West Ham United Blog

Where West Ham can finish this season after an uncertain start?

We asked the Betting Tips experts...

West Ham United were by many considered a real treath for a top spot this season, with Slaven Bilic ready to build on the foundation he put in to place last year. Things haven’t gone so far following the plan so we have asked to the expert what we can expect moving forward.

The Hammers surprised a lot during last season and with Dmitri Payet leading the line at Upton Park (as I prefer to call it), West Ham looked to be on to something very special.

The foundation was there and everything looked bright as a day with the new stadium also underway and ready to host the Hammers from this season and onwards.

West Ham’s last season and their qualification to a play off-spot to the Europa League was also the exact start the club wanted, to make the former Olympic venue home of a team that was about to conquer Europe.

But the season started horribly wrong and the failure to proceed in to the competition seemed to hit the club and players very hard – and the form was brought on to the Premier League season as well.

Dmitri Payet struggled to find his form and Slaven Bilic openly said after seven games, and only 4 points, that he – of course – was looking in to the mirror and asking himself if he was the right man to lead this team.

Having said that, West Ham is now walking the long way back in to the race for a higher position than the one they parks at right now.

15’th after 9 games was surely not what the fans, nor the club, expected but with back-to-back wins The Hammers could be on to something better again. We have enquired with betting tips experts at BettingTips4you.com who have provided their view on what we can expect from their team.

Their feeling is that West Ham’s form of lately will be more common than the one we saw during the early days of the season and there are fine odds on the team to finish in the Top 10.

With PaddyPower you can get Hammers to finish Top 10 at 5/2 and that’s something I’ll be all over my self.

It will surely be tough and tight but beneath Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool there are four open spots in the upper half, with one of them up for grabs for Hammers.

Will West Ham v Chelsea be the making of us?

It’s fair to say it’s been a shaky start to life at the Olympic Stadium.  With stewards and fans arguing over the standing issue in the stands and the likes of Noble and Kouyate looking lost on the pitch, the enthusiasm and goodwill towards a new adventure is quickly dissipating.  So, what do we need to stop it?

A resolution to the issues in the stands for a start, and the fans have a part to play here as much as the club.  I’ve seen some sickening scenes of late with Hammers turning on each other and being nasty to stewards who have been asked to do a job.  Focussing on the team rather than the view would certainly be an excellent start.

Results could also go some way to making us smile again.  Losing to Southampton and drawing to Middlesbrough are not the things that memorable seasons are made of and we could really do with getting some wins under our belt.  That goes along with performances, particularly when it comes to the new signings who look lost but again, fans have been very quick to judge and booing Tore after 5 appearances is not really on.

But, what we need most of all, is a special night.  Nothing will replace the magical last night at the Boleyn, but we’ve had lots of special nights there.  From Ray Stewart keeping the championship dream alive to Jonny Spector ripping Man United apart on a snowy November evening, there have been some stunning nights at the old girl and the chance to replicate that feeling starts with Chelsea at home in the cup.

Chelsea will represent the first real rivalry match we’ve had at the London Stadium and it’s a chance for all fans to pull together.  The stadium definitely does make an impressive wall of noise when we are all in full voice and maintaining that intimidation of our rivals whilst lifting our players could lead to a memorable night.  Imagine the scene….Costa putting Chelsea ahead with a jammy, foul-ridden goal…….the game soon changes with a fierce but fair Noble tackle in midfield.  The ball goes in and Zaza breaks his duck.  But he doesn’t celebrate, he grabs the ball, back on the centre circle.  We win it back and with our next attack, Dimi dinks it to Antonio for yet another header.  The next 30 minutes are like the Alamo as Chelsea bombard us, but heroic saves and defending keep us in it, until the ref blows the whistle and the stadium explodes in joy and relief.

Okay, it’s all a bit Roy of the Rovers, but what a difference this could make to our season, to our attitude towards the team, the management, the owners and the stadium.  We need, at least, to ensure we do our part and Bilic if he is doing his job right, will ensure the team does theirs.  Sunderland at home may be a bit of a rehearsal, but it’s against Chelsea that our season could really start.

Reflections on the West Ham Olympic Stadium

I wanted to let it all sink in...this new era, this great leap forward!  West Ham United (London) will never be the same again, but will the team fade and die like bubbles or rise like the phoenix of the stadium we have inherited?  Only time will truly tell, but this stadium is built for success. Other supporters may laugh, but this is a stadium built for the big stage, it's a stadium one would expect to see for a Champions League game, not a Championship one.

The entrance, as you can see, is impressive.  Upton Park looks like a reserve team structure in comparison.  The club have done a good job of making this our home, with banners and livery providing impactful branding.  The look is one of 'wow'...it demands a photographic moment, and away fans will on the most part be momentarily breathless.  This is no longer small club, this a club knocking on the door of the elite.

Inside, there are stunning moments to be captured, such as the one above.  Like I say, it's a big stage.  There were no queues to get in and once inside, toilets and food were seamless experiences.  This may have something to do with the lack of alcohol for sale, but I imagine it will be repeated for the Premiership.  Seats are larger than Upton Park and there is significantly more legroom.  No longer am I waiting the inevitable kick in the back from the seat behind me.  This is a comfortable experience....too comfortable?  Too sanitised?  Possibly, but what was the alternative?  Patch up Upton Park for eternity in the name of nostalgia?  Look at the clubs around us, where would holding us back get us?  This move let us get with the times, we are a destination, a club players want to sign for, I really feel this is the start of a new era.  A new vision...talking of which....

The view, ah yes, the view. It's strange, I won't deny it.  I'm sitting in the lower end of the upper tier behind the goal. Below me are empty seats that the lower tier seating has been placed over.  There's a walkway to the lower tier and a spacious disabled section.  It's quite a way to the pitch.  The goals at the other end were visible although the minutiae of Kouyate's deft back flick was missed.  The gap from touchline to managerial bench is particularly long and I wonder if Slaven eventually insists on a temporary solution that is further forward.  It's different, I'll miss seeing the whites of Andy Carroll's eyes as he ran towards the corner flag in the old East Stand, but this is okay.  I imagine the players are enjoying it, certainly Noble and Nordveidt looked like they loved bossing it around the park.  What a lovely player Nordveidt is, he will be our un-sung her o of the season.

Those bemoaning the lack of atmosphere should remember there was no away support to speak of.  There were also plenty of times of quiet moments at Upton Park so let's not pretend it was a constant whirlwind of noise.  I can't wait for a derby match on a cold Tuesday night here, I think it the atmosphere will be electric.

As you can tell, I'm generally happy with what we have, I believe it represents real progress.  Yes, I miss Upton Park and loved the place, but to top it all, my journey home was 100 times more pleasant than the nightmare queuing and rude stewarding of Upton Park station.  Welcome to the 21st century folks, West Ham United have truly arrived....first London, soon the world...

West Ham - Looking Ahead

Sorry, but I am not one of those fans who wet themselves at a pre season loss.  I'm old enough to remember winning every pre season game under Avram Grant, and look what happened there!  However, it's not long before we get down to business for the season, so I thought the time was right to have a look where we are,

Sunday's friendly against Karlsruhe was possibly a bit more than a friendly, being the last match before our first competitive game in the UEFA on Thursday.  The performance was pretty solid, especially at the back.  The only black mark was the challenge on Aaron Creswell, which we are still waiting on to see how bad it was.  You could tell by the players reaction that they know the value of Cress, I get the feeling if it was Enner Valencia, they might have just shrugged it off a bit more! Speaking of which, up front i still don't doubt there are changes but the board are waiting for the merry go round to kick in before they are able to get their targets.  I'm not panicking, we've still got more strikers than Spurs , and their main man played (arguably) in the Euros.

Of the new signings, Nordveidt impressed me, strong in the air and assured on the ball, he looked like a class act.  Likewise Feghouli impressed with sensible passing and perception.  Tore was the weakest looking of the three, looked like he was possibly trying too hard, but I have the feeling he will frustrate and delight in equal measure.  We've also got some classy youngsters coming through, so some ocver at left back and a quality striker and we will look fairly solid for the season.  That said, I'd say we have enough right now to see off our UEFA cup qualifying challengers.

Further predictions for the season to come, but until then, enjoy the sunshine and up the Hammers!

 

Is Carlos Bacca joining West Ham?

There remains lots of rumours as to who is coming and going at Upton Park.  We can obviously confirm that James Tomkins has gone to Crystal Palace.  Whilst it's sad to see a home grown hammer leave, I don't feel Tomka has progressed like I hoped he would and perhaps his christmas drinking shenanigans did not help his cause.  I imagine Slaven likes his players disciplined and dedicated.  

I'll be very surprised if both Sakho and Valencia are still here in September, i imagine both will be passed on to European clubs, with Valencia in particular never to be heard of again.  He continually lost the ball, got caught in offside situations and dived for fouls whenever he came on the pitch.  Sakho is different, there is definitely a talented striker there but also a bit of an attitude as well.  Wherever he goes, I'm sure goals will follow, but followed by some moodiness or so called 'injuries'.  These are definitely players we can upgrade on.

In terms of replacements, I understand clubs have made  an agreement for Carlos Bacca and it's now down to the player.  Funnily enough, this is the first time a youtube highlights reel has not really impressed me, but I completely trust the judgement of Mr Bilic.  Here, in true Big Brother fashion, are his 'best bits', will let you decide what he might contribute to West Ham.

 

West Ham Fixtures 2016/2017

Here they are....we kick off at Chelsea away, with the first game at the new stadium being Bournemouth at home.  Let's hope we don't repeat our home form against them from last season, where a Callum Wilson hat-trick sank us in a 3-4 defeat.  Mind you, we did have Modibo Maiga playing for us, and we've come a long way since then.  Here's the full list...

13 Aug 2016 Chelsea (A)
20 Aug 2016 AFC Bournemouth (H)
27 Aug 2016 Manchester City (A)
10 Sep 2016 Watford (H)
17 Sep 2016 West Bromwich Albion (A)
24 Sep 2016 Southampton (H)
01 Oct 2016 Middlesbrough (H)
15 Oct 2016 Crystal Palace (A)
22 Oct 2016 Sunderland (H)
29 Oct 2016 Everton (A)
05 Nov 2016 Stoke City (H)
19 Nov 2016 Tottenham Hotspur (A)
26 Nov 2016 Manchester United (A)
03 Dec 2016 Arsenal (H)
10 Dec 2016 Liverpool (A)
13 Dec 2016 7.45pm Burnley (H)
17 Dec 2016 Hull City (H)
26 Dec 2016 Swansea City (A)
31 Dec 2016 Leicester City (A)
02 Jan 2017 Manchester United (H)
14 Jan 2017 Crystal Palace (H)
21 Jan 2017 Middlesbrough (A)
31 Jan 2017 7.45pm Manchester City (H)
04 Feb 2017 Southampton (A)
11 Feb 2017 West Bromwich Albion (H)
25 Feb 2017 Watford (A)
04 Mar 2017 Chelsea (H)
11 Mar 2017 AFC Bournemouth (A)
18 Mar 2017 Leicester City (H)
01 Apr 2017 Hull City (A)
04 Apr 2017 7.45pm Arsenal (A)
08 Apr 2017 Swansea City (H)
15 Apr 2017 Sunderland (A)
22 Apr 2017 Everton (H)
29 Apr 2017 Stoke City (A)
06 May 2017 Tottenham Hotspur (H)
13 May 2017 Liverpool (H)
21 May 2017 Burnley (A)

 

We've got Dimitri Payet...for now

The world might have been surprised by Dimitri Payet's man of the match performance against Romania on Friday night, but for Hammers fans it was no surprise.  DImi was sublime throughout, beating men with ease, stopping, starting, changing direction.  The playgrounds on Monday won't be full of kids wanting to be Harry Kane, it will be full of kids wanting to be Payet.  But will this attention affect our star player?

There's always a couple of stars at international tournaments whose profile rises even higher.  Dimi, as part of the host nation is likely to be that star.  This will fuel speculation, as fans of clubs from Chelsea to Barcelona demand their board's buy the new big thing.  That he is at West Ham will leave us open - we are not offering champions league football this season , nor are we realistically going to offer a Premier League title.  At 29, Payet is heading towards the end of his career and may well want something to show for it.  A Euro Champions title may well fall in our favour, as they don't get much bigger, though on the flip side, it may give him a taste for more glory.

On the flip side, Payet is truly loved by the fans, players and management at West Ham, he is loved and indulged, exemplified by captain Mark Noble telling him not come back and defend last season.  If he were to move to a club of stars, he'd be required to work with the rest of them.

What price would you put on Payet?  Anything less than £30m would be a steal, at £60m I think it would be a bid we would find hard to say no to.  Rather strangely, i

I would not begrudge him a move.  He's the best player I've ever seen at Upton park, with Only Tevez coming close for me.  He's a level above Paolo Di Canio and has not thus far come with the baggage that the fiery Italian did. It was a privilege to watch him and Lanzini last year and it's not something I'd ever forget, but, like Vardy, I understand that whilst you are on top of the world, you need find a crown that fits you.  At the same time, if he chooses to stay and build a dynasty with a club with a new stadium and a great manager, we could see some really amazing things next season.  The choice is your Dimi...

 

Embed from Getty Images

 

Theo Walcott to West Ham?

Whilst the world waits with baited breath regarding Jamie Vardy's move to Arsenal, little though is being given to the repercussions of the move.  Vardy, a pacey striker, is likely to mean there are a few too many pacey types at Arsenal if he joins them, so one will have to be bumped off.  Apparently, Vardy's agent is also that of Theo Walcott, so it is little surprise that Walcott is being linked with a move to the Hammers.

On ability alone, I'd welcome Theo to Upton Park - he has lightning pace, good skill and seems an all round good egg.  On the minus side, his injury record will see him on our casualty wall of shame next Kieron Dyer.  Theo rarely gives you a full season of fitness, and in a congested fixture list us for next season, we can't really carry any dead weight.  Add his alleged £140,000 a week wages and we could be really weighing ourselves down here.  On a pay as you play deal, I'd consider him, but as marquee signing, I'd hope the chairmen know we've had enough of injury prone players heading to Upton Park for another pay day.  So for me, it's a big thumbs down, those days are over and we can do better than this.

 

Embed from Getty Images

 

Is Alexandre Lacazette coming to West Ham?

It's silly season at the moment, with my neighbour's hamster apparently 'looking for a move to a bigger hutch' but one thing is for sure, and that's the Hammers are looking for a striker.  With news that Sakho may be off then a statement of intent signing will certainly be at the front of the board's mind.  Indeed, David Sullivan has already made clear we will go big on a striker, and one of those linked with us is Alexandre Lacazette.  The 23 year old Lyon striker has been linked with a number of clubs, and his youtube reel illustrates why.  He has a great shot on him, a bit of pace and plenty of composure.  I'd imagine he would work very well with Lanzini and Payet.

Will he come to us?  On the plus side, he can see Payet has not paid for being at the Hammers and is being recognised at international level. On the other hand, both Spurs and Arsenal are sniffing around him and Champions League football is not something we can offer the promising, young frenchman.  Anyhow, nothing will be certain until it happens, and I imagien most activty will take place after the Euros.  In the meantime, relish the thought of this lad in claret and blue...

 

Win last night's programme

I understand that the programmes went pretty quickly last night.  I have a mint, spare copy that I would love to give away to a Hammers fan.  In order to be in with a chance of winning, please do the following;

1.  Follow me on twitter - https://twitter.com/westhamunited
2. Retweet the competition tweet
3. Sit back and wait if you were a winner!

I will post in a day or so about the last game, needless to say it was an unbelievable night, hope those of you that were there enjoyed it as much as I did...