You are here

Home

Forum | Non-Football Related

  • Continuous Countdown To Heaven-Additons To Be Confirmed

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 17:25

    Here we go, Jim 'Brown Nose' White will have his yellow tie and pink shirt on later as he takes his traditional role up as Sky and Talksport's Anchor man. Hammers have been busy, who else will join Alphonse Areola, Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic?

    We will try to bring you up to date as the window's closure draws near.....1st up, Hammers have just officially confirmed the signing of Nikola Vlasic on a FIVE year deal from CSK Moscow, the fee is vague, but is around £25 Million. Alex Krul is the next 'target' story that has some 'legs' to it and there is a possibility ofn a late striker swoop.

    David Moyes has sanctiioned the loan deals for Conor Coventry and interestingly Mipo Odubeko. Midfielder Coventry has been allowed to leave because of Krull's impending arrival, so does David Moyes have another striker signing up his sleeve? Odubeko has been in the first team squad several times but has been sent out on loan to Huddersfield to further his career, he has just signed a new deal with West Ham sand is seen as one for the future, but what about the now?

    It may seem churlish to want more players in addition to so many good acquisitions, but that is the nature of fans, although the vast majority of them will inwardly be overjoyed with the club's 'late late' transfer show. If Moyes can 'magic up' a striker, with Jonathan Bamba being mentioned, during the remaining hours of the window, then he really will be the Moyesiah! - Ed

    Share

  • Diop To Palace? What A Giraffe!

    Submitted by Louis Nixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 11:42

    When we use the term giraffe in association with Hammers centre back Issa Diop, it is generally a jovial reference to his height and his gait, but we have used it in this article's headline because there are rumours, which first surfaced a couple of weeks ago, that Crystal Palace want to sign Diop, ON LOAN!

    There are cheeky bids and there are cheeky bids, Palace's falls into the incredibly cheeky bracket, why on earth would David Moyes want to leave himself with just three centre backs to get through an entire campaign that sees the club competing in FOUR competitions?

    Diop is young and with the right encouragement can rediscover the form he showed when he first arrived at the club from Toulouse, Hammers involvement in Europe will surely present the Frenchman with additional playing time, there is also the French connection' that he will have with Kurt Zouma.

    Any feelings of warmth David Moyes might have felt towards his London neighbours with regards to transfers will have been doused by Palace taking two points off the Irons last weekend, however even before then it was highly unlikely that he would allow Diop to go out on loan to ANY club in the Barclays Premier League. Palace do have a habit of signing Hammers players, James Tomkins and Cheik Kayoute are both in their matchday squads, these popular fans favourites are still missed by many.

    Now is the time for the club to complete it's strengthening in depth ahead of what will be a gruelling season, NOT a time to be releasing players, especially ones with the potential of Issa Diop. - LN

    Share

  • 'Vaseline' Deal Done-1st Aid Nearly Complete!

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 10:24

    West Ham have announced the signing of Nikola Vlašić, The Croatia international joins from Russian club CSKA Moscow on a five year contract. The deal is reportedly worth £25.72 Million with another £7.7 Million in potential add-ons.

    The vastly experienced Vlašić, despite being just 23 years of age, has already played more than 250 senior matches and has also established himself at international level having made 26 appearences for Croatia and played his part for his country at Euro 2020.

    WHUFC.COM Have confirmed that Vlasic was 'extensively scouted' throughout the summer transfer window and was their main midfield attacking target in addition to the club's interest in Jesse Lingard. Vlasic is described as a 'creative attacker', although it isn't confirmed where Vlasic will play for David Moyes.

    In Russia Vlasic has shown his versatility by playing across the forward line, he's played on the right wing while also being deployed in midfield, a position he has successfully played for his country, although Vlasic often starts on the wing for Croatia.

    The arrival of Vlasic takes Hammers spending for the summer to over £50 Million following the signing Kurt Zouma at the weekend. They join Craig Dawson signed on a permanent basis from Watford earlier in the window and Alphonse Areole who joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

    IF Moyes can acquire a back up striker, an additional midfield enforcer and a left back, then only a fool would say this transfer window has been anything less than truly spectacular, and even if there are no more signings it has still been good, especially bearing in mind that failing a last minute 'wonder bid', that West Ham have been able to retain their best players, unlike several other Barclays Premier League teams! -

    Embedded video


    Embedded video

    Share

  • Tagliafaco

    Submitted by Enfieldhammer on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 18:59

    Forums:

    Seems we have now agreed a 4 year contract with Ajax and Argentina left back Tagliafaco. At present he os on International duty but all formalities agreed?
    Just need that striker and i will be eating a large slice of humble pie.

  • Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes Afoot At L(D)S

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 11:53

    Armed with his reinforcements acquired during this long and protracted summer transfer window, Hammers boss David Moyes is likely to make one or two 'adjustments' to his team that is currently 2nd in the Barclays Premier League. Bearing in mind where the club sits in the League it might seem churlish to suggest the need for changes, but one or two cracks, or maybe fisions to be more accurate, have begun to appear in the team's defence. A failing that Moyes has already moved to address as he attempts to take his team to the 'next' level.

    Although Moyes's team are the 2nd highest scorers in the Premier League, it is the defence that is leaking the goals that could prove costly towards the end of the campaign. The game against Palace brought issues sharply into focus, the 2 points dropped due to defensive errors, well at least for one of the goals conceded, could make the difference between success and failure, such are the fine margins for 'elite' clubs.

    Fans used to season after season of broken promises and dashed hopes are finding it hard to adjust to the team's top six status, looking at the top of the table instead of the bottom takes a lot of getting used to! The trajectory of the team is truly outstanding and looks to continue, despite the odd hiccup. Maintaining that progress means there can be little room for sentiment, which equates to Craig Dawson and Lukasz Fabianski being taken out of the firing line for the Premier League, but featuring in the THREE other competitions the club are involved in.

    Dawson's lack of pace has been cruelly exposed this season, other teams have worked out how to exploit Les's weaknesses since the last, and Lukasz has never been quite the same since his thigh injury, his kicking looks suspect as it seems he is fearful of aggravating his previous injury.

    Areola and Zouma represent a step up, that is not to say that everything in the garden will be Rosy straight away, they may make errors, but what is the point in buying new players if you don't use them?

    That said, Moyes is renowned for taking his time over things, so don't expect wholesale ch ch ch ch changes straight away, but they are coming! - Ed

    Share

  • Moyes's Dig At Pitch Justified-MORE PLAYERS IN?

    Submitted by Louis Nixon on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 09:38

    At Org HQ during the next day post match where the game against Palace was 'investigated' using a full recording of the game, it became very apparent that David Moyes's comments about the poor quality of the pitch at the London 'Dome' were totally justified.

    Analysing the game confirmed what we had already thought, the way the ball was held up during the early exchanges indicated the pitch had been heavily watered ahead of the game, so heavily that the ball was not travelling as far as was expected. This less than perfect scenario intensified as the 'drenched' surface dried out to leave a 'tennis court' of a pitch that saw the ball bouncing ridiculously high, far more than had been anticipated.

    Moyes alluded to the fact during his post match 'presser', he was not looking for excuses as it was clear to see the team had not performed to the level of the preceding game against 'fancied' opposition Leicester City! The atmosphere was flat, unlike the surface, despite the best efforts of fans packed into the 'Bowl'.

    Being top of the Barclays Premier League requires hard work and a lot of luck, the latter eluding Hammers on Saturday, although 2nd place after 3 games isn't to be sniffed at, annoyingly the 1-0 specialists from North London have the accolade of leading the League after match day 3.

    The fact that the quality of the pitch in Stratford is a major talking point, as opposed to the club's lack of signings during the closing stages of the transfer window, perhaps goes to show just how far the team has progressed during David Moyes's '2nd coming', the successes he has overseen have earned him the nickname 'Moyesiah', a handle that few would have thought he would have been anointed with when he returned to the club following the ill fated Pellegrini campaign.

    With less than 48 Hrs to go before the window 'slams shut', (does anyone slam their windows shut at home?) Hammers are far better placed than they were last week to take on the increased demands of the new season given the clubs Europa League commitments, 6 games between the 11th and 30th of September following on from player's International commitments will test the squad's endurance to the limit.

    In an ideal world Moyes would be bringing in an additional left back and an out and out striker along with possibly an additional midfielder, the reality is the signings of Zouma and Nicola Vlasic are good business and there could be the bonus of 'another couple' as Moyes succinctly mentioned, but ONLY if they are quality.

    Managers live and die by their signings, so far, with the exception of Jordan Hugill, Moyes has got his signings spot on, IF he can add a couple more then his still feather light squad at least has a battlers chance to continue the club's unlikely but very welcome renaissance.- LN

    Share

  • Just Like Waiting For A Bus-2 More To Make It 3?

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 29/08/2021 - 13:34

    Well just like waiting for the proverbial London Bus or Policemen, you desperately want one, none turns up and then suddenly one appears after the other, as if by magic. The same can be said for Hammers transfer activity, huge delays and lots of excuses followed by a sudden glut!

    Hot on the heels of 'Zouma Rumour', David Moyes has 'fast tracked the signings of at least one, or as it now seems more likely, two additional players. West Ham are close to agreeing a £25million deal to sign CSKA Moscow and Croatia attacking midfielder Nikola Vlasic according to a plethora of media outlets. Moving for Vlasic might seem to put the mockers on the club acquiring Jesse Lingard, however there is a distinct possibility David Moyes might end up signing BOTH Vlasic and Lingard.

    Not finished with this business, Moyes is 'hell bent' on getting deals over the line for a back up striker AND an additional left back, as fears for Authur Masuaku's long term fitness have surfaced and there is an obvious need for Antonio to have a back up, even if that player is relatively inexperienced.

    Fans will be loving this late flurry of activity, Not sure about Mr Sullivan though! - Ed

    Share

  • Which Of The Magnificent 7 Will Join Lingard At 'Doomstone'?

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 29/08/2021 - 09:34


    Salomon Rondon, Gaetan Laborde, Jeremie Boga, Mohamed Bayo, Alassane Plea, Rayan Cherki, and Islam Slimani make up Hammers 'magnificent seven' of striker targets. Add to that burgeoning list the likes of Sparta Prague's Adam Hlozek and you will see that David Moyes and his recruitment team, which currently includes David Sullivan are going to have their work cut out!

    Having secured one of his primary long term targets in Kurt Zouma, David Moyes has to swiftly move to ensure he doesn't miss out on his others, namely Jesse Lingard from Manchester United and one of the above named forwards. There is of course the caveat that he will not be held to ransom over terms for a new striker, preferring to go with what he has, especially if Lingard arrives as planned.

    Even with reinforcements the squad is still painfully thin, embarrassingly so when compared with Chelsea's for example, but it is what it is. There was originally a glaring need for a back up midfield player to complement veteran Mark Noble, but Manu Lanzini has been 'groomed' to play in that deep lying position, which is very intelligent use of am relatively unused asset by Moyes and his coaching staff.

    Alphonse Areola has initially been brought in as back up to Lukasz Fabianski, but will feature more and more as the season progresses, his opportunities are going to come thick and fast if Hammers September schedule is anything to go by!

    (1) Saturday 11th September Premier League Southampton 15:00 West Ham United (2) Thursday 16th September Europa League Group H Dinamo Zagreb 17:45 (3) West Ham United Sunday 19th September Premier League West Ham United 14:00 Manchester United (4) Tuesday 21st September EFL Cup Manchester United TBC To be Confirmed (5) West Ham United. Saturday 25th September Premier League Leeds United 15:00 (6) West Ham United Thursday 30th September Europa League Group H West Ham United 20:00 Rapid Vienna.

    Prior to September the 11th, at least FIVE of Hammers first team will be away on International duty, which leaves the possibility that a high profile player like Declan Rice could end up playing a staggering NINE competitive games in the space of 30 days!

    Mr Sullivan, as Beardy of PAI(n) likes to call him, needs to get his wallet out again to ensure he keeps his eye on the ball and is not distracted by the short term gain of not buying those additional players who don't seem to be urgently required AT THIS MOMENT in time. However being West Ham he must know that as soon as the window closes big mick will do his hammy and Decs will pick up a niggle while playing for England.

    IF Sullivan feels motivated enough, he could actually make a silk purse out of a transfer window's pig's ear! Fans will still hate him, but he will be hated a little less if he can get the deals over the line his manager has been patiently waiting for him to conclude. - Ed

    Share

  • 2 Points Lost-Irons Progress Thwarted

    nevillenixon's picture
    Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 28/08/2021 - 19:30

    In what was an enthralling and entertaining match to watch at the London Stadium, if you were a neutral, West Ham twice went ahead through the Duracel bunny that is Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio, unfortunately Conor Gallagher scored a brace for Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace to draw the visitors level as David Moyes winning start to the season came to an ultimately frustrating end in what was a stonking London derby.

    Everything looked plain sailing for the club to continue it's unlikely leadership of the Barclays premier league following Pablo Fornals goal in the 39th minute after playing a superb one two with Michail Antonio, but Palace who were much better after half time levelled when midfielder Gallagher, who is on a season long loan from Chelsea, found the target.

    Antonio thought he had won it when he smacked his shot past Vicente Guaita for his fourth goal of the season, however joy at scoring his 50th Premier League goal was short lived as the visitors equalised again, through Gallagher's clever turn and finish which left Craig Dawson for dust and Fabianski slightly embarrassed.

    Earlier in the game, Palace defender Joel Ward clearance off the line at 0-0 after Vladimir Coufal's free-kick almost led to an own goal. Hammers could and should have made their advantage count on several occasions

    David Moyes' boys had played with such vigour and style in the opening two games that they were expected to steam roller a fragile Crystal Palace, alas it was not to be and ultimately this felt like two points dropped against a team that had failed to score in 270 minutes under their new boss.

    It could have got even worse as Palace finished the game in the ascendancy, with Marc Guehi wasting an easy chance in stoppage time when he sent a free header over the bar. Seven points from the first three games of any campaign is a pretty decent return, and one that David Moyes would probably have been happy with ahead of the start of the season, but such is the air of expectancy that his team have generated, that fans will be very disappointed with the result.
    Perhaps it is best that the bubble burst just ahead of the transfer window closing, Hammers didn't play poorly at all, rather it was Palace who by upping their game exposed some hitherto hidden frailties. Although to be fair to David Moyes his side have scored TEN goals in 270 minutes of football and are playing a style that is pleasing on the eye.There is room for improvement and Moyes will be keen to get new signing Kurt Zouma into his back line tout de suite, as well as trying to do some late additional business before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

    We do not have an agenda against Andriy Yarmolenko, although it probably seems that way, but he is not the sort of player to have on the bench that is going to scare the opposition and strike fear into their defenders with his blistering pace. The Ukraine International is only at the club because no one that wants him can afford him, his presence illustrates the club's paucity of attacking players, let alone those of out and out strikers!

    It's not all gloom and doom though, no one appeared to have picked up any injuries and on another day Hammers could have won. Moyes has addressed the need for a centre back and for a keeper, all he needs now to at least have a fighting chance is an additional midfield player and that almost most mythical of things, a striker, which would be number FIFTY of the Twins tenure.

    Things could be worse, instead of worrying about being knocked off the top of the table, Hammers fans could be enduring the fate of their London Neighbour's Arsenal's fans and be fretting that they are bottom of the League, even below Norwich! LN

    Share

Pages

Next Fixture(s)

Subscribe to Forum | Non-Football Related