en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/735433 Comments by JonnyPD http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/05/result-player-performances-v-millwall-noble-rules/#IDComment285432609 How does Nolan get 2 to 3 points for his nine minute contribution? Saturday was no different from every other week - we played with 10 men as Nolan has contributed next to nothing week on week. Now with his 3 game ban we can see how we do with a11 men for a change. His sending off was the best thing that could have happened.. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:25:44 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/05/result-player-performances-v-millwall-noble-rules/#IDComment285432609 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/01/vote-player-performances-v-ipswich-2/#IDComment280941029 Sam's biggest failure is the selection of Nolan - he may be an inspiring provider of speeches but if that is what we want select Boris Johnson. As a midfielder he should be passing, tackling, gathering the ball, moving in to space - spot the problem! He does none of this leaving it all to the rest. We are often playing with effectively 10 men. All the season ticket holders around with me see this and so does virtually everyone on this blog. Drop him Sam! Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:26:23 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/01/vote-player-performances-v-ipswich-2/#IDComment280941029 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/01/vote-player-performances-v-ipswich-2/#IDComment280938188 So another transfer window is past. What each window emphasises is that the players everyone wants to us get rid of have little or no residual value. Firstly we had the Curbishley debacle - Davenport, Boa Morte, Quashie, Dyer, Upson, Faubert, Lundburg, etc - all got rid off only after paying up their contracts or running them down (as Faubert is now doing) because they were on stupid wages. Illunga is another one (ok he was a Nani signing). Even the current board made a giant cock-up with McCarthy. I can guarantee we will not get a penny for Piquionne, Carew or Sears when eventually manage to get rid of them.Then coming to the signings Sam has made - Taylor, Demel, O'Brien and Faye all seem extremely injury prone and will need to be looked at harshly before being offered extended terms. Carew is past it. Papa Diop also has picked up some knocks and is now 34 years old. By contrast the three just signed are pacey, youthful and in form so I am going to be positive about them. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:22:19 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2012/02/01/vote-player-performances-v-ipswich-2/#IDComment280938188 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/31/are-the-board-split-on-the-managerial-appointment/#IDComment157751681 The tiger must change his stripes. My season tickets will not be renewed and I will be transferring to being a member only until I see some evidence of this. I have been going along since the 70's. When we got promoted under Lyall it was through passing football (and we got to two domestic cup finals at the same time). Swansea proved yesterday that you can still win games in the championship and keep the ball on the ground (as did West Brom last year). I do not mind a pragmatic approach but all Allardyce did at Newcastle was give everyone neck ache, and the miserable experience he serves up was also spotted at Blackburn. What is the point having an acadamey that teaches pass and move if we are going to move over to an arial bombardment. I prefer to fail trying to play the game properly. Tue, 31 May 2011 07:51:48 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/31/are-the-board-split-on-the-managerial-appointment/#IDComment157751681 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/18/the-sorry-saga-continues/#IDComment122055995 The brevity of this statement is unreal and treats Avram Grant, the players and supporters with no respect. There should be an acknowledgement that as a result of the club's position the Board carried out a review of who should manage the Club for the rest of the season. The club should confirm that there will be no further reviews of the managers position until the season ends and the club regrets that officers of the club have leaked comments to the press and will take action to remove these people from the club. Dignity needs to be restored (as far as it can be!) Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:05:05 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/18/the-sorry-saga-continues/#IDComment122055995 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/16/grants-future-time-to-put-up-or-shut-up/#IDComment121654549 Everyone seems to agree that Grant ought to go and that it is worth waiting for the right appointment to be made. A simple statement should be made confirming that West Ham are actively seaking to appoint a new manager, apologising to Avram Grant that talks with possible candidates have been leaked in to the media, confirming that under the circumstances Avram Grant is relieved of his duties, thanking him for the dignity with which he has carried out his job, confirming that Kevin Keen or Wally Downes have agreed to take temporary charge until the appointment is confirmed. The people who leaked this to Sky and the BBC should not be employed by the club. A comunications man needs to be put in place who is the only outlet for press releases and everyone else should shut up. Easy! Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:27:10 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/16/grants-future-time-to-put-up-or-shut-up/#IDComment121654549 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/14/poll-results-yes-to-the-olympic-stadium/#IDComment121295726 Good news - but only if we have a premier league club to fill the stadium. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:10:40 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/14/poll-results-yes-to-the-olympic-stadium/#IDComment121295726 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/13/my-view-on-the-olympic-stadium-move/#IDComment121120505 Apologies for saying 'footie' - a term I've picked up from my 5 a-side mob, but having been to about 500 games since 1978 I am allowed to vote! My main reason is that I would like to see a bit of success and in the comercial world we live in believe that is more likely at OS rather than Upton Park. Personally I have not been to see Essex play for 30 years but the income that cricket etc could provide could not do any harm. I have watched one or two games at stadia where the pitch is set a little back from the pitch and believe this is worth the sacrifice. Surely with a little lateral thinking the athletics track need not be there for 12 months and the pitch could be widened to a maximum when football is played. Look at the way rugby and cricket are played sise by side in Melbourne. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:31:51 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/13/my-view-on-the-olympic-stadium-move/#IDComment121120505 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/13/my-view-on-the-olympic-stadium-move/#IDComment121082526 Totally in favour - I have also been to the site and believe that this is an awesome stadium that will provide for the entire East End including 20-20 cricket, athletics, etc as well as footie. Prices will come down not go up to ensure we get the stadium filled which means families can actually afford to get to a match. The other option is Spurs filling it with corporate bankers etc from Canary Wharf within a 5 minute walk of West ham church. No bloody thanks. The FA should be intervening to ensure Spurs do not get a look in. Tottenham has nothing to do with the East End. Finally no more walks from Canning Town or West Ham when the District Line is closed is another nice thought. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:14:10 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/13/my-view-on-the-olympic-stadium-move/#IDComment121082526 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/12/are-bids-pending-for-kovac-and-upson/#IDComment120866065 Despite all the clamour on this message board there is little or no chance any funds will ever be raised for Gabbidon, Illunga, or Dyer due to their injury records. I would imagine fitness issues will also radically reduce the valuations of Behrami and Cole. If McCarthy goes I very much doubt there will be a fee. If at all possible we should shed these guys but with the limited likely income I am delighted that the board said no to Sidwell with 13 midfielders already on the books (the decision was correct albeit notifying the manager via the press was fairly crass). Any money should no go on a right back and a goalscorer. Hopefully we do not have to wait until Behrami and/or Kovac are sold to generate funds as no-one is biting our hands off. Upson must stay unless another quality replacement can be found, as Ben Haim has gone back to Pompey leaving the often injured Gabbidon and Reid as our only experienced cover in the middle of defence. It would be unfair to keep move Spector there just as he is starting to get used to a midfield role. It is too early to judge Reid. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:26:53 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/12/are-bids-pending-for-kovac-and-upson/#IDComment120866065 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120507834 Fair comment the Villa players have been under performing this term - but Warnock has a left foot which Spector does not, he is a specialist at fullback which Boa and Gabbidon are not, and he will not cost £90k or so pwk which Bridges will. Collins had a great understanding with Dunne last term, and needs a run with a regular partner again. we miss his passion and throwing himself around. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:00:55 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120507834 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120496289 Villa want to get rid of Collins and Warnock - that would more or less sort out our back four problems at a lower wage than Bridge. Imagine the response to a return for Collins! Maybe some sort of swap could be done. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:28:15 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120496289 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120493994 Added to above todays complaints about Sidwell. How many central midfielders do we need. again I back the Board on saying no to Grant. Fair enough if we had been able to sell Kovac and/or Behrami, but we also have Noble, Parker, Collison, Hitz, Stanislas, Sears, Boa, Spector, Tony Edgar, and Berrara who play in midfield or out wide. A total of 12 players who have been selected to date at some time by Mr Grant this season in the four across midfield (actually 13 if you include Obinna who he has played there when used at same time as Cole and Piq). Of these 13, 7 are specialists in central midfield - Spector, Noble, Collison, Parker, Hitz, Kovac and Behrami. WE NEED FULLBACKS AND A CENTRE FORWARD as anyone can see. Hopefully Bridge can solve part of this problem in the short term. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:04:21 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120493994 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120492910 The most important decision this week will be the removal of Avram Grant. 45 good minutes against Barnsley will hoipefully not deflect from his overall failure with a squad good enough to be mid-table. How about a poll on his future Iain? He inherited an under performing squad from which he only lost three regulars (Diamanti, Ilan and Franco). Hitz was signed before he was appointed and he then added Berrara, Reid. Piquione, Tel Ben Haim, Jacobsen and Obinna. Despite these additions he continues to gripe about the lack of depth to his squad. Only Piq (when he is inclinedto make an effort) has been a great success. The board have obviously (and quite rightly) balked at extending Ben Haim at £45k pwk. Obinna continually runs with blinkers and can not shoot, Jacobsen looks to be another Gabbidon/Dyer in the fitness stakes, and Reid and Berrara look expensive and no improvement on what we already have. Players are constantly played out of position (Hines on the wing on Saturday, Noble out wide against Newcastle). There is a total lack of motivational skill (would anyone else skulk around behind his defensive coach in the training area). Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:53:25 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/09/wayne-bridge-deal-is-nearly-done/#IDComment120492910 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/02/so-its-birmingham-city-in-the-carling-cup-semi-finals/#IDComment113312282 I was at the famous 4-1 league cup win against Liverpool which I remember more for the emergence of Paul Ince rather than Devonshire and Brady, and also went up to Anfield for a night of perpetual singing as we went down 5-1 to get relegated consoled only by the jinking and turning of Stuart Slater - 'perpetual struggle, internal crisis and periodic relegation' seem to sum it up quite well! My other great Liverpool experience the equalising goal from Tonka at Wembley in the 1981 league cup final and a great view of Ray Clemence weeping at the end of the game, albeit we lost the replay heroically. Sunderland this weekend is vital to maintain momentum - Wigan and Wolves are within striking distance but we need another win to close the gap on the rest of the pack. My Team Green Jacobsen Upson Tomkins Gabbidon Boa Morte Spector Parker Dyer(if fit) Cole Obinna Subs Stech Berrara Stanislas Ben Haim Piquionne Hines Faubert Thu, 2 Dec 2010 09:03:21 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/02/so-its-birmingham-city-in-the-carling-cup-semi-finals/#IDComment113312282 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/01/thrashed-but-it-is-apparently-all-about-the-goals-that-man-utd-gave-away/#IDComment113095928 I would like to eat humble pie about Messrs Boa Morte and Spector. I have not posted vitriolic abuse on this website but from my position in the West Upper have not been the greatest supporter of either to say the least. The amount of pre-match abuse they got yesterday was outrageous given that there was no-one else to pick in midfield. I was at Old Trafford for Jonathan Spectors last performance when he gave away a penalty playing at full-back. As he has not played since he can hardly be blamed for our league form. Last night he was awesome. With Collison, Noble and Hitzleburger out until 2011, and Behrami being touted as a likely mover in January, he deserves a chance to show he can maintain this level of performance this weekend. The energy of Boa Morte, Spector and Obinna in particular set us apart last night, and Boa Morte should be retained as well - he was everywhere on the pitch. Ben Haim improved once he got used to the pace, and the central defensive pairing of Upson and Tomkins got close to each other and looked solid. Kovac struggled with the basics of ball control and passing, but it wouild be wrong to dwell on that with so many positives. Bring on Sunderland. Wed, 1 Dec 2010 10:02:13 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/01/thrashed-but-it-is-apparently-all-about-the-goals-that-man-utd-gave-away/#IDComment113095928 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/25/is-it-a-matter-of-caring/#IDComment111909887 Not finished yet - bring back Pardew (I am not his agent)- we need someone who can get players to over perform. Look at what he got out of our last promotion team, and what income we got after he left from the sales of Etherington, Konnchesky, Zammora, Benyaoun, Harewood, McCarthy, Ferdinand, Collins, Reo Coker, and Pantsil. Set against the problems we have had off-loading all the expensive disasters bought in by Curbishley (Boa Morte, Dyer, Quashie and Davenport spring to mind!) and Zola ( we can not off load Kovac , Behrami and Illunga who clearly have lost all interest in putting in a decent effort). Added to this Pardew works well with Wally Downes and knows Gabbidon, Cole and Green (as he recruited them) plus Noble. He is available and interested judging by his media comments. What is there to lose. Anyone else will want a war chest. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:05:29 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/25/is-it-a-matter-of-caring/#IDComment111909887 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/25/is-it-a-matter-of-caring/#IDComment111907720 The manager must go. Firstly his signings have been poor at no small expense - Ben Haim and Reid are not near the first team, Boffin is number 3 in the goalie rankings leaving Green unchallenged, Obbinna and Berrara are dreadful in between very occasional sparkling moments, Piquionne has done ok but is not an improvement on Franco, and the best you can say for Jacobsen is that he is to be more reliable than Spector or Faubert. The tactics and motivation are reflected by the results - one win a third of the way through the season. Oh - and we let go Diamanti (now in the Italy squad) and Daprella (who plays in the position where we have struggled since Illunga's first season). Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:50:29 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/25/is-it-a-matter-of-caring/#IDComment111907720 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/09/01/the-25-or-43-man-squad/#IDComment96650725 We have done what we could given financial restraints, Positives - dyer and gabbidon looking better with every game, Berrera and piquonque looking sharp. Improvements - we need parker to hurl himself around again, someone to become a dependable right back, faubert to go around a full back, support of midfield to the isolated Cole, and a couple of lads to decide to lead with gutsy performances Thu, 2 Sep 2010 20:54:49 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/09/01/the-25-or-43-man-squad/#IDComment96650725 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/08/30/daprela-off-on-a-free-staggering/#IDComment96048193 All Pardew signings - add to this Bowyer, McCarthy, Harewood, Reo- Coker, Benyaoun, and Ferdinand all still playing in the premiership and also signed by Pardew. Ironic on the day he is sacked by Southampton. We also got a fee for Mullins who eventually got to an FA cup final and an insurance income from Ashton. Plus after all these years as I say above 5 of Saturdays team started up under Pardew - Green, Cole, Gabbidon, Noble and Spector (ok maybe he got it wrong with the last one). Can someone add that lot up and tell me what the Pardew transfer income comes to? I don't remember having to pay up any of his old players contracts either as we had to with Davenport, Lundburg and Quashie. Lets see if mr Grant can match this! Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:33:33 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/08/30/daprela-off-on-a-free-staggering/#IDComment96048193