Nani has broken his recent public silence to make a well timed intervention on the story concerning Behrami’s alleged transfer to Juventus.
He has stated in an Italian radio interview that Valon Behrami will not be joining Juve, or anyone else for that matter, in the forthcoming winter transfer window. Taken together with with Zola’s rebuttal of the recent Cole to Liverpool or Man Utd stories, that’s excellent news for us fans.
He also dropped a heavy hint about West Ham’s priority in their January transfer dealings. He denied a current interest in the Bologna striker Osvaldo and made the following statement:
“We have the fifth best attack in the Premier League for the number of goals scored and so it is certainly not the offensive zone where we need to intervene.”
“Generally, we are happy with our squad.”
Obviously this confirms that the priority will be to tighten up at the back. Personally, I think that someone like Luke Young from Aston Villa would do us a real turn at right-back. I would also like to see a seasoned pro brought in at centre half, along with dependable and experienced goalkeeper cover. We have some outstanding young defensive talent at the club, but this season is probably going to be a bit too early for most of them. A couple of experienced, short-term, signings of the right calibre could really boost the squad, inject experience and leadership in to the back line/bench and help our youngsters develop.
I agree with Nani on the midfield, but is he right on the strike force? I agree that we have two useful striking combinations in Cole and either Franco or Hines. Once they get Diamanti behind them in the hole, pulling the strings, and scoring his share of goals, we should have a very useful and potent forward line.
The Nouble-Dixon partnership certainly looked very promising during last night’s 5-2 reserve team demolition of Stoke City. They are potentially two of the best striking talents in the English game and the club have shown great vision and guts in securing their services; especially in the circumstances surrounding Dixon’s fitness. There will be many a shamed face at White Lane and Stamford Bridge if these two players realise their potential at Upton Park!
However, given the choice, I would still probably bring in another striker as cover for Cole. Neither Nouble nor Dixon should have too much pressure put on their young shoulders this season. Nouble because he is only 18 and still learning the game. Dixon because he needs to be given the space to regain form and fitness, with a view to making a first team bow before the end of the season. If they accelerate their progress and put themselves in to the first team frame ahead of schedule, then that would be a welcome bonus!
There are so many variables relating to the Hammers possible January transfer dealings. It is intertwined with the current complex financial and ownership issues at the club. If there is an injection of investment or a successful takeover of the club then obviously our sights will be raised in terms of transfer targets.
SJ Chandos.
I completely agree with you SJ. We do need more cover up front so someone like Chamakh (although he is probably more likely to go to one of the bigger clubs if rumours are to be believed) would be a boost. But this also raises the question of keeping all the strikers happy and playing regularly. Do we go for squad rotation?
Midfield is pretty much covered, a few question marks when Parker is out but generally our strongest area.
At the back we need a general, someone to make them defend as a unit rather than a collection of individuals.
Obviously this all depends on the finances!!!
Without knowing what kind of money that will be available in January I really think any forward would have to be a relatively cheap option. Darrius Vassell might be a good shout as he can play anywhere across the front line. His move to Turkey looks like its been a bit of a disaster due to problems with the club that ended up with him being evicted from his hotel as the club hadnt paid the bill.
That said I think Dixon will be pushing for a first team place before the end of the window.
What I dont want to see is any money thats been earmarked for a defender being used to bring in a striker when we are scoring so many goals this season. Hopefully we will see Upson cashed in on so we can bring in some quality defenders, personally I would like to see us go for Tyrone Mears at right back. With Upson gone Parker can get the armband he deserves.
I completely agree that we need solid goalkeeping cover, in Stech we have a superb prospect but he is a long way off being ready for first team action and Kuruzc has shown nothing in any reserves fixtures that says he is a genuine option should Green get injured.
Why would we want another non-scoring forward? Franco is doing fine. If we get Dyer & Dixon fit we have no issue, it's at the back we have to sort out, especially the keeper situation.
What about James Collins at Villa? He looks like a useful CH to me……………………and oh, how we have missed him!!
Skysports claiming we are interested in Benjani and could get him for 1.5m. Would leave some spare from sale of Upson for one or two defenders?
Our defence certainly needs some additional quality. What we already have is good but lacks the experience we need to stop the flow of goals we have conceded so far this season. If Upson is sold which is most likely that will bring in the additional funds to strengthen the defence as well as a quality goalkeeper. Whether the strike force will be added to it will only be one extra if we are able to find the right person and with Nouble & Dixon doing well in the reserves they will be a force to supplement Cole Franco & Hines. If any additional investment is forthcoming this will be a bonus for the club to help elsewhere where it may be needed.
I made this post in the last blog!
I'd love to see another striker come in! Maybe Toni or Chamakh! But I also agree that we desperately need more defensive cover! Upson just isn't cutting it for me!
That said, it has been reported today that we are considering a cut price £1.5Million bid to Citeh for Benjani!
It seems I am not alone in thinking it might be time for Matty Upson to move on. I don't think he's a had a great season so far, and I think that Parker comes across as a more natural leader (except that he's suspended every other match!).
If we can get anything close to £10m for Upson, fulfil his dream of playing CL football and reinvest that in one or two experienced, solid defenders we will have done well. In fact, I would bite anyone's hand off for that scenario.
Definitely not alonne mate! As far as I'm concerned anyway! I agree £10 million or just under would suit us nicely! It's funny that now his form has taken a tumble, he's been saying how happy he is at West Ham!
Yeah right!
Also, why does everyone use so many exclamation marks? (!!!)
How very dare you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
do they???
Upson maybe a bit off form at the moment, but can we just agree to take the armband away, but lets be cautious about showing him the door. Lets talk about buying Ginge back, and I dont agree with the concept of taking Tyrone Mears back he was extremely fast but a headless chicken as well, offering no improvement on Faubert at all.
Mears has been playing very well for Burnley this season and would be available for reasonable money. I cant see Upson giving up the armband and remain at the club, it would be a huge blow to his ego and as we have seen in his many interviews his ego is pretty sizeable!
How do you know he would be "available for reasonable money" Celtic? I've not seen any evidence that he is available at all and why would Burnley want to sell him. They have a very thin squad – probably the most anorexic in the premier league – and are highly unlikely to want to flog one of their first choice players to a relegation rival which, unfortunately we are at the moment. Whilst, imho, it's full back where we are weakest I'm not sure he is any better than what we have anyway.
I don't think taking the armband off Upson would do anything positive for the club. That is, unless he's leaving… I can only see that leading to friction in the dressing room – something we need to avoid like the plague.
While Upson has been professional with the press, I think most people get the impression he would like to leave for a CL club if possible. With Arsenal's new injuries who knows.
Don't get me wrong – I like him as a person and a player – but it just feels like the right time to let him go.
I had to check that "5th best attack" statement as it didn't ring true to me. Sure enough, we have th 9th best attack. Good try Nani.
Only one "star" will leave the club this January and that will be Upson to Citeh. They are the only top side that he will get a regular game and as he rates himself so highly, he will relish the pay increase!!!
(exclamation marks for Pete)
Cheers big nuts.
Luke Young is somebody I mentioned pre-season, London boy as well. What about Matt taylor at Bolton? They are going down and he would give us another option at free kicks.
Taylor is a good player, Devo, and one that would bring extra qualities to the squad. Until Bolton are really down, and I believe it will happen, I can't see them selling either him or Kevin Davies as it would be two big nails in their coffin.
A little quate from Nani –
West Ham United football chief Gianluca Nani says they're not planning major signings in January.
Nani says they're "looking around", but not focusing on specific targets.
"Our job is to watch all leagues, but right now we are not following anybody in particular in view of the market," said Nani. "I can say that we're not planning a squad revolution, we are just looking around and not following anyone in particular, either in Italy or in other leagues."
Matt
Bayern have suspended Luca Toni! Do I hear the magive words "contract cancelled by mutual concent!" in the offing! Toni as a free agent would be in serious demand but would still have more chance of landing him than if he was still under contract!
Today's papers say that Chamakh is definitely leaving Bordaux in January and wants an English move! Also Toni ahas gone and got himself suspended and its pretty much a given that he will leave Bayern sooner rather than later! But he has been noted as saying that he woudl "prefer a Serie A" move!
But then again if the reports by Nani are true, it seems pointless speculating because we won't be buying anyone! Especially a striker!
Nani's comments are what you would hope and expect him to say. He is fending off interest in our current players while giving the impression at least that we are not looking to add to the squad. His job is fairly null and void unless we can get new ownership. I'm sure he has a whole list of targets but if the money isn't there there is nothing he can do. So Zola has to get the best out of what he has. Great to see Dyer in form, hopefully he'll be avaiable on Sat.
Chamakh doesn't look like he's going to happen – Toni (or Andy Carroll from Newcastle who was linked with us before, and who seems like a Carlton-type forward) more probable – but who are the available defenders? If we're talking about January it has to be seasoned Premiership players as there will be no time for players to adapt. Not that many options. What about Wheater? Shorey? Ferreira? Agree with CH re Mears too. And it was in the papers that Anton may be on the move…personally I wouldn't go for him.
And I'm not as happy with the midfield as some – we are well-stocked in the middle, but no width except LBM (and his doctor), Dyer (who doesn't like playing on the wing) and Junior (who will be terrific but isn't a first team regular yet). I know I forgot Faubert, but…!
We have a decent squad but too much overlap.
My first choice in January would be a defender you'd be frightened to meet in a dark alley.
Julian Dicks is only 41.
I'm only 46! Available and cheap!
I bet Billy Bonds is still fit enough!!! Note exclamation marks.
If we are playing this team january we will be top 8.
Green
Behrami Upson Campbell ilunga
Dyer Collison Parker LBM
Cole Franco
LBM over Diamanti, Jiminez or Stanislas? Unlikely!…off topic but I see that Pulis is tipping Matty Etherington for an England call up. Real shame he fell apart at WHU, as he had the makings of a cracking left winger.
I like the thought of Behrami at right back. If Dyer can stay fit (big if), then the right side would be great with Behrami and Dyer interchanging. , Also agree that Noble should not figure in starting 11 (he could be the one to go in January as we'd probably get good cash for him, although I am with many of you in that I would not miss Upson, especially if we could get £10m for him and the fact that Gabbidon is fit again to partner Tomkins or Da Costa)
Personally I would go for the following with any CB replacement coming in for either Upson or Gabbs (or Tomkins or Da Costa replacing Upson if he is sold and not replaced)
Green
Behrami, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga
Dyer, Parker, Collison
Diamanti
Cole, Hines
Subs:
Stech, Faubert, Tomkins, Da Costa, 2 of Noble, Jiminez or Stanislas, 1 of Nouble, Franco, Dixon or new striker
Singapore mentioned Andy Carrol there. I watched him in an U21's match and he was unbelievably good. I know he is another developing player and ideally we need expereinced players, but if he's available at any time cheap he would be a great buy.
The secret to our overall development is keeping hold of Green, Upson, Parker, Cole, Collison, De Costa, Ilunga, Noble, Diamanti and Behrami. They are basically our first team with a couple of clever aquisitions. This will then provide time for our phenomenal youth; Stanilas, Edgar, Nouble, Daprela, Hines, Tomkins, Stech, Spence, Eyjolfsson, Fry, Payne, Dixon, Kearns – the list goes on and on.
THe club, the team, and us supporters, need to keep strong, stick together, and we may just build a platform for a truly dominant period in the club's history!
Can I ask a question? And I want answers. How sad must your life be when you not only scour every post I make to click the thumbs down icon no matter what the post is about? Not only this but to admit on a recent thread that you have created numerous log ins so that you can click the thumbs down icon repeatedly? I mean how much of a pathetic bitter obsessed loser do you have to be if you fill your days and nights clicking a meaningless little icon and getting off on it?
I have no doubt its the same person who created 12 logins simply to argue and hurl abuse at me before Iain banned him from the site.
Personally I cant picture it, I cant see my life ever being so completely devoid of anything worthwhile that I would need to fill it with these kind of actions to make me feel worthwhile. Iam fairly sure its the same person who used to sit up at 3 in the morning writing ovsessive posts to me on another forum, he also used numersous logins, until such time as he was banned from there as well.
I have had disagreements with people on here, sometimes pretty vocal but I have always read each comment with an open mind and have found that while I have disagreed with an individuals post I may well agree completely with their next one and have never let a previous disagreement stop me from commenting positively when they say something I agree wtih.
If people dont want me on this site then fine, have the stones to come out and say it! (cue the frantic logging in and out to register thumbs down on your many many identities you sad little man)
I'm almost tempted to give you a Thumbs-Up sign as a result of this! I love your posts, agree or not, the whole point is opinions and a bit of fun about a shared passion. At least I think so.
he he, i clicked your thumbs up! that'll fool 'em!
Celtic, ive been reading this site for a while, but, i have been moved to logon to show my support for you. I think you are one of a handful of intelligent, thoughtful contributors to this site and i enjoy (not always agree) with what you have to say. Thats it !! Keep going mate
Celtic, You have my continued support 100% your posts are always down to earth and give a balanced view on the various subjects raised.____Those on here who continually slate you and the club on current form etc__are just not worth worrying about. __Yes we all have our own opinions and disagreements and this is why this site is as good as it is long may it continue
I enjoy your posts, Celtic. Agree with some and not others and have never used the thumbs buttons – either up or down.
I have to say that there are time when your bonnet resemble a beehive though. The anti-Carlton saga of a few months ago and now your support of Dixon, about who I hope you are right although I think he would have got a bit more publicity if he really was the next Rooney.
Still, it's all opinions is it not?
Roy my support of Dixon is based about how he set the whole country a buzz when he first came on the scene. Irish sports reporters are for the whole a pretty morose lot and they were positively dancing round their desks when the guy first appeared. Put that kind of potential together with the work ethic an mental toughness it takes to come back from the injury nightmare that he has and I think you have a superb prospect for the club.
Thats the best you can do? Invent yet another login and right a very poor attempt at humour? Or is it just that you really really wish you were me? Its understandable I guess, but it displays a worrying level of obsession.
Maybe you could start a career as a CelticHammer tribute act, I mean after all there is only one of me and I am always in demand. I could issue a franchise pack, containing verifiable facts about finance and football, some designer threads, and a CD to help you learn to speak with a charming Irish accent! You know I think this idea has a chance of being a huge success.
Obviously the standard of licensed impersonators would have to be better than you, and it would help if they were considerably less obsessed with me than you are.
Which I guess raises the realy question here? What is so lacking in your sad little life that you need your obsession with me to get you through the day? Do I remind you of every guy you went to school with who was more popular and more successful than you? Are you now seeking revenge on them through your cyber stalking of me, striking back from the anonymity of your keyboard.
Tell you what why not have another go at being funny, delete your last post and try again because that last one just makes you look pathetic, I will even give you a few pointers, I have very trendy hair which I get cut every week to keep it looking exactly the way I want it, I'm approaching my middle 30s yet have never been out with a girl who is older than 28 as I find them too caught up with settling down (that gets harder every year), I secretly like country and western music, I've gotten drunk with Bono twice but often drop it into conversation with women while pretending its not just to impress them, I will pay 50quid for a 10quid cab fare because I cant be arsed waiting my turn at a rank, yes I make my living as analyst (I find it easy work and the money is excellent) but its not what I want to do and have taken steps to change that recently, I change cars quite a bit and have already swapped my Q7 for a 4.7lt V8 Jeep and I have 3 great loves in my life, my family, rugby and WestHam. Despite being obviously vain and egotistical I have had the same friends since school and being best man at 4weddings and godfather to a number of my friends kids, which means I have at least some redeeming qualities (although spelling isnt one of them)
Now surely you can get better jokes knowing all of that! I look forward to reading your next attempt!
Celic..from chrischris..Even thou we disagree alot, you've my 100% support.(new login)
Celtic – don't let the buggers wear you down. Keep posting mate – i'll keep thumbs upping them even if you are slagging off CC!!!!!
Not your biggest fan Celtic, we have had our run-ins! But even a lazy slob like me can't be assed to just thumbs-down everyone!
Personally, I have no problems with you and if we were talking face to face, I think the things said would have come accross differently!
Anyhoo…….I thumbed you up! lol
It's unbelievable that someone could be this obsessed.
I spent months agruing against CH on here with regards his anti-Cole comments that became pathetic and boring. However, that apart and his propensity to fancy talentless forward to the club, I find myself agreeing with most of his other observations.
I settled our argument by challenging him to a £10 charidee bet that Cole scores more league goals than Owen. Hope I win because I can't afford to pay it!
Don't get too het up regards the thumbs up icons, CH, if you ignore the stalker, he'll disappear. Whilst he gets a reaction from you, he'll carry on.
I'll give you a Len Fairclough to cheer you up.
This feud made that other forum (teamtalk?) incredibly tedious to read, so I hope the same doesn't happen here.
As for the thumbs up-and-down. I'll admit to using them sometimes, mainly if I strongly agree or strongly disagree with the poster, but only if I have nothing to add in a comment that hasn't already been said. If I use it at all, I intend it in a constructive sense and certainly not as a personal attack. Hopefully that's the intended use.
It's a shame if the system is being abused simply to further a pointless argument that nobody else gives a monkeys about. If that's the case it might be better for Iain to remove the feature?
Not exactly a feud, but you are right about the forum in question. The editor eventually banned the guy when he realised he was posting under multiple logins in order to argue with me and support his own statements. I stopped posting there in order to try and stop him ruining the forum for everyone but as one of the other posters pointed out that he wrote 46posts in 11 days referring to me directly over 70times.
I have no idea what it was that caused this nutcase to latch onto me but then again I dont understand crazy people!
it seems like extraordinary lengths to go to, and completely pointless…
You will get no arguement there from me mate!
Celtic – as I mentioned once before, I too was the victim of this a while back on here so I do have some empathy with the emotions you are going through.
My advice would simply be to report any comments you feel are offensive. One would hope that Iain is aware if a multiplicity of IDs is coming from one IP address – this transgresses the blog's rules if my memory serves me correctly. If it doesn't, then it should imho.
As for support, you have it in abundance, Basically, the key posters on this site in addition to SJC and Iain, are you, Devo, Matt, Aussie and a few others. The site attracts thousands of hits a day and a lot of that is down to you, Celtic – no mistake. You have something to say. Love you or loathe you, you cannot ignore you. This guy is just a cyber bully. Worthless planktom.
Headmaster, I think Iain has enough to be worrying about instead of me telling tales, for starters Gordon Brown has gone almost a fortnight without making a complete pigs ear out of something (he must be on holidays)!
Please dont discount yourself from any group of posters who make strong contributions to this site.
For what it's worth CH you have my support as well. Like most on here, even though we come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life, the one strong bond we have (or should have) is a love of WHUFC. I am happy to agree/disagree with your opinions without ever feeling the need to personally attack you or anyone else. On that note, I really don't see Mears as a step forward or adding anything positive to the current squad, but that's my opinion! Having said that he will probably have a stormer of a game on Saturday and score a Konchesky type once a year special.
… and as any Headmaster will tell you, the best response to this kind of thing is to ignore it, incredibly hard though that is.
The fact that there are so many replies to this item suggests that this person (I use the term loosely) has aroused great irritation among the loyal followers of this blog and its contributors (lurkers as well) … so chin up, boy, and get on with what you do best.
Keep on rockin in the free world and let's get those Hammers higher up the table.
You also have my support on this CH.
Graybo is right – the most powerful weapon you have at your disposal is that you're able to completely blank this individual. Honestly, mate, it's the best way of dealing and, most probably in the end, stopping him/her from replying to your posts.
Your an idiot – if you don't want sensible, rationable debate – go elsewhere.
Celtic…I've always wanted a stalker, you lucky boy.
You must be doing something right!
CH. I don't always agree with yours, (or anyone elses for that matter) opinions on certain players, but that doesn't make your views wrong…mine might be wrong. But this site is about opinions, right and wrong. You probably know more about the WH finances than I do which has been useful to me especially when hearing those pathetic tabloid stories. Whoever the joker is isn't worth getting too stressed about. Obviously gets off on winding you up. Ultimately all that really matters here is our Club. I really value this site and the vast majority of the regulars on it so I'd like to think we could all do our bit to get rid of the vermin trying to ruin it for everybody else. We'll probably disagree in the future, but we'll get over it!
Sorry to hear about your problem with this guy Celtic, it might be against you nature but I would suggest you don't respond to anything he writes directly at you, also hope you are coping with the floods down there as well.
Off topic, did anyone see the "Times of our lives" programme the other night with Bond, Brown & Boyce? Not as good as the Parkes, McAvennie, Gale one, but interesting nonetheless. Greenwood was decades in front of his peers.
Incidentally, it was interesting that Bondy remarked upon Moore's dislike for Greenwood. many people don't realise that Moore was ready to join Tottenham before the 1966 world cup and refused to sign for West Ham.
Ramsey found out and realised that without a contract at a club, he couldn't play for England and told Greenwood to sort it out pronto. History tells us that he was successful. Can you imagine what life would be like if Moore had lifted the Jules Rimet trophy as a spud?
Another strange piece of trivia with Moore is that one of his middle names was Chelsea!
What was wrong with Robert Frederick Barking Moore?
I saw it Devo – Sky+'d it too so I may give it another look over (I'm currently off work at the moment and so have the time).
Really enjoyed it. Learn a bit more about Ronnie Boyce, Ken Brown and John Bond. Three very contrasting characters in the mix.
It was also really interesting to hear their thoughts and memories of Bobby Moore. Makes you realize, all the more, just how good he was.
Bobby didnt like Greenwood much because Greenwood treated him appallingly. He felt threatened by Bobby.He may also have been mindful that Malcolm Allison had been in reality "coach" at West Ham in orevious years and wanted to assert himself with the players through Bobby.I
It was Malcolm and not Greenwood who started the football academy thing when holding regular off site coaching for the senior players at a local cafe. His maxim of playing through from back to front was the foundation for all that followed. Greenwood inherited a team that was receptive to his idea's as they chimmed with those they had been discussing and using with Malcolm.
There are a couple of good books on the subject, sorry I cant re-call the titles or authors as I write.
One other appalling piece of Greenwood behaviour to Bobby was his reply when in 1967 Bob told him he had cancer and would be out for a while for treatment. Greenwood replied, its OK we have cover at centre half…..
Off topic….great to see John Hartson up and about on BBC website
To right.
Getting back to the topic. If we bring in anyone in the January window the priority surely has to be at full back, especially on the right. If Ilunga gets his form of last season back and we had a good, natural right back it would make a huge difference to the whole back four. In the last two or three games the central defenders (particularly Upson) has been pulled wide too often due to the need to provide cover for the full backs, leaving space down the middle.
Goalkeeping cover? Don't know as I'm unsure how good the ones we have are. Up front we can take the odd injury although it would have a bif effect if Cole was injured. Ironically, if Cole was out we could be more effective with 4-3-3 using 2 from Stanislas/Hines/Dyer/Boa as support to Franco.
Tactical excellence? I've got it in spades!
If Cole gets injured, Roy, it's odds on that we revert to 4-3-3 as it would suit the personnel available.
Just watched West Ham vs Sheffield Wednesday on Setanta Classics. 4-3. Redknapp, Hislop, Potts, Ferdinand, Foe, Razor, Sinclair, Cole, Lampard, Keller, Wanchope and DiCano. What a great team. Not just they way they played but the togetherness, you could tell no one wanted to leave at that time. Seeing Razor cradle Hislop in his arms after he had the ball kicked out of his hands was like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Now you just sense that the slightest thing could see Green or Upson bailing on contract talks or getting their heads turned.
Sinclairs debut ?If so he scored twice. Wednesday were crap on the day but we just couldnt defend.
From another site:
"THE latest party said to be considering investing in West Ham was apparently the first to declare an interest in the club.
While the likes of David Sullivan and David Gold, as well as the Intermarket Group have been vocal in the press about their designs on the club, there has been less from someone else.
Tony Fernandes, a Malaysian-based West Ham fan, is the owner of budget airline Air Asia X.
He has visited Upton Park and met officials at the club, though it appears he has not submitted any formal interest in taking over or investing in the club."
Only worth 230m tho, and I bet he wouldn't spend everything he's got. After all he does have Lotus F1 to run too!
oh, nearly forgot – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How do you know how much is worth mate? Didn't know that! I figured with Air Asia, he might have been worth a fair bit!
Oh well!
Bobby is right, I mentioned it before about his personal wealth and felt that he might well be part of the Intermarket consortium. A story then popped up about him wanting a 50% stake in the club, no idea if its true although financially it would be more viable.
People have mentioned Woody Johnson the owner of the New York Jets and one of the heirs to the $30Billion Johnson and Johnson fortune but from what I have read thats a red herring.
To be honest, I think most of the names mentioned ahve been red herrings!
The only name I am taking with any optimism is the Intermarket Group but that is fizling out as the days go by.
If they have indeed begun a due diligence period then it would explain the lack of any fresh news.
The wonder of wikipedia…..so it must be true!!!
Guys this is the INTERNET! We need to be able to take what we give and be a bit thicker skinned! So we get some thumbs down! So what? By reacting to it and making posts about it Celtic, you are doing EXACTLY what he/she wants!
You are very opinionated Celtic, do you really expect everyone to like you and like what you write? Come on, you are cleverer than that!
Not everyone likes me, I get thumbs down all the time! Not everyone agrees with my posts, you more than most! But I don't give a toss! I write my opinion and that is all it is! It would take a lot more than a few thumbs down or a few disagreements to stop me giving my view! But I have always said, I make no promises about my views being correct! Thay are merely views!
We have opinions, that's all! Not one of us knows anything concrete on these speculations!
But to be honest Celtic (and don't take offense by this) sometimes when you reply to posts you don't agree with, you can be very abrupt and patronizing in the reply.
That's fine, if that's what you want to do, but you must expect people to act on it now and then!
That's all! lol
Matt
Peace!
Matt I dont write things to be agreed with. In fact when I began writing about the state of the clubs finances I was pretty much the proverbial one voice singing in the darkness and argued against a wall of counter opinions. I am not talking about people agreeing or not agreeing with me. I am not talking about how I react or respond to posts, which I fully accept can be cutting at time, although I dont apologise for anything I write.
What I am talking about is someone who for well over a year has scrutinized and saved every single post I have ever written here or elsewhere looking for someway to prove me wrong and when they dont find any they start correcting my spelling and grammar. Someone who has assumed over 2 dozen different logins, fabricated entire life stories for these logins, and been banned from a number of sites due to his obsession with me and now has restorted to simply clicking a pointless thumbs down icon.
I have never personally cared about the thunbs icon as I tend to respond to a post directly whether I agree or disagree.
My point is what dirves someone to this type of behaviour? What makes someone become so obsessed with someone they have never met?
Put it this way mate, could you ever see yourself creating numerous logins just so that you could repeatedly log out and log in and click the thumbs down icon? Of course not, your a sane human being. Misguided at times but sane none the less!
Celtic – you really are becoming obsessed with this. Just ignore it. It's no big deal.
Roy I just wanted the thing brought to a head, hopefully this will be the end of it.
Judging by your thumbs down mate, doesn't look like it is!
Celtic mate, no one is suggesting, that you don't air your views! That is what these sites are about! You should always be entitled to your opinion
All I am saying is, that maybe you shouldn't take it to heart so much when someone (such as me) doesn't agree!
Whhen we are having adult chats I quite enjoy them but sometimes you just dismiss everything that you don't agree with!
We are all entitled to our views mate but it doesn't necessarily make our views any more correct than yours and vice versa
Matt
Ok – off topic….. I've just flown back from Glasgow this evening and got chatting to the bloke in the seat next to me. Season ticket holder, rich businessman, knows people (sorry to be vague). Anyway he told me something that may or may not have legs but the player WANTS it to happen.
Luke Young.
His brother is already at the club playing in our U16's.
I'v eseen Jake Young training mate and to be completely honest, I didn't think THAT much of him! But that said, I don't think all that much of Ashley either
Could do worse though!
He only seems to have made a few appearances for Villa this season. Is he injured? We could do without another crock!
Not injured just not getting picked.
After he was left out of the team for the game vs us – he texted someone i know and basically said that he wanted out – but using more expletives!!!
Was i dreaming it, or has there been a new rule to be introduced regarding the size of the squads / and home grown players? When does this come in. I ask, as ,if whu are going to sign people, then they have to take this into consideration. (unless i dreamt it of course). Also cant decied who to root for tonight, hull to keep everton in the mix, or everton to ensure whu stay out the bottom three this week.
Next Season 8home grown playersmin which we have but we are not at top of table with the number we have 5/6 I think
next season – maximum 25 registered players out of whom 8 must be home grown.
Devil's here but – how would people feel about gettting 18 – 20 Mill for Cole and signing Luca Toni and a Class Right Back (Luke Young wouldn't be a bad example IMO)?
Why would we need to sell Cole to finance those deals? Toni could come on a free (although demand high wages) and can't see Young costing more than £2m. Don't we still have the Collins money available as it was earmarked for Chamakh.
Hey Gav, I know you're just throwing it out there but I totally disagree with you. I think Toni is towards the end of his career while Carlton hasn't reached his peak yet. He's only just beginning to realise how much influence he can have on a game and if we can keep hold of him I'll be very happy. We do need a specialist right back but for the moment I think Gabiddon, Faubert and Behrami can handle it between them. I don't quite understand everybody's desire to buy buy buy everytime a new window opens. We just need to play smarter with the players we have and that's down to Zola and the team. If we can do that we'll begin to win games and quickly push up the table.
Quite right brogan – I was playing Devil's Advocate to gauge opinion on Cole and to see how much we think we need a new right back. I agree completely that we should keep hold of Carlton Cole – any replacement for him would be a massive risk as, let's face it, he's become one of the hottest striking options in the Premiership.
As for a new right back I'm not sure that Gabbs would sit well there. I see him very much as a centre back. Faubert's great going forward but the defensive side of his game is suspect and I think Behrami can do a good job covering injuries but would be wasted there if we played him in that position all the time. Sad to say but we haven't replaced Lucash Neil who had a terrific season last time out.
Selling Cole would mean certain relegation,Young would be good but don't think he would come.
James- he WANTS to come…..trust me.
Cole looks like he wants to stay, can't say the same for Green or Upson. We have looked after him and apart from a few boos I think he appreciates what we've done for him. Green won't be easy to replace but I'd rather get a ton of money for players who heart isn't in it.
Both Green & Upson have refused to sign new contracts so either will be out in January or Summer for as much as we can get as both in last year of contracts Dyer has 2 to go and for us to bring in 2/3 quality defenders to bolster our back 4 as for a new keeper we wait and see.
You know I meant to draw attention to a great headline during the week "MK Dons Swoop for Hammers midfield ace!" firstly I dont think anyone has ever swopped for Nigel Quashie and secondly he is hardly an ace, midfield or otherwise!
Chamakh has just scored twice for Bordaux against Juve!
Apparently was MOM!
SJ due to minor distractions I have failed to compliment you on a couple of superb articles, I always enjoy reading pieces that show your enviable knowledge of the club as I always end up knowing more about WestHam when I am finished reading them. Great work fella!
Celtic you would never make a manager!Altidore has not scored for Hull ,Tyrone Mears will never get in our side and as for Carlton Cole I think he continues to flourish!Please dont buy the Hammer,s and become manager cos we would let in plenty and score none LOL!To all the regulars on here you are all contributing a lot of great chat and you are brilliant to all the rest sad,very sad Celtic could be the minister for finance,s Headmaster find us a multi-billionaire with the right intention,s for our great club!
Well we have 2 more PL results tonight 3-0 Fulham/Blackburn that was predicatable The other 3-2 Hull/Everton 3 points to Hull who are now 4 points ahead of us playing 1 more game.____Nothing to worry about then!
No major surprises there Fishy, Everton are really struggling this season and, apart from beating us, have done absolutely nothing recently. I know they are suffering with injuries, but they are destined to struggle this season me thinks. As for Fulham, they have a fine home record, so again no surprises. Outside of the top seven there doesn't seem a great deal between all of the teams, an interesting last two thirds of the season beckons.
Nearly half the season mate
I might be the only person that thinks this but the Burnley game on Sat could be our make or break game!
We need a win! After that we have Manu at home, not expecting anything from that and then Birmingham and Bolton away, birmingham maybe 3 points but Bolton are our bogey team and not expeting a point at the Reebok!
But even Birmingham are no pushovers at home!
The we have Chelsea at home on the 20th, well I'm not expecting a point there either! Unless the Chelsea that played Wigan turn up but I doubt that! They always seem to do well against us!
So that's a mmaybe 3 points (after Burnley) in teh run up to Christmas!
If we are in this postion (or even bottom 5) after our game against Portsmouth on Boxing day, then sorry but we WILL BE in trouble! The game between bottom 4 and the rest of the league is widening.
So I am counting on the 3 points from Burnley and maybe 3 from Birmingham to give us some sort of levy!
I'm going on Sat so should be fun!
Hi Matt, I think we can take points from most of these games. Call me a fool or the eternal optimist, but I really believe we can beat Burnley, Birmingham and Bolton, plus I can see us running MU close, I'll give you the Chelsea one though. Been working in Manchester today and speaking to a colleague who follows Bolton. He says that their camp is in total disarray, but he still expects three points from there game against us! It's about time we won at Bolton and as I am working in Glasgow that day, I might just manage to stop off on the way back!
Nearly half thYou poor poor man! Manchester today and Glasgow in a couple of weeks! lol
I think you are being a tad optimistic mate! If we were on a good run of form I'd agree with you! We are playing well but our results just haven't been there!
As I said Burnley and Birmingham for me! Manu and Chelsea – no chance! And Bolton – I think we are a better team than tham and we are playing better but we NEVER beat them! lol!
If I remember reightly it was in the 2006 FA cup we beeat them last! Or have a missed a game? lol e season mate
Shropshire knowing us mate if we only win one of the 3 games its likely to be against manU!
Celtic, stop being so patronising and ummmm…….errr…….horrible!
lol
Love you!
lol
I agree it's a watershed game! Hope you enjoy it! it's not on in Singapore until 9 hours after it's finished! Can't decide whether to try crap streaming, or virtualy impossible radio silence as a hermit. I reckon 2-0 to us btw, Cole and Parker (he's got it coming!).
Blimey NINE hours? I think I might go for a crappy stream! lol
I try to get to as many games as I can but work rarely permits it these days.
You poor poor man! Manchester today and Glasgow in a couple of weeks! lol
I think you are being a tad optimistic mate! If we were on a good run of form I'd agree with you! We are playing well but our results just haven't been there!
As I said Burnley and Birmingham for me! Manu and Chelsea – no chance! And Bolton – I think we are a better team than tham and we are playing better but we NEVER beat them! lol!
If I remember reightly it was in the 2006 FA cup we beeat them last! Or have a missed a game? lol
Hey Guys and Gals,
I know a lot of us use NeswNow for our news feeds so just wanted to inform you aof a new feature they have!
By clicking the title of the article (not the site name) you can choose to permantly hide the publication from view! So you can filter out the idiots like the moronic posts from The Game's Gone Crazy by that nob that runs it! And others
Just thought you might wanna know
Matt
Thanks Matt, thats a really good filter. I hadnt really noticed it before you mentioned it, now I have nearly all the dross hidden from sight. Though it just show you how little real news there is out there!
No probs
I have filter out quite a bit! Especially that games gone crazy crap!
Yep. Crazy kn0b had to go. I was tempted to get rid of the newspaper links, but they're so funny, they've been reprieved.
celtic, you probably already know mate but for those who don't know, we were granted a 9 month reprieve today from the debts owed by Straumur
So maybe, JUST MAYBE we might get some funds in Jan! Just a little bit
I had seen that earlier when I was reading a piece about the banks former chairman William Fall is taking legal action to recover the £3M+ he says he is owed in back wages since the bank was nationalised. He says he is entitled to it because the bank should not have been nationalised in the first place but has insisted he will give the money to charity if he wins his case.
A quick point on the Daily Mail story that I am guessing you read the news in, it refers to the bank facing a winding up order, thats not true, I am hoping this is a case of lost in translation and not just another lie to smear the club but under Icelandic law a 3 man "winding up committee" is appointed to any company that goes into administration or in this case is nationalised. The purpose of the committee is not to actually wind the company up but rather to facilitate it in disposing of its obligations.
Todays news comes on the back of the presentation that I gave the link to recently which showed the proposed rationalisation plan to its creditors who are obviously willing to back both the plan and the bank. The fact that the bank was allowed to invest £5M in the club in the last week shows that they have made considerable progress as under Icelandic law they can not invest in any business unless given approval by the Icelandic courts.
No doubt this story will either get misreported or simply ignored by the greater portion of the press.
Oh ok! I'm not really up on my Icelandic law OR my UK finacial law for that matter but I was always let to believe that a "winding up committee" was appointed to allow claims to commence! Whereas a company can ocly voluntarily Wind Up if they are solvent?
As for the press, of course they will only see the negatives and by tomorrow afternoon we will be in administration!
Ah now dont get carried away! First they have to predict a fire sale of our best players THEN we will be in administration! lol
Ahhh ok! lol! to be honest, I never believe a word the Mail or Mirror say anyway!
I just want the day to come when I can wake up, switch on a PC, open NewsNow and not be worried about what I see!
You're more likely to wake up, roll over and find Cheryl Cole grinning at you!
She sends her love, btw
Errrrr thanks but no thanks! I'd rather wake up with YOU! lol
Burnley at odds of 3-1 may represent a good bet the reason I suggest this is all season I have cursed us by backing us to win every game so my strategy is simple whatever I tip back the other team!
How much has Marounne Chamakh worth now after his 2 goals against Juventus?
If only the bungling or dynamic duo of Nani and Duxberry would have got their act together we would have secured a top striker, yet again we have become victims of incompetence of the highest order why do we continually put up with this as a club meant to be on the up but I suppose as Hammer,s fans we are used to this as a second nature but honestly in any other business who would employ chancers like this pair.
2 other notable bungles,Tevez,s registration cost=25 million,signing Savio cost=10 million add on this debacle and there is many millions wasted sad but true so why are we not suprised when the press chastise us !
Aussie – he's worth nothing as his contract expires in June. However the wages and signing on fee he can demand just went up by around 30%
Aussie, I was wrong mate! He didn't score 2, he just scored the 1! But he was leading the line all the time he was on!
Bottom 3 prediction,s Bolton,Wolves,Everton why? first 2 are poor and the Toffees are dull and getting Lucash has made them look worse he looks pedestrian so there,plus Hull were made to look good by them and Hull have Hunt and Bullard who drive them on.The only reason I am doing this is I hope we smash Burnley cos if we dont we are in for a torrid next few weeks and I dont want us in the bottom 3 come Christmas please Santa!
With the questions over Upson & Green leaving in January todays reports suggest that Allan MCgregor of Rangers could be a possible target as replacement to Green. Fakrhi, Shorey Carroll Ferdinand amongst others to sure up our defensive weaknesses as a replacement to Upson. We can be sure that with little or no money our managerial bosses will ultimately make the right decisions to ensure our PL survival this season!
Yeah – several reports including Football365 mentioning Allan McGregor being a target with Green going to Sunderland.
Don't want to put a hex on this but – the last Allan Mc(someone) that played for us between the sticks was our worst ever keeper IMO.
I just cant see Green going to Sunderland, whats the point of that move? Its not even a sideways move. Despite the difference in league positions I dont think anyone could make a genuine argument that sunderland are a bigger club than WestHam.
CH – have you looked at the league table recently?
Sunderland 8th – beaten Liverpool and Arse and loaded…..
West Ham 17th…beaten by Wigan, Everton and Bolton, skint……..
Its a blip Jolly, all of Steve Bruces teams start well and then fade badly!
Gav – not opinion, FACT!!!!
Why would Green go to Sunderland?
Gav, This Mc is different class from the last one. He apparently had a stormer against Stuttgart in the CL game this week and is not a bad keeper.
Although I don't want Green to go, I do think his confidence is low and performances of late leave a bit to be desired.
If Green & Upson both go, we should get somewhere near 10m for Upson and 7-8M for Green.
If Mc is going for 4m that leaves a nice pot to shore up the defence. Steven Taylor perhaps from Newcastle and Matt Taylor from Bolton along with Sol Cambell on a short term contract for his experience.
Or, Fanni from Rennes could be an option along with Schmuck from Bordeux up front.
He couldn't be much worse Paul.
I think the speculation around Green leaving is exactly that – just speculation.
Not too sure about Matthew Upson. As far as I'm aware, though, his contract is up at the end of the season so I guess he's holding out for a big money, Bosman, transfer during the closed season window.
I think Upson has 18months left on his current deal Gav but if we dont resolve the situtation by the end of the window his value will seriously drop in the summer.
Worrying news fellas, Alan Hansen has picked us for a win on Saturday! I always feel a lot more confident when he bets against us!
Actually he picked a win AND a draw! lol! What a tosser!
I know a lot of the stories about at the moment are just rumour but how much do you want the club to sign Rod Fanni just for the potential headlines!
Here is a few to get things started
Duxbury flies to france to buy Fanni
Fanni Passes Medical at Upton Park
Hammers fans love Fanni
30,000 cheer for fanni at Upton Park
Hammers stars like playing with Fanni
Fanni injured in horror tackle
Fanni's out for 6 weeks
If the guy turns out to be half as good as his name is funny he is worth buying!
Oh East London!
Is wonderful!
Oh East London is wonderful!
Its full of tits, FANNI and West Ham!
Oh East Londen is wonderful!
fanni on loan
zola angry at fanni ban
Would have been good if Julian Dicks was still with us! lol
"Dicks dribbling up to Fanni……." lol
even his first name sounds vaguely phallic, eh? oo-er missus
Not a hot topic I know, but how do people feel about what Quashie has said in the press after his loan move to MK Dons?
Early in the year I watched an interview of his and he spoke about how great the management had been and the reserves coach, Dyer, was quoted as saying how happy he was with Quashie's attitude. Now i know he's not top drawer and he had the temerity to agree a bumper offer to sign with us and then buggered his foot for eighteen months, but if the reports are true and he has been frozen out of the senior squad is that not double standards? We complain when a player does it to get a move away. It seems out of character for someone like Zola. Anyone know any inside knowledge on this one? Chris – or is it James these days? Or Matt?
Asfar as I'm concerned, Zola froze him out! He didn't like him and refused to play him!
The thing with West Ham is even though we are a great club we have a history of treatinng players not too well!
Quite a few players have been treated pretty badly through the years!
I felt the guy was due credit earlier in the season when he was playing in the reserves and lending a hand with the youngsters. I think maybe Nige reckoned by doing so he could play his way into the first team but lets be honest he has never been premiership class. I think Zola made that clear to him and suggested he find himself a loan deal. He was shocking in the reserve game with Chelski, and I think thats when Zola lost patience with him.
Its hard to think of someone being treated unfairly when they are asked to pick up £15K a week (although the fiance he dumped right before the wedding claims it was £25K) to stay home and watch tv. It was obvious he was never going to accept any move that would cost him his contract and the last big pay day he is going to get.
I think his parting shot was ill advised and makes him look bitter.
I'd say you're probably right in regards to him refusing to be traded. I expect the club have tried to come to a compromise and he's clinged to his pay cheque like Oliver to a bowl of gruel. I'm sure strong words have been exchanged somewhere along the line.
The club certainly has a few player issues behind the scenes. What with Davenport and Ashton too. To think with that three you're probably looking at a hundred grand a week going out in wages. Add that to Boa Morte's and Dyer's and it's no wonder we haven't been too quick to offer out new contracts.
Character is so important when recruiting new players into the mould. I think they got that right with Behrami and it looks like Diamanti too.
When you add in, Ashton (65k) Dyer (£80k), LBM (40k) and Davenport (15k) then the club is paying out around £200,000 a week on players who are not playing. Remember that LBM is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to play before his contract runs out and anything we are paying him now is dead money. We are wasting £10M a year of our wage budget on these players.
I think all in all since the end of the brown era we have gone above and beyond what can be expected of a club in how we treat our players, not to mention the work the club has done with the community.
Celtic…our treatment of players is not out of the goodness of our hearts…it's out of the letter of their contracts.
The figures are excessive, obviously, but looking after injured players is the bare minimum they should expect.
Shame the rest of us can't negotiate similar deals. I have a contract that gives me a year's sick pay although I gather that it above the norm.
Also, I don't believe WHU are any different to any other Prem club in their treatment of i njured stars and work in the community.
One of football's more creditable features.
Lofty what happened with Etherington and Davenport was not covered by their contracts and in Etherington in particular the club acted in a commendable manner.
Somehow I cant see either being treated in the same manner if terry brown was still in charge, Davenport would be on the dole and Etherington would be propped up a flyover on the M25!
You are not wrong about Etherington, pal.
Hopefully he is back on the straight and narrow up there in sunny Stoke.
I guess you could say the club acted in his best interest. The cynical side of my character meanders to the idea that we saw a gift-wrapped opportunity of offload a 'wrong un' and claw back a bundle of dosh we has subbed him.
But as it;s very nearly Christmas, I'll go with you on this one and I promise not to mark you down.
I'll leave that to your mystery stalker, whoever to tit is.
I agree with Matt that this game is definitely a make or break match for Zola. We may not like to admit it but so far, results wise, this season have been a disgrace.
If we lose on Saturday we will be nine points behind Burnley. Now Burnley haven't been setting the world on fire, nor have they played long ball lucky football. They've just been honest, disciplined, had compitent and clear coaching, and given it everything each match. Who would have thought at this stage in the season we might be nine points behind Burnley? We don't even have a string of long term injuries to key players as an excuse.
Like most, I like a lot of what Zola does, but if we lose to Burnley, we can add that loss to Stoke, Bolton, Wigan and pathetic draws to Blackburn, Fulham, and Hull.
Hopefully we'll win and go on a great run, but if we don't, the pressure will only increase, from outside the club, and within.
If truth be told, Broq, it's hard to disagree with most of that
Terry Brown should be sent to the Hague for war crimes against the Hammers along with the contract expert’ how the hell do I get away with my mistakes Duxberry’ and see how much I can take for myself Nani!All 3 are found guilty of theft and greed and all 3 wise men are the reason why we are a laughing stock in the red tops!
Just seen Super Tev at the 02 tennis watching Federer.
Now this may be five 1664 Kronenbourg's talking, but I bloody loved that fella!
Is it too much to ask that after years and years of supporting our mob that we scrape together a few quid and buy just one more classic, star quality player?
We've had four world superstars in my time watching WH since the mid 60's, namely Mooro, Sir Trev, DiCanio and Tevez.
Mr Kronebourg and I are unanimous that we would rather like the arrival of another.
Not too much to ask, I reckon.
In fairness, Lofty, only Moore was a world superstar out of those. Sorry.