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West Ham vs Man Utd FA Cup Quick Preview

January 4, 2013 By Stevo 1 Comment

Tomorrow’s game against Manchester United in the FA Cup is a biggie. In fact, it doesn’t get bigger than this, does it?

As it is a high profile game what should we expect from Fergie’s Red Devils then?

Collins and co will have to pull on their best defensive boots tomorrow as Van Persie will be out trying to snatch a brace. I think the Hammers defense will be up to the task and Ialso think that the Manc frontline won’t pose too problems for the West Ham backline if they stay focussed.

Focus will be the key in this FA Cup clash and the operative word, too. Focus is what will bring home the bacon tomorrow at the Boleyn Ground and focus is what will keep the Red Devils from running riot. We all know far too well the Manc’s ability to stick the winner in on minute 92 – it’s happened to all the top clubs far too often so 100% focus to the end of the match is highly imperative.

Make no mistake though, Manchester United are quick and will make us pay dearly on the break. Nolan will have to be captain fantastic tomorrow and lead from the front. We have to bring it and show them that the Irons are not afraid. Chances must not go begging like Vaz Té’s the other day – whether we are winning or not.

One of the new faces for tomorrow’s clash must be Joe Cole and I’m sure he’ll be up to the challenge. Carlton Cole must also make his chances count. It’s not enough to perform like a superstar on the odd occasion – we need him at his very best for tomorrow’s FA Cup clash and I’m confident he will deliver the goods.

It will be one fabulous game tomorrow and a chance to show the big guns that we mean business. COYI!

Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: FA Cup Draw, west ham vs man utd

West Ham welcome back Joe Cole

January 4, 2013 By Iron Bobby 1 Comment

West Ham United have officially re-signed Joe Cole on an 18-month-contract.

Cole, 31, is a former West Ham United Academy graduate and will once again don the number 26 shirt which he wore during his first spell at the club.

News broke on Wednesday that Cole was in talks with West Ham about returning to East London and yesterday it was reported he was undergoing a medical.

Speaking to WHUFC.com Cole said:

“It is a great move for me,” confirmed the 31-year-old. “Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on. This is where I learnt my trade and I’m happy to have another chance to be here. I’ve always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

“The timing was right for me to come back and I’m happy. I’m back in London and I’m delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact.

“The place has not changed much to look at, but I think Sam has done a great job with the team. A few years ago, the club was in a bad way and Sam has done brilliantly. All in all, it will always be West Ham and the history will always be here and everywhere I go around the world, people love West Ham. Everywhere I go, people know me for having started here.”

Cole also said:

“It was a big thing in me coming back – the fact that everybody here wants me to do well. The fans have always been great for me, whenever I have been back and also when I’ve been in the area visiting family.

“I feel like I owe the club a little bit as well because if it wasn’t for West Ham I wouldn’t be a footballer. This club’s great youth-team coaches taught me the trade.”

Cole will add some much-needed creativity into the West Ham team and I am sure his signing will give the whole place a lift! Welcome home Joe we have missed you!

Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: Cole Returns To West Ham, Joe Cole

West Ham v Everton Match Preview

December 21, 2012 By Iron Bobby 1 Comment

West Ham welcome Everton to The Boleyn Ground this weekend in a Premier League match, however the good news is they will be without big hairy star player Marouane Fellaini as he serves the first of a three-match suspension.

Fellaini was handed a ban by the Football Association for his head butt on Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross last weekend, although some thought he got off lightly as it was one of at least three separate incidents.

Phil Neville is also out with a knee injury so the familiar face of Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger, ironically known as Der Hammer, could be given a run out against his former club.

There are also doubts over Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas who are struggling with injuries.

The good news for West Ham United is the return of midfield player Jack Collison who makes the squad for the first time this season, Collison has not played a match since undergoing surgery in the summer and his last appearance was in the play-off final win over Blackpool.

Manager Big Sam Allardyce has been in need of a boost as the injury list has been gathering more members with Mohamed Diame (hamstring), Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) and Alou Diarra (thigh) all missing, while Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun remain out with knee problems.

West Ham could climb up to 8th in the table should they secure 3 valuable points over Everton and other results go their way.

Bobby’s Prediction: 3-2

Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: West Ham v Everton

Allardyce keen on West Ham stay

December 20, 2012 By Iron Bobby 1 Comment

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has spoken of his desire to stay at the club for the long-term.

Allardyce has done a great job in getting West Ham promoted in his first season and now the team sit in 11th place in the Premier League knowing a few good results could lift them into a Europa League spot.

Earlier this month West Ham were named as the preferred bidders for the Olympic Stadium, something which Allardyce is eyeing up as the club will hopefully move to their new home in 2015, and if Allardyce is still in control than that will give the club stability as well as one of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League.

Talking to the Express he said:

For every manager, the sack is just around the corner but the Olympic Stadium is a nice light at the end of the tunnel.

It would be a massive achievement for anyone to stay at a club that long these days. But after a number of experiences, you get confidence in your own abilities. If you don’t have that, you won’t survive.

Big Sam is currently in the last year of his contract, but unless West Ham lose every single game from here on out and get relegated then it’s safe to say he will be rewarded with a new contract.

Having been sacked somewhat unfairly in his last two jobs, Allardyce feels he has started to win over the West Ham faithful.

Even when we’ve lost, the crowd have appreciated what we’ve tried to do. The Chelsea turnaround (in a 3-1 victory at Upton Park) was a huge booster for everybody

I think stability is exactly what we need and I believe with a few more quality additions in January the football will only get better and we wont just be good defensively but also a handful in attack.

Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: Sam Allardyce