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Noble Gesture Failed Badly

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 14/03/2021 - 23:52

When the team sheets became available ahead of the Irons game against Manchester United, the inclusion of Mark Noble in the starting line up came as a shock to most West Ham fans. Now hindsight is a wonderful, but eventually an ineffective influence on the final outcome of the 1-0 defeat against Man U, but on reflection David Moyes would admit, at least privately, that  starting with 'Nobes' was  probably the wrong decision, perhaps Noble's new contract took one of the most experienced Barclays Premier League managers' eyes off the ball temporarily.

Now we at the ORG know that criticising Mark Noble is akin to stamping on a puppy, or drink driving, but without claret and blue tinted spectacles on, 'Nobes's' performance was not up to the standard that he would have expected from himself.

Unfortunately the 'perfect storm' was set in motion initially because of Jesse Lingard's unavailability, which probably reduced the team's overall energy levels by around 10%, this had been anticipated, but to lose the 'duracell bunny' that is Pablo Fornals, just before the journey up North, was devastating.

Without Fornals, the team looked 'leggy', unfortunately Mark Noble was the prime example of which, and despite his undoubted efforts, he was 'caught short' on more occasions than he would like to remember. The combined loss of Linhgard and Fornals did actually illustrate, yet again, just how far Hammers are punching above their weight given the paucity of squad options available to David Moyes, bare bones? We're taking bread and water here! - Ed

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Live Manchester v West Ham Line Ups

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 14/03/2021 - 18:18

Manchester: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Greenwood, Fernandes, James, Rashford Subs: Grant (GK), Bishop (GK), Bailly, Alex Telles, Williams, Tuanzebe, Matic, Diallo, Shoretire
West Ham: Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell, Johnson, Rice, Soucek, Noble (c), Bowen, Antonio Subs: Martin (GK), Trott (GK), Balbuena, Alvez, Coventry, Lanzini, Benrahma, Odubeko

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Moyes's Bubbles Conundrum

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 13/03/2021 - 12:26

Many Hammers fans have been questioning the 'wisdom' of allowing home grown talent Oladapo Afolayan's potential move to Bolton Wanderers on loan with an option to acquire the player on a free transfer at the beginning of next season. David Moyes alluded to the issue in his most recent comments regarding Hammers strikers, or the lack of them to be more precise. His own frustration with Odubeko’s situation, which is complicated by Covid bubble arrangements, is obvious.

“Do we sit young players on the bench and not give them game time? That’s where we’re at with how the fixtures are working out, the other real problem is the minute we put them out of the bubble we can’t put them back in. Our reserves play Liverpool (today) and we can’t then bring them back into the bubble. It’s a difficult situation for quite a lot of clubs. It’s not to do with not having enough players, I’d always like to give the young players a chance. But if I put them on the bench the reserves have no players and the players miss out on game time. “We’ve got Mipo on the bench because we need him, but he could do with game time.”

Deprived of the services of Jesse Lingard, who is on loan from his 'bad parent' club, for the game against Manchester United Moyes needs to have additional fire power up front, Afolayan's controversial appearance against Manchester United in the FA Cup is still fresh in many observer's minds as a result of him being brought on as a substitute, only to suffer the ignominy of then being subbed himself!

Moyes has had to 'juggle' things to such an extent that he could be a circus entertainer in another universe! Some might say he is in one of the biggest circuses on earth already! Man U tomorrow, followed by Le 'Arse' next week are two more season defining fixtures.

We at the Org have almost over used the 'seminal game' tag, but that is what all the remaining games of the season are, each one connects to the bigger picture, and ironically Hammers fate might well be decided by the results of other teams in addition to how many games David Moyes's men go on to win. Leicester, United, Chelsea and Everton all play each other as well as the Irons in the next few games, as a result the Barclays Premier League table could take on a whole new look, that is with the exception of top spot, which despite their recent 'blip' against Manchester's other team, is nailed on for City.

All the West Ham players can do is to try and get the best points return available, and to that purpose winning is at such a premium, that losing and winning can result in a better points ratio than just drawing game after game, despite the Kudos of keeping an opponent at bay. The next few games will see if Hammers fans can hear "wound my heart with a monotonous languor" and know it is a summons to the greatness of future achievements - Ed

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Hammers Czech Mates

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 13/03/2021 - 11:00


In order to undermine the implications of Hammers remarkable form this season, certain sections of the media have chosen to infer West Ham United would be nowhere had it not been for the 'imports' of Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from Slavia Prague.

Having already established a good working relationship with Slavia, the Irons negotiating team have the luxury of having 'first dibs' at the seemingly endless supply of talent emerging from the Czech Republic side. David Moyes has already run the rule of several additional Slavia players including Abdallah Sima, who is at the top of the list after a remarkable season of goal scoring that has seen him hit the back of the net 19 times in all competitions from the wing.

Slavia’s goalkeeper, Ondrej Kolar, is also come onto the Hammers’ radar. Lukasz Fabianski has only signed a one-year contract extension and boss David Moyes will be keenly watching the goalkeeper market in the summer as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Striker Jan Kuchta has also been linked and he could become a target, the 24 year old has been in superb form this season, with 13 goals from 25 appearances in all competitions. He has also provided seven assists and helped Slavia Prague to the top of the Czech First League

The continuing success of Vlad Coufal and Tomas Soucek means the Irons are remarkably close with the club which will greatly aid their negotiating position.- Ed

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Winning Ugly Can Take Hammers to Europe

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 10/03/2021 - 23:02

West Ham secured another valuable win over Leeds United, but you might have been forgiven in thinking they had lost considering the reaction of manager David Moyes and his players. The Irons managed to produce a dogged performance to grind out a 2-0 win over Marcelo Bielsa’s men, and it’s that type of display that could see West Ham secure European football for next term.
Moyes Sets the Standards

While West Ham have been commended for plenty of their performances this season, the Hammers struggled to find their flow against the Whites at the London Stadium. West Ham, who are 11/4 in the football betting with bet365 to finish in the top four, relied on a goal from a penalty rebound and another from a corner.
The hosts did create other opportunities on the night, with the Leeds’ crossbar and post both rattled during the encounter. But there were few occasions when West Ham enjoyed spells of possession and moved the opposition around the field, as they have done through the season.

The tone of the performance was highlighted by all three men who took part in post-match interviews. Manager David Moyes admitted his side were not at their best, and paid credit to Leeds for the manner of their performance. Skipper Declan Rice gave tremendous insight into the display, and admitted there was work to be done. Meanwhile, goalscorer Jesse Lingard also stated his side would need to improve if they were to achieve their dream of a top-four finish.

This all should be music to supporters’ ears, and just shows the standards Moyes has put in place at the club this season. While wins are what counts in this results-based business, the Scottish tactician is also demanding strong performances.
Winning Ugly Can See Hammers Home

No side is capable of impressive performances every week in the Premier League, as even frontrunners Manchester City will testify to after their defeat to rivals Manchester United. The key for West Ham is to keep the points ticking over as they enter
the business end of the season.

Hammers only had 35% possession against Leeds in their encounter in the early stages of March, but they did earn three more shots on target than their West Yorkshire opponents. Moyes has made West Ham much more efficient with how they play
when they do have the ball this season, and it has been a key reason why they are challenging for Europe.

West Ham have a fairly favourable run in at the end of the season, with Moyes’ men taking on the likes of Brighton, West Brom and Southampton in their last three Premier League games. Hammers seem to be a match for any side in the top flight this term, and even if they have to win ugly, grinding out a few more wins in the coming weeks could be the key to securing European football for next season. - Ed

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Moyes The 'Axe' Man!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 10/03/2021 - 13:32

Irrespective of what position West Ham United finally occupy in the Barclays Premier League, the need for an extensive re-build is acute, David Moyes began that process by ditching 'luxury players' like Felipe Anderson, who was sent on loan to Porto, and selling Sebastien Haller at a huge loss to Ajax.

The fiscal act of 'removing' the 'dead wood' from the squad is expensive, but the toxicity of the under performing players has been removed as well! Consequently David Moyes has a team that doesn't have, and will not tolerate, Prima Donnas in any way shape or form.

Having wielded the axe on Anderson and Haller, in addition to getting rid of Ajeti, Hugil and more controversially Grady Diangana, the manager will begin the next phase of the Moyes 2:0 development by moving on one or two high earners from the squad.

The obvious candidate for departure is Andriy Yarmolenko, hope of receiving ANY transfer fee for the Ukraine international has long been abandoned as he has entered in to the final year of his eye watering £115,000 per week contract! It is highly unlikely, especially in the current financial climate, that such a massive wage commitment will be made by the Irons, IRRESPECTIVE of who that player is.

Apart form continuing to 'trim' the wage bill, Moyes 2:0 needs to oversee the 'eventual' acquisition of replacements for the Og, AKA Angello Ogbonna, Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell and Big Mich Antonio. All these players have been fine servants for the club, but they are nearing their 'sell by' date, failing to have replacements lined up that are of equal ability will threaten to de-rail the progress the club has made under Moyes's management during his 2nd spell at the club.

There are rumours Moyes might have a £45 Million budget, but we would suggest holding your breath for that occurrence might end up requiring a visit to A&E, it is to be hoped however, that the club's hierarchy do their best to back David Moyes, he is the exact polar opposite of his predecessor Manuel Pellegri when it comes to spending money.

All the 'positive' attention the club is now receiving shouldn't serve as a distraction when it comes to future recruitment planning, that is essential if the club is ever to have a chance of reaching that legendary 'next level'. - Ed

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Noble Has New Deal But At Massive Wage Reduction

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 09/03/2021 - 19:06

West Ham United's 'award' of a new 12 month contract for Mark Noble, has been seen by many fans as sentimental and not good business sense for a player who has notched up over half a thousand games for the club! Perhaps it is the previous regime's dreadful treatment of 'Sir' Bobby Moore that prompted the club to extend 'Nobes's' contract, but is more likely the fact that Mark Noble is West Ham through and through, to see him running out wearing another team's colours is almost unimaginable, and the player himself has no desire to go down that route.

Not a departure then, more a gradual easing in to a non playing role with the club, rather than a complete severing of ties. Having been the 'great donators' when it comes to over paying over the hill or perpetually injured players and their agents a king's ransom on a regular basis. The Hammers hierarchy would probably have renewed 'Marky's' £50,000 per week contract without too much difficulty, after all he IS the current captain, isn't he?

Well, much like when Kevin Nolan was captain under Big Sam, but Nobes became the true captain, Declan Rice has taken being captain on and off the pitch to the 'next level', and is destined to be the captain of England, honourably following in Bobby Moore's footsteps. Therefore 'Captain Mark' is going to be among the team on a regular basis, but will be used sparingly in Cup games and as a sub to shore things up in the closing stages of matches, and as such he doesn't warrant being paid any where near as much as his original wage.

We have been told, from a incredibly reliable source exactly how much of a reduction in salary Noble has agreed to, suffice to say, it is common knowledge that he has invested wisely during his career, and has a 'substantial' property portfolio that should see him and his family very comfortably off through the rest of their lives, and fair play to him.

So we would say to all the kill joys who are suggesting the club is 'throwing it's money away', check your facts first, and then comment! - Ed

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Moyes Marauders

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 09/03/2021 - 10:51

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How gratifying it is to see the Media grudgingly acknowledge the superb job David Moyes and his back room staff are doing with his 'Moyes Marauders', how ever the season ends, West Ham have upset the traditional Premier League apple cart, incidentally Apples are good accompanying fayre for generous portions of 'Umble Pie!

Watford Ruing Dawson Decision

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 09/03/2021 - 09:05


Championship top three team, Watford, are mounting a serious challenge for automatic promotion straight back to the Barclays Premier League, and to that purpose they will utilise the services of Domingos Quina and Jeremy Ngakia, both youth players 'filched' by the Hornets from West Ham United.

Ngakia and Quina have a combined value of £4.5 Million according to Transfer market, and are undoubtedly good signings for the Hertfordshire club, however the various Watford managers, and let's face it they have had a few, desire to freshen up their respective squads meant that there was no need for an 'old cart horse' like Craig 'Les' Dawson.

'Les' arrived at Watford from West Brom on the 1st of July 2019 for a fee of £5.4 Million, signing a four-year contract. He scored his first goal for the club on 20 June 2020, An overhead kick against Leicester City. Dawson made 29 appearances for Watford in the 2019–20 season as they were relegated to the Championship. At the start of the 2020–21 season, and with the appointment of new manager, Vladimir Ivić, his selection for the team became less likely following the signings of Francisco Sierralta and William Troost-Ekong.

Surplus to requirements at Vicarage Road, Dawson was surprisingly signed on loan by David Moyes as an 'alternative' to the outrageously over priced James Tarkowski from Burnley, it is fair to say that 'Les's' arrival was greeted with a chorus of disapproval, after all he had earned the nick name of 'the relegator' due to the fact that first the Baggies, and then the Hornets were both relegated 'on his watch'.

The terms of the loan deal gave Hammers the option to make the deal permanent after a certain amount of games, and at the BARGAIN price of £2.5 Million! The powers that be at Watford must be kicking themselves for their decision, how much is 'Les' worth now?

It should be remembered that Dawson averaged a goal every eight games throughout his senior career, he has continued in a rich vein of form by scoring FOUR goals already while playing for the Irons, the 6'2" defender is part of 'the Moyes assault team' when it comes to set pieces, his contribution has helped West Ham become the most feared opponents from set plays for the opposition in the entire Barclays Premier League!

David Moyes had this to say regarding making 'Les's" move permanent. "I think there's a good chance but we're not quite there yet," he said. "There is a clause there [by which we can purchase him] after a certain amount of games and we're getting very close to that number. His performances, his attitude and determination are certainly worthy of that anyway. We brought him in and it took him until the Southampton game before he got starts but that was because oif the form of Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna. He's come in and he's added goals to us as well. His experience has been really important and he's playing really well this season at the moment."

Dawson is no spring chicken at 30 years old, but he has at least a couple of good years in him, and at the fee he is available for, his acquisition is a 'no brainer'. It might sound a bit 'yeah man', but there is a certain amount of Karma involved here, Watford nick a couple of Hammers potential starlets, and the Irons got an old warrior hell bent on showing how 'an old dog' can learn new tricks. - Ed

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