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The Sheer Arrogance Of Liverpool

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 24/09/2021 - 08:36

Few writers will admit to it, but generally most sports writers spend the latter parts of their evening and earlier parts of their day 'trawling' for information from their sources, some are better known than others. They also check to see who has been cutting and pasting their articles.

One quick point of reference is the BBC's gossip column, which aggregates news stories regarding potential transfers and 'interest' shown by clubs in other teams players. This nicely innocent and quaint way of informing readers about what MIGHT be happening, is separate from their CONFIRMED transfer activity section and is often seen as a bit of fun.

Unfortunately, as with many other 'decent' things, the BBC's 'innocent' gossip page has become increasingly hijacked by media outlets that have pushed to be on the Beeb's 'safe list'. These outlets are essentially 'sleepers' until they are 'woken up' by their respective clubs.

There can be no finer example of this issue than today's 'nugget' provided by the Liverpool echo, Liverpool could still sign £20m transfer target, the sheer arrogance of the statement obscures it's inaccuracies. Their delusion being that they think ANY player would love to play at Anfield! Apart form the fact that the City is an absolute **** hole doesn't enter into their thinking.

The 2nd and most salient part of the 'deluded arrogance' evidence is the Echo's maths, why on earth would David Moyes and West Ham part with a player who is integral to the team? Then there is the small matter of the maths involved, obviously the script writers at the Echo were too busy doing other things when they were at school to o to their maths lessons

West Ham took a punt when buying Jarrod Bowen from Hull City for the not inconsiderable transfer fee of £24 Million, given his performances have earned him a fringe place in Gareth Southgate's England squad and his overall contribution for the club, that fee is now looking like a bargain.

Writers please note, IF you are going to write click bait stories, try to make them have some form of credibility! The 'massively' informed Echo article goes on to mention that Liverpool are 'circling' the player with a bid of £20 Million mooted! Do your maths and get back to nicking hub caps, £20 Million would be fine for Jarrod Bowen's left leg, the rest would cost at least another £40 Million!

The days of Hammers 'swooning' when a 'big' club like Liverpool comes a calling for one of our players are over, fans know it already, perhaps it is time for the Echo and a whole bunch of others to have a reality check and stop living in Martin Tyler land! - Ed

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Sideshow Bob Excels On Debut

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 09:31

Alex Kral made his Hammers competitive debut at Old Trafford last night and didn't disappoint, he had big shoes to step in as effectively he 'carried' skipper Mark Noble through the match and played in the stead of his compatriot Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

Kral didn't put a foot wrong and looked entirely at ease and unfazed at Old Trafford, his match stats speak for themselves as he is proving to be yet another astute bit of business, indeed both he and fellow debutante Areola both arrived on a try to buy basis and on the current evidence both will have their loans made permanent.

Having back up, and dare we say competition, for the two slots that are owned by Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek is definitely a plus for the manager and gives him the option of resting either Rice or Soucek when they succumb to match fatigue as a result of the congested fixture list that comes with qualifying for Europe.

He may look like sideshow Bob, but Alex Kral is proving that his appearances for the Czech Republic during the Euro's were an apparition and he is actually a top top player, Hammers fans had best get used to his 'poodle hair' and flowing locks, because it will be HIM that replaces Declan Rice when he finally moves on to a 'bigger' club.

It is going to have to be a VERY big club, because there aren't that many clubs that currently have Hammers upwards trajectory. -LN

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Old Trafford-School For Scoundrels

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 08:29


Hammers fans often scoff at the success of Chelsea and Manchester City, citing the only reason those teams do well is the extraordinary amount of money they have access to in order to blow other clubs out of the water in their transfer dealings. That may well be the case, however neither team seemed to have spent as much time at Drama school as either Manchester United or Liverpool, with the former being the most active Thespians of a bad bunch.

Recruiting the very talented, but also very preening penalty screamer, Ronaldo, has merely served to compound the fact that once a player arrives at Old Trafford, his persona changes and he becomes a diva who expects referees to blow for fouls and penalties on demand!

A case in point being Jesse Lingard, who tried to influence referee John Moss on numerous occasions but forgot VAR wasn't in use, particularly when Mark Noble tried to take a sample of the Manchester United player's shirt and shorts back to the London Bowl for a souvenir! Noble alluded to the fact in his post match presser when he said "Jesse didn't scream like that when he was with us!"

Moss, who loves being in control was having none of it, even though it was actually a stone wall penalty the Ref chose to 'punish' the Red Devils for being serial offenders' when it comes to penalty claims, so much so that the Northerners are now 'suffering' from the 'crying wolf syndrome' associated with those who perpetually try to con the Ref with a sustained policy of going down like a sack of spuds.

If points were deducted for false penalty claims Man Utd and their title chasing 'buddies' Liverpool would both be in the Conference League, and not even anywhere near the Conference Cup! -Ed

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Teamwork

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 07:55

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Moyes along with his coaching staff of Billy McKinlay...Kevin Nolan...Paul Nevin...Stuart Pearce...Xavi Valero....deserve a huge pat on the back for creating a squad of players who are all buying into the philosphy the Moyesiah is preaching hard work run till you drop and a bit of style to excite the fans and to a man every player is doing the work and reaping the rewards all that hard work is showing on the pitch.

All the years watching West Ham the odd game where we looked unbeatable followed by 20/25 games where we were just S**T a very rare season where we played well throughout followed by the inevitable relegation the next time round well i think i am not the only West Ham fan who feels what is happening right now is very different its does not feel like a flash in the pan this does feel like we are building something long term a Legacy if you will.

The team comes first not the individual so even if we lose a player from the squad be that a transfer or injury there is a new belief/confidence amongst the fans that Moyes will have a player and a plan for any eventuality and the Team carries on.

Its a new day my fellow Hammers long may it continue.

No Rice No Problem

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 07:37

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Rice not playing last night yet we looked decent without him...yes against a second string manure outfit you say mmm £73million wonderkid Sancho/Lingard Greenwood Fernandes on in second half and still the lads did not buckle....Kral looks a bit lightweight but hey so did Lanzini when he first played for us so yes the day will come like it or not Rice will go but last night showed that West Ham can win without him and lets face it we won with our second string:-) COYI

Jarrod Bowen

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 07:28

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Whatever contract this mans on it has to be ripped up and a better one given to him he has certainly earned it.......We all worry about the day when Rice goes but Bowens name being banded about of late and its obvious why......Sell to the spuds lol dont make me laugh even our clowns no that is a step to far...we all rmbr the Paul Allen transfer.....if there is one club we should never have any dealings with its that mob.We can no longer be seen as a selling club unless its a player we do not want.....stop the cherry pickers who are circling and get on with the job of making us a bigger and better side.

Ryan Fredericks

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Thu, 23/09/2021 - 07:21

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Always liked the player and he is a great one to have in the squad...yes he has his faults but what player does not but he can talk to interested clubs in January so has he earned a new contract? or would you let him go? for me he is a great back up to have and showed last night what he brings to the team do we really want to lose him on a free?

Beat Utd Then Get City..Just Like My Dreams

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 22/09/2021 - 23:18

Well, who'd have thought that? Many people, including ourselves, didn't give Hammers a prayer for tonight's game against Manchester United at a packed Old Trafford. Hammers 'glorified' B team, as Mark Noble described it in his post match presser, was totally outclassed by that of Utd's on paper, but as the old saying goes "football is not played on paper, it is played on the field" and so it proved.

The team David Moyes selected was a good blend of youth and experience with two debutantes, Alex Kral and Alphonse Areola, both were superb on the night and appear to be extremely shrewd loan signings with the right to buy enshrined in their deals.

Hammers took it to the home side from the off and were rewarded when Ryan Fredericks outpaced the home side's lethargic back line before cutting back an excellent cross that Manu Lanzini calmly place into the net, unfortunately Fredericks fell down the 'moat' surrounding the pitch and was unable to carry on past the 1/4 hour mark.

The entire team hustled and bustled to put Utd of their stride, with Bowen doing his best Antonio impersonation by making a real nuisance of himself all over the pitch. The defence was resolute and it had to be as the home team, roared on by 72,000 people, through everything they could at Areola's goal. Apart from one dodgy missed attempt at a high ball into the area which he quickly atoned for by superbly tipping the resulting shot over the bar, that set the trend for what was to be a really good debut.

Likewise Kral took to the big stage showing no nerves and NO mercy in midfield, any fears that he might find it hard to adjust to the English game were quickly dispelled as he made much of the midfield his own, determined in the tackle and not bad on the ball either.

Johnson put in a 1st team level performance, which is where he is destined to be, but special mention must go to Les Dawson and the Monster that is Diop, between them they snuffed out a phenomenal array of talent with a thoroughly professional display.

As the game got stretched towards the end and the home team had sent in their cavalry Hammers carved out two guilt edged chances to put the game to bed, Yarmolenko somehow hit the post from three yards out, and then Mark Noble raced forward "the furthest up the pitch I had been for years" he said, unfortunately his tame attempt did not provide total redemption for last Sunday, but winning at Old Trafford came close.

However, this is of course WEst Ham we are talking about, so just as those extra pints ordered were being delivered the draw was held in some weird place in Barnet with Old H sat the helm. Ball number 14 west ham, home....drum roll..against Manchester City....just like my dreams heh?

They're only four times in a row serial winners, but at least some form of satisfaction will have been gained by the 1st victory at Old Trafford for 14 long years, even if it was in the essentiality useless Moose Cup. One real bonus is that it showed anyone who doubted the resolve of David Moyes's team to bounce back from a major setback, this is a new West Ham we are seeing, crafted with care by David Moyes and his back room staff.

It's a pity that the reward for beating Manchester United had to be a game against Manchester City of all clubs, but it is what it is. Try spreading gloom and doom with all the happy hammers travelling supporters on their way back home, you will receive short shrift! Enjoy tonight for what it was, an exceptional performance that won't be forgotten, irrespective of the team's future progress in the competition, savor the flavour while it lasts. - Ed

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Live Man U v West Ham Line Ups

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 22/09/2021 - 18:44

Man U: Henderson, Dalot, Lindelof, Bailly, Telles, Matic, Van de Beek, Sancho, Mata, Lingard, Martial Subs: Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, Jones, McTominay, Fernandes, Elanga, Greenwood
West Ham: Areola, Fredericks, Johnson, Diop, Dawson, Masuaku, Kral, Noble, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Bowen Subs: Randolph, Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Fornals, Vlasic, Benrahma.

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Is Bowen Riding Shotgun For Decs?

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 22/09/2021 - 17:50

Having trod nearly every Declan Rice to 'name your club' path available and exhausted every aspect of his contract negotiations to the max, the football press and media have changed tack and are now focusing on Jarrod Bowen instead. Suddenly the Hammers left footed forward has become the subject of intense scrutiny, with speculation rife that this organisation and that are 'seriously interested' in bringing the 24 year old to their clubs, Tottingham and Liverpool are among his current suitors according to those 'in the know'.

The arrogance of some clubs' supporters is beyond belief, fed on a diet of financially driven success they have become unable to grasp the fact that yes, they can afford to buy whoever they want, and that they will get their target eventually, but no they can no longer hold 'little' clubs to ransom.

Hammers public stance regarding Declan Rice has probably reset people's opinion about West Ham dropping their trousers for a pound, there is no good reason a young footballer would choose to go to sit on the bench of a club as opposed to do what he is supposed to do, and that is PLAY, unless they are only in it for the money!

One of the reasons West Ham have done so well over the last eighteen months is that David Moyes has built a TEAM, not just a group of individuals and that bond equates to the sum being greater than the content. It is clear to see how the players play for each other and their manager and of course the fans.

The only weapon Hammers have to counter the fiscal vultures is to place a substantial price tag on players that 'are of interest', the club have been reluctant to add release clauses to players contracts in the past but that was then and this is now. Aston Villa learned to their cost, although also to their benefit about release clauses, thinking their £100 Million valuation of Jack Grealish would never be met they were non nonplussed when City stumped up the cash.

With City's ex-head of recruitment now officially on board as director of football at West Ham, expect to see much more 'proaction' when it comes to player contracts and that includes adding realistic release clauses that suit both player and club. Winston Reid has just left the club as part of a 'player reality' clause instigated by Rob Newman during his first week in charge following his enforced gardening leave from City, it is anticipated he will oversee future contract negotiations in conjunction with David Moyes, although technically deals, or at least certain aspects of them, will still need the OK from David Sullivan initially.

There is talk that Newman sees Bowen's value as North of £60 Million, big money for a player signed for £24 Million you may say. It was West Ham who took the risk of bringing Bowen from the championship, for what was a tidy sum, it could have all gone belly up a la Jordan Hugill! Therefore the club deserves to place whatever value they and the player feel he is worth, be it £60 Million or whatever.

Anyways, how much would it cost the club, even if they could find them, to buy two players of the same quality as Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen? We are talking about top players here and don't forget, the club cannot guarantee to keep finding lower league or foreign 'bargains', or on bringing another 'genius' youth player through the ranks.

The answer is they are irreplaceable, of course money talks and if massive offers are received the club have to listen, they are also obligated to keep the players informed of potential 'serious' interest. IF a bid of £100 Million is put in for Declan Rice, or a £60 Million bid put in for Bowen the club would have to make a hard decision, but the longer they resist, the higher the players value will rise.

Every player has a price, but if Hammers do have to sell, it is their duty to make up for past mistakes by asking for top dollar with add ons and sell on clauses, if not the interested clubs should be told to 'jeff off' unless they can stump up the necessary. - Ed

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