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What Is It With Bent And West Ham?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 13/04/2020 - 12:28

Many moons ago, West Ham United attempted to sign Darren Bent from Charlton, the player eventually decided to go to arch rivals Tottenham instead, despite agreeing a deal in principal to join the Irons. So there was a bit of 'bad blood' there, especially from Hammers fans who thought Bent's agent had just used the club as a 'springboard' to get his client a better deal, "no harm in that" you may say, and you would be correct, so why on earth has Darren Bent, now he can no longer play, insist on putting the knife in to West Ham at every opportunity?

His latest tirade about Hammers wanting to cut their losses by selling Felipe Anderson are pure conjecture, some might say "the vacuous ramblings of a bitter human being", others might be less charitable than that, either way he seems hell bent (excuse the pun) on causing as much damage and fabricating as much negativity as he can regarding the Irons. It is not just the Anderson story that he has 'revealed', if you cast an eye on archived articles about West Ham you will notice the disproportionate amount of negative articles he has written about the club ever since he became a 'pundit', and we use that word in the losest possible way.

Bent's own career hardly took off after joining the 'Levy boys', although he did he manage to score 18 goals in 60 appearances during his two year tenure at White Hart Lane, still only 36 years old, he casts his eyes enviously at players who are around his age who are earning the sort of money he can only dream of now, perhaps that is why his comments contain so much vitriol? He only announced his retirement from playing on the 25th of July 2019, but spent his last three years in the lower divisions finishing up at Derby County where he was loaned out to Burton Albion.

A non drinking Christain, he obviously feels his devout nature gives him a 'god given' right to pass judgment on lesser mortals, we would suggest he takes a long hard look at himself in the mirror, not the nasty tabloid he writes for, but the large one in his house that he must stare at every day, today being even more special because it is the day he is supposed to have resurrected himself! - Ed Jnr

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happy easter every one

Submitted by elthammer on Sun, 12/04/2020 - 19:18

Forums:

WANT TO HAVE A LAUGH....READ ON

12 of the finest (unintentional) double-entendres ever aired on TV and Radio

1. Ted Walsh - Horse Racing Commentator –
'This is really a lovely horse. I once rode her mother.'

2. New Zealand Rugby Commentator –
'Andrew Mehrtens loves it when Daryl Gibson comes inside of him.'

3. Pat Glenn, weightlifting commentator –
'And this is Gregoriava from Bulgaria .. I saw her snatch this morning and it was amazing!'

4. Harry Carpenter at the Oxford-Cambridge boat race 1977 –
'Ah, isn't that nice.. The wife of the Cambridge President is kissing the Cox of the Oxford crew..'

5. US PGA Commentator –
'One of the reasons Arnie (Arnold Palmer) is playing so well is that, before each tee shot, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them ........
Oh my god !! What have I just said??'

6. Carenza Lewis about finding food in the Middle Ages on 'Time Team Live' said:
'You'd eat beaver if you could get it.'

7. A female news anchor who, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked,
'So Bob, where's that eight inches you promised me last night?'
Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too, because they were laughing so hard!

8. Steve Ryder covering the US Masters:
'Ballesteros felt much better today after a 69 yesterday.'

9. Clair Frisby talking about a jumbo hot dog on Look North said:
'There's nothing like a big hot sausage inside you on a cold night like this. '

10 Mike Hallett discussing missed snooker shots on Sky Sports:
'Stephen Hendry jumps on Steve Davis's misses every chance he gets.'

11. Michael Buerk on watching Philippa Forrester cuddle up to a male astronomer for warmth during BBC1's UK eclipse coverage remarked:
'They seem cold out there, they're rubbing each other and he's only come in his shorts.'

12. Ken Brown commentating on golfer Nick Faldo and his caddie Fanny Sunneson lining-up shots at the Scottish Open:
'Some weeks Nick likes to use Fanny, other weeks he prefers to do it by himself.'

12 April 1941 – 24 February 1993 LEGEND

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 12/04/2020 - 12:04


On the 24th of February 1993 Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore left this earth, far too early for a man who enriched and inspired so many, the word legend is used to excess when describing entertainers or performers, but a legend Bobby Moore certainly was. The first 'pop star' footballer, Moore and his first wife Tina were eye candy for all sorts of companies from Watneys to Walls!

As a club West Ham United have done their best to 'compensate' for how badly Mooore was treated in the latter stages of his life, a life that was dreadfully cut short by bowel cancer, few could contemplate how such an adonis could perish at the tender age of 52 years old, but he did. With the benefit of hindsight, Moore was 'entitled' to far better treatment and respect not only from the Irons but form the FA and the England set up, no other country in the World would have treated their star player and legend in such a disrespectful manner, and yet he bore the mistreatment with the same stoicism as he did in his battle against cancer.

Those of us who were privileged to have seen Booby in his prime will never forget his presence both for West Ham and England as he strode on to the pitch, he seemed two foot taller than the opposition and played that way as well. Most modern day football legends, with a few notable exceptions, are more like leg-ends with their ostentatious life styles.

Bobby Moore was, and still is, a legend in every aspect of the word, the epitome of all that can be good in sport and life itself. Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore R.I.P 12th of April 1941 – 24th of February 1993

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Napoli Want Anderson But Can't Pay!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 11/04/2020 - 13:17

When he arrived at West Ham United, Felipe Anderson was the club's most expensive signing, his record fee was eclipsed later on by the arrival of Sebastian Haller but the initial £36 Million price was still substantial. Anderson went on to prove his worth during his first year at the club under the guidance of ex-manager Manuel Pellegrini, he scored freely and was able to produce assists regularly, unfortunately this season his performances have been far more sporadic, not aided by the change of management nor by the nasty back injury he picked up against Sheffield United.

A player of Anderson's quality doesn't suddenly become bad, in fact his performances have earned him a recall to the Brazilian national team, but the change of management did impact on his contribution with David Moyes seemingly unable to utilise the attacking midfielder's qualities, however that situation seemed to be altering of late with Moyes beginning to recognise what Anderson brings to the table. Indeed the Brazilian is one of West Ham's most valuable assets and could walk in to most teams in the Barclays Premier League as well as those in Europe.

So news that Napoli, among others, are interested in acquiring Anderson's services should come as no surprise, but it is one thing to covet another team's player, and another thing to actually be able to afford said player! Now Napoli are NOT cash rich, so any move they made for Anderson would come at the expense of 'sacrificing' one of their top players, and realistically that 'ain't gonna happen'. Felipe has another two years left on his contract with an option for the club to extend by another year, there was a 'gentlemen's ' agreement in place whereby Anderson could be released for a fee of £60 Million if Barcelona or the like came calling.

It is inconceivable that Napoli or any other team are willing to invest so heavily at this moment in time, of course for individuals in life there are always opportunities like this offer to boost your income, and after all most people are happy to explore something to make them happy. If the Hammers' hierarchy haven't chosen a path forward for their stars then they would be foolish in the extreme, better to 'bounce' Jack Wilshere and use his obscene salary to bring in two or three new players, there is also the resurgent academy which is finally producing the conveyor belt of talent that used to be the mainstay of the club both financially and spiritually.

West Ham are spoiled for choice when it comes to attacking midfield players with the likes of Robert Snodgrass, 'Big Mick Antonio' and the emerging talent that is Grady Diangana. Then there is of course Manuel Lanzini the little jewel, if anyone needs to be sold for big money then he is the ideal candidate, plenty of time left on his contract and he is a player who realistically could be sold for decent money, without leaving a gaping hole in the ranks.

David Moyes may be correct in wanting to 'freshen up' his squad, but not at the expense of losing one of the club's most influential players. - Ed

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Noble Gesture As You Would Expect

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 11/04/2020 - 12:30

"As players we have been in constant dialogue with the club since the situation around Covid-19 emerged and I am proud that our entire squad have made clear their strong desire to play our part in helping to support others through this situation."-
West Ham have become the second Premier League club to announce their players will defer part of their wages because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It follows a similar move from Southampton on Thursday.
Manager David Moyes, vice-chairman Karren Brady and finance director Andy Mollett will take a 30% pay cut.
Joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and shareholders are putting £30m into the club.
West Ham say the payments will help retain jobs and allow them to pay 100% of non-playing staff salaries.
Premier League clubs previously said they would ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs.
However, the Professional Footballers' Association said that would hit tax contributions to the NHS.
Earlier this week, Premier League players launched the #PlayersTogether scheme to generate and distribute funds to the NHS.
In a statement, Brady said: “I would like to say a big thank you to David Moyes and his backroom team, our captain Mark Noble and our fantastic squad of players for the commitment and determination they have shown to offer their help and support.
‘’I would also like to thank the shareholders whose support through this injection of equity once again demonstrates their commitment to the future of the club.
“The joint-chairmen and I are truly proud of how they and everyone at the club has stepped up to play their part in this situation – we are in it together to support one another, our community and our club. That is the spirit of the West Ham United family.
“There is still a long and difficult road ahead but we remain committed to doing everything we can to support those most in need, and together we will come through it stronger.”
Noble added: "As players we have been in constant dialogue with the club since the situation around Covid-19 emerged and I am proud that our entire squad have made clear their strong desire to play our part in helping to support others through this situation."

West Ham players have agreed to defer part of their wages during the coronavirus suspension, with David Sullivan, David Gold and fellow shareholders agreeing to inject £30million into the club.
After Southampton struck a deal with their players on Thursday, the east London club have announced an agreement over wages to help deal with the impact of Covid-19.
West Ham's first-team squad are deferring a percentage of their salaries, while manager David Moyes, vice-chairman Karren Brady and finance director Andy Mollett are taking a 30 per cent cut.
Sullivan, Gold and fellow shareholders have agreed to inject £30m cash to help ensure stability, with the joint-chairmen, who continue not to take a salary, deferring interest payments on shareholder loans.
In a statement, West Ham said: “The savings created by the measures above will support the entire infrastructure of the club and enable us to retain jobs and continue to pay 100 per cent of staff salaries.
“It will also help us to continue to support the most vulnerable in our community.
“Through our award-winning Foundation, and the Players' Project we have delivered, West Ham United has pledged £28m and saved the NHS £1.4m in the 150-Club diabetes programme alone – and these vital life-saving programmes need to continue.”
Link: https://goldenpromocode.com/
Anchor: this offer

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You Gotze Be Kidding!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 10/04/2020 - 11:54

Mario Gotze has told German newspaper SportBild that he will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer at the end of his contract as he seeks a fresh challenge, "preferably in the Barclays Premier League", he has been tipped to join either Everton or West Ham United. Dortmund’s striker has only managed to play nineteen games this season, scoring three goals in the process. His fall from grace has been as spectacular as his rise, after all he scored the winner in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina and was destined for great things with Dortmund.

German international Gotze has played 63 times for his country, but his career has been plagued with injury, suffering upper leg and pelvis injuries on a regular basis. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a metabolism disorder, rumoured to be the cause of the injuries,
Gotze struggled during his time at Bayern Munich and following his return to Dortmund, he has been on the periphery.

Gotze told Bild that he will now leave Dortmund, and has changed agents. “After intensive considerations, I decided to make a change in the sporting planning of my career. I deliberately took the necessary time for this step because it is an important step for me to set the course for the future, I am very much looking forward to working with Reza Fazeli and his agency International Soccer Management, whose professional competence has convinced me.”

The postponement of Euro 2020 has given Gotze more time to try and regain his fitness, but as with other injury prone players, signing him would be like buying a ticket from the Michigan Lottery offer and expecting to win the top prize, it might happen, but it is highly unlikely! Similarly players like Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere, well known to the Hammers medical team, always tried their best to get fit but failed miserably, so it would take an extraordinary act of faith to sign yet another player with great potential yet with a very poor injury record.

Gotze is still only 27 years old but seems to have been around for ever, he will probably be seen as one of the best free agents available in European football, so why have his current club allowed his contract to run down? We often use motoring analogies at the Org, and Gotze is like one of those beautiful motors you see on a forecourt or on line that is just screaming out to be purchased, your heart says buy, but your head says 'look at the maintenance bills' that this car has incurred, they are only going to get bigger!

Such is the case with Gotze, undoubtedly a good player, but one to avoid, especially as West Ham still need to 'unload' Jack Wilshere, the club hopefully learning from their combined Wilshere and Carroll 'false economies'. Gotze, thanks but no thanks, Everton have got plenty of cash, let them burn their money up on a player's potential, rather than their reality. - Ed

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Messi Tells Lanzini Come To Barca

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 09/04/2020 - 11:12


To say that Manuel Lanzini, the little jewel' is a shadow of the player who went off to a pre tournament training camp hopeful of representing his country, Argentina. Mentored by none other than Lionel Messi, great things were expected of 'Manu' Lanzini, and indeed initially it seemed he would fulfill his lifetime's dream of playing alongside his hero in the World Cup.

Alas it was not to be, Argentina were high in the rankings for success on Draftkings sportsbook guide and the like, but Lanzini received a grade one cruciate ligament injury which back in the day would have been career ending, fortunately he began his initial recuperation with a specialist Doctor in Barcelona under the express wish of Messi, a move that was sanctioned by West Ham at the time, the club correctly believing that Barcelona based Doctor specialised in 're-growth' organisms to aid recovery. However, despite the best medical care the initial prognosis was not good and there were genuine fears that Manuel Lanzini might never play professional football again!

Of course Lanzini did recover, although it took the best part of a year to do so, it should be remembered that the Hammers' manager at the time, Manuel Pellegrini, had originally intended to build the entire team around 'the little jewel' ahead of his injury and was therefor keen to reintegrate the midfielder in to the team as soon as possible. So keen in fact that Lanzini was rushed back far too early and consequently suffered a string of niggling' injuries on his return, even when Pellegrini was replaced by David Moyes there was still a genuine desire to play Lanzini in order that he could return to be the stunning player he once was.

Sadly, despite being given plenty of game time, much to the chagrin of supporters who witnessed his performances, Lanzini looks like a completely different player. Lanzini's confidence is shot, and all the tricks, flicks and impressive dead ball skills he once had have escaped his locker, the power and pace of the Barclays Premier League will always 'find out' players who are not fully on their game, and it is painfully obvious watching Lanzini that he is terrified of getting hurt again.

So what can be done to ressurect Lanzini's career? He is on a relatively long contract, so attaining a decent price for him would be possible, in an ideal world he would join up with Messi at Barca. This situation is not beyond being a possibility in that Chelsea are in talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, the 27 year old former Liverpool player is currently on loan at Bayern Munich and does not favor a return to the Camp Nou, preferring to return to England. With this in mind there could be an opening for Lanzini, obviously Messi's influence will play a part in any deal, with a move to Barcelona being a good option for all parties.

The little Jewel would have a chance to rebuild his career in an environment that would be more suited to his talent Barca would get a very decent player and West Ham would receive vital funds to strengthen the squad in areas of weakness, particularly the right and left back positions. A move could be one of those rare events in football where everyone is a winner! - ed

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Diop To Everton-Having A Giraffe?

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 08/04/2020 - 12:18

Well it is silly season, so all sorts of reports will appear as journo's struggle to fill their columns, but the Mirror's insistence that French International Issa Diop has 'stated' that he would like to leave West Ham United is just a story too far. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the French language will have noticed that Diop's interview, conducted in french, was given to L'Equipe and was a lengthy one, during which the player actually said that he did not see West Ham as a stepping stone, more like a 'step up the ladder' to full scale participation with the French National team!

Someone obviously needs to either get a new translator app, or use a dictionary, they should not rely on Google translator as it is invariably inaccurate, especially with regards to the nuances of a language. After a 'tricky' start under David Moyes, Diop firmly established himself as 'numero uno' defender having learned from a few errors, it is easy to forget, because of his sheer physical presence, that 6'4" Diop is only just 23 years old and is constantly learning.

Hammers spent around £22 Million on acquiring Diop from Tolouse, since his arrival he has been 'coveted' by several Barclays Premier League managers including Tottenham supremo Jose Mourinho, who while he was managing Manchester United described Diop as a beast and commended 'who ever' found him. Neither Tottenham nor Manchester United are positioned to make an offer that could 'blow' the deal out of the water, in fact there is a William Hill bonus offer that is offering intersting odds on how these 'busted flush' clubs will progress.

Everton are apparently the latest suitors for Diop's services, Carlo Ancelotti being an admirer of the defender since his time at Napoli, and as everyone knows Everton are 'minted', if you will excuse the pun. I would take an absolutely enormous bid for David Moyes to part with Issa Diop, West Ham would expect to triple their outlay and not countenance bids of less than £60 Million, and even at that price he may be undervalued!

It is not that often that West Ham have a highly sought after young player, in their prime, on a long contract, and although there might be tempting offers on the table, parting company with such a prodigious talent would be a folly of the highest order. It can take years to make a team, it can take moments to break one!

Diop is part of the club's future, and fits David Moyes' template perfectly, young fit and hungry. - Ed

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Sancho Panza!

Submitted by Akira Andersson on Tue, 07/04/2020 - 12:39

Sancho Panza is a fictional character in the novel Don Quixote written by Spanish author Don Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in 1605, so while on the subject of fiction it seems appropriate to mention that, according to 'media' sources, West Ham United have been in contact with Alexis Sánchez’s agent Fernando Felicevich as they consider a potential move this summer.

Sánchez is currently on loan with Italian side Inter Milan, having been loaned out by Manchester United last summer, he has struggled in Italy, though, with injuries limiting him to just 15 appearances in all competitions and just one goal and three assists to date. According to FC Inter News, they are not keen on keeping him in any capacity beyond this summer, mostly because of his disappointing performances but also because his €12 Million a year wages are ‘unthinkable’ for Antonio Conte’s side.

It is not Sanchez's fault that he was handed such a ludicrous deal by Manchester United to 'prise' him away from Arsenal, however any person with more than a couple of brain cells could see the folly of the transfer. Ironically, the make weight in the deal, Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who moved in the opposite direction, proved to be a much better bit of business for Arsenal, serving them well during his continued tenure with the club.

Would David Moyes be willing to sign Sanchez? Yes is the answer, however before you choke on your cuppa, the caveat would be that West Ham would only be prepared to pay a similar percentage of Sanchez's wages as Sporting Kansas City in the MLS are currently paying of Winston Reid's, ie: 15%. That still represents around £75,000 per week, but at that price it might be worth a punt.

Why would Manchester United sanction loaning Sanchez to the Irons, particularly at such a low cost? Quite simply he is a dead weight, no one in their right mind would pay him the wages he is on at Old Trafford, so unless they are going to play him in the first team in order to put him in the shop window, the only other option is to loan him out domestically is to a team not considered as rivals, hence the 'supposed' interest from West Ham.

If Manuel Pellegrini was still in charge then the Sanchez deal could have had legs on it due to the Chilean connection, but it is highly unlikely the current board would even give more than a cursory glance in his direction, but then again, stranger things have happened in the past. - Ed Jnr

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