Hammered

West Ham - Scoop It

2012-02-29T11:55:00.002+00:00

West Ham Scoop It

Regular readers will have noticed that I've been posting less and less to Hammered. I still find myself scouring websites for the latest West Ham news every day but have found myself less and less bothered about posting the news on Hammered.

From now on I'm going to use Scoop It instead. This allows me to quickly post links to interesting stories I find about West Ham without having to bother with rewriting the main points for this blog.

So check out West Ham Scoop It and, if you like it, add it to your West Ham bookmarks.

Green Only Faces One Match Ban

2012-02-22T22:23:00.003+00:00

The FA say that Robert Green only has to undergo a one match ban for his red card in yesterday's game.

The FA's Suspension List says he will miss one game, which means he won't be available for this Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.

Blackpool 1 West Ham 4

2012-02-21T21:59:00.001+00:00

West Ham were all over Blackpool in the first half. It looked like West Ham would head into the half-time break two goals to the good after goals from Tomkins and Maynard. However a late goal from Philips gave Blackpool some hope that they might be able to turn it around in the second half.

In the 52nd minute it did look like West Ham had thrown the game away with their third sending off in three games. Green rushed out of his area and clattered into Bednar. He was the last man and the ref duly showed him a red card. Lansbury came off the bench and took over in goal.

Blackpool then dominated the possession but West Ham defended resolutely and were very effective on the break. Despite being a player down and with a midfielder in goal they managed to grab another couple of goals. O'Neil got on the score sheet first before Vaz Te got a deserved goal in the 90th minute.

West Ham go back top. The January acquisitions seem to have really worked for West Ham and they are beginning to look like a team that should go on and win this league. Unfortunately they now face three games without Green in goal.

West Ham's Ten Men 2 Millwall 1

2012-02-04T14:26:00.003+00:00

Referee Mike Jones had two big decisions to make in this game. He got the first one right, sending off Nolan in the 9th minute for a dangerous two footed challenge. Luckily for West Ham, however, he got the second one wrong when Faubert clearly fouled the Millwall keeper in the build up to West Ham's second goal.

A high ball into the area in the 68th minute forced Forde to jump and punch the ball clear. Whilst in the air Faubert ran into the keeper and sent him sprawling. The ref allowed play to continue and Reid pounced on Forde's clearance and blasted the ball into the back of the net from just outside the area.

In the first ten minutes Millwall looked the better of the two teams, however, after Nolan's dismissal, West Ham actually began to have the better of the play. Noble and Faubert, in particular were immense. Noble seemed to be everywhere, picking up the ball in midfield and invariably finding his team mates with his distribution.

On the right wing Faubert's pace caused the Millwall defence no end of trouble. With seconds to go in the first half West Ham's drive was rewarded when Carlton Cole showed impressive strength to beat the Millwall defence to a flicked on Noble freekick and head home from close range. Cole looked second best to get to the ball but he shrugged off his marker and managed to loop the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Millwall did well to get back into the game when in the 66th minute Faye seemed to have won the ball in his own area, only for Henderson to nick it off his toes on the byline and hook the ball back into play. The knocked back ball sat up nicely for Trotter who fired in from about ten yards out.

Millwall's parity didn't last long as in less than a minute Reid managed to grab his controversial winning goal. West Ham won't be complaining though and this result was exactly what the club needed to bounce straight back after a heavy midweek defeat.

Three In

2012-01-31T23:31:00.004+00:00

It seems that West Ham have completed their final transfer day business with the signing of:

Nicky Maynard (from Bristol City - rumoured to have cost around £2.5 million)
Ricardo Vaz Te (from Barnsley - rumoured to be about £750,000)
Ravel Morrison (from Man Utd - rumoured to be an initial £650,000 fee that could rise to £2m depending on conditions)

Nicky Maynard, aged 25, scored 46 goals in 131 appearances for Bristol City after joining the club in 2008.

Striker Vaz Te, aged 25, has scored ten goals for Barnsley in 22 appearances this season.

The Guardian are reporting that Morrison's salary will start at around £12,000 a week with this possibly increasing to as much as £65,000. The paper claim the £65,000 wage will only be reached if West Ham gain promotion and remain in the Premier League and also depends on the number of his starts for the club.

Morrison Signs

2012-01-31T21:52:00.002+00:00

Hopefully this news should cheer you up after tonight's awful performance.

West Ham have signed highly rated midfielder Ravel Morrison on a three and half year contract for an undisclosed fee. Morrison is widely reported to be one of the best young players to have come through at Manchester United since Paul Scholes.

The player has had his fair share of off the pitch problems, which may be why Man Utd have let the player leave at this stage of his career. Hopefully we will see more of the creative side of Morrison (which West Ham desperately need) and less of his destructive behaviour off the pitch.

It's Ze Eduardo

2012-01-30T11:11:00.003+00:00

It seems West Ham may have finally secured a striker in this transfer window. Brazilian striker Ze Eduardo is widely reported to be travelling to the UK today for a medical and then to sign on loan with West Ham for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old forward currently plays for Italian side Genoa. The striker only joined Genoa four months ago and he is yet to score for the Serie A side. Eduardo did score 10 goals in 29 appearances for Brazilian side Santos in the 2010-2011 season.

Matt Taylor Returns from Injury

2012-01-25T16:02:00.002+00:00

Matt Taylor played in West Ham's Development Squad game against Gillingham yesterday. Guy Demel and new signing George John also both featured in the 1-1 draw.

The West Ham official website says that George John "was the star of the show ... looking calm in possession, strong in the tackle, quick to anticipate danger and generally assured on his first appearance in a claret and blue shirt."

John even managed to get his name on the score-sheet netting West Ham's only goal with a 'superb volley' from a Taylor corner.

Tomkins Signs New Deal with West Ham

2012-01-21T15:47:00.003+00:00

The Newcastle Chronicle today reported that James Tomkins wanted to move to Newcastle and 'asked to leave' West Ham. They report that Newcastle therefore now expect to sign Tomkins in the summer.

Unfortunately the Newcastle Chronicle didn't bother to check out the West Ham website before reporting. If they had done they would have seen that far from wanting to leave West Ham Tomkins has signed a new contract that runs until summer 2016.

Tomkins said on signing a new contract with West Ham,

"I'm really pleased that I've signed a new contract at the club. It's nice to end the speculation about what people have been saying in the papers and commit my future to the club and concentrate on my football.

"By signing this deal, I'm showing my commitment to the club as they've been brilliant to me this year with all the support they have given to me and the rest of the players. If they continue doing that then together we can return the club back to the Premier League, where we believe we belong.

West Ham Transfer Rumours

2012-01-15T11:37:00.002+00:00

According to Iwata club president Hiroyuki Yoshino, Japanese international striker Ryoichi Maeda will not be joining West Ham. The player had spent time at West Ham undergoing a trial but Yoshino says that the player will be returning to Japan,

"We understand they were unable to agree terms," Yoshino said.

The People claim that Southampton and West Ham are both keen on signing Watford striker Marvin Sordell.

They say both clubs have tabled bids of around £2 million for the England Under-21 international. The People believe that Watford want at least £4 million for the player.

The People also report that West Ham have given up trying to sign Jordan Rhodes, 21, from Huddersfield.

West Ham Sign John

2012-01-13T18:52:00.001+00:00

West Ham have made their first signing of the January transfer window. American defender George John has been signed on a two month loan, with (according to West Ham) a view to a permanent signing.

John was signed from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas.

Tomkins Hands in Transfer Request - Or Not

2012-01-05T12:46:00.003+00:00

The Daily Star claim that James Tomkins has handed in a transfer request. The Star also says that Newcastle have upped their offer for the West Ham player to £4 million.

London 24 are reporting that West Ham have rejected Newcastle's £4 million new bid and that "contrary to rumours in a national newspaper, Tomkins has not handed in a transfer request."

The Sun report that West Ham have offered James Tomkins a new five year contract worth £25,000 a week.

West Ham Transfer Rumours

2012-01-04T12:00:00.004+00:00

The Mail claim that Newcastle have had two bids for James Tomkins rejected. They say the last bid was for a paltry £2.5 million. The Mail claim that Sp#rs are also considering a bid for the West Ham defender.

David Gold however has once again stated that Tomkins is not for sale,

"We want to keep James Tomkins, we really do want to keep him. I think it is fair to say he is not for sale."

David Gold however does go on to say that everything has its price and makes it clear that if silly money is offered for a West Ham player then it would obviously be considered.

In terms of incoming players Gold says that West Ham are in the market but that the club won't be paying over the odds for anyone.

"If we can, we are looking to strengthen the squad but what I keep telling everybody, the minute you announce you are looking for anybody, it makes it difficult to negotiate.

"Sufficient to say that David Sullivan, Sam and myself are all looking to strengthen the squad, but we have to be patient. All new acquisitions will have to be paid for by David Sullivan and myself.

"It is not our intention to burden the club with further debt. It is important that we reduce debt or hold it to its current level."

The Mail also claim West Ham want Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong on loan. They also report on rumours that West Ham are keen on Vedran Corluka. However it seems that Sp#rs have already agreed some sort of loan move for Corluka with Roma.

West Ham in Bid for Whittingham

2011-12-30T12:49:00.002+00:00

The Sun claim that West Ham have offered around £3 million for Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham. The paper says the offer has been turned down but that Allardyce is still chasing Whittingham and Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes.

Interestingly in another article in the very same edition, The Sun quotes Sam Allardyce, almost directly contradicting the paper's claim that West Ham are preparing an increased offer for Rhodes,

"Jordan Rhodes has only been an enquiry, not an offer or a bid by any stretch of the imagination. We've had a straightforward, absolute no, not for sale from Huddersfield Town so that's out of the equation.

I suppose if the bid was big enough they'd have to think about it, but I'm not so sure we've got that sort of money available."

The Mail claim that West Ham have told Newcastle that they will have to up their offer for James Tomkins to 'mega bucks' for West Ham to even consider the deal. The paper say West Ham have already knocked back a £3 million offer from Newcastle for the defender.

The Telegraph claim Fulham are preparing a £4 million offer for Carlton Cole.

West Ham Chase Jordan Rhodes

2011-12-29T11:36:00.003+00:00

The Sun and The Mail claim West Ham have made a £3 million offer for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes.

21 year old Rhodes has scored 20 goals in 20 League One appearances this season. The Sun say West Ham's offer has been rejected but the club are preparing another offer.

West Ham 1 Barnsley 0

2011-12-17T15:04:00.005+00:00

Faye was injured during the warm-up to this game so Danny Potts was given his full debut at left back with McCartney moving to centre back. Up front Allardyce started with Cole, Piquionne and Carew.

West Ham made a great start to the game when Diop scored with a six yard header from a Noble corner in the sixth minute. In the 19th minute West Ham were denied the chance to grab a second by the ref. Piquionne was taken down in the area but the ref turned down what looked an obvious penalty kick.

In the 31st minute Noble played a good ball to Cole who did brilliantly to hold off two defenders and round Steele in goal but then from six yards the striker shot wide.

West Ham finished the half on the front foot. In the 43rd minute Piquionne and Faubert combined before passing to Noble. Noble brought the ball forward before shooting from 25 yards. The ball flew only just over the bar.

Barnsley came out firing at the start of the second half. A free kick was met by Edwards at close-range but Green got down well to divert the shot wide for a corner.

In the 56th minute Sears came on for Carew. In the 68th minute Allardyce was forced to make another replacement when Faubert was injured and replaced by Lansbury. The game remained evenly balanced without many chances for either side. In the 75th West Ham had a rare second half shot when Noble blasted over from outside the area.

In the 82nd minute Noble played Sears clear. Sears drove into the box and looked to be taken down. Again the referee decided against giving a penalty. The ref then ordered a livid Sam Allardyce to the stands.

In the end it was a hard fought win for West Ham. Allardyce will hope that the injuries to Faye and Faubert aren't too serious. It wasn't West Ham's greatest performance but they get the three points, Potts had a great debut game, Lansbury returned from injury and we go level on points with Southampton at the top of the league.

West Ham After Barcelona Striker

2011-12-16T10:35:00.001+00:00

Alvin Martin is in good form in this Guardian interview today.

In other news talkSport claim West Ham are keen to sign Barcelona striker Jonathan Soriano. Soriano scored 32 goals in 37 games for Barcelona B last season. Borussia Monchengladbach are also reported to be chasing the striker.

Newcastle Bid for Tomkins

2011-12-14T13:07:00.002+00:00

The Mirror say that West Ham have turned down a £2.5 million offer from Newcastle for James Tomkins. The paper say that West Ham are struggling to get Tomkins to sign a new contract. Although the paper also mentions in the same article that Tomkins has over two years left on his current contract.

The Sun claim that West Ham are after £5 million-rated Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. However The Sun say West Ham will only offer £3 million for the 19 year old.

January Transfer Rumours

2011-12-13T14:51:00.003+00:00

talkSport say Fulham are keen on signing Mark Noble. They also claim that Noble was close to a £5m move to Sunderland before the sacking of boss Steve Bruce. Although they also claim in the same story that Allardyce wants to keep hold of Noble.

talkSport also say that Allardyce has decided not to sign Habib Habibou. Habibou scored two goals in a West Ham development game whilst on trial at the club.

Goal.com say West Ham have made an offer for Japanese striker Ryoichi Maeda. They say the the player has also received an offer of an extension on his contract by his current club, Jubilo Iwata, and is being chased by a number of other clubs.

Reading 3 West Ham 0

2011-12-10T15:46:00.004+00:00

O'Brien, Taylor and Cole dropped to the bench for this game to be replaced with Demel, Diop and Piquionne. However Demel only lasted 90 seconds and had to be replaced with O'Brien after suffering what looked to be a pulled hamstring.

The first half hour of the game was fairly even with both sides struggling to create any chances in front of goal. In the 30th minute however Nolan played a square ball to Piquionne and the striker looked set to open the scoring from just 6 yards out but Federici in goal just managed to steal the ball from his feet in the nick of time for Reading.

In the 36th minute West Ham's best chance of the match fell to Diop but his shot on goal was cleared off the line. Reading's best chance came in injury time. A cross from the left wing found Karacan unmarked just 8 yards out. However the Reading player dived underneath the ball, the ball then just missed wide right of Green's goal.

Reading started the second half on the front foot. In the 53nd minute a Harte freekick from 30 yards out only just missed wide of the left hand post. In the 57th minute Piquionne should have opened the scoring when he was put clean through but from 5 yards he tamely passed the ball back to the keeper.

In the 65th minute Reading's day was made easier when O'Brien was sent off for a foul on McAnuff (I'm not sure if it was a straight red or a second yellow as minutes before O'Brien had picked up a yellow for a pointless argument with Hunt).

Minutes after O'Brien was sent off McAnuff just breezed through the empty space on the right where O'Brien might have been and pulled the ball back to Pearce who scored from eight yards.

In the 80th minute Reading made it 2-0 when a Le Fondre cross from the right floated over Green and Church headed in from only inches out. Things got even worse for West Ham in the 84th minute when Collison raked his studs down Kebe's leg and became West Ham's second player sent off.

From the resulting freekick Church got his second of the game with another headed goal.

Some pretty poor discipline for West Ham handed this game to Reading on a plate. All in all I think this is very much an afternoon that West Ham will want to forget.

Habib Habibou Training with West Ham

2011-12-07T13:31:00.002+00:00

Sky Sports report that Habib Habibou is training with West Ham. Sky say West Ham tried unsuccessfully to buy the 24 year old striker in the summer from Zulte Waregem.

Zulte Waregem have now given the Central African Republic player permission to train with West Ham and Sky say he was the unnamed scorer of two of West Ham's goals in the development game against Brentford this week.

Lansbury and O'Neill Back

2011-12-06T19:00:00.002+00:00

Gary O'Neil and Henri Lansbury both played in a development squad game today against Brentford.

O'Neil's appearance, in a 3-0 West Ham win, was his first match action in nearly eight months.

George Moncur, Sears, Stech and Sergio Sanchez also got some much needed match time in the game.

West Ham Draw Sheff Wed in Cup

2011-12-04T15:30:00.002+00:00

West Ham have been drawn away to Sheffield Wednesday in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. The games will be played on the weekend of 7/8 January 2012.

The pick of the third round ties has to be Manchester City v Manchester United. Dagenham & Redbridge could face Millwall at home if they can beat Walsall in the 2nd round.

Middlesbrough 0 West Ham 2

2011-11-29T20:03:00.004+00:00

Piquionne started this game on his own up front. Collison and Cole dropped to the bench with Diop back in the starting eleven and Demel making his debut for West Ham.

West Ham had started the last few games on the back foot. Not this evening! In the opening minutes it was all West Ham. Allardyce would have been pleased with the high tempo start and even more pleased that this pressure was rewarded with a goal.

In the 9th minute Piquionne met a Taylor cross with a diving header to open the scoring for West Ham. In the 14th minute Middlesbrough had their first good opening in the match. A long ball forward saw McDonald get in behind the West Ham defence. Luckily for West Ham McDonald struck the ball straight at Green.

This effort seemed to spur Middlesbrough on a bit and they began to see more of the ball. In the 32nd minute McDonald again got in behind the West Ham defence from a long ball forward. Once again Green was able to pull off a good save to preserve West Ham's lead.

In the 44th minute Boro created another good chance. Emnes' shot however deflected off Tomkins and hit the side of Green's net.

The first good chance in the second half fell to Diop in the 59th minute. Diop beat two men inside the area before poking the ball just wide of the post. In the 61st minute Haroun rose to meet a Boro corner at the far post but headed wide.

In the 69th minute Cole came on for Piquionne. Immediately Cole raced for a ball and the keeper came out and handled the ball outside the area. The ref gave the freekick to West Ham but refused to book or send off the keeper. Taylor crossed the ball in from the freekick but the ball was too high for the players of both sides and drifted out of play.

In the 83nd minute a Nolan 16 yard volley flew over the bar. With seconds left in the game Bates made a complete hash of a McCartney long ball, Cole bounced on the chance and rounded Steele in goal before slotting home to give West Ham their fourth win on the trot.

Carew and Baldock Out

2011-11-29T07:32:00.002+00:00

West Ham will face Middlesbrough tonight without John Carew and Sam Baldock. Speaking about tonight's clash Sam Allardyce said,

"Unfortunately we picked up the injury to Sam and an injury to John in training on Sunday, sadly. That limits our numbers a little bit. We've only travelled with 17 including young Dan Potts, so you can see how short of numbers we are again."

In other news Allardyce said that West Ham are currently in negotiations with James Tomkins over a new contract. Last week David Gold said that West Ham will reject any approach in January for Tomkins. Allardyce has now revealed that West Ham are keen for the defender to sign a new deal,

"James is not one of those running short of a contract term. It still has about 2½ years to run. We've been negotiating with him and will continue that in January. I am optimistic. We can ill afford to lose any players at this stage of the season."