Owners tell West Ham fans to behave themselves

Police separate Spurs and West Ham fans at White Hart Lane                        © PA Photos

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West Ham joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have urged the club’s  fans to show impeccable behaviour in the clash against Chelsea after they were  heard viciously abusing Tottenham  fans last week.

Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over their London rivals at White Hart Lane last  weekend saw a section of Irons travelling supporters mocking the stabbing of a  Spurs fan in Rome. While they were also heard hissing – mimicking the sound of  Jews being gassed during the Second World War – and chanting the name of Adolf  Hitler.

Now, Gold and Sullivan have written an open letter to the club’s fans, urging  them to “show the world what being a West Ham fan is all about”

Their open letter, published on the club’s official website, read:  “Saturday’s match with Chelsea promises to be thrilling affair and we know we  can count on all of you to provide the customary passionate backing for the team  that we have witnessed in every game since we arrived at the club.

“That is why we were disappointed to read about the actions of the small  section of fans that let the club down during last Sunday’s game at Tottenham  Hotspur. We were not only disappointed because they reflected badly on our club,  but they misrepresented the tens of thousands of outstanding supporters who  follow the team home and away throughout the season.

“We have both been sent hundreds of emails and have personally spoken to a  number of fans, who have all told us that they share our sentiments and are  angry that the reputation of their club has been besmirched by the actions of a  few mindless individuals.

“We have said to them what we will say to you now – it is up to us all to not  tolerate anything that we deem to be unacceptable when supporting West Ham  United. In the rare case that you do see or hear anything inappropriate, there  are a number of ways you can report the matter.

“Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your nearest steward at the stadium  or use the Boleyn Ground’s anonymous fan phone number – 07860 404 069 – where  all calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“We have made it very clear over the past week that we will not tolerate any  form of discriminatory behaviour and one by one we will root out those fans that  do not deserve to represent this great club of ours.

“Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to Saturday’s visit of the  champions of Europe, Chelsea, and given the news reports of this week, it is  inevitable that much focus will be on our club this weekend. This fixture will  hopefully provide us with the perfect opportunity to show the world what being a  West Ham fan is all about – supporting with pride, passion and respect.”

The east London club have already taken swift action, with one of their fans  banned for life because of the chanting and two supporters cautioned by police  for a racially aggravated public order offence.

The Hammers’ tough stance has been praised and Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of  Kick it Out, said: “Kick It Out is encouraged by the swift action taken by West  Ham United in the wake of Sunday’s fixture.

“Clubs have the power to show leadership and set an example for the vast  majority of its supporters to follow in instances like this. Here, they’ve done  exactly that.

“Kick It Out has seen first-hand the appetite the club has in embracing  anti-discrimination initiatives, with David Gold and James Tomkins both acting  as campaign ambassadors in 2012. By doing this they’re helping to send a message  as to what is and what isn’t acceptable.

“It is clear they feel abuse of this kind won’t be tolerated and, in a period  where the issue is high on the agenda, this approach is something we applaud.”

 

 

West Ham looking to sign highly rated Irish youngster

Sam Allardyce’s West Ham are thought to be keen on signing the young Irish striker Sean Maguire

The 18-year-old Waterford United striker had another trial with Blackpool last week and has been thoroughly scouted by the likes of Brighton, Peterborough and Derby.

Despite a wonderful start to the season, Allardyce’s West Ham have struggled for goals from their strikers. Marquee loan signing Andy Carroll, who was brought in with the hope of guiding the Hammers to a midtable finish, has found the net only once so far.

Cash strapped West Ham will be looking to add to their shallow and underperforming attacking lineup, with the cut price signing of the talented Irish starlet from Waterford United.

The highly rated youngster would not only add another options up front for the Hammers but could be a potent back up for the main squad players. Getting regular games would be a worry for the youngster but a move to a Premier League club would certainly mark a progress in his career. Moreover, under the guidance of such an experienced manager, he would also develop into a good player in future, so the deal makes a lot of sense from all possible angles.

 

Preview: West Ham United vs. Chelsea

By Darren Plant, Reporter Filed: Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 13:53 UK Last Updated: Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 13:54 UK

West Ham United host Chelsea on Saturday as they look to condemn their London rivals to a seventh Premier League game without a win. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce revealed after Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United that he was impressed with his side’s resilience and that may see him retain the same starting lineup from that game. Striker Andy Carroll was substituted after an hour against United but he is expected to keep his place in the side ahead of Carlton Cole. Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez could make several changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Fulham in midweek. Benitez has made a point about rotating players ahead of a busy December for the European champions and that could see Eden Hazard replaced by Marko Marin. John Obi Mikel may also be recalled to the side in place of Oriel Romeu.

 

Sam Allardyce bemoans ‘fluke’ goal

By Matt Cotton, Reporter Filed: Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 07:40 UK Last Updated: Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 07:40 UK

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes that his side deserved a point from their defeat to Manchester United. Robin van Persie struck the game’s only goal after just 33 seconds to give United a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. However, Allardyce is adamant that his side’s performance did not warrant a loss and is happy with the way the Hammers played. We come to Old Trafford and in 30 seconds they score,” said Allardyce. “It was a fluke goal, to say the least. “We couldn’t help the fluke goal fortunately for Man United. You never know what could have happened if that had not gone in. It is disappointing that after all that we did not get anything from the game. West Ham host Chelsea on Saturday.

 

Hammers linked to striker

Despite Villa manager Paul Lambert claiming there is no problem between him and the striker, the former Spurs and Sunderland hitman has spent most of the season on the bench. With question marks arising over the Upton Park future of on loan striker Carroll, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is looking at alternatives with Bent an obvious candidate. Carroll has managed just one goal since joining the Londoners on loan and the club’s powers-that-be are concerned that at an all in £34 million price in transfer fees and wages over four years, the Geordie may be an expensive luxury for the club. A Hammers source told us: “We’ve learned a lot about the boy since he arrived here and although he’s happy enough, he remains a Geordie at heart. “We believe that were Newcastle to come in for him that’s where he’d want to be and although we have a £17 million option to buy at the end of the season, where’s the mileage in having an unhappy player on our hands.” Twenty eight year old Bent has a great goals to game ratio apart from an unhappy spell at Spurs and could emerge as a realistc Hammers target at around £10 million.

 

Sam: Players must bounce back

Sam Allardyce has challenged his team to bounce back from the disappointing defeat at Spurs by claiming the prize scalp of Manchester United.

 

Sam Allardyce: Looking for his players to bounce back

 

The Hammers put in arguably their worst performance of the season at the weekend when they were outclassed by Spurs, who ran out 3-1 winners at White Hart Lane.

Tonight West Ham face an even harder test when they travel to Old Trafford – where they have won three of their last 21 visits – in the second of a difficult run of fixtures.

But Allardyce was encouraged by recent performances when his team were underdogs and he hopes his men can pull off a shock result in his home county of Lancashire this evening.

“The team did brilliantly when we drew against Manchester City and beat Newcastle so let’s see if they can do it against Manchester United, Chelsea, West Brom or Liverpool,” Allardyce said.

“There is no real pressure on the lads. It’s a match they will enjoy. It’s a game they will have dreamed about since they were kids.

“If we give a good account of ourselves then hopefully it will be good enough to get us something from the game.”

Allardyce has developed a close friendship with Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson over the years, and he fully expects to be invited in to the Scot’s office after the match for his customary glass of red wine.

Whether Allardyce will be toasting a Hammers win will depend a lot on luck, the 58-year-old admits.

“Historically you’ve got to be one of the lucky ones when you go to Old Trafford and win,” Allardyce said.

“If you look at their track record at home they only lose once or twice all season. If you’re going to win at Old Trafford – if it’s your time and your turn – it has to be a moment where your team plays in every position to its best and takes advantage of a below-par Manchester United.”

Unfortunately for Allardyce he will tonight be without key midfielder Mark Noble, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards this term.

Left-back George McCartney will today have a fitness test to see if he has overcome the ankle injury he sustained in the defeat at White Hart Lane

 

Manchester United v West Ham: I would never have paid £35 million for Andy Carroll, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would never have paid £35 million for Andy Carroll.

Not cheap: Andy Carroll is England’s most expensive player Photo: AFP

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The much-maligned England forward heads to Manchester United with West Ham tonight fresh from scoring the first goal of his loan stint at Upton Park.

For a team who have made a habit of conceding the first goal this season, Carroll is an obvious threat.

Yet Carroll continues to struggle to live up to his billing as England’s most expensive player thanks to that extraordinary move from Newcastle to Liverpool in Jan 2011.

“He has only played something like a dozen games for Newcastle and then he had to deal with a £35 million transfer to a club like Liverpool. That’s quite a big jump,” Ferguson told manutd.com.

“I’d certainly not sign that kind of player for that kind of money.

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“We’ve gambled on young players in the past, maybe a couple of million or whatever, but when you get that level you really have to do a bit more homework and see how he is in his second season maybe.

“He’s still not had a lot of games but he is a big lad, aggressive and a great header of the ball. He’ll be a handful for our defenders.”

After working alongside the 23 year-old at close quarters during Euro 2012, Wayne Rooney knows the reality of Carroll’s performances is nowhere near the perception many have of him.

He said: “That type of player doesn’t always get all the goals but they can cause trouble up front and create problems.

“I am sure that is what Sam Allardyce wants him to do.”

Rather like Rooney, Carroll demands attention. It seems he cannot have a quiet game, when he blends into the background.

He has to either be brilliant or awful, with the brutal assessment often falling on the latter.

Rooney knows from personal experience such situations are never quite so black and white.

However, he accepts they come with the territory.

“It is something you get used to,” he said. “In the Premier League, you are there to be judged, whether that is good or bad.

“You just have to deal with it.”

With Paul Scholes suspended, Ferguson has already confirmed Anderson will start for only the second time in the Premier League this season.

It is also possible either Phil Jones or Chris Smalling will replace Rafael at right-back, whilst David de Gea might also come in for Anders Lindegaard.

 

West Ham hit by suspension

West Ham will be without the suspended Mark Noble for tonight’s clash at Manchester United after he picked up a one -game suspension.

The influential midfielder has accumulated five yellow cards this season so he has to sit out the clash at Old Trafford and his absence will be a big blow to boss Sam Allardyce. The Hammers will give a late test to defender George McCartney, who has picked up an ankle knock which threatens to keep him out. On-loan midfielder Yossi Benayoun is still not available as he looks to overcome a thigh problem. Midfielder Jack Collison (knee) and forward Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) are out with long term injuries.

 

Manchester United v West Ham: defence is United’s weakness, claims Sam Allardyce

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce thinks Manchester United are not the impenetrable defensive unit they once were.

Porous: Manchester United’s defence now regularly leaks goals Photo: EPA

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West Ham play their second game of a tough five-match sequence tomorrow night when they travel to face the Premier League leaders at Old Trafford.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have seamlessly climbed above Manchester City and Chelsea to reach the summit in recent weeks, the Scot has regularly bemoaned the standard of his team’s defending this season.

United have conceded just short of 29 goals per season over the last five years, but they have already conceded 19 this term after just 13 matches thanks to a mixture of injuries to key players and sloppy errors by those who have featured.

Allardyce, whose side lost 3-1 at Spurs on Sunday, admits West Ham will face a big task if they are to win tomorrow, but he takes comfort from the fact that the days of regular shut-outs at Old Trafford are now rare.

“Manchester United have leaked a few more goals than normal,” Allardyce said.

“Their defensive qualities haven’t been as good as they have been over the past few years.

“The problem is at the other end they never stop scoring goals, but if we can get our defensive unit on song and if we play as a team in and out of possession then you never know what will happen.”

The controversial chanting that came from West Ham supporters during the game at White Hart Lane drew attention away from what was arguably the worst league performance of the Hammers’ season.

Allardyce’s men had climbed to joint sixth in the table after making a surprisingly good start to the season, but they lacked pace, ideas and concentration against Spurs, who ripped them apart with ease.

With games against Chelsea, Liverpool and high-flying West Brom coming up, Allardyce knows his team are in danger of slipping into the bottom half of the table, but he thinks his players will bounce back with a better performance at United tomorrow night.

“The team did brilliantly when we drew against Manchester City and beat Newcastle so let’s see if they can do it against Manchester United, Chelsea, West Brom or Liverpool,” the 58 year-old said.

“There is no real pressure on the lads. It’s a match they will enjoy. It’s a game they will have dreamed about since they were kids.

“If we give a good account of ourselves then hopefully it will be good enough to get us something from the game.”

Another disappointing factor of Sunday’s defeat was that Mark Noble picked up his fifth booking of the season and is therefore suspended tomorrow.

In truth the only plus point from last weekend for Allardyce was that Andy Carroll ended his 1,062-minute Premier League goal-drought.

Allardyce hopes the £35 million striker, on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season, now starts scoring on a more regular basis.

“One of the things we have been really good at has been providing service and opportunities to lots of players to score,” Allardyce added.

“Our problem has been everyone, not just Andy, converting those chances. I hope he kicks on now.”

Allardyce also has doubts over left-back George McCartney, who suffered an ankle injury against Tottenham, while Yossi Benayoun’s persistent thigh problem means he will once again be missing tomorrow.

West Ham’s injuries mean Allardyce may be forced to enter the transfer market in January.

He has already expressed an interest in signing Nicolas Anelka from Shanghai Shenhua while another big-name star – David Beckham – has also been linked with a possible return to east London, where he was born.

Allardyce was coy on whether a move for Beckham would be possible today.

“I haven’t heard from him. I don’t know what David is thinking or doing at the moment,” the former Bolton boss said.

“We will wait to see what he’s doing and then we will see what happens.”

 

Benayoun condemns Hammers fans

West Ham fans during Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Updated Nov 27, 2012 9:13 AM ET

Yossi Benayoun has condemned the West Ham fans who directed offensive abuse towards Tottenham supporters during Sunday’s Premier League clash.

 

The Israeli international admitted he felt disappointed and embarrassed by the actions of the Hammers fans at White Hart Lane.

The Football Association and the police are investigating alleged anti-Semitic abuse which resulted in the arrest of two West Ham fans, one of which has now been banned for life by the club.

The visiting supporters are also alleged to have mocked the knife attack on a Spurs fan before Tottenham’s game in Rome last week.

And Benayoun, currently in his second spell at Upton Park on loan from Chelsea, has lashed out at the Hammers fans’ behaviour.

“I have a great relationship with the West Ham United supporters, from my first spell at the club and again now I am back on loan here,” said Benayoun on Twitter.

“This why I was very disappointed to hear some of the songs and it was embarrassing.”