en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/704418 Comments by PaulODecanyo http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/10/24/vote-player-performances-v-brighton/#IDComment211848323 Thought we were astute, defensively solid..As the cliche goes, you can only play the team in front of you and I thought we played Brighton well - not pretty but well. For all their posession they could muster only one shot that caused us anything like trouble. Not a Premier performance true, but then we ain't in the Prem, are we? COYI!!! Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:18:07 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/10/24/vote-player-performances-v-brighton/#IDComment211848323 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/22/match-thread-west-ham-v-sunderland/#IDComment155047854 The things that stand out for me from watching us this season, but especially the last two Premier games ever at Upton Park are as follows: 1. The West Ham fans who turn up week after week deserves far better. 2. We are at our lowest ebb ever. There is no obvious plan, no investment on the horizon just words. 3 With our so called star players we look like an average Championship side. Without we're looking at back to back relegation. Was there anyone in the ground today who could see that side scoring or keeping a clean sheet? 4. Whoever comes in as manager needs to be tough, a fighter with the patience to listen to and then ignore the nonsense coming from the board room with either international defensive experience or the ability to choose a DECENT defensive coach. 5.The Olympic stadium is going to look awfully empty come August 2014. Black day indeed. Sun, 22 May 2011 21:45:37 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/22/match-thread-west-ham-v-sunderland/#IDComment155047854 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/15/grant-is-finally-sacked-four-months-too-late/#IDComment152414835 The blame for our relegation lies with G&S. They bought in Grant, they - eventually - decided he should stay all season. Grant should have gone months ago. So many games with West Ham and Pompey, so many defeats. The guy doesn't know how to win, to motivate - and look at the consequences. Roy Hodgson has clearly demonstrated with WBA what a motivational manager operating within his depth can achieve. If we could see it why couldn't the owners? And are our chances of being booted out of the Olympic stadium increased as a result of our relegation and their public rantings? What are those clowns G&S doing to our club? Sun, 15 May 2011 20:17:07 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/05/15/grant-is-finally-sacked-four-months-too-late/#IDComment152414835 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/18/the-sorry-saga-continues/#IDComment122154292 Said it before, say it again: Gold and Sullivan are bringing the club to its knees. This is the worst period in West Ham's history in my opinion and certainly in my memory, which goes back to the 64 cup final. To make matters worse, I've looked at our games left - 15 - and see that in the same fixtures last season we picked up just 10 points from 13 games. Our other two are against Blackpool and the Baggies. If we repeated that and won the two other games we'd have 36 points, not enough, I believe, to avoid the drop. But win two others... Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:11:28 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/18/the-sorry-saga-continues/#IDComment122154292 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/27/will-fulhamm-win-save-avrams-job/#IDComment118291589 The arguments between the Zola/Grant factions above are a waste of broadband space. The fact is we are a less than average side both now under Grant and before under Zola. But is there anyone who agrees that the lowest common denominator is G&S? In terms of academic questions, would we have been better under Tony Fernandes that G&S? Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:16:58 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/27/will-fulhamm-win-save-avrams-job/#IDComment118291589 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/26/vote-player-performances-v-fulham-3/#IDComment118150363 On the performance today we (still) need an Ian Wright up front, plus a Bonzo and SIr Trev in midfield with an Alvin and Ray Stewart at the back... but what player of any real quality, or more importantly with the ability to transform our season, is going to make the trip to East London? Where/who is the Tevez? Is it Joe Cole, as some are suggesting? Would it be better to replace Grant? Plenty here want him out, but replace with whom? Allardyce? Slim pickings I think. I reckon we need to average at least a point a game for the rest of the season to stay up. Anyone here think this team's capable of that? For what it's worth, I think with the right man at the helm (forget G&S for the moment) we can do it - where's Martin O'Neill? Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:54:05 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/12/26/vote-player-performances-v-fulham-3/#IDComment118150363 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/20/vote-player-performances-v-liverpool-2/#IDComment110887869 Been away from the site 'cos I've been so disappointed with the West Ham regime and so I felt any comment would be pointless. But I can't keep quiet about recent results and performances, from the pitch upward. Apologies if this has been said many times before - but G&S are killing the club. Historians may well look back at the 60s and say they were our finest days but they will look at 2009 on as the years the club went under if not financially, then certainly in footballing terms.G&S are making a priority of getting a stadium that will hang around our necks like a millstone. They have a guy in charge who shows little evidence of strategic or tactical nous and is as charismatic as my kids' dead cat and they have assembled a squad of relegation merchants with no spine or fight, one or two notable exceptions apart. All this and still they appear on TV spouting rubbish, seeking glory, signing autographs, being threatened by fellow Prem directors. I've supported West Ham all my life - watched them since 64. Always supported them, always will - but these are dark days indeed. Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:31:57 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/11/20/vote-player-performances-v-liverpool-2/#IDComment110887869 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/06/17/fixture-list-published-a-difficult-start/#IDComment80581019 April is the cruellest month... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:19:09 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/06/17/fixture-list-published-a-difficult-start/#IDComment80581019 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/06/03/grant-is-the-new-manager-confirmed/#IDComment78397830 Given that quality seasoned managers like Moyes or O'Neill are out of our reach Grant has to be the best premier-proven guy around - working on the assumption Hughes wasn't interested. I'm hoping he's been brought in to achieve progress and not maintain the status quo. In other words he needs money to build a decent team rather than be given the remit to get rid of our more valuable players and replace them with Quashie-type players. This coming season will be a real test of G&S's true ambitions for the club. They have to be less PR driven (surely Henry, Beckham etc is all bollix) and more honest - where do they see the club in five years time and where's the money going to come from? Thu, 3 Jun 2010 18:08:38 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/06/03/grant-is-the-new-manager-confirmed/#IDComment78397830 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/carlton-cole-misses-out/#IDComment74928332 We've become the Premier League equivalent of the transport secretary in government - usually attracting someone on the way down. Tue, 11 May 2010 18:41:49 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/carlton-cole-misses-out/#IDComment74928332 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/carlton-cole-misses-out/#IDComment74906153 Fact is, GZ wasn't G&S's choice so he was f**ked from the moment they walked through the door. If you were a football manager of some repute and fancied a move, would West Ham be an attractive option? Not much money. Squad seemingly in disarray, some supporting former manager, most told they are not wanted on voyage, opinionated, 'hands-on' owners. It needs a Cloughie, someone who could get the best out of people. Is Grant that man? Dunno, but got to be better than DiCanio (untried) Hoddle (mad) Curbishley (turncoat) Pardew (done that). who does that leave? Hughes? Bilic? Jol? What about McLeish? Best of all, Moyes. He would do for me. Tue, 11 May 2010 17:18:29 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/carlton-cole-misses-out/#IDComment74906153 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/zola-fired/#IDComment74883564 My opinion of Zola the man is higher than ever. He's a gent. One day, probably be a good manager, too. But now is the time for G&S to show their worth. The club, the team and the manager are all theirs. Let's see how ambitious they are. FleaTamer's right, Everton is the benchmark for mid-table teams- stable, well managed with apparently responsible owners. Are G&S as responsible? Do they provide stability? Remains to be seen. Grant's a good bet just hope he doesn't bring all of the Portsmouth losers. No Curbishley. Tue, 11 May 2010 15:46:58 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/11/zola-fired/#IDComment74883564 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/02/vote-player-performances-v-fulham/#IDComment71877042 I'm glad this season is nearly over - I'm tired of watching poor performances week after week. But I have difficulty imagining how next season is going to be much better for us. G&S provoke all kinds of reactions, which at the moment, seem mostly negative. Given the players' apparent loyalty to the present management regime how are they to be motivated to play next year when we assume Zola will be gone? How much will G&S interfere with the next manager's tactics or player purchases. Who is that manager likely to be and how will they put up with G&S. How destabilising will the owners be? How supportive? If many playersare sold, who is going to come here? I hope the close season brings multi million pound investment, an experienced, successful manager and peace between G&S and the media - but I'm not holding my breath.. Sun, 2 May 2010 21:12:05 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/05/02/vote-player-performances-v-fulham/#IDComment71877042 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/24/vote-player-performances-v-wigan/#IDComment70291369 It was a tough game to watch. Wigan seemed much more comfortable on the ball than we were, which is hard to take. Our defence doesn't act like a unit - they are like a bunch of lads who've decided to play together as a scratch team.Think of Arsenal with Adams, Keown etc and you'll know what I mean. Our midfield has talent but is blunt without Parker and to a lesser extent Noble. We have no genuinely skillful pace men going forward and Cole still looks off his game. The close season will be interesting. I wonder how much new money G&S will be willing to give the man in charge? Will it be a case of sell first? Either way, who is going to want to come here? I hope G&S have the balls to flash the cash - but please, no more pie eaters... Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:25:29 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/24/vote-player-performances-v-wigan/#IDComment70291369 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/22/now-do-the-business/#IDComment69785096 I think you are right about a positive attitude. The squad, with one or two exceptions, have been spineless for much of the season. Question is, is that down to the squad being crap or is it that the manager can't get the best out of them? Look, for example, what Hodgson has done at Fulham. On paper I can't see much difference between Fulham and our lot. Would we have a better season with the same squad if Bilic was in charge? Or Grant? Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:27:22 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/22/now-do-the-business/#IDComment69785096 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/22/now-do-the-business/#IDComment69737884 I've watched West Ham since I was a kid in the 60s and suffered many highs and lows since. This season has been right down there with the worst - it makes the year we were relegated with 42 points seem like success. The pathetic performances we put in against Bolton, Wolves, Liverpool etc are tough to beat in terms of ineptitude. Thank God Hull and Burnley seem worse than us. Whatever happens Zola will be gone next year. Who is to replace him? Grant? McClaren? Jol? Bilic? Pardew? What are G&S's ambitions for the club? I reckon we'll stay up and Grant will become manager because G&S know where the decent massage parlours are. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:27:21 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/22/now-do-the-business/#IDComment69737884 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/17/working-class-ballet-some-reflections-on-aspects-of-the-modern-game/#IDComment68671394 Munky, you are not alone - I too find SJ's posts a bit of a turn off. It was Ian Dale's light and intelligent touch that brought me to this site. He raised the standard above the blogging norm - quick, incisive comment and step back. SJ reads like a frustrated journalist or college lecturer. Blogs are about opinion, so your (and my) view of SJ is as valid as anyone who likes him. And as to longevity, I've been a supporter since the days of Brown, Boyce, Bovingtgon and Brabrook Sun, 18 Apr 2010 09:04:54 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/04/17/working-class-ballet-some-reflections-on-aspects-of-the-modern-game/#IDComment68671394 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/30/the-road-to-redemption/#IDComment64845934 The only hope I have is that Fulham and Citeh suffer end of season lethargy and we stuff both of them. That changes everything! Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:03:13 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/30/the-road-to-redemption/#IDComment64845934 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/30/the-road-to-redemption/#IDComment64827192 i've had a look at the remaining fixtures and made some honest predictions. It's not looking good for us. If this happens, we're down. Hull Now: PTS 27 GD -33 Remaining fixtures: Stoke (A) predict draw 1 point, Burnley (H) 3, Birmingham (A) 0, Aston Villa (H) 1, Sunderland (H) 3, Wigan (A) 1, Liverpool (H) 0 Predict 9 more points = 36 points West Ham Now: PTS 27 GD -17 Remaining fixtures: Everton (A) 0, Sunderland (H) 3, Liverpool (A) 0, Wigan (H) 3, Fulham (A) 1, Man City (H) 0 7 points = 34 points Wigan Now: PTS 31 GD -33 Remaining fixtures: Fulham (A) 1, Portsmouth (H) 3, Arsenal (H) 0, West Ham (A) 0, Hull City (H) 1, Chelsea (A) 0 5 points = 36 points Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:39:54 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/30/the-road-to-redemption/#IDComment64827192 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/27/vote-player-performances-v-stoke-city/#IDComment64366311 Spot on. Agree 100% Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:55:10 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2010/03/27/vote-player-performances-v-stoke-city/#IDComment64366311