average of one goal every 4.5 games. Of course, this average would plummet if we included games he didn't start because of injury: which has been a frequent occurrence during his career.

So is Zamora the answer? The answer has to be "Unlikely".

If we look at the leading league goal-scorers in the Championship as it stands right now (courtesy of the BBC Football Website), you will notice Nicky Maynard doesn't appear in the top 15.

However, does this mean that he should be overlooked. Ostensibly - yes! But, as I said, stats can be misleading. Lambert on 15 goals is surrounded by quality players who are able to give him the service he needs. Southampton's Guly also benefits from this. Nicky Maynard does not have the same sort of quality around him: his team lies in 21st place in the league with a -9 goal average, but they have scored 21 goals, of which Maynard has scored a third of them (7 for you Maths challenged out there :-). Nicky Maynard is also young, and his fitness record is very good. Surround him with a better team, with better service and I suggest his goal average would improve markedly.

Then there's League One's fifth-placed promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town's Jordan Rhodes. He's also young, and his fitness record is excellent. He's not playing for one of the top three teams in that league either, but despite this, if we look at his statistics, they are truly mind-blowing: he has scored 18 league goals in 19 league appearances this season. I won't insult you with how many goals that is a game on average, except to say that currently it's better than almost anyone else in any league in the country. Over his entire career, his average is one goal per two games for five different teams. However, this has to be tempered with the fact that most of his career to date has been rooted in league one, with a spell at Ipswich in the Championship. Nevertheless, I'm sure you'll agree, it's sobering stuff. Yes Huddersfield have stoically warned the Hammers off, but everything has a price, and the rumour is 4.5 million. Too much for unproven Championship aspirations? Perhaps. But, by all accounts, Baldock is looking well worth his money.

But why stop at a new striker? While we certainly need a couple of defenders, we also need a wide man - an attacking creative midfielder - now that we have lost Bentley for the season. I would suggest a fabulous short-term solution, at least for this season, is Ipswich Town's Keith Andrews. Yes he's 30. But he has scored 9 goals from 20 games, and is not a happy camper under Paul Jewel at dysfunctional Ipswich. I would suggest he could be had for a song and would add depth and cover for Lansbury and Taylor.

Nostalgia and speculation versus statistics? I'll go with stats every time. They're not perfect, but they certainly tell a story. Let's hope for some early action in January.

Paul

Some Good News For Hammers Among the Injury Suspension Misery

2011-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

David Gold Tweeted this a while ago. I though we could all do with a pick me up:

"Baldock back for Derby hopefully Matt as well.."

That is good news considering the list of injured and suspended:

Suspended: Mccartney, Nolan, Collison and Faubert.

Injured: Demel, Bentley, Reid.

Regaining Fitness: Carew, O'Niel, Faye, Taylor, Baldock

Paul

Birmingham City 1 - 1 West Ham United: A Tactical Tie

2011-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

As if to prove me wrong about starting him, Carlton Cole netted for the Hammers on four minutes, right after Nolan had failed to connect with a beautiful Faubert cross. Cole's goal was a product of poor Birmingham defending, with Ibanez, in particular, at the centre of most of their dreadful early defending. After Cole's goal, and for the next thirty minutes, while the Hammers played 4-3-3, West Ham were rampant, with Birmingham chasing shadows. Faubert, playing in an advanced role today, should have slotted one home after a deliciously Brookingesque cross by young Danny Potts somehow evaded both him and Cole, and, more importantly, a gaping goal-mouth.

In the first half, Birmingham looked like West Ham did for much of last season: they seemed to have no strategy, and the two centre backs were at sixes and sevens, failing to lead or communicate - rather like Upson's pathetic attempts last season to marshal his back four. As if to illustrate this, it was Faubert was robbed later in the half by Danny Murphy's deliberate handball. Murphy's arm was all that stopped Faubert's header and West Ham doubling their lead. Had Faubert scored, then this would perhaps have been 3 points in the bag. But St Andrews hasn't conceded three points this season, and I'm sure a vocal Allardcye sensed this as West Ham started to sit back a little deeper as the half wore on, a la 451. Brum, to their credit worked their way into the game for the last fifteen minutes of the half, pulling a couple of good saves from set pieces and Green in particular, but it was Cole who was robbed by an excellent reaction save by Myhill in the dying seconds of the half. Again had this goal stood, what a different game the second half would have been.

But the one goal lead wasn't enough to see the Hammers through to the end. Again, early in the second half, West Ham were robbed by former Hammer Jonathan's Spector's clear shoulder and bicep control in the box. But witin five minutes of the re-start, Birmingham were starting to get a toe-hold and Sam tried to counter this by taking off a lethargic Piquionne and replacing him with Lansbury - who doesn't quite look his old perky form either since signing his Arsenal contract. Carew was on for Cole later and Sears was on for Faubert. But despite these, ironically, it was handball merchant Murphy who netted the equalizer from a set piece.

There were a few things to notice today. One was while we were 433, Birmingham couldn't handle us. With the full back's movement, Faubert and Nolan feeding Cole, we looked like we'd go on and butcher Birmingham. Our defence, too, looked strong, despite the makeshift lineup of McCartney playing a CB role and Potts on the left. As a defensive midfielder, Diop was huge (excuse the pun), cutting out balls and refusing to allow anyone past without a tackle,. The players in blue hesitated more than once when they saw the "Fridge" in their way.

Piquionne has got to go: he's not committed in the tackle, not willing to run back, has no confidence on goal and contributes nothing mentally to the team. His unusually early substitution in the second half despite our lead, speaks volumes.

Noble had an ineffectual game; yes he ran, but his set plays were fairly banal and his overall impact in the game was low. We are really missing Taylor's creativity and, most of all, his very dangerous set-piece deliveries. Our away form is dependent on set piece success, and today we had none. Nolan was typically big, using his character and bull-charm to impact those around him, but his totally deserved second yellow for a foul on Zigic will see him rested for a game now. And while Nolan is unable to keep to the pace up for a full 90 minutes, this rest may actually do him some good, as he has played every game this season so far. Some will criticize him for his reckless foul on Zigic, but I could see what he was trying: it was a message. Zigic came on several times for Birmingham last season against us and he was always effective and dangerous. And his impact today was instant too; Tomkins couldn't handle his aerial threat in the box. Nolan had to warn Zigic that he was going to be a very bruised boy if he got too close the goal and attempted to use his head to "Carew" a goal in from a cross. He made his point and took one for the team; you could see it on his face: his smile but concern was readily evident. Noble, though, was the silly boy, and by running 20 yard over to admonish the referee for legitimately booking McCartney for time-wasting, earned himself a needless yellow. Faubert too, perhaps a little frustrated at his missed chances, gained a needless yellow.

Potts didn't put a foot wrong and, again, played with skill, speed, vision (how big is that in a 17 year old?) and guile. Apart from his first cross of each half - let's call it nerves, his crosses were aesthetically things of beauty, coming out of nothing and curling gracefully into exactly where they need to be. All we need now is Baldock!

Boro have snuck up, although their goal difference does tell a story. Given their positions, West Ham should have done better on the day, but it was always going to be a hard sell to win there. It is ironic though, that the Brum fans were chanting "who is the cockney in black?", given that he failed to award two dead-cert penalties to the cockneys...

It isn't going to get easier though. With Nolan, McCartney and Faubert out of the squad for Saturday's visit to Pride Park because of suspensions, and Taylor, Baldock, Reid, Faye to name a few all unable to make the trip, Alladyce is facing a New Year's eve crisis.

Perhaps now it's time for Montenegro?

Paul

Preview: Birmingham Host The Hammers

2011-12-25T08:08:00.001-08:00

West Ham travel to St Andrews tomorrow, and while my journey back from the Dominican Republic today will undoubtedly be much longer, I'd wager that my trip will be easier. And, yes, that's why I've been somewhat negligent in my posting since the last match; however, I've faithfully worn every Hammers shirt I own during my time here - flying the flag and spreading the word as it were. Alas baseball is the national preoccupation here, with the only other football shirt seen fluttering in the wake of a ridiculously encumbered Suzuki 100cc motorbike betwixt a dog, a flagon of water and a child holding a nativity scene. It was a Barcelona shirt, but I digress.

Birmingham haven't lost at home this season; the Blues also boast the best home defensive record, conceding only four goals at St Andrews although it's been nine league games since they last kept a clean sheet (against Brighton and Hove Albion at home). As far as injuries go, the two team's fortunes are even further apart than their relative league positions suggest. West Ham are missing a host of significant players (Taylor, Baldock, Bentley, Collison, Reid, ) with Faye and Carew both extremely doubtful for this one and O'Brien and Faubert possible returnees. Birmingham have no real injury problems with key man Ridgewell and Beausejour having returned to training after picking up knocks; although Liam will have his work cut out ousting the impressive David Murphy from his left back berth. Curtis Davies is suspended for this fixture after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace meaning Spaniard Pablo Ibanez should slot in in central defence as cover.

If Sam had his druthers, then no doubt he'd go for a 451 starting Cole and looking for a narrow 1-0 victory. And I'd welcome that, but I'm not that optimistic I'm afraid.

For starters, since the pressure from Baldock and Carew has dried up, so has Cole's streak. Starting him doesn't seem to pay unless there are options on the bench. Cole is a great impact sub, and can change games. But starting him allows the opposition the ability to plan to isolate him, while refs often take against his physicality, and this seems to "mark" him out for the rest of the game.

I also recently read on another blog that some don't feel there's space for a creative player like Montenegro in the midfield; I disagree. If young Danny Potts showed us anything it's that experimentation can, in some circumstances, allow the team to evolve. Moving McCartney to the CB birth to coned for Faye was a positive move. I'd like to see Faye back, but that's extremely unlikely, so, given Potts's performance, more of the same please. With Lansbury, Nolan and doubtful Faubert all one yellow away from one-game suspensions, this is the perfect time for Montenegro to start.

GREEN
O'BRIEN-TOMPKINS-MCCARTNEY-POTTS
DIOP
MONTENEGRO-NOBLE-LANSBURY
NOLAN
COLE

SUBS: Stech, Faubert, Mocur, Sears, Carew

I'll finish the way I started: Birmingham haven't lost at home this season; and I don't expect them to tomorrow. As long as West Ham aren't Hammered on Boxing Day, then I'd be happy with a draw.

COYI!

Paul

Sent from Miphone

West Ham 1 - 0 Barnsley: Industrial Christmas Cheer at the Boleyn

2011-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

17 Year Old Danny Potts: My Man of the Match

The potential banana skin was averted with a solid West Ham peformance. Diop's solid header on 6 minutes was a tonic: our forwards never really looked like cracking Luke Steele today, although they had several good chances. The official man of the match was Kevin Nolan; however, under 18 academy prospect Danny Potts was, for me, undoubtedly the star performer today. He came in at short notice for Faye and the back four had to be shuffled with Potts taking McCartney's place in the left back slot, and McCartney moving into Faye's tradional spot. And the debutant had a fabulous match with bursting runs, strong tackles and energy to spare: he will be one tired chappy tonight!

Barnsley came to the ground for a draw; they kept 5 men back at all times, made nothing except for a breif period where they had several corners in a row. West Ham did more than enough to derserve this victory. The scoreline should have been two or three to nil, the Hammers having missed a couple of sitters. It was an industrial peformance by the team, and just what we needed.

With 'Boro going to Cardiff and getting a result, they have moved into third place, 2 points behind West Ham. West Ham are currently tied on points with Southampton, and only if the Saints lose by 4 or more goals later will we go top. Fat chance :-). However, we can all sigh a breath of relief until boxing day's travels to Birmingham City, where we can pray for some recovery from the injuries we're carrying.

Given our circumstances right now, keeping a clean sheet against the Tykes is a very good statistic!

COYI's!

Allardyce Sent To The Stands

2011-12-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

Sears upended in the penalty box. No penalty. Allardyce furious. Sent to the Stands. Walking right behing the dugout. What a laugh! He's actually got a better view now than he had before. Allardyce asked to move. Climbs a wall and stands among the fans :-) He's now being asked to move again!

Noble is giving Piquionne an earful for his lacklustre performance. Davies finally gets a yellow card for a foul on Diop.

Potts Is Making A Place For Himself

2011-12-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

17 year old Danny Potts is certainly making a fabulous case for a regular first team appearance.

15 minutes to go. The game has got scrappy. We need another goal to seal this one. We don't need any nasty late surprises.

Steele Saves from Sears

2011-12-17T08:31:00.001-08:00

Should have been a goal.

Faubert Off; Lansbury ON

2011-12-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

We are the walking wounded right now, but Lansbury is on. Crowd is pleased. But Lansbury is playing right back...Whynot bring on Faye for Faubert and Lansbury for Piquionne. Hopefully, Sam has a plan. Reshuffle - Diop into RB?

Piquionne: Why?

2011-12-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why Piquionne is playing. I would have taken him off for Sears rather than removing Carew. Again Piquionne is looking disappointing and far too "casual". Faubert has tweaked a hamstring. Let's see Montenegro.

Davies Looks Good

2011-12-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

Davies has turned both Tomkins and McCartney. He is dangerous! Barnsley have a free kick. A silly foul. Dangerous. Goes over the bar.

West Ham 1 - 0 Barnsley

2011-12-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

57 Minutes: Sears has come on for Carew. Still a 433 for West Ham. West Ham good value for the lead. Crowd urging on for another goal. Danny Potts, the academy youngster, is having a cracking game in defence. Faye is on the bench.

Live Audio Coverage West Ham v Barnsley

2011-12-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.sportz-for-free.org/channel2.html

Sears on for Carew

West Ham Tangle with the Tykes

2011-12-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

Spectemur Agendo is a Latin motto meaning Let us be judged by our acts.

Trying to judge Barnsley by their acts, is rather like trying to jam a chopstick into a jellied eel: near impossible (take it from me). Until last weekend, the Tykes were on an impressive five-game winning streak, but Barnsley made a right pig's ear of Saturday's match at home to Paul Jewel's woeful Ipswich. After being 2-0 up at half time, the South Yorkshire team somehow contrived to let five goals in with only a single token goal in answer.

But to write the Tykes off would be condesending in the extreme; it would also be stupid in the same way that it was against Burnley. The Reds, an original name if ever I've heard one, have played some very attractive football this season. And while many of us may imagine the Tykes to be comprised of nobbly-kneed, blunt-speaking Yorkshiremen who like to run through the mud hacking at outstretched legs and dark-brown cowhide covered ball-bearings in equal measure, the truth is the team frequently play with a continental style 4-2-3-1 formation; they score a bucketload of goals - usually in the first half, and, while shipping goals, still manage to win. In fact, despite acquiring loanee Nile Ranger from Newcastle, Keith Hill will find it hard to justify dropping Ricardo Vaz Te and Craig Davies up front for Barnsley, as they have shared nine (9!) goals in the last four matches.

But they'd have to, because Barnsley do find it difficult to keep a clean sheet, and that has nothing to do with their goalkeeper, Luke Steele, who they have to thank for their recent victory over Leeds United at Elland Road. His stunning save from Leed's United's Ramon Nunez right at the death a few weeks ago was typical of the Barnsley mentality. But the fact remains, Barnsley have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 5 and have conceded an average of 2 goals a game.

The seven game thriller at Posh is another example of how unpredictable this side are. Posh score an average of over 3 goals per match; but even that wasn't enough to deter Barnsley, who were three-nil up by 55 minutes. But Posh, true to form scored three in return before Barnsley's Craig Davies scored a fantastic winner 10 minutes from time making it 6 goals in 6 games for Barnsley’s number 9 – an unbelievable scoring run.

So, if forwards Davies and Vaz are a concern for us, then any hope we have of winning must rest with their defence, and our "attack". And when I say "attack", I'm not talking about Piquionne. In a strange twist that many West Ham fans might find ironic, many Barnsley fans are accusing their defenders of playing over-glamorous football and not being pragmatic enough. The Captain, in particular, is coming in for some stick. His performances in spells throughout recent games has fans accusing him of "overplaying" and "fancyfoot work" and letting teams back into matches by wrecklessly losing possession in his own penalty area by trying to dribble it out. Very un-northern! Sam, are you listening?

But what of West Ham? Yes, as mentioned yesterday we have lots of injuries: Baldock, Taylor, Demel, Reid, O'Neil, Bentley and of course O'Brian and Collison will be gardening. Lansbury is expected to make the squad, and there are rumblings about some juniors making it in. Of course the various injuries do mean that Faubert will be relegated to right back, which, if we're honest, isn't ideal. But excuses aside, and a rejigged formation, there's no reason why we can't get something tomorrow. According to Pravda, Dan Potts, Olly Lee, George Moncur, and, at last, Brian Montenegro may make the bench tomorrow. Where's Jordan Spence??

Green

Faubert-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Diop

Noble-Nolan-Lansbury

Carew - Cole

Subs: Stech, Lee, Mocur, Sears, Montenegro

I expect we'll play some industrial stuff tomorrow to stop their front two and to preserve our energy levels, given the fixture list, injury list and substitutes available. I'm going for a 1-0 win which will suit me fine. If we can keep a clean sheet against Barnsley, then we've done a very good job! Time to get things back on track.

Paul

Feliz Navidad? West Ham's Watershed

2011-12-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

This season-long loanee hasn't played a minute of first team league football, yet...

While there are many out there clinging to the January transfer window as the catalyst to springboard the club into top-spot in the division, cementing the automatic promotion chance, I am skeptical. The January transfer window is notoriously hit and miss: if a player is performing well, physically fit, and mentally strong, then he's not likely to be for sale. If a player isn't regularly making the vending club's first team, has fitness issues, character flaws, or is out of contract, then why buy him?

And while we possibly need some coverage in defence and perhaps another striker, frankly, if we don't already have the players and depth in our squad, then it's hardly likely to be substantially boosted by the January transfer window. Many of the targets we are hearing about are unlikely to substantially impact our chances of promotion: a 30 year old Japanese player who has no experience outside of the J-League; an injury-prone ex-Hammer who, while at the club last time, ran as hot and cold as our present strikers do; a current Championship striker who, at 19 and with only 2 league goals so far this season, likely does not have the ability to play 46 games for 90 minutes or the experience to justify a 5 million pound price tag...and the list goes on.

Forget it.

West Ham are riddled with injuries, yes, but Sam has built a physical squad that he can fall back on for just this type of problem. Diop, Faye and Nolan are battlers and, while they may not be the most mobile of players, they are hard to push off the ball, have season long stamina, bags of experience and a determination to win. And while the injury list couldn't be any worse, with nearly a full first team team out, we do have the depth to turn out two first teams in most areas. Arguably, Lansbury, Demel, Baldock, Reid, O'Neil, Carew, Taylor and Bentley would make a mid-table team in the Premier League, but right now they're in the treatment room, and Collison and O'Brien should be use their gardening leave to work on certain aspects of their game: mental toughness being one of them. Collison has three weeks: perhaps he could work on improving his game to the level it was before he was injured?

So it's going to be industrial football at the Boleyn for the next little while: and that's likely what we need as the fixtures come up thick and fast for the club. Of the remaining players you can still make a substantial team: Green, Tomkins, Faye, Diop, Faubert, McCartney, Nolan, Noble, Sears, Carew and Cole are all good enough to beat any player in this league on most days. And while any team in this team can beat any other team on their day, the law of averages says we have the depth to prevail most times.

But, perhaps rather than rely on the transfer window, this is a time for some young blood? I really want to see young defender Jordan Spence and striker Brian Montenegro on the bench for this weekend's game. Sam seems to have been reluctant to blood these players into the first team, but if there was ever a time when necessity and opportunity could develop into something productive for us, it seems to me that this could be it. A little youth and vitality is what we need right now: and both these players have done really well of late. Spence should be recalled from Bristol City post-haste, and Montenegro moved up from the development squad to the bench.

Barnsley this weekend will be no cake walk, but it would be an excellent debut for those two young players to strut their stuff for the last 25 minutes or so. Let's hope they get the opportunity.

Paul

A Right Royal Bollocking

2011-12-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

It's taken me a few days to be able to sit down and type. It wasn't anger. It wasn't even shock; it was the crushing disappointment in the players. It wasn't shock because as I said, last time out, football is a funny old game: just ask a United fan (chuckle), a City fan, a Chelsea fan, and old Brittania'd Bagpuss himself. The media are constantly having to remove appendages from their mouths because of the unexpected nature of the game - their early season crucifixion of Arsene Wenger is a case in point.

But back to West Ham. Last weekend's match at the Madejski Stadium was a scrappy match with both sides looking fairly unconvincing and a-clinical in the opening half. While going down by three goals is highly unusual for us this season, it's more the nature of the loss that was disappointing. And while all was level before O'Brien's deserved sending off, one minute later we conceded a soft - nay, sloppy - set piece goal. In fact, that first goal came from the subsequent free-kick given for O'Brien's offence, and Harte's delivery was not cleared properly, and ex-Hammer McAnuff slipped the ball into Pearce's path and the centre-back side-footed home. As I said: sloppy.

Down to ten men, one goal down, I still believed that we had enough to tie this up. Given our form - our away form in particular - West Ham have learned to never say die, and often a goal catalyses them into affirmative action...

But not last Saturday. Instead we got another ill-disciplined piece of defending when Reading crossed and had an easy knock in past Green. Then, with Kebe stopping while in possession to pull his socks up, Collison saw red and raked him. Red card number two. And, again, from the resulting free kick, the Royals rippled the net.

It was as an ill-disciplined performance as I have seen all season. Frankly, while meaning (almost) no disrespect to Reading, West Ham lost the game. This is something we, as fans, haven't seen for half a season, and it brought last season's - and the season before's - debacle back into clear perspective. On the flip side, in a perverse manner, it does show us how far we have come. But to lose a match by such a margin, and worse, in such a fashion is not in keeping with aspirations of automatic promotion. Cardiff are a real threat! Southampton are too, but it's Cardiff I'm worried about.

The players, as Nolan eulogized, have only themselves to blame. Yes the team have injuries, but to point the finger at that is to say our squad isn't deep enough for automatic promotion. And I don't believe that. While there are some areas we can bolster, essentially I believe we have to make to with what we've got. I don't believe we've shifted into top gear with our current squad; there's more potential there.

Collison and O'Brien hopefully got a Royal Bollocking from Sam: but I like the way it's private and that neither of the owners are blagging about it publicly. It shows a discipline that perhaps the players were lacking last Saturday. It shows that they have come a long way since last season.

Demel is a concern, in the same way Dyer was. Let's hope I'm mistaken. Taylor limping off was worse. Lansbury, Baldock and Reid are a big miss, but, like I said before, we've got what we've got, so let's not make excuses: let's get stuck in.

A win against Barnsley is not an option, and neither is self-destruction. And I'm sure the pulsing vein on Sam's temple will have reminded the players of that after last weekend.

Paul

@ Reading: Are you a Pensioner or a Royal?

2011-12-09T22:34:00.000-08:00

This is a funny old fixture with a funny old history. In fact, the recent history is extremely dodgy and can be classed as a bookies nightmare with a 6 goal thrashing just after Curbishley took over (where he could be seen clearly on camera telling his number two "F***ing Hell: We're Shit" as the fourth goal went in) to the most recent meeting where West Ham beat the Royals by 3 goals to 0 at the Madejski Stadium in 2007.

Then there's the funny history of the typical pseudo-Reading supporter. They see this as a home derby. But being as they're a Berkshire side and NOT a London side, that's rubbish. So why the heated rivalry, at least on their side? could it be that really, Reading supporters are just Chelsea supporters with a free weekend? Perhaps that's where the venom comes from: the Royals are just Pensioners without an awayday ticket...

Recently the 12 placed Royals have had a mixed bag of results with a home loss to in form Cardiff, followed by an away win at Portman Road, a home win against Posh, followed by their most recent match which was a loss to Blackpool by a goal. The one thing that all these games have in common is that they have conceded goals. And while Brian McDermott's Reading are battling for their fourth win in six games, his sage advice is to not sit back. If I were Brian McDermott, I'd think carefully about that. This season the only teams West Ham have had trouble against are teams that sit back. Cardiff sat back and stung us in the last few minutes at the Boleyn. Bristol City sat back and muffled us. Burnley sat back; we played some fabulous stuff but were mugged. That's one of the reasons why our away record is so impressive: away from home we sit back and let the opposition stretch themselves. We find a way through and we score.

However, we do have several issues right now: Baldock, Taylor, Lansbury, Reid to name a few. Last match I felt that Cole was off the boil. Tomorrow I'd like to see Sam start Carew and bring Cole on later, after the Royals are little fatigued. Cole does his best damage when he is brought on as a fresh impact sub and the referee is not so sensitive to his play. I'd like to see Demel on in place of O'Brien.

Green

Demel-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Diop

Faubert-Noble-Collison

Nolan

Cole

Subs: Stech, O'Brien, Sears, Carew, Montenegro

Ordinarily I'd expect a draw at this one, but because of last week's loss at home to Burnley (ouch that's hard to type), I'd be worried if I was a Royal fan.

Paul

West Ham 1 - 2 Burnley: A Golden Opportunity Missed

2011-12-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

A frustrating match that culminated in a hugely disappointing result: the game, while not stellar, was certainly well within West Ham's grasp to win. However, some ineffectual finishing, some uncharacteristically poor defending twinned with the two only good chances Burnley had, left Stanislas the one smiling today. This result is all the more frustrating when one looks at the stats: goal attempts were 15 to 6 in West Ham's favour; Possession was 60-40, and corners were 10-1. Ordinarily Taylor and Tomkins would have got something from those, but it wasn't to be...

West Ham dominated the first half, without much penetration as Burnley endeavoured to frustrate and stifle keeping 9 and 10 men behind the ball and failing to trouble Green. At the other end, Cole found little in the way of penetration, and Baldock was really missed today. He was just the sort of player that would have found a way through. But it wasn't to be. Nolan missed a glorious chance and at half time it was honours even.

Come the second half, it started as it finished, with West Ham piling on the pressure which was duly rewarded six minutes into the second half when Kevin Nolan eyes lit up as Robert Green's long kick was flicked into his path by Cole. With Lee Grant caught off his line, the midfielder lobbed the keeper; it was class. And from then on, all we've seen this season so far indicated that West Ham would disappear over the horizon leaving Burnley for dead, as up until that point they hadn't offered a thing. But within one minute of Taylor's replacement by Piquionne, Burnley were on the score sheet. A ball in from right-hand side from Stanislas of all people, allowed McCann a free header past Green into the net. Vokes came off the bench for Stanislas to head in a 75th minute winner – thumping in fellow substitute Ross Wallace's out swinging corner, after Green tipped Jay Rodriguez's 40-yard shot around the post.

West Ham piled the pressure on again, but Burnley defended for their lives. Both Cole and Collison hit the post in the last ten minutes, but it was too little too late.

Our defence let us down today: both Burnley goals were free headers, one from a set piece. I suppose every defeat has a silver lining, and that is that Southampton lost at Doncaster; so the fortuitously the gap to them remains at two points. Cardiff, only 6 points behind us, host Brum tomorrow, and will almost certainly cut our lead to 3 points.

Hopefully Sam will have something to say to some of his players, as I felt that they weren't up to snuff today; however, I'm not sure why he took Taylor off: that for me changed the complexion of the game. Piquionne looked back to his effortless self.

Paul

Half Time: West Ham 0 - 0 Burnley

2011-12-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

West Ham have dominated the bulk of the play with 60% possession, with Burnley stacking the midfield with nine behind the ball. Nolan missed a beautiful ball in from Carlton Cole, and Joey O'Brien has made some solid runs down the wing with some great crosses. With Green fairly anonymous, Burnley haven't offered much: they're dragging their feet. West Ham will have to find a way through a stubborn and negative Burnley who have come to the Boleyn for a point.

The impetus is with the Hammers to find a way through. I'm sure they will. Baldock would be a big plus if he was fit: he's just the sort of player that would find his way through.

Burnley Come To The Boleyn

2011-12-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

Let's hope the Clarets are corked...

Football is an appealing game for many reasons, but perhaps one of it's most appealing aspects is its capacity to flip reality on its head. For West Ham, historically a very capricious club renowned for its unpredictability, fans will be hoping that this weekend's game will be as steady and as predictable as the last match was.

Burnley though, have to hope that more unpredictability will come their way. It's the sort of unpredictability that they found at the KC last Saturday. At their away fixture against Hull, they found themselves two goals down with scant minutes to go. Burnley had put in their familiar defensive shambles of a performance and were staring down the barrel of a fifth successive league defeat and a place in the drop zone. But for the last 10 minutes, at least, this did not look like a side accepting relegation as their fate.

But while their 3 goal comeback was inspirational and incredible, it was also unlikely and freakish. However, it seemed to spur them on for Paul Jewel's Ipswich side midweek, where they creamed the Tractor Boys 4 goals to nil. So from a side that was staring relegation in the face, they seem to have developed some confidence. One blogger has previewed this match with a 4-1 match result prediction: that one-eyed view sells the Clarets somewhat short and refuses to take into account their resilience, determination and team spirit.

West Ham of course have a special connection with Burnley: two of our most recent and perhaps promising academy prospects decided to up sticks and move there. By all accounts Stanislas is playing regular football and is well liked up at Turf Moor. But Hines is a bench warmer, and it appears it may take him a little longer to break into the starting eleven. But there's no doubt they'll have a point to prove in front of the West Ham fans and the dugout this Saturday. I'm sure they'll both relish the challenge, so for that reason at least, this match shouldn't be taken lightly.

Sam Vokes, Jay Rodriguez and a Chris McCann are the men who did the damage against a woeful Ipswich side who were out shot 24 to 2. Ipswich suffered their sixth straight loss at Turf Moor, and it would be easy to right it off as a capitulation result. But with confidence this side has ability. Where they are weak is at the back. Burnley have let in more ridiculously clumsy goals than anyone else this year. One Burnley blogger noted that rank poor defending has lead to many recent goals...

There was nothing fortuitous about the way Leeds’ Robert Snodgrass took advantage of Brian Easton’s statuesque defending, nothing fortunate in the way Birmingham’s David Murphy was allowed to slalom past Ross Wallace, Kieran Trippier and Andre Amagou to set up the Blues’ late winner and capricious whim did not smile down upon Matty Fryatt as he watched Lee Grant comically flap a hand at his shot to gift-wrap the hosts’ second goal.

So, an attacking formation with a solid holding midfielder. That'll be Diop then.

Green

Demel-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Diop

Faubert - Noble - Taylor

Nolan

Cole

Subs: Stech, O'Brien, Collison, Carew, Piquionne

Big Sam has asked for 9 points from 3 games. It's a big ask, but perfectly possible if West Ham play like they did in the second half against Derby and like they did against 'Boro midweek.

COYI's!

Middlesbrough 0 - 2 West Ham United: Squad Rotation in the Championship

2011-11-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

As Allardyce said afterwards,

"Kevin Nolan was talking about it (the unbeaten record) before the game, that we could make a big statement tonight"

Perhaps it was Nolan's pre-match chat to the players that inspired them to come out of the blocks so quickly and knock the stuffing out of Mowbray's side. There was no slow start in evidence tonight at the Riverside, as certainly the "Big Dogs", as Mowbray portrayed the Hammers recently, played like their lives depended on it last night.

With Carew picking up an injury in training on Monday, and Baldock out until Christmas, it was always going to be Cole and Piquionne up front, but what delighted me was that Cole was rotated to the bench after the Derby game. That may sound surprising, given my frequent grumbling about Piquionne's lack of effort and goals in 2011, but Sam has shown again that firstly he believes in rewarding players for results and thereby getting the best out of them (to whit Julien Faubert), and, two, that Cole is an impact player, and does very well when coming of the bench in a 451 formation when he is the lone player at the front. To often we've seen Cole started in a 451 formation and he has become frustrated with the referee's decisions, his isolation, and the heavy man-marking he is often subjected to. Tonight he looked fresh and made an instant impact; he was hungry and motivated. Sam is a man-manager: he knows that while some players thrive on playing every game (Faubert, Nolan etc.), others are best motivated by using them sparingly: you leave some players wanting more, rather than starting them week in and out and being greeted by stale performances.

In fact, Rotation was a big part of Sam's plans tonight and I feel a big part of West Ham's success. We looked fresher, quicker, stronger and slicker all evening. Debutant Demel was great at right back in for O'Brien and he looks the real thing. Diop too started. He was impressive again solid and unflappable as a holding midfielder, and should have scored on sixty minutes but slotted just wide. Nolan had been there for the pass, and was not best pleased! Taylor was on for the slowly recovering Collison too, and looked fresh.

While both halves were dominated by West Ham, the first half was almost total dominance, with Middlesbrough limited to three real chances, of which one was goal-worthy but for an amazing Green save. Piquionne's goal came from a fabulous cross by Mark Noble. To their credit Middlesbrough started the second half strongly as Piquionne faded. So Sam sent Cole on, and the next twenty minutes included some sublime passing moves between Nolan, Noble, Taylor and Cole. It was fabulous stuff, and I think we've really missed the winger's creativity. Cole's impact was immediate, and seemed to release Nolan forward, as Cole was tracking back when need be, unlike the latter part of Piquionne's shift. Taylor's free kick was tipped over by Steele, but it was Cole in injury time who deservedly capitalized on an error by Boro defender and slotted past two defenders on the line to double the lead.

Yes Southampton had us thinking we were top at half time, but Adkins is no fool, and his team are very solid at home, so, as expected they fought back and won against Hull. But, equally, West Ham had the better result tonight: an away win against a team that haven't lost at the Riverside since February's defeat to one of last season's successfully promoted teams by 3 goals (QPR) ; a clean sheet , and a six-point cushion to Cardiff in third place. West Ham can look up now, instead of back; it's much harder to be the chasee and to keep one eye anxiously looking back over your shoulder than the chaser with both eyes firmly focused on denting your halo.

Another fine win by West Ham. Resurgent Burnley becon on the weekend; it won't be an easy match, and the return of Stanislas and Hines will add some spice.

Paul

To the Riverside: Middlesbrough Beckon...

2011-11-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

After our victory on Saturday, or rather despite it, there are those "supporters" who are STILL whinging. Sam set up for a 442 in the first half and it was, admittedly, dire - perhaps that's why he's resisted 442 for so long, despite the armchair pundit's insistent suggestions that this IS the way to play.

No, obviously, it's not.

But plan B in the second half, when Big Sam reverted to his home 433, was glossy stuff. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to predict how these same 'fans' will react when the Hammers actually deign to draw or, heaven-forbid, lose an away match. But I suspect it will be sooner than later, because that is a distinct possibility tonight. Despite all the success, our relative position in the table and our very good second half on Saturday, there are those, it seems, who will always find fault with the marriage of Sam Allardyce and West Ham, and who live in eternal hope that Sam will screw up and the team to flop. And, frequently, they justify their arguments with the hollow "what if" statements. What if Cole hadn't scored on Saturday? What if Derby hadn't faded? Well I've got a few "What if's" of my own: What if Baldock hadn't limped off? What if, instead of saying Derby faltered, we recognize that West Ham simply took the momentum from Derby, grabbed the Ram by the horns and played them off the park? But I fear that would fall on deaf ears; some people like to revel in self pity and indulgent misery, and when things get to rosy, they piss vinegar.

And to say that I find the negative pessimism of some other bloggers on other sites churlish is an understatement, particularly given the plight of our opposition tonight.

I watched Middlesbrough play Watford on the box a while back, and, in terms of football, it was absolutely dire. Even though 'Boro won it, they did not deserve to, but, then again, neither did Watford. In fact, a draw would have been flattery to both sides, who should have been put-down with no words spoken afterwards. I only continued to watch it because it had reduced me to a such a state of torpor that I couldn't muster the energy or the enthusiasm to blink or breath, let alone fumble with the remote to turn the tube off. There was someone on another blog who rather disingenuously talked about slashing his wrists after watching the Derby match last weekend; he also complained about the number of vacant seats at the Boleyn (Attendance was 27,813/35,533). But what is there left to do then for the 'Boro fans at the Watford match who saw a game that made West Ham's first half on Saturday look like the El Classico, and sat in a staggeringly barren Riverside stadium with 14,366 bums on the 34,998 seats. Makes our fellow blogger's diatribe seem like wee bit of an overreaction, no? One does wonder what's left in the self-flagellation arsenal if we actually lose. That I have to see!!

So West Ham head off to Tony Mowbray's Riverside. 'Boro have the most miserly defence in the league (with us). Since that farce against Watford, they've drawn twice: home to Blackpool and away to Peterborough last weekend. I don't expect this to be a thriller; I do expect it to be Boro 451 against a West Ham 451 which counters as a 433. The absence of Baldock puts a lot of pressure on Cole. Cole is on a streak right now, but it appears, in times of yore, that when the weight of expectation moves to his shoulders, he can falter. Cole has been magic of late simply because he has had to fight for his place and that seems to re-invigorate him. Play him as first choice for too long and he fades. I'd start Carew and Collison for this one, and bring on Cole and Taylor later as both precautionary post-injury measure and as a catalyst for some of that Cole hunger.

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Diop

Faubert - Noble - Collison

Nolan

Cole

Subs: Stech, Demel, Taylor, Sears, Carew

Southampton host Hull who lost at home to Burnley. I don't expect Southampton to falter; I expect they will react to their loss to the Robins with an assured home win. West Ham may nick this one, but more than likely, a safe away score draw would be my best bet. And that's nothing to be sneered at considering Boro are in 4th.

Fingers Crossed: COYI's!

West Ham United 3 - 1 Derby County AND Southampton Lose...

2011-11-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Cole's Goal: Man of the Match: Carlton Cole knocks in O'Brien's cross to turn the game

Leading by example, Nolan scores a scorcher for his first home-goal in front of the fans

Again West Ham showed character to come back from a one goal deficit; as Derby came to the Boleyn intent on breaking up any attempt at creativity, and it took the Man of the Match, Carlton Cole, to turn the tide in West Ham's favour barely 3 minutes before half time. Derby chased everything, tackled hard, man marked, and allowed West Ham no time or space, closing down the wide channels and forcing West Ham to hoof it or try to dribble through a packed midfield. Needless to say it was like watching the visit of Bristol City or Ipswich all over again, except, Derby got one early rather than late... Certainly visiting teams have decided to emulate those two teams in their approach to play at the Boleyn and is a big reason why our home record hasn't been as good as our away record, where teams are more open and allow us to play. But, at last, it seems the Hammers, with the return of Cole, have too much in the closet to draw on for visiting teams who set up like that and succeed. Derby packed their half and dominated possession, although they only created one real chance on goal which was well taken by Tamas Priskin on 34 minutes. It was only after this goal, that West Ham started to regain the ascendancy and find space, stringing a few passes together. Carlton's goal on 44 minutes was down to the work Joey O'Brien who whipped a lovely cross in for Cole to nod the equalizer in, perhaps taking a cue from Carew's use of his bonce!

From then on it was all West Ham. They came out after the break a different team, and Collison, in particular, looked much better. It was one attack after another, and it was no surprise when Nolan, who'd been drifting out wide and creating more chances himself, connected with a cross and sweetly volleyed a grass cutter into into the left hand side of the goal on 64 minutes. It was a beauty from the West Ham captain. Then, after several more attempts, Piquionne's ankle was clipped from behind as he crossed into the penalty box for a one on one with the Derby GK, and he duly went down. On 74 minutes, Noble slotted home with pin-point, powerful accuracy and it was game over. Derby never got a look in for the entire second 45 minutes, and it was never if but when for West Ham.

The confidence grew all match in both the players and the fans, and it was good to see the players react to being one goal down so purposefully. I know I keep saying it, but what a difference from last season. No longer do I have that hopeless despondent feeling as we concede a goal; the players seem to react to a goal in a very industrious and positive way. Perhaps our home hoodoo is now broken, and the media can get off the club's back about their supposed poor home form (5 wins, 2 draws and 2 last gasp losses isn't THAT bad is it?!)?

The only negative to be drawn from the game was the loss of Little Sam Baldock. He was looking extremely dangerous early on, and, I feel, would have opened the game up with his marauding runs into the penalty area, drawing markers off other and freeing up some avenues for a pass or two... He gently pulled up after easily passing a Derby defender and sat down. He looked fairly despondent, but didn't look to be in too much pain. Let's hope he's not too badly injured and makes a speedy recovery.

And Southampton LOST; Nicky Maynard netted the second one for Briston City to beat the Saints by two...That giant goal difference is being whittled away at last.

A chink in the armour? Let's hope so...Let's see how they react to that. The pressure is firmly on them now, as the machine that is West Ham United start to hunt them down. 2 points is all now.

Boro on Tuesday.

Well done, Lads!

Paul

Noble: scores!!!

2011-11-26T10:55:00.001-08:00

3-1 beautiful penalty!

Paul

Sent from Miphone

Nolan!! 2-1

2011-11-26T10:46:00.001-08:00

A magnificent strike!!!

Paul

Sent from Miphone

Cole1-1!!

2011-11-26T10:06:00.001-08:00

Obrien to Cole!!!

Paul

Sent from Miphone

I'll Tell You What...

2011-11-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

While I'm looking forward to the Hammers match today, the kickoff is late at 5:20 pm, which, for once, is fortuitous for me. Because I'll be keeping one eye on the Robins as they entertain the Saints at Ashton Gate in the West Country. Bristol City have been playing well of late, and holding the Hammers to a goalless draw at the Boleyn appears to have been catalyst for a wee little winning streak, which has seen them beat Burnley by three goals to one at home and Millwall by two goals to one at the Den since. Nicky Maynard, in particular, suddenly seems to be firing on all cylinders (he's one for the future, Sam), scoring both goals at the Den. So I'm expecting the Robins to test the Saints today, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a high scoring game in which Adkin's confidence is dented a little. Or perhaps a lot.

Paul

Robins, Rams, and Wide Players

2011-11-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

West Ham set up well as an away team: they're physical, resilient, consistent, disciplined, and organized. Faye, Diop, Reid, Tomkins, Nolan, Demel are monsters, and they are a big reason (excuse the pun) that 20 of our 34 points so far this season have come from our away matches. But at home - as incredible as it sounds, West Ham need something more.

Bristol City came to the Boleyn and sat all eleven players behind the ball; West Ham were unable to break them down. Clough's injury ravaged Derby have their problems right now with injuries to their two most attacking players Steve Davies and Theo Robinson, and semi-fit returning players Shaun Barker, Paul Green and James Bailey have also been bad misses for them. Worse, they have lost their last three matches, two of which were at home; in fact, they've only won one out of their last nine and have the worst form in the league. Furthermore, Derby's away form is awful with no clean sheets in their last six games and no goals for the last three. So Derby are only coming to Upton Park with one idea: sit back, stifle, resist and counter-attack IF it's safe to do so, but at all costs, keep a clean-sheet. After the Hammers, the Rams have Brighton and Palace. Nigel Clough will be looking to get something from each of these matches to reverse the spiral dive into the basement. A point on Saturday would suit the Rams fine: they would consider that a coup given the fixture and their form.

And that's all very well for them, but for the Hammers, who have to see this as an absolute 3 pointer, it means finding a way to be more incisive and creative against sides that come to the Boleyn, raise their game, and sit back to frustrate and perhaps snatch something. With long-term injuries to Lansbury, the departed Bentley, and Taylor, Big Sam has lacked the tools to exploit his tactics and team-talent to its full potential. He has not been able to use his wide players to add creativity to the side. It's remarkable, given the injuries, that the Hammers have managed four wins out of an unbeaten five match streak.

However, with the return of Taylor expected on Saturday, Faubert's creativity down the right might well be complimented by some on the left. Gary O'Neil, Matty Taylor, Joey O'Brien, Carlton Cole and finally, Demel, are all trying to regain fitness and force their way into the starting lineup for this weekend's home fixture. Cole and O'Brien have the best shout, with Taylor and Demel likely to start on the bench, and O'Neil still a way off.

So what to do to break those stubborn sides down? Attack down both wings, loop balls in and test those centre backs. Personally I would start Taylor and drop an uninspired Collison to the bench for this one. I'd start Cole and leave the "head on a stick" that is Carew on the bench too. Faye has been fabulous, and Tomkins should look to renew his partnership with Taylor's set-piece play. I'd like to see Diop stay in the lineup too: he is immense in front of the back four, and offers a Carew-like target from corners. His physicality in both boxes is tough to deal with for opponents: 4-1-3-2 is what I'd like to see, with Nolan playing like he does away from home in a more advanced role behind Baldock and Cole. We need goals.

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Diop

Faubert - Nolan - Taylor

Cole - Baldock

Subs: Boffin, Demel, Noble, Collison, Carew

Let's hope for some penetration up front and a tight back end. How erotic!

Paul

Coventry, another perspective

2011-11-23T04:58:00.000-08:00

After what seems like an eternity I am now hopefully back in the loop!

Paul as always, has continued to do an outstanding job with the blog, I firmly believe it to be one of the best West Ham blogs online, and am happy to be a part of it, supporting Paul as and when able.

So much has been going on since my last post that there is no point in trying to recap, shall just pick up as and when things happen. So lets start with the most recent, Coventry away. Paul has covered the game excellently, and I certainly cant argue with the result. However as Paul writes, there are some grumblings amongst the faithful!

I made no secret that Sam was not my choice of manager, nor would his style of football ever sit with me, I would rather be down that hoofing it! I did however say that I would welcome him into the family, give him a chance, and judge him by what I see. He said "judge me after 12 games", I have left it a couple longer. Overall its hard to gripe, were second, winning away, hard to beat, "functional" I feel often best describes us. And that is perhaps where and why the grumblings start.

Let me make it clear that to be fair I don't think Sam has introduced his "hoof it"style to West Ham. I believe that part of the appeal of this job for him is to prove he can be successful at a footballing club, lets face it, if he ever wants to be seriously considered for the England job, he will need to change the nations perception of him. What Sam has introduced is a different mentality, and a change of focus to "lets not get beat". When results are good, the team is in front, fans can appreciate it, but when like Saturday nothing is happening and we are not creating against a pretty awful team, then the grumbles will come.

It's not the arrival of the hoof it style some of us dreaded, but at times it has been the non creative style that perhaps does not sit well with those of us bought up on such finery. To me football should be about the creation and exploitation of space, turned into goal scoring opportunities. The style associated with West Ham, and partly what separates a long pass from a long ball. The long ball game relies on space happening by accident and hope, hoof it forward and hope for a fortunate bounce of defensive error. Whilst not resorting to this, we do sometimes seem to be lacking any creation, therefore playing a style of football that is partly"acceptable" (to the purists like me) but without any real conviction and effect.

I therefore do have sympathy for the fans that have grumbled, but, I have sympathy for Sam and the team also. I still think we are yet to hit top gear. The team is taking time to gel. I still think we lack a genuine creative player, if we do go up we will need far more that what we currently have in that department !! and as a captain Nolan may be leading, but as a player I have been disappointed. The loss of Taylor has also contributed to a lack of creativity. I watch with interest to see what happens iin that area in January as we may learn more of the ethos with the type of targets we pursue.

I would urge all those fans to keep behind the team, try to see the bigger picture and give them a little time. Sam has shown that he can and will change things, he scored a 10/10 from me on that front on Saturday. For the last few seasons we turned up with a plan A, quite often not even a very good plan A, and then possessed nothing at all in terms of alternatives. Sam has bought those along. Like the overbearing father that I am I am one of the biggest doubters about the West Ham/ Sam marriage, but I can see that at the moment he is treating my team well and making her happy, I shall however keep watching like a hawk! but for now lets ensure that we are West Ham "United"

Martin

COYI's

Coventry City 1 - 2 West Ham United

2011-11-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Another away win, and, judging by my App updates and forum lurking, much grumbling!

Wow. Really?!

For the first half, West Ham seemed to set up as a 451. The first half was a fairly banal affair with few if any chances for either side. Certainly Coventry pressed, and the first forty-five minutes was chippy with many fouls and a referee who made Stalin look like a benevolent free-spirit. Still, Faye made a rare mistake and was easily turned by Platt who shot in from close range. Coventry were just about value for it; West Ham were just not up to snuff. I've heard it mentioned that Nolan was absent in the game by several moaning Hammer fans; however, he was very much there: just ask Julien Faubert who got an absolute earful for allowing players in behind him and scuffing several crosses, and McCartney - also on the end of Nolan verbal battering - who was completely out of sorts and looked truly awful. The statuesque Carew and ineffectual Baldock were AWOL in the first half, and Noble's set peices and shots were no more accurate than normal. So with West Ham at 46% possession and lacking ideas the players trudged off.

Last year we'd have seen a repeat in the second half, but this team has too much character for that, and great managers make a difference. And the second half was rung in with Carew being replaced by Cole in a 4-3-3 formation a la Hull two weekends ago, a new West Ham started causing all sorts of problems for Coventry. Cole's touch, movement and strength made an immediate impact. Coventry were opened up time and time again, and it was only a matter of time before someone stuffed one in, and that was, you guessed it, Cole. I wasn't so happy when I saw Piquionne come on, but with the previously booked Diop's departure, Allardyce was signalling his intent (and saving a possible red card): one more goal, please boys. Piquionne - of all people - duly delivered, although it was a bizarre sequence of ricochets from a Faubert cross that touched a sprawling Piquionne on the leg and wobbled over the goal line. Five minutes later, Allardyce again changed the formation and removed Baldock for a newly fit Joey O'Brien, pulled Cole back and indicated the team should crowd the midfield and sit back. Again, last year, this would have ended in a disappointing capitulation, but with 12 minutes to go, West Ham defended well. In fact, Collison should have made it 3 goals, after missing a sitter in the final minutes of the game, blasting over the bar from an impossibly close angle. He'll be ribbed for that one on the ride home....I must say that Collison was ghost of his previous self. I'm not sure what's going on with the lad, whether it's his fitness or whether it's confidence, but I'll be very glad to see Matty Taylor back in that position!

34 points in 17 games is 2 points per game. This is the formula for securing automatic promotion based on past seasons: this is Allardyce's stated target, and, true to form, this is where the club find themselves.

Lastly a note on the fans. West Ham brought well over 6000 fans up to the Ricoh: that's more away fans at any venue since 2004. And while the singing and support was absolutely fabulous, there were a few that caused me to glow red around the gills with fury and shame when they mouthed off during the minute's silence. Perhaps they are same wretched characters who continue to moan about Nolan, Allardyce and "smash and grab" tactics?

But to finish on a positive note, I'd have to say that was a fine example of gritty football, where West Ham turned on the class and wrestled the victory out of Coventry's hands and into their own. 30 minutes of powerful football did it for them; it was a masterclass in how to adapt your game to win from behind. 3 points, again.

Men of the match: Cole and Faye. Faye in particular is Mr. Cool, and, apart from one slip up today, he was our best defender.

We're managing to hold onto Southampton's coattails and have eased a 4 point gap between us and Tuesday week's opponent's, Boro. Derby on Saturday at home. Two more big matches, and everything to play for. Let's hope for glimpse of Taylor and Demel...

Paul

Coventry City Preview

2011-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

West Ham face the currently 23rd ranked Sky Blues at the Ricoh Arena at 3pm on Saturday. I have really enjoyed the two internationals, but I'm ready for some meat and potatoes, and I think that's what we'll get against Andy Thorn’s Coventry team. It’s been a difficult time for Coventry City in recent weeks with the 4-2 defeat against Southampton making it five games for the Sky Blues without a win. Coventry, who have not been any higher than 18th so far this season, have lost three of their last four, including both their last two at the Ricoh Arena. Too many goals have been scored in that arena of late, with three of the last four matches seeing three or more goals scored against Coventry while West Ham have only conceded four on their travels all season so far.

So if you were Andy Thorn, wouldn't you change your formation and tactics? Yes, so would I, but the problem is Coventry has an injury crisis almost as bad as ours. Thorn lost Richard Wood who pulled out of the game against Southampton as did his fellow centre-half James McPake. Stitch that together with his already long injury list including defenders Jordan Clarke, Chris Hussey and Martin Cranie also currently sidelined, and your options are limited. There is some hope though, with McPake getting stuck in during today's training game.

By all accounts Thorn is well respected by his players, and despite the two goal deficit to the league leaders last time out, where the visitors dominated proceedings at the Ricoh Arena in the first half, Andy Thorn's half-time team talk clearly did the trick as the home side got back on level terms. Prior to that Coventry lost at home to Millwall by 3 goals. After that match Thorn was outspoken saying

"It was like two different sides were playing out there and when people start to think they are individuals you have got problems. Our second half performance was unacceptable - to turn in a performance like that was amateurish.We had a few chances in that first half, we felt comfortable and we felt we had more gears to go into. I'm sick of hearing excuses and people having opinions that aren't right, I know what's right and the players will do what we say or they won't be playing."

From the two recent matches I've watched on the box, Coventry are struggling because right now they're not able to do the simple things. Collectively their first-touches stray a couple more feet away than they should, passes are poor causing players to back-track, or take more touches to get it under control, and reacting a split-second slower than an opponent is leaving them distinctly second best.

And the fans are on their backs.

So with their backs up against the wall, this should be a walkover, right?

Well let me tell you a cautionary tale: Bristol City at home.

There. Let's not take anything for granted. Furthermore, it also appears that, despite the two-week break, while many of our key players are closer to fitness, few will be starting. Matty Taylor won't be travelling, according to Gold's tweets and Allardyce's update today. Demel is fitter, and will probably cover a returning Joey O'Brien from the bench. But with only Tomkins and Faye as recognized centre backs, we had better be very careful. Reid is out for another 3 weeks. Still it will be nice to see a dedicated right back so that Faubert can go back to right midfield where he is better.

Likely Cole will start according to Allardyce, although, I think right now that starting him as a super-sub and introducing him from the bench at 55 minutes for Carew like at Hull City would be the way to go.

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Faye-McCartney

Noble

Faubert - Nolan - Collison

Baldock

Cole

Subs-Boffin, Demel, Diop, Sears, Carew

A clean sheet and a goal or two would be great. We have to secure that second spot; and an away win at the Ricoh has to be the goal. Enjoy the game!

Paul

The OS: The Sea Of Tranquility It Is Not...

2011-11-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

For all it's symmetry and it's incredible converging transportation network nodes, I'm starting to worry about West Ham's potential "tenancy" of the Olympic Stadium. Putting aside the many issues regarding the quality of the potential spectator experience at the future venue itself, it's the proposals regarding the many tenancy claims that strike me as most worrisome.

Now that the Olympic Park Legacy Committee will keep ownership in public hands, Newham Council are stalling on their commitment to help fund the 100 million pound cost of converting the stadium to a footballing venue unless they are given a guaranteed revenue stream and seats commensurate with their investment. With the OPLC also inferring that Athletics would be the primary use of the stadium and would have priority over football, such that West Ham would have to reschedule matches that clashed with other events, one has to ask what's in it for the club?

Well, I suppose 2 million a year to be tenants is something; after all, that's less than the club currently play some players! But does that 2 million include overheads like maintenance, services, and energy usage? I'm sure that these will be questions that are asked, but let's hope the answers come with clear guarantees and time frames. I imagine the overheads alone at the Boleyn are equivalent. But, in all honesty, the real benefit to the club would be revenue: the whole purpose of moving is to increase capacity with a commensurate increase in income helping the club to realise it's full potential and pursue the "European dream". However, if every Tom, Dick and Harry wants their cut, then just how much revenue will there be? And, apparently, this is a concern to Sullivan and Gold: the are said to be alarmed at just what the club IS bidding for now... With Newham Council also wanting a slice of hospitality revenue from the club too, it's all starting to look murky.

Then, of course, of more concern to the fan is the viewing spectacle, or lack thereof. I must say, the latest pictures casts a dismal shadow over the gloss. The seats closest to the track look too shallow in their banking to offer a full perspective of the "pitch", while the upper tiers look like they may as well be on the far side of the moon. Which suggests that the analogy of the OS resembling the vast moon crater in the "Sea of Tranquility" is, indeed, fitting. Almost as fitting is the fact that, legitimately or not, you can "purchase" an acre or more of that said crater for mere $37.50...Perhaps we should pursue that?

Look familiar? It's starting to look about as practical too...

Seriously though, even with the vague promise of movable seating that would slide over the track and bring some spectators closer to the pitch, this still leaves the bulk of the 50 to 60,000 seats closer to Stretham than the centre circle. Then there's the very "temporary" nature of the building. Is it going to stand the test of time? It certainly looks frail. If West Ham are going to sell the Boleyn and become "homeless", then something that looks more permanent than the vast white plastic crater would certainly be preferable.

I'm never one to jump to conclusions, and I am always open to new ideas - who knows perhaps there is an Olympic Stadium "optimal" solution that will please the majority of fans and owners alike, but I'm starting to wonder if there isn't another way.

Whatever the future though, the club simply can't stay at the Boleyn, if for no other reason that the transportation links and the ultimate capacity of the venue are nowhere nearly good enough to adequately support the club's future aspirations. Heck, the transportation links to the club are abysmal. And Premier League survival will become an issue if the club stays at the Boleyn: Premier League clubs won't be viable with venue-capacities less than 45-50,000 fans soon. Even Chelsea, with all their money, realise that.

What IS attractive about the OS venue is it's transportation links. With that in mind, surely there is a case for building a purpose built football stadium next to the OS with a capacity of 50-55,000 seats that could share some of the infrastructure (groundskeeping, hospitality, services, parking and transportation facilities) with the OS? West Ham FC could still keep their agreement with respect to the community and youth development, while inviting Newham Council to put up some money for the development for some future annual revenue.

Pie in the sky? Perhaps, but, for both Club aspirations and fan content, that may be preferential to a wedding cake in the ground.

Paul

Ever Since Germany Thrashed England...

2011-11-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

Viva Rooneyless England! Scotty: Part of the new-old generation and Man of the Match...About Time!

Ever since Germany thrashed England 4-1 at Bloemfontein in the last World Cup, I've felt both the burning humiliation and the deep resentment shared by most England fans since. Despite being an ardent fan all my life, indeed a country-before-club man, since that thrashing at the hands of youthful and vital German side, I made a pact with myself and refused to allow myself get so deeply drawn in to England's fortunes until a particular fundamental-something changed.

As a fan of a non-top-4 club, I deeply resented the ironic sentiments of a man who professed one thing, but consistently did another. Fabio Capello holds that he picks players based solely on form, yet over the past few years of his tenure - like many England managers before him - he has repeatedly done the opposite and continued to pick the vast majority of his players based upon past performances, club status, media hype/pressure, and perceived necessity at the expense of a vast pool of talent who never got a look in.

How long has it taken for Parker to get into the team? Why is Green not even picked as a squad player? Adam Johnson? Darren Bent? But if you are English and play for Arsenal, United, Liverpool, or Chelsea you are an automatic candidate. We had Walcott under Sven, but no Bent (Sunderland) under Capello - he was axed in favour of Heskey's presence to "support Rooney because Rooney likes to play with him..." We had an aged Carragher in South Africa, but no Lescott (City) or Cahill (Bolton).

And then, for today's huge match, two things happened that forced Capello's hand. Rooney did what so often comes naturally to him, and lost his composure in an England shirt last month in Montenegro. This seemingly insignificant act culminated in his sending off and a 3 competitive match ban. It's not the first time the petulant-one has flipped-out on the pitch during crucial games. Remember Portugal and fellow club-mate Ronaldo winking at his bench after he summarily had Rooney dismissed after manipulating Wayne's psyche with consummate ease? Rooney, always thinking of the team: NOT.

And John Terry, innocent or not, has been forced to sit out today's match against Spain because of a Metropolitan Police investigation.

For me, both of these events were fabulous news: they have forced Capello to consider other, equally, if not more, worthy players.

England's so called golden generation has never amounted to much. Over-hyped, over ranked and leaden with the yoke of over-expectation, they have stuttered, misfired, and underwhelmed for a decade. Gerrard, Ferdinand, Terry and Rooney are among the worst offenders. Rooney in particular has been the most over-hyped player I have ever EVER watched. While he is a good - no, not great - player in a United shirt, he is an unmitigated flop in an England shirt.

Why?

A great player can adapt their game to suit new roles with new players. At United, Rooney is "supported" by a star-studded cast that is built around him and supplies him with stellar service and allows him the indulgence of a faux-superstar. Rooney is able to wander all over the turf at Old Trafford because United nearly always face inferior opposition. That isn't the case with England. At Old Trafford, Rooney rides on the coattails of players like Vidic, Hernandez, Nani, Anderson, Giggs while having journeyman players like Fletcher, Carrick, Welbeck and Evans feeding him balls left, right, and centre. Undoubtedly he has some talent, but, if his job is to create and score goals for England, then he has failed dismally. And that's fact, despite what all the ex-player pundits, football journalists and sheep-like media like Steve Claridge, Perry Groves and Colin Murray will thrust down your throat week in and out.

Rooney simply is not a tournament or a team player; he simply shouldn't be picked for England. Rooney has lost the right to wear an England shirt because of his name, or because of the club he plays for. He isn't consistent enough, and he most certainly isn't mature enough. He hasn't earned it.

Terry, Ferdinand, and Gerrard too have also lost the right to be picked for England simply because of their "star quality".

But, apparently, to utter this is sacrilegious.

Terry and Upson, were shown for what they are against the pacey youth of Germany 18 months ago in South Africa: slow and far too reliant on the physicality that is not tolerated in major tournaments. Klose and Muller made them look like league one players. And the technical Ozil completely out-thought, out-classed and out-played both Gerrard and Rooney.

The only senior player to stand out in that game was Lampard; he who's goal was incorrectly ruled as not crossing the line.

Capello has had to try something new, despite the bayings of punters like Perry Groves who only yesterday accused him of being incompetent for leaving Terry out.

In Capello's team today against Spain, we saw older but relatively uncapped players like Scot Parker, Joleon Lescott, and Phil Jagielka, who all played like they were thrilled to be picked for their country. They had brilliant matches, but likely wouldn't have got a look-in if the pedestrian Gerrard, Terry or Ferdinand had been fit. We saw 19 year-old Phil Jones who was replaced by 20 year old Jack Rodwell; we saw 21 year old Kyle Walker come on for Parker; 24 year old Adam Johnson come on for a mediocre Milner, and Darren Bent was replaced by 20 year old Danny Welbeck.

And what did we get? We got players who worked bloody hard, chased everything, put their bodies on the line with complete disregard for their club or their own Champion's League aspirations, who played with discipline, remembered their shape, and who refused to go on any ego-trips, tantrum meltdowns, or solo-adventures which could backfire. In short, we got a team with energy, desire, vitality and heart. They put country before club and played in the white shirt like I haven't seen for years.

Many of these players are not world-weary Champions League snobs who know that if England sink they've got a domestic or European title to fall back on; many are getting their first taste of world class ball - and they're loving it!

They conquered a Spanish team that has only shipped five goals in Euro Qualifying and only faced ten shots during that time. Spain looked toothless and frustrated, despite their possession, and believe me, they wanted this win; England looked solid, disciplined, and measured; they never looked stretched or panicked. And when England got their chance, they took it. Darren Bent, who, arguably has been sidelined because of Rooney's barren dynasty, hit the post, and ex-hammer Lampard put it in. And yes, Spain hit the post, but young Welbeck had a gift too.

In short, England looked like a team. A team with youth that has some nouse and can, unlike what we've seen previously, can play tournament-like European football.

In short, they played like West Ham away: lacking possession but looking solid and taking their chances. And, like West Ham's away form, England surprised - nay shocked - the doubters and came away with a cagey win.

Now, will Capello reflect on this and learn, or will he revert to type and cast out the promising youngsters, U21 players, and debutantes in favour of wheeling out the creaky has-beens, again?

Let's hope not.

Paul

Good News For WHUFC

2011-11-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Young Danny Potts is making some ripples...

While the result isn't stunning; some of the names on the team sheet in today's development match against Gillingham are interesting.

Defender Guy Demel played his first match since being hamstrung in September. We badly need the full-back coverage after losing Reid to a dislocted shoulder for a month or so. Also Paraguay striker Brian Montenegro opened the scoring with a 13th minute header in the match. I have high hopes for him, particularly as Piquionne hasn't been performing lately, Carew is injured and Cole is working back to full fitness. Finally Dan Potts bagged our equalizer in injury time.

They are three players I'm really looking forward to seeing rotated into the squad soon...

Away Support At Home Please

2011-11-08T07:13:00.001-08:00

I don't usually do this, but I have to say Paul Walker's post over at KUMB makes eminent sense: and you know it's exactly how I feel. I've said this all along: the team have to change their tools to suit the job, and the job of getting out of the Championship does not require a jeweller's loupe and set of lock picks; it requires a stick of dynamite, a hammer, and an oxyacetylene torch.

This is well worth a read! I stick by my valuation of the Hull result: it was a professional display from stem to stern.

Paul

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Hull 0 - 2 West Ham

2011-11-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Baldock and Collison: Thank you very much, Gents.

This was a very good performance by the Hammers. Hull were no slouches today, and will play much worse than that and win more often than not at the KC this year. West Ham though looked accomplished from stem to stern. Admittedly, in the first half, while we had the bulk of the ball, Carew was unable to convert, what should, frankly, have been two dead cert goals. And apart from a two or three efforts, Hull never looked like breaking us down.

Don't get me wrong, this was an exciting game: and up until the West Ham 2-0 lead, the Hammers were kocking the ball around on the deck from back to front beautifully. After the lead was secured, the team no longer had to chase and shut the game down: very professional. Faubert (RB for O'Brien today) and Collison were great on the right, with Faubert supplying a sublime cross for Carew early on; Collison was the recipient of a Cole ball which he converted nicely. Faye and Diop were unbelievably solid, and a big reason why Hull looked like toothless tigers today.

When the Hammers got slack, both Big Sam and Nolan let the players have it. Nolan, in particular, was in a very spirited mood today, and was throwing himself around in the challenges and at the ref when needed, which probably is why he left with a yellow card. Tomkins was also booked for a petulant post stoppage kick at the ball.

Baldock, who is now a 4 goal joint top scorer at the club with Nolan and Cole, had a very quiet first half, but he is one of those true quality players that can be anonymous for 50 minutes and appear - as if out of nowhere - and score. He could have had a couple today; there's no doubt that Big Sam's signing is a future star in any league.

Big Sam's nouse was evident today. He set the team up to play football but also to gut any Hull momentum. No matter what he said earlier, he was after 3 points from the off which is good to see.

Southampton cruise on, but, as many have suggested they lack depth. Come the darker, colder days ahead, a few injuries to key players and they are not going to be able to sustain the momentum they have. We, on the other hand, even with the legions of walking wounded, are keeping the pressure on them. Our result at Hull (their nine-game winning streak only recently dented) is far more impressive than a win away to our next opponents, Coventry (no disrespect intended). Southampton also conceded two fairly soft goals. The Saints had better bag the points now because come January and February with an injury list and muddy northern bog to play on, I fancy our chances better. And where are Brighton now; Cardiff though, do look a worry at their place.

The international break now means that players like Cole, Carew, Taylor, Reid, O'Brien, Diop, Lansbury and Demel (who is touted by David Gold as being ready for our upcoming Coventry game) can rest, get fit and add to what is already a very solid team. That's 10 points from our last four matches (Brighton - Away, Leicester - Home, Bristol City - Home, and Hull City - Away). Not bad at all.

I AM liking this season far more than last...

Paul

Green Saves his clean sheet

2011-11-05T09:58:00.001-07:00

Magnificent last gasp save: Final whistle blows: Hull City 0-2 West Ham.

3 valuable points! A very professional performance. Faye, Tomkins Diop, Faubert and Cole were fabulous.

Paul

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No: Piquionne on for Baldock

2011-11-05T09:50:00.001-07:00

Essentially we're down to 10 men...

Paul

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Sears on for Diop

2011-11-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

Diop has been great, but he's pulled something in his left leg. Tompkins booked. Southampton 4-2 over Coventry. :(

West Ham looking comfortable.

Paul

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Coventry equalise

2011-11-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

Coventry 2-2 Southampton to go. 20 min. Come you Sky Blues!!! If not for us for the Spirit of Jimmy Hill!

West Ham looking lively.

Paul

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60 mins: Hull 0-2 West Ham

2011-11-05T09:29:00.001-07:00

Cole has come on for Carew during the half time break. West Ham playing expansive stuff. Faubert looking good.

Cole has transformed the attack; he's unplayable right now. Cole's entry, because Carew doesn't look 100% having squandered 2 clear opportunities in the first half, has brought Baldock into the game. Baldock scored our first from Cole, and Collisin did really well to get our second.

Allardyce a little concerned about them in the last five minutes coasting; more pressure from Hull.

Nolan very forceful right now: giving stick to slackers: he's been booked in the first half.

Let's keep a clean sheet!

Paul

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Preview: Away To Hull

2011-11-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie I'm afraid. But to put it bluntly, I don't like our chances against a resurgent Hull given our extensive injury list. We haven't won there for eons, and with Faye nursing a hamstring injury, Tomkins still getting back to fitness, Reid will be a big miss in central defence. We are missing width right now with Taylor, Lansbury and Bentley all out. Neither Sears, who is so right footed that sticking him on the left is not effective, and Faubert, who has played well, but has a wayward last ball or cross, don't really do the wings that well. Collison doesn't like it either.

With Cole and Carew both nursing slight knee knocks, I suppose we will see Piquionne again. Baldock and Nolan are our only real hope for goals. Hull will be out to win this, so if we can come away with a point, I would consider that enough to get us into the international break and a chance to nurse back some talent.

If Hull beat us, they still have a game in hand of us and stand a real chance of leapfrogging us, so a 451 is perhaps the best way to ensure we get something from this game.

Fingers crossed.

Paul

Surely It Must Be Southampton's Turn Soon?

2011-11-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

Southampton have looked a class act this "term". With a 100% home record, a very good away record, and four of the highest goal scorers in the league, they look untouchable at the moment. Four key players for them have been Adam Lallana, Guly Do Prado, Connolly, and Ricky Lambert, between them hitting 23 league goals, and they look an exciting and powerful outfit who are 5 points clear of the rest of us.

West Ham, by contrast, have not quite managed to get into their stride so far. At home there has been inconsistency, and injuries have meant that Sam hasn't had the chance to pick from his strongest players. Rotation hasn't been an option: competition for places is down with the likes of Reid, Taylor, Carew, Lansbury, O'Neill, Cole, Tomkins, Demel, Bentley to name but a few who have either just got back from injury or are slated for a significant spells on the sidelines.

And while Sam is contemplating finding players who can cover the serious lack quality and depth lost from the squad, Southampton apparently appear to be immune to injury. Right now, they have none. Five-goal Guly Do Prado came back from a one game "rest". But it's runaway league goal-scoring leader Ricky Lambert that is their crown jewel: take his nine goals away and the Saints goal difference is four goals shy of ours.

So, considering our injuries, West Ham are clinging on quite well; for Southampton, it's only a matter of time given the crowded fixture list of this league takes its toll. I have no illusions that Southampton will do a Brighton: they're a deeper and better coached squad (no offence to the Zolaesque Poyet meant); however, if one or two of Lambert, Do Prado, Connolly or Lallana take a knock or two, Southampton's firepower is significantly reduced. So far this season, Adkins has had the considerable luxury of being able to rotate them every game. Recently, against Boro, Conolly came off the bench to replace double goal-scorer do Prado and added one more to cream Boro by 3 goals. This is a luxury West Ham haven't had. But hopefully with a fit Cole, Carew, Baldock and perhaps a Hall or Montenegro being given a chance, it's something Sam can cultivate?

Paul

Demel In The Squad For Coventry Game

2011-11-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

David Gold Tweeted the following today, following a question from a fan:

@DavidGoldWHUWhats happnd to Demel?” Guy should be available for the game at Coventry DG

That's good news. By all accounts Guy Demel is a fabulous player. As a right back or a right sided midfielder, we could do with the coverage for O'Brien.

Paul

West Ham United 0 - 0 Bristol City: A Predictable Stalemate?

2011-11-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

2 points dropped: you have to win those "gimme" home matches if you're going to stake a serious claim to the automatic promotion spots. So it's not surprising that the usual vitriol that comes with a disappointing result is flying around the ether right now, with overreacting fans weighing in and dissecting all the perceived wrongs. I laughed when I saw the ridiculous predictions of 4 goals or more to the good prior to the match; with a new manager; a team fighting for its life, and a team on the bubble after its first win (away) in months...It was always a little silly to assume this would be a blowout, especially given our penchant for dropping points in "easy" matches...

But there were mistakes.

West Ham knocked on the door all game. It's been said that City's defence was well disciplined, and to an extent they were, but with the caveat for them... However, when a team gets 19 shots on goal -as West Ham did, despite hitting the woodwork and watching the opposition keeper (ex England and Hammer keeper David James) make a couple of spectacular saves, you still have to look for answers because, frankly, given better marksmanship, the team would have won by at least two goals.

My answers are that our best, most creative player is not on the pitch, and that Sam made two fundamental mistakes. Matty Taylor was sorely missed last night, not least for his corners and free kicks; Noble, as well as he is playing on the rest of the pitch, has the worst record at West Ham for converting dead balls into goals.

But, more importantly, Sam got it wrong last night. West Ham could have easily won that match given the chances squandered, and indeed, should have based on their play: they overwhelmed Bristol City all over the field, but a toothless shark is just that...toothless.

While Picquionne perhaps more chances that he has had all season yesterday, his finishing was woeful, as was, predictably, his pressing and off the ball mobility. But he wasn't the only one. Sears too and Cole were just not clinical enough. And Sam's decision to start with Piquionne was extremely questionable given what we've seen - or haven't seen - in the past few matches. I'm not sure why Carew wasn't started, or indeed on the bench, but I would have started with Cole and pulled him off for Hall rather than play Piquionne. Freddie is just bad news: bad luck, no effort, no desire, and no team ethic. Sam has got to stop starting him, despite the injury crisis. Give others a chance; playing a younger academy prospect like Hall or loanee Montenegro would have been preferable to me; and fans would have been more benevolent given the result...

But the cardinal sin was to pull Baldock for Cole rather than pulling Piquionne for Cole or Hall. While Sam didn't have much choice with the unfortunate Reid incident (out for a month!), I though the other two substitutions were uninspiring.

There: I do tell it like I see it; there's no sugar-coating there: but I'll not endorse any flake who feels we should get rid of manager or not play Nolan. That would be a completely juvenile overreaction; I always wonder if those who overreact have personal issues at home...

Hull will be an entirely different proposition; one that, given our injuries I am not particularly confident about. Still, tonight's results again went well for us: Leeds were thrashed at Elland Road by Blackpool (0-5!), keeping them outside the playoff spots, and Derby were done by 3 goals at home by Cardiff! It really couldn't have been any better for West Ham. So there's your silver lining (not sugar coating!!)...

If we can make it through the Hull game with a win or a draw, then the international break should ensure that we get a few more badly needed returnees to the team: Taylor, Carew, Demel and Lansbury would be nice, while allowing Cole, Collison and Tomkins to continue to work on their fitness...

Paul

Preview: Bristol City @ the Boleyn

2011-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

I don't believe in Unicorns...

Derek McInnes seemed to make an immediate impact to the fortunes of the 24th and last placed Robins last weekend at Barnsley. With nine points and only two wins (and nine losses!) this season, on recent form you'd have to pick West Ham for this one. However, with the impact of their new manager and West Ham's current injury problem, perhaps this is one of those potential banana-skins that often come after two good wins on the trot. It would be easy for the boys to let their guard down, and against Nicky Maynard, that would be a mistake. It would also be a mistake to think that their away form is woeful: it isn't. Both wins for the Robins came away from home.

So let's not take anything for granted then. It's too soon to say what tactics new manager McInnes will employ, but he's unlikely to change his away tactics much from those he used at Barnsley last weekend, in part because he just doesn't have the depth to do it, and mostly because, well, why mess with a good thing? Ok that's an exaggeration: Maynard made the first goal, and scored the second in injury time; Barnsley, by all accounts had looked the more likely to win this one. Let's put it this way, I'm not going to spend much time on analysing Bristol City because in a word it's Maynard. Put him in your pocket and you've just about nullified them.

No, of more concern is us is that we're riddled with injuries. Hall's recall concerns me: just how close can Cole be, if Hall is recalled? Carew and Baldock are dynamite, but I don't think Carew is 90 minute material yet, and bringing Piquionne on for him is a retrograde step, as we saw last weekend against Leicester.

West Ham played the best football of the season in the first half; by contrast, Leicester were awful. But Carew's removal twinned with Piquionne's entrance changed the game. Yes we had chances to put the game away in the first half (Faubert missed a sitter and Piquionne got selfish and shot when he should have passed), but playing with ten men, sitting deep and inviting a team who have nothing to lose to come forward is not the right solution. That was not going to happen with Carew leading the line and Baldock feeding off the knockdowns like he did, but once Piquionne was on, there were no knockdowns and Baldock was left isolated on the right with Piquionne walking, again.

The second half was a cup final and should have pleased many of those Sam doubters who were irate after the Brighton game, but for me, it was a near capitulation of 2 if not 3 points: Leicester his the bar late in the game after a chance deflection from Tomkins.

There's no doubt it was fabulous to get 3 points against Blackpool, 3 against Brighton and 3 against Leicester: that's 9 out of a possible 12, but the players need to be more responsible when leading a game by 2 goals. To allow a team back from a 2 goal lead is a worry; more Brighton stoicism would be very welcome as far as I'm concerned, and bugger the free-flowing cup final like second half that we witnessed in the Leicester game. Yes it was great stuff, but it gave me tachycardia, and Big Sam didn't look thrilled either!

So I expect a 442 going to a 451. I expect a Tomkins start, but Faye and Diop to be brought on when, and if, we lead this game. I thought Noble was fabulous; conversely, Collison was lackluster: perhaps it's the position he's being played in, but without any other options on the left, it's got to be Collison. With Taylor, Demel, and Lansbury lame right now, I imagine the line up to look like this:

Green

O'Brien-Tomkins-Reid-McCartney

Faubert-Noble-Nolan-Collison

Carew-Baldock

Subs: Boffin, Faye, Diop, Sears, Cole

I'll tell you, if we do get promotion this year, then there are three players we should pick up asap: Brighton's Noone, Leicester's King, and City's Maynard...Just a thought, Sam.

Paul

Hall and Lee Back: Contrasting Attitudes?

2011-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

18 year old striker Robert Hall has been recalled by West Ham to join their first-team squad from League-two side Oxford United. Kelvin Thomas, Oxford United's chairman spoke to the BBC today saying the following:

"The timing is tough as we had begun discussions on extending his loan for a longer period and there would have been no issue with this without West Ham's injury problems. The positive is that it is great for Robbie. He has come here, played well, scored goals and had that little bit of experience. West Ham are very happy with the way he has been looked after and the way he has played and have taken him back to be involved with the first team squad."

By all accounts, Hall, has had a very successful loan spell at the club, but is excited about coming back to join the first team squad. However, 20 year old Oliver Lee, who's loan spell at Dagenham has expired after 93 days, is not so happy about returning to his parent club:

Ever since I’ve been here the lads have been brilliant, that was the main thing for me. I’ve just really enjoyed being involved, playing my football and getting out in the real world. Its much better than playing in the [West Ham] reserve team, obviously you have to grow up a bit and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

Initially I was, like most Hammers fans, a little put-out at Lee's sentiments; afterall, surely there's got to be some loyalty and a desire to break through to the first team at West Ham? Perhaps I'm outdated, and at the risk of sounding like my grandparents, I'm not sure today's young players know how fortunate they are to be associated with a large club like West Ham and what a privilege that is. I'm also not sure that they're willing to be patient and put in the time needed in the reserves to break through to the first team.

But perhaps I'm wrong: perhaps it's the West Ham Academy and the club's fault for not thoroughly indoctrinating our youth prospects with enough claret and blue in their blood? Certainly Hines and Stanislas were quick to fly the coop without waiting a couple more years; and look at the option they took - Burnley... And by the sounds of it, Lee is fairly ambivalent about his allegiances after 93 days at the Daggers. Something to ponder.

Meanwhile, Hall's recall does make me wonder if Cole is further away from fitness than we suspected and Big Sam is finally fed up with Piquionne's poor attitude.

Paul

WHUFC 3-2 LFC

2011-10-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

That was too much like a cup final! Well done, Hammers! Work to do; Piquionne dreadful: WHUFC Had 10 men after Carew's withdrawal; credit to Leicester: a quality side. Report to follow later. I've got to have a few drinkies to calm my nerves!

Paul

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Leicester off the bar

2011-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Konchensky...close. I expect we will see a more stingy West Ham next Tuesday: This is not industrial football. Green has just made a superb save. Gimme some industrial defending: my ticker can't take this! Meanwhile Southampton are 3-0 up against Boro...

Paul

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Leicester get one back

2011-10-29T08:38:00.001-07:00

King. Route one! 3-2. Time for some Brightonesque compact resilience!

Paul

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Baldock!

2011-10-29T08:33:00.001-07:00

Worth his salt! WHUFC 3-1 Leicester. Greens route one assist. I'll take that!

Paul

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Leicester Score

2011-10-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

West ham have missed several guilt edged chances: Faubert, Piquionne... Leicester back into the game. Baldock great chance. Leicester coming back.

Paul

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Carew off

2011-10-29T07:32:00.001-07:00

Carew has been relentlessly hounded by the ref. He's on a yellow card. Tactical: Piquionne on for Carew. Pity: Carew and Baldock are spectacular together.

Paul
Sent from from Miphone.

If a wolf can take down a deer from either flank, does that make him bambidextrous?

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal ideas from many is research.

I went too a restaurant that served breakfast at anytime, so I ordered french toast during the renaissance.

West Ham rampant

2011-10-29T07:29:00.001-07:00

Team news: Green is back: 442

West Ham United: Green, O'Brien, Faye, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Nolan, Collison, Faubert, Baldock, Carew
Subs: Boffin, Tomkins, Diop, Sears, Piquionne

Paul

Sent from from Miphone.

If a wolf can take down a deer from either flank, does that make him bambidextrous?

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal ideas from many is research.

I went too a restaurant that served breakfast at anytime, so I ordered french toast during the renaissance.

Goal!!

2011-10-29T07:24:00.001-07:00

22 mins: 2-0! Nolan and Noble control the game.

Paul
Sent from from Miphone.

If a wolf can take down a deer from either flank, does that make him bambidextrous?

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal ideas from many is research.

I went too a restaurant that served breakfast at anytime, so I ordered french toast during the renaissance.

Goal!!

2011-10-29T07:22:00.001-07:00

Carew to Baldock! 1-0 the hammers!

Paul
Sent from from Miphone.

If a wolf can take down a deer from either flank, does that make him bambidextrous?

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal ideas from many is research.

I went too a restaurant that served breakfast at anytime, so I ordered french toast during the renaissance.

Leicester City Preview

2011-10-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Leicester City's brush with the Silver Fox is over; a new era starts at the Boleyn on Saturday...

To understand how much expectation there is at Leicester City, you only have to understand the difference between Allardyce and Eriksson: 5 points. That's it! The Foxes last result at home in the King Power Stadium to Millwall was a shambles, ending in an embarrassing 3-0 defeat for Eriksson. His axing was not a surprise, given the owners have pumped in 20 million pounds into the dressingroom last summer, and the fans have been calling for Sven's shiny head for some time. The last time West Ham came up against a team led by a caretaker manager was when a recently O'Niell depleted Villa came to the Boleyn and played with verve - disemboweling us and putting 4 past Grant's charges.

And there's no doubt that Leicester have bags of quality; there's also no doubt, given the many reviews by Foxes fans, that he had lost the respect and favour of most players. Last weekend's performance was characterized as "Pathetic" by the many bloggers:

This was pathetic, no if no buts, PATHETIC, there were too many passes going astray, being read by Millwall. we had no answer to their game plan. too many crosses not reaching the target , pumping high ball for Vassell, when he has 2 big centre halves marking him! Milwall were picking off our passes at ease, bursting forward in number and leaving us chasing shadows, lets give Kenny Jackett credit, he organised his team to do a job and the every member of the team did their job brilliantly, it wasn't pretty but if your were in the away corner it was excellent! but the majority of the crowd of 21,901 thought otherwise.

However with the silver-tongued one gone, there is a new buzz about the place, and with all the talent they've got, that's a worry.

This team needs a good shake up and change of personnel and tactics after this match otherwise City will be well beaten at West Ham. This was a shambles of a performance.

Well, it appears the fans have their wish! Sven had been packing the midfield with holding midfielders, and this seemed to starve the forwards of service. Only Konchensky (remember him?) was able to get balls in. Last week, against Millwall, the team sheet contained quite a few names you will recognize:

City: Schmeichel, Peltier, St. Ledger, Bamba, Konchesky, Johnson (Fernandes 74), Abe (Dyer 46), Wellens, King, Nugent, Beckford (Vassell 46). Unused subs: Pantsil, Weale.

Of particular worry to West Ham are Konchensky, Dyer, Nugent, Vassell and Beckford. Given David Gold's tweet that Cole, Lansbury, and Taylor will still be injured, probably the best way to counter Leicester is the way Kenny Jackett's Millwall did: play compact and get them on the break. Given a fully fit squad, I wouldn't advocate this, but given our midweek match and the fact that we are lacking our best 11, I think this would be the best ploy. I'm not sure how much the Foxes have in reserve once they get behind, and more expansive play could be employed after a goal or two.

I know there are those out there who don't like this "Industrial Approach" as it is unfashionably being labelled these days, but, given my previous posts, you'll know that pragmatic is my mantra, not pretty, right now. 3 points is 3 points, and we need all we can get.

Almunia

O'Brien-Faye-Reid-McCartney

Noble-Diop

Faubert-Nolan-Baldock

Carew

Subs: Boffin, Collison, Moncur, Montenegro, Sears.

I really want to see Baldock start, but feel that using a 442 would be problem without Taylor and Lansbury to maximize it's potential; it could have the downside too, of allowing Leicester to get Nugent, Dyer, and Vassel into the game: not something we want! I like Nolan in a more advanced role, and Noble, while not big, is getting better at dispersing the ball; however, his "floaty" corners and free kicks are too easily read, and I'd like to see some one else give it a go...until Taylor's back. Lastly, I really want to see what Montenegro is like, and sticking him on - given a lead - with ten minutes to go would be intriguing!

COYI

Paul

Nostalgia – you can beat it

2011-10-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

The New Brighton Tower: A fleeting thing of beauty, it quickly all came crashing down...

I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and posts, listening to a lot of radio, podcasts, and broadcast media lately, particularly, of course, with respect to West Ham. One thing I notice is that the fans of the club are as capricious as the club’s own reputation and as nostalgic as the club’s history. Last season, under Grant, we couldn’t buy a win, and fans were on Avram’s back from the day he was appointed, and his win percentage of 31.91% vindicated the fan malcontent. Prior to that, under Zola, the results were just as disastrous, if you measure success by points garnered, games won, and table position; however, by and large, fans couldn’t get enough of him, even though Zola was, statistically at least, the club’s worst ever manager with the lowest win ratio (28.75%) – worse even than Glenn Roeder.

But, reminiscing for a while, life under Zola was wonderful. Fans were initially happy; we loved his expansive play, his attacking mantra and his free-flowing on-the-deck football. Zola didn’t concern himself with how the other team played; it was all about his vision and his team’s strengths. Apart from the visit of the big four, Zola rarely changed tactics, game plans or style. It was attack, attack, attack: his vision was Arsenal or Barcelona, but on a budget. And if there’s one thing West Ham fans appreciate, it’s pretty continental style football. However, as the season progressed, other teams were sussing us out; they knew our game and, time and time again, the formula for opponents at the Boleyn was to sit deep, defend with ten men, chase every ball, harry every player, rob of us time and space, force us into errors, and, wait until our players became frustrated, ran out of ideas and energy, and then strike back at us. And it worked. But it was ugly football, and we’d have no part of that. Invariably results started to go against us, but, such was Zola’s popularity with fans and media for his positive, adventurous and pretty Arsenalesque play, that he was given the patience and time to forge a solution, which, with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, as we all know, never came.

Gus Poyet reminds me a lot of Gianfranco. The other night after the Brighton debacle, many West Ham fans waxed lyrical and got nostalgic on blog posts, comments, podcasts and radio phone in shows for the Zola years. Gus is a bright, knowledgeable, young, and affable manager. His players love him; he defends them at every turn, talking them up and taking blame in equal measure: he never criticizes or pressures them in public. And because of his passion, he has attracted some real talent to the club: Noone and CMS are two examples, the latter snubbing West Ham for Poyet’s BHA. Poyet’s footballing credo to is highly reminiscent of Zola’s. On Tuesday, we saw a young, attacking, and pretty side with spirit, verve, and dash in equal measure. A team that build their attack from the back and play through the middle, dominate possession, and try to work it into the box on the deck. When I saw their lack of penetration into our box, I couldn’t help but smile and think back to the good old days. And like Zola’s West Ham, we saw them concede a careless goal as they stretched themselves, leaving too much space and playing the ball close to their own 18 yard box, allowing Nolan the ample opportunity to rob them blind of three points. And, again, nostalgia bubbled up inside me, and I dabbed at a teary eye: if only.

And now we’ve got a manager that analyzes every opposition team from every statistical and empirical angle, arranges tactics and formations to counter the opposition’s strength; deigns to hold a one goal lead, while soaking up pressure and frustrating opponents away from home; who organizes players to play one style away and another at home; who openly critiques the strengths and weaknesses of our play; who works on fitness rather than ball-possession; who brings in physicality and robustness, while scoring more goals and conceding less than at least the previous 6 West Ham managers, and worst of all, has the highest win-ratio of any permanent manager at the club, ever.

Shocking.

Cagey pragmatism versus puritanical naiveté? I suppose it comes down to a choice: 3 points, or that gut-sucker-punch, cheated-heart-ripped-out-of-the-chest feeling?

Barcelona on a budget: it’s not possible – just ask a Brighton fan.

Paul