Reader Poll: Transfer Targets & Player Ratings

As 2008 beckons and the transfer window opens I’ve opened a new poll, in which you’re asked…

For your player ratings so far this season
To pick your West Ham first eleven
Which positions in the squad need strengthening
Who you think Curbishley should sell in January
Who you think he should buy
For your inside leg measurement (just my little joke!)

Click HERE to take part in the poll. I’ll post the results in a few days.

Another reminder to watch ESPN Classics at 11pm tonight when they’ll be showing two more programmes in their West Ham Happy Endings series.

ESPN 11pm TONIGHT!

It’s the first of ESPN’s West Ham HAPPY ENDINGS tonight at 11pm, where last year’s final game of the season is analysed by various pundits, including little old moi. I think it’s on Sky Channel 442.

Credit to our Defenders

Did you know that outside the Big Four of Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool we have the best defensive record in the Premier League?

Man U 11
Liverpool 12
Chelsea 15
Arsenal 16
West Ham 17
Portsmouth 20
Everton 22
Man C 22
Blackburn 27
Newcastle 31
Tottenham 36
Reading 43

However, in the goalscoring charts we are way behind in 14th place, having only scored 25 goals.

Snatch of the Day

Just watched the coverage of our match on Match of the Day. I suppose it was predictable but the whole analysis centred on Man U having had an off day, rather than the fact that at times we played them off the park. That buffoon Lawrenson couldn’t even bring himself to say anything about our performance and wittered on about how Sir Alex would just treat it as an off day and move on to the next match. Nothing about us winning despite going a goal down and two players going off injured. No word about Cole or Solano. And this is what we pay our licence fee for. If you’re not one of the big four you just don’t count. Now I know what it is to be a Liberal Democrat!

Man U Match Report: Proud to be a Hammer

Somehow it was just meant to be. I purposely got to the stadium early to soak up the earlt atmosphere. It’s easy for me to say now, but as I sat down I felt it might be our day. I didn’t say it to anyone for fear of jinxing us.

The reception for Carlos Tevez was astonishing. I suspect I wasn’t alone in having a tear in my eye. The whole crowd rose as one and sang ‘One Carlos Tevez’.

At first sight the team selection looked odd, with Deano being dropped to the bench. But with five across midfield Man U just couldn’t cope.

From the word go we got stuck in and harried them.Parker, Mullins and Noble were not just putting in some tough tackles but being creative too.

Our play in the first twenty minutes made us look like the top four team, rather than Man U. We should have scored when Mullins hit the crossbar and Noble hit the ball over the bar with the follow up. A few minutes later Man U broke down the left and Ronaldo scored with a powerful header. Previous West Ham teams might have folded there and then but not this one. For the rest of the half we played well, dug in and created chances. Carlton Cole held up the ball superbly and Nobby was inventive down the right. We also had two good penalty shouts.

The second half saw Man U come into the game more and when they were awarded a penalty after a Spector handball it seemed it might well be Game Over. Not so. Robert Green seemed to put Ronaldo off and he skewed the ball wide. That was the turning point. I screamed at Curbishley to put on Deano and take off Ljungberg. He duly obliged and I turned to my mate and said ‘we’re going to win this’. He didn’t look convinced!

Meanwhile Anton had replaced the injured Scott Parker and John Pantsil came on for Nobby, who also was injured.

Anton didn’t look rusty at all and made some telling headers before popping up at a Mark Noble set piece to grab the equaliser. And theb, what do you know but Matthew Upson headed a winner seven minutes from time from another Mark Noble free kick special. We went delirious.

John Pantsil was tremendous in the last ten minutes, tackling, harrying, running the ball to the corner flag. At last he’s been given the chance to show what he can do.

So a fabulous day and by far the best home performance of the season.

Now, can anyone name me the last club to beat Man U in three successive league meetings? No? Thought not!

29 points, eh? Woo hoo!!

Green 9 Awesome
McCartney 9 Brilliant
Upson 9 Stupendous
Spector 8 Great
Neill 7 Untroubled
Noble 8 Back to his best
Mullins 8 Powerful
Parker 8 Midfield general
Solano 9 Inventive
Cole 9 Man of the Match
Ljungberg 6 The only average performance
Pantsil 8 Supersub
Ashton 8 Held ball up well
Ferdinand 8 Super goal!

PS Tevez also played apparently!

One Carlos Tevez…

There’s only one Carlos Tevez
One Carlos Tevez
There’s only one Carlos Tevez

Just in case you have forgotten the lyrics…

My West Ham: Peter Oborne

Peter Oborne is Chief Political Columnist for the Daily Mail
How did you become a Hammer?
It often surprises people that I support West Ham, since I do not come from the east End. The reason is as follows. My father was in the British Army and almost always abroad, mainly in Germany. When I was eight I was sent back to prep school in England and this was where I first came across soccer. Most of the boys at this school supported Spurs, Chelsea or Leeds, who were then dominant. Out of perversity I chose to become a West Ham supporter. It was then the great days of Moore, Hurst and Peters. I have remained loyal ever since.

Your first game?
This must have been Cambridge United versus West Ham in the late seventies. I think West Ham won. I have a memory of Cross being furious with co-striker Goddard for failing to pass the ball when he had a great chance in front of goal.

How many games do you get to?
I haven’t been to a West Ham game for ten years. We live in Highbury and my children support the Arsenal. I apologise for this.

Most memorable moment?
West Ham are always memorable. Any number of Houdini like relegation escapes. I still feel furious about the way we exchanged Peters at the height of his skills for Jimmy Greaves who was at the end of his career and retired almost at once. And beating Sunderland 8-0 (G Hurst scoring 6 of them)

Have you met any Hammers players?
I once met the late Bobby Moore for a few moments at the Cheltenham Festival of horse-racing. It was wonderful to be in the presence of greatness, and he seemed such a nice and modest man.

Favourite current player?
I’m afraid I don’t have one.

What’s the football banter like in the bars of the House of Commons?
There’s something bogus about it. Politicians pretend to be interested in football in order to engage with voters.

Describe last season. How did it affect you?
It was just fantastic. Even by West Ham’s standards it was an awesome escape. A journey from despair to elation. I think Curbishley is wonderful.

What are your hopes for this season?
To avoid relegation. Anything else is a bonus.

Choose your all time Hammers Eleven
Standen, Martin, Dicks, Ferdinand, Moore, Bonds, Devonshire, Brooking, Peters, Hurst, Di Canio. (manager: Greenwood)

What do your colleagues make of your support for West Ham?
Baffled.

West Ham Classics on ESPN Over Xmas

Regualr readers will remember THIS post where I explained I had just been interviewed by ESPN where I gave them my views on some memorable West Ham matches. The series is called HAPPY ENDINGS and will be broadcast between Christmas and the New Year. Here are the dates and timings…

Manchester 0 United West Ham 1 30/12/2007 11pm
West Ham 5 Bradford City 4 30/12/2007 11.30pm
West Ham 4 Aston Villa 0 31/12/2007 11pm
Arsenal 0 West Ham 1 31/12/2007 11.30pm
Fulham 0 West Ham 2 01/01/2008 11pm
West Ham 1 Arsenal 0 01/01/2008 11pm
.

Groundshare Survey Results

Do you think West Ham should allow Spurs to play at Upton Park in 2009?

Yes 50.5%
No 49.5%

Do you think the idea of a permanent groundshare should be explored between the two clubs?

Over my dead body 79%
In certain citcumstances 9%
Yes, if it means better players etc 12%

Discuss.

Reading Afterthoughts

Well that really was two points lost. Unforgiveably so. This was a lacklustre showing against ten men who we should have wiped off the park. The truth is that they showed the spirit we lacked. I can’t think of a single move which deserved the accolade of being made by West Ham United. Our defence was strong, but we created little on the wings and too often lost out in midfield. Cole and Ashton were well off the pace and Camara was even worse when he came on as a sub for Cole. What’s the betting we now go and beat Man U?!

Green 7
Upson 7
Spector 7
McCartney 7
Neill 7
Mullins 6
Parker 7
Ljungberg 5
Solano 7
Cole 5
Ashton 5

Ljungberg is way past his best, and he may be many things, but a left winger he ain’t.

A Very Happy Boxing Day!

A very Happy Christmas to all my readers, but let’s face it, we’d probably settle for a miserable Christmas and three points on Boxing Day, wouldn’t we?

What do you Think of a Groundshare?

Tribal Football reports that West Ham have been approached by Spurs to allow them to play home matches at Upton Park in 2009 while their new stadium is developed. This would apparently coin us £20 million. What do you reckon? Worth it? I can’t see why not, particularly if it gives us the money to buy a world class player.

I know this is blasphemy, but you could also make an argument for West Ham and Spurs to build a single stadium and share it. I did say COULD, not SHOULD…

[battens down hatch]

Vote in my Groundshare poll HERE.

Hammers Xmas Party

OMFG. The Sun Bizarre Column has a report from the Hammers Christmas Party, where the players all dressed up as people from different sports. Click HERE to read the story, but make sure you click on the slideshow. Is there something James Collins wants to tell us? It looks to have been a rather more, er, sedate event than the Man U equivalent do… The prize for the best outfit surely had to go to Robert Green.

Everton (non) Match report

I couldn’t go to the game today. I could tell you why, but I’d have to shoot you. So, tell me how terrible it was…

My West Ham: Rt Hon Tony McNulty MP

Tony McNulty is Labour MP for Harrow East and Minister of State in the Home Office in charge of Police. He is a season ticket holder, but is often spied in the Director’s Box, just above where I sit. We have a ritual of waving to each other (usually using more than two fingers) just before the game.

How did you become a Hammer?
I grew up in West London, around Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill, in the 60s when everyone but everyone supported the real ‘sexy, swinging sixties’ teams of the day – Chelsea and QPR. I got really fed up with this and could not see the attraction so when West Ham won the World Cup in 1966 – my search for a team was over and I have supported WHUFC ever since.

Your first game?
I can’t remember my first game – memory fading clearly – but it would have been when I was eleven or twelve – around about 1970-71. I remember the 5-5 draw with Chelsea, but not if I went. I certainly remember being at games with Bobby Moore still playing, I think, and Clyde Best and Ade Coker. I was at the 1975 Cup Final against Fulham and the 1976 Cup-Winners Cup final in Brussels against Anderlecht at the Heysel Stadium. At the Anderlecht Final I remember, much to my subsequent embarassment given my current career, carrying around a huge banner that read “Bonds eats Sprouts”!

How many games do you get to?
I try to get to as many Home games as possible, and the occassional away game – mostly elsewhere in London. This season I think I have only missed the Man.City game at the start of the season. In terms of away games this season, I got to Chelsea’s jammy 1-0 at Stamford Bridge recently where we were very unlucky after playing so well and went to Coventry for our 2-1 victory at the last minute.

Most memorable moment?
The 1975 Cup Final was a highlight, as was 1980. I thought the atmosphere at the Ipswich play-off semi, before the horror of the play-off with Crystal Palace, was just awesome – the Boleyn as a very loud No.12. The 3-3 final against Liverpool was memorable – except for the last 90 seconds! Tevez goal at Old Trafford last game of last season. A special favourite is sitting the North Bank at Arsenal, surrrounded by Arsenal fans, for West Ham’s last game there ever – and the rest is history!!

Have you met any Hammers players?
I have met Trevor Brooking, and I had the great pleasure last season of meeting Billy Bonds – a real hero of mine and all-round favourite Hammer. Also, Bobby Barnes – who I know through his PFA work.

Favourite current player?
Robert Green and Dean Ashton

What’s the football banter like in the bars of the House of Commons?
Banter in the Commons is a bit limited as it seemes to be full of Man. United and Liverpool fans – with a smattering of Arsenal. This season it is easier to let West Ham’s football do the talking. Last season was worse – they all had an opinion on West Ham – mostly stone cold wrong of course, as were their predictions about our fate.

Complete the sentence: West Ham fans should vote Labour because…
….Frank Lampard is a Tory.

Describe last season. How did it affect you?
It is easy to say now, but I always thought that we would survive last season and we really should give Carlos a huge welcome when he comes back on the 29th December. I had so much faith – I went up to Old Trafford for the last game of the season – hoping, praying and knowing we would be alright. It was a very very good day. Throughout the emotional roller-coaster of a season, just like everyone else , I rode the ups and downs week in and week out. It was horrible and I don’t want it ro be repeated anytime soon. It was like being in a Groundhog Day film – with the day we were all condemned to repeat over and over being the Play-Off final against Crystal Palace – especially the journey home from Cardiff.

What are your hopes for this season?
I still think that we have a very real chance on a top six finish – we have got good results whilst carrying significant injuries and, hopefully, the worst of them are behind us. Less than top ten would be a disappointment – then consolidate and Europe next season but not the two-bob cup.

Choose your all time Hammers Eleven
From :
Robert Green (maybe Ludo)
Billy Bonds
Ray Stewart
Rio Ferdinand
Bobby Moore
Alvin Martin
Joe Cole
Alan Devonshire
Yossi Benayoun
Trevor Brooking
Carlos Tevez
Pop Robson
Liam Brady
and probably Mascherano if he had got a chance.

What do your colleagues make of your support for West Ham?
They had great fun last season but don’t have much to say this year. It is still the case that many of them would put West Ham as their second team – a source of pride.
*******************************************************************
We’ve found a new place for online sports betting. Keep up to date with every kick of the 2008/09 season including live score info, articles, news and premiership odds. They have everything you need and more for a successful season of football betting. Good luck!

West Ham Confirm Eggert Magnusson’s Departure & Board Changes

This was released at 12.45 by the Board of West Ham United FC

West Ham United FC has today announced changes in share ownership and a number of changes to the governance of the Club as part of the long-term development of the Club and its plans for the future, including a new 60,000 seat stadium.

The changes were agreed at a shareholders meeting of WH Holding, the UK holding company of West Ham United Plc.

The key changes are as follows:

Ø Björgólfur Gudmundsson has bought the 5% of shares held by Eggert Magnusson in West Ham United and is now the sole owner of West Ham.

Ø Mr Gudmundsson has invested a further £30.5million into the company in order to bolster the financial base of the Club.

Ø WH Holding and West Ham United Plc will form a joint Board to oversee all activities of the Club, including the new stadium development project.

Ø The new Board will be chaired by Mr Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

Ø Mr Eggert Magnusson has decided to stand down as Club Chairman in order to pursue his wider business and football interests.

Ø The new Board will comprise: Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson (Chairman), Asgeir Fridgeirsson (Vice-Chairman), Thor Kristjansson, Mike Lee, Gudmundur Oddsson with Executive Directors Scott Duxbury (CEO) and Nick Igoe (Finance Director).

At the first meeting of the new Board it was agreed to continue the process of investigating the potential development of a new 60,000 seat stadium for West Ham United.

Commenting on today’s changes, Mr Gudmundsson said:

“We are seeking to build some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham United FC. This is a great football club with tremendous heritage and tradition and the most wonderful set of supporters. My job as owner is to help plan for the future and create the right conditions off the field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad deliver success on the field.
I am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first real step in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term ambitions of the Club.

“As we move forward I want to pay tribute to Eggert Magnusson, who has done a tremendous job as Chairman, often in difficult circumstances, since our consortium bought the Club twelve months ago. Eggert has decided to move on to new pastures and to pursue his other interests. We wish him well for the future and express our thanks for all that he has done for West Ham.

“As incoming Club Chairman I recognise the responsibility that comes with this role and I know that view is shared by all the members of the Board. Today marks the next step in the development of this great Club and we are all proud to be part of something so special”.

Outgoing Chairman, Eggert Magnusson said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at West Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I formed the consortium to bid for the Club, it has been an honour to be involved. Now that I have sold my financial stake in the Club and I need to focus a little more on my interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand down as Chairman.

“The last twelve months have not been without their challenges but I feel that we have emerged stronger and fitter as a Club. Bjorgolfur has always supported me as Chairman and I am pleased that he has decided to take over the role to help the Club move onto the next level.

“I would like also to pay a special tribute to the West Ham fans who, I believe, have shown themselves over many years to be the best in the country.

“My thanks to everybody who has worked with me in my time here and I wish the Club every success for the future. I will still be cheering on the team whenever time permits.”

Eggert Out!

The Independent reports HERE this morning that Eggert Magnusson will today step down as Non Executive Chairman of West Ham and the owner of the club, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, will take over. Over the last six months there have been tensions between the two, which, I am told have resulted in Magnusson only being allowed into the club on match days.

The Independent takes the line that this is a mark of Gudmundsson’s ambition for the club. I hope they are right, but there are rumours that all is not well behind the scenes at West Ham in terms of the off the pitch management.

Eggert Magnusson deserves all our thanks for leading the club through a very turbulent year. He achieved that rare thing – being a chairman popular with the fans. He wore his heart on his sleeve during games and gave us all hope when there appeared to be none. We will miss him.

I know that Eggert Magnusson reads this blog, so do feel free to pay your tribute to him in the comments.

Two Games from Wembley

Exciting isn’t it? But let’s not get carried away. I hope there’s a full house tonight – it’s rather worrying that tickets were still on sale at the weekend. Bearing in mind this match isn’t on TV you’d have thought a cuo quarter final would have sold out long ago.

There will be a few changes tonight. Solano is cup tied so Freddie Ljungberg is expected to replace him – injuries and migraines permitting. Richard Wright will also play, and I wonder if James Collins might get a runout too. If I were Curbs I’d also replace Mullins with Noble just to see how he and Scott Parker play together. I’m already licking my lips.

Everton and West Ham seem to be two well matched teams, so I reckon it could be quite tight. Let’s hope our defensive record is maintained. Prediction? Hammers to win a by a single goal.

Paolo Di Canio in GQ

Flicking through December’s issue of GQ (as you do) what do I find but a seven page feature interview with my all time West Ham favourite Paolo Di Canio! It’s a pity it isn’t online anywhere, as it’s a fantastic read. Anyway, here are three choice quotes for your delight and delectation.

On the aftermath of the Paul Alcock incident

One second, Winterburn is barking at me like a dog. The next he is wetting his pants. All I did was look at him.

To A C Milan Manager, Fabio Capello

F*** yourself. Who are you to talk to me like this. He took a step back and fell over a kit bag.

On English football

England is the perfect place to play for a footballer. There is education and there is passion. I love English supporters and I love English people… What I love about England is that it is 90 minutes of battle…run, fight. English football is my favourite football.

On doping

Doping in English football is restricted to lager and baked beans with sausages. After which the players take to the field belching and farting.

On Francesco Totti

Totti had said that he wouldn;t sit at the same table and have dinner with me. I said that was no great loss, because if you tell Totti that there are tensions in the Middle East, he’ll think that a fight has broken our on the right side of midfield.

I was particularly stuck by his answer to a question of whether he would like to manage Lazio. Immediately he replied…

Or West Ham United.

Now that would be a roller coaster!

My West Ham: Nigel Morris

Nigel Morris is Home Affairs Editor of The Independent and is married to Radio 4’s Carolynn Quinn, who I have also asked to do us the honour…

How did you become a Hammer?
There was no choice growing up in Brentwood a few years after we’d won the World Cup! I got Geoff Hurst’s autograph when I was seven and that was that.

Your first game?
Although he was born in West Ham, my Dad is a life-long Arsenal fan and took me to see Arsenal v West Ham at Highbury in the early 70s. West Ham lost 3-0, but it was too late: I was already claret and blue through and through.

How many games do you get to?
There’s group of four of us who have season tickets together in the Upper East stand. We also get to a few away games a year – I have seen WHU at most Premiership grounds.

Most memorable moment?
Loads! There was nothing to match the thrill of the play-off win against Preston at Cardiff. Apart, that is, of the amazing feeling of winning at Old Trafford last year to stay up. A personal favourite was a fantastic goal scored by Liam Brady at the old Baseball Ground.

Have you met any Hammers players?
A handful over the years: Trevor Brooking gave me a lift to the station in his car after I interviewed him for my student paper!

Favourite current player?
Last season it would have been between Yossi Benayoun and Carlos Tevez as I love the flair players. I have high hopes of Julien Faubert once he plays. So far this season I would pick George McCartney who has really blossomed.

Describe last season. How did it affect you?
Agony and ecstasy. There’s rarely a dull season supporting West Ham, but last year was nuts even by our surreal standards. As we sat in freezing stands at Bolton flattered by a 4-0 defeat it was unthinkable we’d end up doing the double over Arsenal and Man Utd.

What are your hopes for this season?
A top half finish will do me just fine (I have had enough of rollercoaster seasons for the moment) and then a push towards a European place in 2008-09.

Choose your all time Hammers XI –
Robert Green
Julian Dicks
Ray Stewart
Rio Ferdinand
Billy Bonds
Bobby Moore
Joe Cole
Alan Devonshire
Trevor Brooking
Paolo Di Canio
Geoff Hurst

Subs: Phil Parkes, Slaven Bilic, Alvin Martin, Yossi Benyanoun, Frank McAvennie

What do your colleagues make of your support for West Ham?
One supports Spurs, another Preston and another Rochdale, so they’ve got no grounds to mock.