Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 Welcome to the thread of... Playing Football Manager the West Ham Way… A big thanks goes out to Ty who allowed me to steal most of his coding and for reassuring me that everyone copies Wikipedia. Rest in Peace Dylan James Tombides (8 March 1994 – 18 April 2014) - you were taken far too soon. For a bit of West Ham 'tycoon' fun, please click here. Thanks for the upload Tha Real Behanger. -------------------------- Brief History. West Ham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, London, currently playing in the Premier League, England's top tier of football. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current Boleyn Ground stadium. They initially competed in the Southern League and Western League before eventually joining the full Football League in 1919 and subsequently enjoyed promotion to the top flight for the 1923 season. 1923 also saw the club feature in the first FA Cup Final to be held at Wembley against Bolton Wanderers. Three West Ham players were considered an important factor behind England's triumph in the 1966 World Cup. England's captain at the time was West Ham's Bobby Moore, and both goal scorers in the final were then current players Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. West Ham Origins. The earliest generally accepted incarnation of West Ham United was founded in 1895 as the Thames Ironworks team by foreman and local league referee Dave Taylor and owner Arnold Hills and was announced in the Thames Ironworks Gazette of June 1895. The team played on a strictly amateur basis for 1895 at least, with a team featuring a number of works employees including Thomas Freeman (ships fireman), Walter Parks (clerk), Tom Mundy, Walter Tranter and James Lindsay (all boilermakers), William Chapman, George Sage, and William Chamberlain and apprentice riveter Charlie Dove. The club, Thames Ironworks were the first ever winners of the West Ham Charity Cup in 1895 contested by clubs in the locality, then won the London League in 1897. They turned professional in 1898 upon entering the Southern League Second Division, and were promoted to the First Division at the first attempt. The following year they came second from bottom, but had established themselves as a fully-fledged competitive team. They comfortably fended off the challenge of local rivals Fulham in a relegation play-off, 5–1 in late April 1900 and retained their First Division status. The team initially played in full dark blue kits, as inspired by Mr. Hills, who had been an Oxford University "Blue", but changed the following season by adopting the sky blue shirts and white shorts combination worn through 1897 to 1899. In 1899 they acquired their now traditional home kit combination of claret shirts and sky blue sleeves in a wager involving Aston Villa players, who were League Champions at the time. Following growing disputes over the running and financing of the club, in June 1900 Thames Ironworks F.C. was disbanded, then almost immediately relaunched on 5 July 1900 as West Ham United F.C. with Syd King as their manager and future manager Charlie Paynter as his assistant. Because of the original "works team" roots and links (still represented upon the club badge), they are still known to this day as 'the Irons' or 'the Hammers' amongst fans and the media. The Birth of West Ham. The reborn club continued to play their games at the Memorial Ground in Plaistow (funded by Arnold Hills) but moved to a pitch in the Upton Park area when the team officially severed ties with the company (losing their works provisioned offices in the process). After being made groundless in 1901 the team became transient, playing their home games on a number of local teams' grounds until moving to its current home, Upton Park (in the guise of the Boleyn Ground stadium), in 1904. West Ham's first game in their new home was against fierce rivals Millwall (themselves an Ironworks team, albeit for a rival company) drawing a crowd of 10,000 and with West Ham running out 3–0 winners. West Ham’s Glory Years. During the 1966 World Cup, key members of the tournament winners England were West Ham players, including the captain, Bobby Moore; Martin Peters (who scored in the final); and Geoff Hurst, who scored the first, and only, hat-trick in a World Cup final. There is a "Champions" statue in Barking Road, opposite The Boleyn Arms, commemorating West Ham's three sons who helped win the 1966 World Cup: Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Also included on the statue is Everton's Ray Wilson. After a difficult start to the 1974–75 season, Greenwood moved himself "upstairs" to become General Manager and without informing the board, appointed his assistant John Lyall as team manager. The result was instant success – the team scored 20 goals in the their first four games combined and won the FA Cup, becoming the last team to win the FA Cup with an all English side when they beat Fulham 2–0 in the 1975 final. Lyall then guided West Ham to another European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1976, though the team lost the match 4–2 to Anderlecht. Greenwood's tenure as General Manager lasted less than three years, as he was appointed to manage England in the wake of Don Revie's resignation in 1977. Ups and Downs. In 1978, West Ham were again relegated to Division Two, but Lyall was retained as manager and led the team to an FA Cup Final win against Arsenal in 1980. This is notable because no team outside the top division has won the trophy since that time. West Ham were promoted to Division One in 1981, and finished in the top ten of the first division for the next three seasons before achieving their highest-ever league finish of third in 1985/86. However, they suffered relegation again in 1989 and this resulted in the sacking of John Lyall. After Lyall, Lou Macari briefly led the team, though he resigned after less than a single season in order to clear his name of allegations of illegal betting whilst manager of Swindon Town. He was replaced by former player Billy Bonds. In Bonds' first full season (1990–91), West Ham again secured promotion to Division One. The following season they were again relegated to Division 2, which had been renamed Division One as part of the league realignments surrounding the creation of the FA Premier League in 1992. West Ham spent the 1992–93 season in Division One. finishing second and returning to the Premier League in May 1993. After the 1993–94 season, Bonds quit and was replaced by Harry Redknapp in August 1994. He led West Ham to fifth place in the 1998–99 season, but missed automatic qualification for the UEFA Cup, and instead qualified as winners of the Intertoto Cup. Despite consolidating the league placing for a handful of seasons, a disagreement with the board of directors during the close of the 2000–01 season led to Redknapp being replaced by Glenn Roeder, promoted from youth team coach. In Roeder's first season the team finished seventh, but West Ham lost by wide margins in several matches (7–1 to Blackburn, 5–0 to Everton and 5–1 to Chelsea). The subsequent season started badly and eventually resulted in relegation. West Ham's tally of 42 points is the highest by any team relegated from the Premier League in a 38 game season. Roeder, who had missed some of the season after being diagnosed with a brain tumour (which was subsequently treated), was sacked on 24 August 2003, three games into the Championship campaign. Trevor Brooking (who served as manager during Glenn's ill health the previous season) stepped in as interim manager before being replaced by Alan Pardew in October 2003, headhunted from fellow promotion contenders Reading. Pardew led the team to a playoff final, they lost to Crystal Palace. The subsequent year they again reached the playoff final, but this time won, beating Preston North End 1–0, gaining re-entry to the Premier League. Recent Seasons. On their return to the top division, West Ham finished in 9th place, the highlight of the 2005–06 season, however, was reaching the FA Cup final, and taking favourites Liverpool to a penalty shootout, after a three-all draw. West Ham lost the shootout but still gained entry to the UEFA Cup as Liverpool had already qualified for the Champions League. In August 2006, West Ham completed a major coup on the last day of the transfer window, after completing the signings of Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano. The club was eventually bought by an Icelandic consortium, led by Eggert Magnússon in November 2006. Manager Alan Pardew was sacked after poor form during the season and was replaced by former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley. The signings of Mascherano and Tévez were investigated by the Premier League, who were concerned that details of the transfers had been omitted from official records. The club was found guilty and fined £5,500,000 in April 2007. However, West Ham avoided a points deduction which ultimately became critical in their avoidance of relegation at the end of the 2006–07 season. Following on from this event, Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan, supported by other sides facing possible relegation, including Fulham and Sheffield United, threatened legal action. West Ham escaped relegation by winning seven of their last nine games, including a 1–0 win over Arsenal, and on the last day of the season defeated newly crowned League Champions Manchester United 1–0 with a goal by Tévez to finish 15th. In the 2007–08 season, West Ham had a reasonably consistent place in the top half of the league table despite a slew of injuries; new signings Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer missed most of the campaign. The last game of the season, at the Boleyn Ground, saw West Ham draw 2–2 against Aston Villa; ensuring 10th place, finishing three points ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It was a five-place improvement on the previous season, and most importantly West Ham were never under any realistic threat of relegation. After a row with the board over the sale of defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland, manager Alan Curbishley resigned on 3 September 2008. His successor was former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola. Zola took over on 11 September 2008 and in so doing became the club's first non-British manager. In the 2008–09 season West Ham finished 9th, a single place improvement. In the 2009–10 season, West Ham started strongly with a 2–0 win over newly promoted Wolves with goals from Mark Noble and newly appointed captain Matthew Upson. A League Cup match against old rivals Millwall brought about violent riots outside the ground as well as pitch invasions and crowd trouble inside Upton Park. In August 2009 the financial concerns of Icelandic owners parent companies left the current owners unable to provide any funds until a new owner was found. The club's shirt sponsor SBOBET provided the club with help purchase a much needed striker, Alessandro Diamanti. West Ham had a poor season which involved a prolonged battle against relegation. They finally secured their survival with two games remaining by defeating Wigan Athletic 3–2. The club managed to take 35 points from 38 games, seven fewer than the total they had when relegated 7 years prior. On 11 May 2010, two days after the end of the 2009–10 season, West Ham announced the termination of Zola's contract with immediate effect. On 3 June 2010, Avram Grant signed a four year deal to become the next manager of West Ham subject to a work permit. West Ham's form continued to be poor with the team seldom outside the relegation zone, placing Grant's future as manager under serious doubt. A 4–0 Football League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United was an otherwise bright point in a disappointing season. West Ham's form in the Premier League did not affect their form in the two domestic cups. The Hammers reached the semi-final of the League Cup before being eliminated by eventual winners Birmingham City as well as the quarter final of the FA cup before a 2–1 defeat at Stoke City. On 15 May 2011, West Ham's relegation to the Championship was confirmed after a comeback from Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. With West Ham leading 2–0 at half-time by two Demba Ba goals, Wigan battled back to win 3–2 thanks to an added-time strike from Charles N'Zogbia. Following the loss, West Ham announced the sacking of manager Avram Grant just one season into his tenure. On 1 June 2011, Sam Allardyce was appointed as manager as Grant's replacement. The club finished third in the 2011–12 Football League Championship with 86 points and took part in the play offs. They beat Cardiff City F.C. in the play-off semi-final 5–0 on aggregate to reach the final against Blackpool at Wembley on 19 May 2012. Carlton Cole opened the scoring, and although Blackpool equalised early in the second half, Ricardo Vaz Tê scored the winner for West Ham in the 87th minute. West Ham, on their return to the Premier League signed former players James Colllins and George McCartney on permanent deals, as well as record signing Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll on loan. They won their first game of the season, on 18 August 2012, 1–0 against Aston Villa thanks to a Kevin Nolan goal. The highlight of the first half of the season was a 3–1 home win against reigning European champions Chelsea on 1 December 2012 which saw them in 8th position and 12th at the end of the year. On 22 March 2013, West Ham secured a 99-year lease deal on the Olympic Stadium, with it planned to be used as their home ground from the 2016–17 season. 10th place was secured at the end of the season with nine home wins and only three away from home. Only eleven away goals were scored, the lowest of the entire league. In June 2013 West Ham again broke their record transfer fee with the signing of Andy Carroll signed on a six-year contract for a fee of £15m. In a campaign with little to shout about, West Ham United recorded a first ever hat-trick of wins over Spurs in one season. Early glimpses of Ravel Morrison’s potential also helped to lift a mundane start to the season. With a run of poor results and the team plummeting down the table, West Ham fans underwent the lowest ebb of the season, succumbing to Fulham 2-1 and then the embarrassment of losing 5-0 to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, and 9-0 on aggregate to Man City in the semi-finals of the League Cup. It was only four successive victories in February against fellow Premier League strugglers that effectively saved the club from relegation. West Ham eventually finished 13th in the table. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Club Information Including Basic FM Information -------------------------- Boleyn Ground. West Ham are currently based at the Boleyn Ground, commonly known as Upton Park, in Newham, east London. The capacity of the Boleyn Ground is 35,016. This has been West Ham's ground since 1904. Prior to this, in their previous incarnation of Thames Ironworks, they played at Hermit Road in Canning Town and briefly at Browning Road in East Ham, before moving to the Memorial Grounds in Plaistow in 1897. They retained the stadium during their transition to becoming West Ham United and were there for a further four seasons before moving to the Boleyn Ground in 1904. Former chairman Eggert Magnússon made clear his ambition for West Ham United to move to the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Olympics, a desire reiterated by current chairmen Gold and Sullivan when they assumed control of the club stating that they felt it was a logical move for the Government as it was in the borough of Newham. Upton Park has been an all-seater stadium since the early 1990s, after professional clubs had to meet new FA regulations for stadium safety after the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989. Upton Park has four main stands, which are named The Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, The Bobby Moore Stand, The East Stand and The Alpari Stand. Moving to the Olympic Stadium. Former chairman Eggert Magnússon made clear his ambition for West Ham United to move to the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Olympics, a desire reiterated by current chairmen Gold and Sullivan when they assumed control of the club stating that they felt it was a logical move for the Government as it was in the borough of Newham. In November 2010 West Ham United commenced a search for potential developers for "informal discussions" about what would happen to the ground if it were to win its bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games. According to the club, the site could be vacated and open to redevelopment by the summer of 2014. On 11 February 2011 the Olympic Park Legacy Committee selected West Ham United as the preferred club to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games. The decision in favour of West Ham's bid was unanimous, although controversial as local rivals Tottenham Hotspur had also been bidding for the venue. However, their hopes of moving to the stadium have since been placed under doubt following a challenge by Leyton Orient, fearful that having West Ham playing less than a mile away from their Brisbane Road ground could steal support from the club and put them out of business. On 3 March 2011 West Ham United's proposed move to the Olympic Stadium was formally approved by the British government and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. It was announced on 22 March 2013, that the team signed a 99-year lease for the Olympic Stadium after the government agreed to put in an extra £25m towards the costs of converting the site. It is seen as a massive step forward for the club. They plan to move into the Stadium before the start of the 2016–17 season. Club Colours & Kit The original colours of the team were dark blue, due to Thames Ironworks chairman Arnold Hills being a former student of Oxford University. However the team used a variety of kits including the claret and sky blue house colours of Thames Ironworks, as well as sky blue or white kit. The Irons permanently adopted claret and blue for home colours in the summer of 1899. Thames Ironworks right-half Charlie Dove received the Aston Villa kit from his father William Dove, who was a professional sprinter of national repute, as well as being involved with the coaching at Thames Ironworks. Bill Dove had been at a fair in Birmingham, close to Villa Park, the home ground of Aston Villa and was challenged to a race against four Villa players, who wagered money that one of them would win. Bill Dove defeated them and, when they were unable to pay the bet, one of the Villa players who was responsible for washing the team's kit offered a complete team's 'football kits' to Dove in payment. The Aston Villa player subsequently reported to his club that the kit was 'missing'. This however, is often disputed. The predecessors of Thames Ironworks, Old Castle Swifts FC, played in pale blue shirts, white shorts and claret socks as early as 1892, around the same time Aston Villa played in said same colours. Thames Ironworks, and later West Ham United, retained the claret yoke/blue sleeves design, but also continued to use their previously favoured colours for their away kits. Crest The original club crest was a crossed pair of rivet hammers; tools commonly used in the iron and shipbuilding industry. A castle was later (circa 1903/04) added to the crest and represents a prominent local building, Green Street House, which was known as "Boleyn Castle" through an association with Anne Boleyn. The manor was reportedly one of the sites at which Henry VIII courted his second queen, though in truth there is no factual evidence other than the tradition of rumour. The castle may have also been added as a result of the contribution made to the club by players of Old Castle Swifts, or even the adoption (in 1904) of Boleyn Castle FC as their reserve side when they took over their grounds on the site. The crest was redesigned and updated by London design agency Springett Associates in the late 1990s, featuring a wider yellow castle with fewer cruciform "windows" along with the peaked roofs being removed; the tops of the towers had previously made the castle appear more akin to Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty's Castle than a functioning fortress. The designer also altered other details to give a more substantial feel to the iconography. When the club redesigned the facade of the stadium (construction finished 2001/02) the 'castle' from the later badge was incorporated into the structure at the main entrance to the ground. A pair of towers are now prominent features of the ground's appearance, both bearing the club's modern insignia (which is also located in the foyer and other strategic locations). A new badge was approved by supporters in July 2014 and will be introduced when the club move into the Olympic Stadium for the 2016–17 season. It removes the Boleyn Castle due to the club moving away, leaving just the crossed hammers, which the club says is inspired by the crest during the career of Bobby Moore. The word "London" will be introduced below to "establish the club firmly on the international stage", and the more minimalist approach is to give a "strong statement that is instantly West Ham United". The shape of the crest is that of the hull of the H.M.S. Warrior built by Thames Ironworks. FM Club Information Overview Nation: England. Year Founded: 1895. Operating Status: Professional. Legends: Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, John Lyall, Ron Greenwood, Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking. Icons: Paolo Di Canio, Julian Dicks, Tony Carr, Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie, Steve Potts, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Alvin Martin, Alan Devonshire, Ray Stewart, Carlos Tevez, Mark Noble, James Tomkins. Favoured Personnel: Adrian. Derbies: East London Derby (vs. Millwall). Fierce Rivals: Tottenham (Local), Millwall (Local), Chelsea (Local). Other Rivals: Sheffield United (Competitive), Manchester United (Historic), Arsenal (Historic). Continental Competition: None. Media Prediction: 15th. Squad Personality: Determined. Captain: Kevin Nolan. Vice-Captiain: Mark Noble. Finances Finances: Okay. Estimated Value: £120m (Loan Debt: £107m). Balance:£7.46m. Average Ticket Price: £50. Average Season Ticket Price: £680. Season Ticket Holders: 22,000. Debt: £26.5m (Repaying £921k per month until 05/01/2016. £15m (Repaying £429k per month until 30/06/2016. £45.5m (Repaying £190k per month until 03/07/2034 (when in profit). £20.5m (Repaying £885k per month until 30/06/2016. £12.5m (Repaying £344k per month until 30/06/2017 (when in profit). Transfer Budget: £3,000,000. Wage Budget: £900k/pw (Current: £900k/pw). Facilities City: London. Stadium: Boleyn Ground (Upton Park). Capacity: 35,016 (All Seated). Year Built: 1912. Owned By: West Ham United. Stadium Condition: Very good. Under Soil Heating:Yes. Roof: No. Surface: Grass. Pitch Dimensions: L: 104 meters, W: 67 meters. Max. Pitch Dimensions: L: 104 meters, W: 67 meters. Pitch Condition: Very Good. Corporate Facilities: Top corporate facilities. Training Facilities: Impressive training facilities. Youth Facilities: Great youth facilities. Youth Setup Category: 1 Stadium Sponsor: 3 year stadium sponsorship deal at £3m per season. Planned Expansion: Due to move into the 54,000 capacity Olympic Stadium on 01/07/2016. Youth Stadium: Little Heath Sports Ground, Romford. Training Ground: Chadwell Heath, London. Junior Coaching: Average junior coaching. Youth Recruitment: Established youth recruitment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Current First Team & Analysis Click Players Name For Screenshot -------------------------- Goalkeepers GK - Adrián San Miguel del Castillo - #13 – On 5 June 2013, it was announced that Adrián would join West Ham United on 1 July, on a three-year contract. Adrián made his debut for the Hammers on 27 August 2013, in a 2–1 home win against Cheltenham Town for the season's League Cup. His first league appearance came on 21 December, a 1–3 loss at Manchester United. On 11 January 2014 Adrián kept his first Premier League clean sheet, in the 2–0 away win over Cardiff City. On 6 May 2014, Adrián attended West Ham's 2013/14 players awards and won 'Save of the Season' for a fingertip save from Oscar against Chelsea in January. He also won 'Best Individual Performance' for the same game against Chelsea, in which he kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw and 'Signing of the Season'. Adrián was named runner up in the 2014 'Hammer of the Year' to Mark Noble. GK - Jussi Jääskeläinen - #22 – Jääskeläinen joined us on a free during the summer after he rejected a contract extension at his former club. He was once again reunited with Sam Allardyce, with whom he played under in his Bolton days. Jääskeläinen made his debut for West Ham on 18 August 2012 in a 1–0 win against Aston Villa. On 4 June 2014, Jussi signed a new one-year contract extension with West Ham keeping him at the club until the end of the 2014-15 season, saying "physically I feel good and I felt good last season so I hope I can carry on from there." Adrián San Miguel del Castillo Analysis – I really wouldn't look at strengthening this position at the moment. With Adrián between the sticks, West Ham have a solid goalkeeper for the next few seasons and Jääskeläinen is more than capable to step in for a few games throughout the season. However, you should definitely look to replace him for the following season. Alex Smithies is always a solid backup, along with Artur Boruc or Ben Amos. There's not much to go to in the Academy unfortunately, as Howes, Bogarde, Brown and Boness don't seem to have Premier League potential. - Target: Alex Smithies (Huddersfield, Transfer), Artur Boruc (Southampton, Transfer) or Ben Amos (Manchester United, Transfer). - Under 21’s: Raphael Spiegel. - Under 18’s: Sam Howes, Clarke Bogarde, Tim Brown and Danny Boness. Fullbacks RB - Joey O’Brien - #17 - In July 2011 Joey was handed a trial by West Ham United. He featured in pre-season friendlies against BSC Young Boys and F.C. Basel before being signed on 30 July on a free transfer, after penning a two-year contract. He made his competitive debut on 7 August 2011 in 1-0 home defeat to Cardiff City and scored his first goal for West Ham in a 4-0 away win against Watford on 16 August 2011; his first goal since January 2005. In January 2013 O'Brien signed a new contract with West Ham which will end in 2016. RB - Guy Demel - #20 – Demel signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third, with West Ham on 31 August 2011. Due to injuries, it was not until 29 November 2011, in a 2-0 away win against Middlesbrough, that Demel made his West Ham United debut. On 23 January 2013, Demel extended his contract with West Ham until 2015. Demel scored his first West Ham goal in a 2–1 home defeat by Liverpool on 6 April 2014. After West Ham striker, Andy Carroll challenged Liverpool goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper dropped the ball and Demel scored from three yards out. RB - Carl Jenkinson - #18 – On 31 July 2014, Jenkinson joined fellow London-based club West Ham United for a season-long loan deal. He suffered a pre-season hamstring injury in August, in a game in the Schalke 04 Cup against Málaga, and did not make his debut for West Ham until 15 September, in a 2-2 away draw against Hull City. LB - Danny Potts - #33 - Potts joined West Ham United as a scholar in May 2010. He made his reserve team debut away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 27 April 2011,[6] and his senior debut at home on 17 December 2011, in a 1–0 victory over Barnsley, just a day after signing a professional contract with the club. He received the 'Young Hammer of the Year' award in May 2012 after making 4 appearances during the season. On 23 January 2013 he was taken from the pitch in the 82nd minute with concussion, after a clash of heads with Bacary Sagna, in a Premier League game against Arsenal resulting in 12 minutes of stoppage time being added on after 90 minutes. He is a current England U20 representative. LB - Aaron Cresswell - #3 – Aaron Cresswell plays for West Ham United as a defender. He made his professional debut for Tranmere Rovers in 2008 and went on to make 70 league appearances for the club before signing for Ipswich in 2011, following a tribunal to agree the value of the transfer. He made 138 appearances for Ipswich scoring six goals before joining West Ham United in July 2014. He made his West Ham debut on 16 August 2014 in a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Aaron Cresswell Analysis – West Ham have a number of fullbacks to choose from, though Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson should be your undisputed first choices for the side. Danny Potts has potential alongside Leo Chambers. The squad has ample back-up with Joey O'Brien and Guy Demel waiting in the ranks. The only position I would really suggest strengthening in the first season is a back-up left back, and that's only if you don't trust Danny Potts enough to be Cresswell's deputy. Benoît Assou-Ekotto is a worth looking at and won't chew up all of your transfer budget. None of these players are on particularly extortionate contracts and really do show true value for money, which has been rare over the past few years.. - Target: Benoît Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham, Transfer). - Under 21’s: Sam Westley, Leo Chambers, Matthias Fanimo, Nathan Mavila and Lewis Page. - Under 18’s: Kieran Bailey, Joe Linley and Kyle Knoyle. Centrebacks CB - James Tomkins - #5 - Aged seven, Tomkins was spotted while playing for his local Sunday League side and signed into West Ham United's youth academy. Initially a striker, he eventually switched to his current position in central defence. He signed scholarship forms in 2005. Prior to making his first team debut, his career had been marred by several injuries. He won Young Hammer of the Year for 2007-08 and has been a first-team regular ever since. It was the 2011–12 season that Tomkins found his feet in the West Ham United first team, forging a partnership at the back with New Zealands Winston Reid. He scored the first goal in the 4-0 win against Watford at Vicarage Road and also received WHUFC Player of the Month for August, the opening month of the season. During the 2011–12 season, Tomkins was linked with a £4 million move to both Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United of the Premier League, but the speculation soon ended about his future when he signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at West Ham on 21 January running until summer 2016. After signing he also proved his commitment and love for the club by saying "I'm a local boy and have come through the ranks at the club and loyalty is a far bigger currency to me than money". James Tomkins CB - Winston Reid - #2 – Reid signed for West Ham United on 5 August 2010, on a three year contract for an undisclosed fee. He made his Premier League debut, on 14 August, in a 3–0 loss to Aston Villa and scored his first goal for West Ham in the 5–1 win against Burnley in the FA Cup on 21 February 2011. Reid remained with the club following its relegation to the Championship, and chose club over country when he opted to train with West Ham pre-season rather than represent New Zealand at the Olympics. He scored his first ever Premier League goal in West Ham's 3–0 victory against Fulham on 1 September 2012. In 2013 Reid signed a two-year extension to his contact until the end of the 2014-15 season. Arguably his best season in a claret and blue shirt, he was rewarded for his form and on 8 May 2013, Reid was named Hammer of the Year. He became only the third player from outside Europe to win the award. Reid started the 2013-14 season playing ten games and scoring one goal, in a 3-0 away win against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2013. However, in November 2013 he suffered an ankle injury in training which required surgery. He returned for West Ham on 1 February in a 2-0 home win against Swansea City. CB - James Collins - #19 - In August 2012, Collins signed for West Ham United for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract. He was allocated the number 19 shirt, which he wore in his first spell with the club. On 18 August 2012, Collins started alongside Winston Reid in a 1–0 home win against his former club, Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2012-13 Premier League season. He was also awarded 'Man of the Match' for his performance on his second 'debut'. Collins first goals in his second spell with West Ham came on 5 January in an FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Manchester United. The game finished 2–2 with Collins scoring two headed goals from crosses by Joe Cole. CB - Cheikhou Kouyaté - #8 - On 18 June 2014 Kouyaté signed for West Ham United on a four-year contract. Kouyaté said "I am very happy because today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the Premier League". He became West Ham's second signing before the 2014–15 season following the signing of Mauro Zárate at the end of May. Kouyaté made his West Ham debut on 16 August 2014 in a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. His performance was described as "impressive". Kouyaté is a very physical player as he is known well for his pace and strength, which lead to manager Sam Allardyce comparing him to ex-Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira. Reece Burke Analysis - Winston Reid, James Tomkins, Cheikhou Kouyaté and James Collins. West Ham are spoiled for choice in regards to centre-backs this season. The only Academy product you should really take notice of is Reece Burke (or if you decide to convert Leo Chambers into a centre-back). There isn't really any need to strengthen unless you want to unload Collins and bring in some youth. Someone like Nathan Baker or Bailey Wright would be decent signings. Virgil van Dijk can be picked up for around £7,500,000 and is worth getting if your finances allow it. - Target: Virgil van Dijk (Celtic, Transfer), Nathan Baker (Aston Villa, Transfer) or Bailey Wright (Preston, Transfer). - Under 21’s: Amos Nasha, Jamie Harney and Reece Burke. - Under 18’s: Josh Pask. Defensive Midfielders DM - Alex Song - #30 - Alex Song is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays for West Ham United, on loan from FC Barcelona, and the Cameroon national team. He plays as a central or defensive midfielder, and can also play as a central defender. Known for his colourful hair dye, Song also possesses a French passport. He is the cousin of former footballer Rigobert Song. On 30 August 2014, it was announced that Song had joined the English club West Ham United on a season long loan. He was unveiled to the fans on the same day before their home game against Southampton. Song made his debut against Hull City as a second half substitute on 15 September 2014 in a 2-2 draw. Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong DM - Diego Poyet - #23 - Born in Spain to Uruguayan parents, Poyet was raised in England after his father, Gus, signed for Chelsea in 1997. He is eligible to play for any of these three countries. In January 2014, Poyet stated that he considered himself English but would not turn down an opportunity to represent Uruguay. Poyet joined West Ham United on 8 July 2014, signing a four-year contract. On 23 August he made his debut, against Crystal Palace, coming on in the 83rd minute for Mauro Zárate in a 3–1 away win. Four days later he started for the first time, playing the full 120 minutes and scoring in the shootout as West Ham lost at home to Sheffield United in the second round of the Football League Cup. Analysis - Alex Song. Need I say more? This is THE strongest position in the side with Diego Poyet providing back-up. Over the past few seasons, I have avoided using a defensive midfielder, but with Alex Song signing with West Ham on a year-long loan, it seems anti-productive not to. Jack Cork could be an interesting purchase, but would be a luxury buy. Jordan Cousins might be worth having a look at, but with Diego Poyet only being 19, this position is set for the next couple of seasons. Once again, the Academy hasn't produced any potential Premier League defensive midfielders, with Makasi and Sylvestre providing decent cover at best. - Target: Jordan Cousins - Under 21’s: Moses Makasi. - Under 18’s: Noha Sylvestre. Central Midfielders CM - Mark Noble - #16 – Noble joined the West Ham United youth academy as a schoolboy after a short spell as a child at Arsenal and became the youngest player ever to appear in the reserve team, aged 15. He became a trainee in July 2003 and made his debut in the senior team at the age of just 17 in the League Cup in August 2004 in a 2–0 win against Southend. He made his league debut in the Championship in January 2005, in a 4–2 defeat away at Wolves. Former Manager Alan Pardew had described Noble as possibly the best prospect at the club. In September 2012 Noble signed a new, three year contract with an option for a further two years. Noble scored three goals in the 2013–14 season, the only one from open play being the second goal in a 2-0 win over Cardiff City in January with the team being down to ten men after a James Tomkins sending off. On 6 May 2014, Noble received his second Hammer of the Year, beating runner up Adrián and third placed James Tomkins. On the same awards night, Noble also won 'Players' Player of the Year'. Mark Noble Analysis - Mark Noble has been pivotal to our Premier League resurgence since being promoted from the Championship. He won’t be splashed across the back pages of tabloids throughout the nation, nor will he be seen defeated and swapping shirts with opposition players at half-time. The unsung hero of Upton Park doesn't always receive the attention he deserves but make no mistake - he has claret and blue running through his veins. Having said that, this is probably the position that we have the least amount of 'natural' players for. Song, Poyet, Downing, Amalfitano, Nolan and Morrison are able to fill in, but none of these players offer what Noble does. If there was one need for the squad, a solid partner for Mark Noble would be it. Unfortunately, there aren't many players that fit into West Ham's starting budget. Francis Coquelin would be an interesting acquisition who I think could play next to Noble (even though he is a natural defensive midfielder). Coquelin is available on loan or permanent transfer from Arsenal in the first window. - Target: Francis Coquelin (Arsenal, Transfer/Loan). - Under 21’s: Ben Marlow, Josh Cullen, Sebastian Lletget and George Moncur. - Under 18’s: Alex Pike, Emmanuel Onariase and Marcus Browne. Attacking Midfielders CAM - Ravel Morrison - #14 - On 31 January 2012, Morrison signed for West Ham United on a three-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee. A clause in the contract between Manchester United and West Ham ensured that the Manchester club receive £25,000 for every game Morrison plays for West Ham. Allowing him to leave Manchester United, manager Sir Alex Ferguson told West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce of Morrison, "A brilliant footballer. Brilliant ability. Top class ability. Needs to get away from Manchester and start a new life". On 17 March, he made his debut for The Hammers, replacing Jack Collison in the 81st minute of the 1–1 draw at Leeds United. Morrison spent the 2012–13 season on loan with Birmingham City. He also played for Queens Park Rangers for part of the 2013-14 season and was a member of the QPR side which won the 2014 Football League Championship play-off Final in May 2014. Although not in the game, Morrison is currently out on-loan to Cardiff City in the Championship. Ravel Morrison CAM - Mauro Zárate - #10 - Mauro Matías Zárate is an Argentine footballer who plays as a forward for West Ham United. On 28 May 2014, Zárate signed a three-year contract with Premier League club West Ham United to take effect when the international transfer window opened in June. On 23 August he scored on his competitive debut for the club, opening a 3-1 win away to Crystal Palace with a stunning 20-yard volley. Mauro is the youngest brother of former footballers Rolando and Ariel, as well as former international Sergio who currently acts as Mauro's agent. CAM - Kevin Nolan - #4 - In the summer of 2011 Nolan joined West Ham United on a five-year contract, joining up once again with new West Ham boss, Sam Allardyce. He was appointed captain soon after his arrival and led the team to an instant return to the Premier League. Nolan started the 2013–2014 campaign by scoring in the first game of the season again, in a 2–0 home win against Cardiff City. West Ham struggled in the first half of the season and Nolan's influence on games was described as "low key". In December 2013 he was sent-off at Anfield in a defeat by Liverpool for a foul on Jordan Henderson. After serving a three match ban he was dismissed again, in only his second match back, for a foul on Fulham's Fernando Amorebieta in a 2–1 defeat at Craven Cottage. He was fined two weeks wages, £100,000, by West Ham with manager Sam Allardyce considering removing the captaincy of the club from Nolan. Nolan finished as top scorer for West Ham in the 2013-14 season. At the start of the 2014-15 season he played in the first game, a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but before their second game he fractured his shoulder in training, an injury which was expected to keep him out of football for at least six weeks. Analysis – Another position with considerable strength, but no Academy products to follow up. Parfitt-Williams is the only attacking midfielder in the youth squads, though I don't see him making an impact beyond League 2. Charles N'Zogbia is a cheap purchase that can push both Zarate and Morrison for a first-team position and would only add to the depth of the position. Perhaps looking at younger prospects for the future would benefit the squad a bit more than ready made players such as N'Zogbia. Nolan will provide decent cover off the bench throughout the season, however I really think youth would be the best investment at this position. - Target: Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa, Transfer). - Under 21’s: None. - Under 18’s: Djair Parfitt-Williams. Wingers LW - Matt Jarvis - #7 - In August 2012, Jarvis signed a five-year contract, with the option for an additional year, for a transfer fee which was a club record but was officially undisclosed. Jarvis made his debut for West Ham on 25 August in a 3–0 away defeat to Swansea City. He scored his first goal for the club on 1 October, opening the scoring in a 2-1 win away to Queens Park Rangers. In his first season, he attempted the most open-play crosses in the Premier League, 171, and was successful with 42 of them, also the highest in the Premier League. He received his first call-up to the England squad in 2011 and made his debut as a substitute against Ghana in a Wembley friendly. LW - Ricardo Vaz Tê - #12 – Vaz Tê signed for West Ham United in January 2012, for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half year deal with an option for a third year. Vaz Tê made his debut for the club, coming on as a 89th minute substitute in the South-East London derby against Millwall on 4 February. On 21 February 2012, Vaz Tê scored his first goal for the Hammers, in a 4–1 victory at Blackpool. In the Final at Wembley on 19 May 2012, Vaz Tê scored the winning goal in the 87th minute, to make the final score 2-1 to West Ham, thus gaining promotion to the Premier League. On 28 August 2013, Vaz Tê handed in a transfer request. His statement regarding this said, "the statistics are evident to all but, despite this, it has been made obvious to myself and my representatives that I am not in the manager's plans. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I submit a transfer request and look to join a club where my approach to the game will be appreciated." He has remained at West Ham for at least until the winter transfer period and has committed himself to the club. After a good start of season playing ten out of twelve official Hammers games, scoring in the process 4 goals, injuries appeared. First he dislocated his shoulder against Swansea City, later in training he dislocated his patella and then he got an hamstring injury. This cost him almost the entire season just making one further 12 minute appearance against Arsenal in a 1-3 defeat. LW - Stewart Downing - #11 - Downing has played most of his career as a winger, where he operates predominantly on the left-hand side but has also played in the left-back position, though he can play on the right and go inside on to his stronger left foot. Downing has previously played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Sunderland. On 13 August 2013, Downing signed a four-year contract with West Ham United for an officially undisclosed fee which was reported to be in the region of £5m. He made his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute for Matt Jarvis in the 2–0 home win against Cardiff City at Upton Park on the opening day of the 2013–14 season on 17 August 2013. Downing scored his first goal for West Ham on 3 May 2014 in a 2-0 home win against Tottenham Hotspur. RW - Enner Valencia - #31 - Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra is an Ecuadorian footballer who plays as a forward for West Ham United and for the Ecuador national team. He is nicknamed "Superman". On 29 July 2014, English Premier League club West Ham United completed the transfer of Valencia, on a five-year contract for a fee estimated at £12 million. He later confirmed that he knew little about West Ham before signing and that he mainly knew of them having watched hooligan films such as the 2005 release of Green Street starring Elijah Wood. Valencia made his West Ham debut on 16 August 2014 in a 1–0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur coming on as an 81st minute substitute for Carlton Cole. On 27 August, he had his penalty saved by Mark Howard as West Ham were knocked out at home in the second round of the Football League Cup by Sheffield United. Valencia's debut goal for West Ham came in his full league debut, against Hull City on 15 September 2014, in a 2–2 draw. The 25 yard strike, timed at 61 miles per hour, was described by journalist Henry Winter of The Daily Telegraph as an "exceptional goal". Enner Remberto Valencia Lastra RW - Morgan Amalfitano - #21 - Morgan Amalfitano is a French professional footballer who plays for West Ham United as a midfielder. His main position is as a wide midfielder but he can also operate as an attacking or central midfielder. His younger brother Romain also plays professional football. On 1 September 2014, Amalfitano signed for West Ham United on a one year deal for an undisclosed fee. He made his West Ham debut two weeks later against Hull City on 15 September, replacing Diafra Sakho in the second-half of the 2–2 draw. On 20 September 2014, Amalfitano made his home debut for the Hammers, coming on in the second half and scoring his first goal for West Ham, against Liverpool, to complete a 3–1 victory and secure the club's first home win of the season. Amalfitano's second goal for the club came on 25 October at home to Manchester City when he netted the opener in a 2−1 victory over the reigning champions. Analysis – West Ham have a perfect blend of wingers. The pace and crossing ability of Jarvis, the creativity of Downing, the dynamism of Valencia and the technique of Amalfitano combines perfectly to give us the best we have had in years. Although I wouldn't consider Vaz Tê first-team quality, he is more than capable of providing cover from the bench and stepping in for the odd cup game. I can't think of any players that will directly improve this part of the team within the budget, so it might be best to look towards the next few seasons and invest in youth. Keiran Bywater is the only notable winger coming through from the Academy. - Target: Junior Hoilett (QPR, Transfer), Robbie Brady (Hull, Transfer) or Nathan Dyer (Swansea, Transfer). - Under 21’s: Keiran Bywater, Blair Turgott and Dymon Labonne. - Under 18’s: Taylor Tombides, Grady Diangana and Jerry Amoo. Strikers ST - Andy Carroll - #9 - In August 2012, Liverpool agreed a £2 million loan deal that would see Carroll spend a season-long loan at West Ham. This move was made permanent in June 2013 for a fee of £15 million. Carroll started the 2013–14 season injured with a heel problem picked up in the final game of the previous season. He made his first appearance of the season on 12 January 2014, as a substitute in the 72nd minute of a 2–0 victory over Cardiff City, assisting Mark Noble for West Ham's second goal. On 1 February 2014, Carroll was sent off for violent conduct against Swansea City defender Chico Flores in West Ham's 2–0 win over the Welsh club. On 15 March, he scored his first Premier League goal of the season in a 3–1 defeat at Stoke City. On 31 March, he was named man of the match by Sky Sports for his performance in a 2–1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in which he scored one and assisted the other of the Hammers' goals. During a pre-2014-15 season tour of New Zealand, Carroll sustained damage to his ankle which was later diagnosed as an ankle ligament injury which was estimated to keep him out of action for four months. Andy Caroll ST - Diafra Sakho - #15 - Diafra Sakho is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a striker for West Ham United. In season 2013–14 he scored 20 goals in 36 appearances as Metz won the Ligue 2 title. For his performances, Sakho was voted Ligue 2 Player of the Year for the 2013–14 season. On 14 August 2014, Sakho signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee with West Ham United, becoming their seventh signing before the start of the 2014–15 season. Upon his joining, he said: "This is a proud day to have signed for West Ham, I really love English football and I've dreamed of coming to play for one of the big English clubs. Today, West Ham have given me that opportunity and I didn't hesitate to grab it". Sakho made his West Ham debut on 23 August, in a 3–1 away win against Crystal Palace, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Carlton Cole. On 26 August, he scored his first competitive goal for the club against Sheffield United in the second round of the League Cup. Sakho's first League goal came on 15 September in a 2–2 away draw against Hull City. He made his home debut against Liverpool on 20 September, and scored his second goal with a chip over goalkeeper Simon Mignolet as the Hammers won 3–1. On 29 September Sakho scored in a 2–1 away defeat by Manchester United. This was his fourth goal in his first four starts for the club, breaking a 26 year-old record previously held by Leroy Rosenior. On 25 October 2014 Sakho scored West Ham's second goal in a 2-1 home win against reigning champions, Manchester City. In doing so he became the first West Ham player to score in six straight Premier League games. ST - Carlton Cole - #24 – On 3 September 2013, after West Ham failed with a number of bids for strikers at the end of the transfer window, they approached Cole about returning to the club. The move did not take place however, due to concerns over Cole's fitness. After training at the club to regain his fitness, on 14 October 2013, Cole signed a short-term contract with West Ham, keeping him at the club until January 2014. Cole made 6 starts and 8 appearances as a substitute for West Ham during this short-term contract. His first goal in his second spell came on 30 November 2013 in his fourth game: coming on as an 81st minute substitute for Modibo Maiga, Cole scored the second West Ham goal, barely a minute later, in a 3–0 win against Fulham. He went on to score 3 more goals, against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Cardiff City. On 15 January 2014, Cole signed an 18-month contract keeping him at the club past the end of the 2014–15 season. Sex, Drugs and Carlton Cole ST - Modibo Maïga - #20 (on loan at FC Metz) - In July 2012, Maïga underwent a medical at West Ham United. He signed the following day on a four-year contract with an option for a further two years for an undisclosed fee. Maïga made his debut for West Ham on 18 August 2012 coming on as an 81st minute substitute against Aston Villa. On 28 August 2012 Maïga scored on his full home debut against Crewe Alexandra. He scored his first league goal on 20 October against Southampton. In August 2014 he joined French club, Metz on a season long loan with an option to make the loan a permanent transfer in the summer of 2015. Analysis – Once Andy Carroll is fit, you should have three Premier League quality strikers to lead the front line. Enner Valencia and Mauro Zárate are also capable of playing up top and making an impact. As with the rest of the squad, there is enough experience and fire power that makes immediate reinforcements unnecessary. Nadir Çiftci, Will Keane or Adil Nabi are players that could be signed for the future. Within the Academy, there a few prospects such as Jaanai Gordon, Sean Maguire, Jordan Brown and Elliot Lee. Although not world-class, they are able to develop into strong backups that will fill the home-grown quota. - Target: Will Keane (Manchester United, Transfer), Adil Nabi (West Brom, Transfer) or Nadir Çiftci (Dundee United, Transfer). - Under 21’s: Jaanai Gordon, Sean Maguire, Jordan Brown, Elliot Lee, Danny Whitehead, Paul McCallum and Kieran Sadlier. - Under 18’s: Márcio Martins, Decarrey Sheriff and Fatia Adebayo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Current Staff at West Ham United Click Staff Member For Screenshot -------------------------- Manager - Sam Allardyce Allardyce was appointed as manager of West Ham United on 1 June 2011, signing a two-year contract. Allardyce vowed to play "attractive football" in getting West Ham back to the Premier League, according to the "traditions of the club," and rejected the claims that he played dull, long-ball football at previous clubs. He signed Abdoulaye Faye, Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Matt Taylor. Faye, Nolan and O'Brien had all played under Allardyce at his former club Bolton Wanderers while Taylor was a Bolton player who had joined after Allardyce left the club. His first game in charge, on 7 August 2011 was a loss by a late goal to Cardiff City. He made striker John Carew West Ham's fifth signing of the season, on a free transfer, followed by defender George McCartney from Sunderland on a season-long loan, strikers Sam Baldock from MK Dons and midfielder Papa Bouba Diop on a free transfer.He concluded his summer business with late swoops on deadline day for midfielders David Bentley from Tottenham Hotspur and Henri Lansbury from Arsenal, both on season-long loans and utility man Guy Demel from Hamburg for an undisclosed fee making him Allardyce's 12th purchase of the 2011 summer transfer window. Nicky Maynard, Ricardo Vaz Tê and Ravel Morrison followed in the 2011 winter transfer window. In March 2012, despite standing in third place in the Championship, Allardyce's style of football was again questioned as at his previous club Newcastle United. Fans called for more passing of the ball and football played on the pitch and not in the air. In May 2012, West Ham were promoted back to the Premier League after only one season in the Championship after winning the 2012 Football League Championship play-off Final. Allardyce described this promotion as his best ever achievement. A busy transfer window for the summer of 2012 saw Sam Allardyce bring in eleven players, including Jussi Jääskeläinen, Mohamed Diamé, Modibo Maïga, James Collins, Alou Diarra, Matt Jarvis, Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun. Allardyce's first Premier League game in charge of West Ham came on 18 August 2012, a 1–0 victory over Aston Villa. Allardyce renewed his contract at West Ham on 11 May 2013 by signing a new two-year deal, scheduled to run until the end of the 2014–15 season. This renewal came as West Ham sat in 10th place in the Premier League where they finished at the end of the season. Some pundits claim that despite Allardyce's promise to play "attractive football," on returning to the Premier League he reverted to "long-ball" football. His long-ball tactics brought criticism from fans, the media as well as other managers. Allardyce disputed the claims, stating that his West Ham side were "more than a long-ball team". In January 2014, following a 0–0 draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea manager, José Mourinho criticised West Ham's football, likening it to "football from the 19th century." Following the goalless draw against Chelsea, West Ham won all four of their next Premier League games and Allardyce was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month for February 2014. In May 2014, some supporters hung a banner bearing the legend "Fat Sam Out" outside the mansion owned by club chairman, David Sullivan, in Theydon Bois, Essex. Despite protests, on 20 May 2014, the club announced that Allardyce would remain at the club but also that he would be given the use of an attacking coach for the 2014-15 season to "ensure the team provides more entertainment". In May 2014, former West Ham player, Teddy Sheringham was appointed to "improve the club's goal tally". In October 2014, pundits like BBC's Robbie Savage were commenting about the team's "more attractive and attacking playing style" or "the statistics show the progress that West Ham have made in the last few months." Sam Allardyce Assistant Manager - Neil McDonald Neil McDonald is a former football player, in the right back and midfield positions, before becoming a coach/manager. During his career he played for the England Under-21 team. As a manager he has been in charge at Carlisle United and Östersunds FK. On 18 December 2008 he was appointed assistant manager of Blackburn Rovers, and was sacked on 13 December 2010 along with manager Sam Allardyce. On 1 June 2011, Allardyce announced McDonald as his assistant manager at West Ham United. Head of Youth Development - Terry Westley Terry Westley is an association football coach and manager. Until 2011 he was the Academy Director at Birmingham City and in July 2014 he was appointed to a similar role with West Ham United. Westley previously worked at Rushden & Diamonds, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, Luton Town and Derby County. At these clubs he was responsible for developing young players, who included Matthew Upson, Kieron Dyer, Richard Wright, Titus Bramble and Kevin Lisbie. At Derby, he oversaw the development of young stars such as Tom Huddlestone, Lee Holmes, Giles Barnes, Lewin Nyatanga and Miles Addison. Westley took the helm at Luton Town in July 1995 after the departure of David Pleat. He saw out the 94/95 football season with Luton Town finishing 16th in Division One . The following season did not get off to a good start and Westley was sacked after a 0-4 defeat at Portsmouth. Westley was made caretaker manager of Derby County in January 2006 following the departure of Phil Brown. He lost his first game in charge 1–0 at home to Sheffield United and despite not managing a win in four further outings, was made manager until the end of the season. His first victory was a 1–0 home win over Plymouth Argyle just two days later. Despite achieving his objective of keeping the club in the Championship by the end of the season he was not offered the job of permanent manager, instead being replaced by Billy Davies. He joined Birmingham City as director of their youth academy in 2006. In his first season, he led the under-18 side to the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup, and two years later they reached the semi-final of the same competition. After completing a report to the club's board of directors, which contained recommendations needed to "push [the Academy] to the next level", Westley left the club by mutual consent in February 2011. in July 2014 Westley became academy director at West Ham United, replacing long-term incumbent, Tony Carr. Terry Westley Youth Managers Nick Haycock - U21's Manager. Steve Potts - U18's Manager. General Coaches Ian Hendon - Senior. Peter Drake - U18's. Fitness Coaches Mathew Monte-Colombo - Senior. Eamon Swift - Senior. Goalkeeping Coaches Lee Harrison - Senior. Martyn Margetson - Senior. Jerome John - U18's. Physios Dominic Rogan - Head Physio. Fraser Lodge - Physio. Scouts Martyn Glover - Head Scout. George Cowie - Scout. Analysis - The staff at West Ham are severely short handed. This can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. You now have the freedom to sign the youth team assistant managers of your liking, several scouts, and plenty of U18, U21 and Senior Squad coaches. Compared to the squad you inherit at the start of the game, this side of West Ham is rather flexible. Ron Bone, Rodolfo Borrell, Valentino Angeloni and Bojan Krkic are quality acquisitions for scouts that would actually be interested in coming to the Hammers. Liam Brady, Brian Eastick, Jim Cassell and Stewart Houston are great coaches that are happy to sign for reasonable contracts. You should be alright for physios, but if you are looking for an upgrade, David Favre at Blackburn is a world-class physio that will sign for just about anyone. Apart from that, the majority of the staff has carried over from last season. Having Tony Carr move into a director role with the club could possibly hurt our youth intake, with Terry Westley not having outstanding attributes that we may have become accustomed to over the years. I'd suggest trying to get Phil Cannon on board instead and offering Westley mutual termination. Tony Carr's testimonial Staff Suggestions Scout - Ron Bone Scout - Rodolfo Borrell Scout - Valentino Angeloni Scout - Bojan Krkic Coach - Liam Brady Coach - Jim Cassell Coach - Brian Eastick Coach - Stewart Houston Head Physio - David Fevre Head of Youth Development - Phil Cannon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 RESERVED5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share Posted October 24, 2014 Why Should You Manage West Ham United? Including Useful Club Links -------------------------- Olympic Stadium - West Ham have just signed a 99-year lease to the 54,000 seater Olympic Stadium. Academy of Football - Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Tony Cottee, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, John Terry, Joe Cole, Mark Noble and James Tomkins. West Ham has produced some world-class players from the Academy of Football, can you replicate past talent without the help of Tony Carr? Finally a Complete Squad - This is the most complete squad West Ham has had in many seasons. Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Morgan Amalfitano, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Mauro Zárate and the marquee loan signing of Alex Song have addressed needs the squad required to push for a top-10 finish. Supporters - The Hammers have some of the most passionate supporters in the country. There are 700,000 fans on the club's database and over 750,000 likes on Facebook, can you gain their support? Premier League Rivalries - The oldest and fiercest rivalry is with Millwall. West Ham have strong rivalries with several other clubs, most of them in London. Tottenham Hotspur in an east versus north London derby and with Chelsea in an east versus west London rivalry. Can you give the supporters something to cheer about and defeat your rivals? Katy Perry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoarau Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 Brilliant man, West Ham are my choosen Premier League adventure this version so can't wait to get started. Good work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean0987654321 Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 Got any tatical suggestions??? Maybe some hoof ball to the big man for speedy Zarate/Valencia to get?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Superb, been waiting for this one. West Ham are a few signings away from being a top 6 side even in the first season this year.. Reid, Noble and the attacking prowess of Valencia, Zarate and Diafra should be something else... shame there are no decent academy players coming through in the game though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Got any tatical suggestions??? Maybe some hoof ball to the big man for speedy Zarate/Valencia to get?? I was toying with the idea of a Diafra Zarate Valencia setup until Andy comes back.. Or maybe even bringing Nolan in to play deeper than Diafra as a pivot... hmmm no many choices Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share Posted October 25, 2014 Superb, been waiting for this one. West Ham are a few signings away from being a top 6 side even in the first season this year..Reid, Noble and the attacking prowess of Valencia, Zarate and Diafra should be something else... shame there are no decent academy players coming through in the game though There might be one coming through in the January update, that left back that's been likened to Gareth Bale. But yer you are right, there's not much in the academy at the start, and I think our facilities have been downgraded this season. And we have lost Tony Carr as the Head of Youth Development. That's a bitter blow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share Posted October 25, 2014 Brilliant man, West Ham are my choosen Premier League adventure this version so can't wait to get started.Good work. I do remember seeing you in one of the West Ham threads, though I can't remember exactly which one it was. Welcome back nonetheless Got any tatical suggestions??? Maybe some hoof ball to the big man for speedy Zarate/Valencia to get?? We have some real quality players (Valencia, Zarate, Sakho .. Nolan?) so long balls into the box isn't really our only option any more. I honestly think this has been one of our best transfer windows since we brought in the Argentinian duo of Tevez and Mascherano. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Looking forward to getting my teeth into FM15 with the Hammers. Started a thread in the Tactics Forum about trying to recreate Sam's new diamond and came up with this idea (which needs tinkering and even more so with the roles and duties of FM15) but it's an idea. Ironically it's quite good defensively but doesn't score many goals. Might tinker with the philosophy and see if that makes a difference. ----Valencia-------------------Sakho----- ------------------Downing---------------- ------------Noble----------Amaltifano--- -------------------Song------------------ Cresswell---Tomkins----Reid------Jenkinson ------------------Adrian------------------ Possibly for FM14 transferred into this. Standard/Fluid?? --------DF S-------------------DF S-------- -------------------AM A--------------------- ------------BBM-----------BBM------------ -------------------BWM D------------------ WB A--------CB D-----------CB D------WB A --------------------GK D-------------------- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipson Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Just took over west ham after a season with benfica where i won the league, cup and supertaca. attack seems fine on west ham, need to sort out defense Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 I was toying with the idea of a Diafra Zarate Valencia setup until Andy comes back.. Or maybe even bringing Nolan in to play deeper than Diafra as a pivot... hmmm no many choices Would really appreciate your input in regards to tacics if possible Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nottingham Forest Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 A good thread dude. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Thought I'd let you know that your photo of Enner Valencia is actually of Diafra Sakho. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 A good thread dude. Thanks man. It's similar to my FM13 one which I never finished. Thought I'd let you know that your photo of Enner Valencia is actually of Diafra Sakho. Haha ah sh*t, is that considered racist? I actually didn't notice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Haha ah sh*t, is that considered racist? I actually didn't notice. Not in any way, shape or form. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Looking forward to getting my teeth into FM15 with the Hammers. Started a thread in the Tactics Forum about trying to recreate Sam's new diamond and came up with this idea (which needs tinkering and even more so with the roles and duties of FM15) but it's an idea. Ironically it's quite good defensively but doesn't score many goals. Might tinker with the philosophy and see if that makes a difference. ----Valencia-------------------Sakho----- ------------------Downing---------------- ------------Noble----------Amaltifano--- -------------------Song------------------ Cresswell---Tomkins----Reid------Jenkinson ------------------Adrian------------------ Possibly for FM14 transferred into this. Standard/Fluid?? --------DF S-------------------DF S-------- -------------------AM A--------------------- ------------BBM-----------BBM------------ -------------------BWM D------------------ WB A--------CB D-----------CB D------WB A --------------------GK D-------------------- I'd say this is pretty close Sussex Hammer However I'd change a few things: GK: Goalkeeper (D) DR: WingBack (S) DC: Central Defender (D) DC: Central Defender (D) DL: WingBack (A) DM: Defensive Midfielder (S) MCR: Box-To-Box (S) MCL: Ball-Winning Midfielder (S) AMC: Attacking Midfielder (A) STR: Deep-Lying Forward (S) STL: Advanced Forward (A) - Move into Channels Strategy: Counter or Standard Philosophy: Fluid TIs: Get Stuck In, Pass Into Space Thats what I'd go for to start with. It's hard to to replicate both the Striker's and Amalfitano's role. Valencia and Sakho both look to Move into the Channels creating space for Downing. Also is Amalfitano a Playmaker? Really hard to judge his role IMO, considered a Central Midfield (A) role. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Doesn't look like there'd be much use for Jarvis or Vaz Tê in your tactic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Doesn't look like there'd be much use for Jarvis or Vaz Tê in your tactic. That's what I'd use if I was trying to replicate Big Samuel. You'd definitely have to change it if you wanted to incorporate Carroll. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecockygeezer Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Great thread pal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 That's what I'd use if I was trying to replicate Big Samuel. You'd definitely have to change it if you wanted to incorporate Carroll. Carroll could probably do a job as a DLF. Think Jarvis and Vaz Te will be surplus to requirements IRL if he continues with the diamond!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Great thread pal. Thanks mate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Carroll could probably do a job as a DLF.Think Jarvis and Vaz Te will be surplus to requirements IRL if he continues with the diamond!! Perhaps but your definitely not getting the best out of him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 I think Vaz Tê should be surplus to requirements anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 I'd say this is pretty close Sussex Hammer However I'd change a few things: GK: Goalkeeper (D) DR: WingBack (S) DC: Central Defender (D) DC: Central Defender (D) DL: WingBack (A) DM: Defensive Midfielder (S) MCR: Box-To-Box (S) MCL: Ball-Winning Midfielder (S) AMC: Attacking Midfielder (A) STR: Deep-Lying Forward (S) STL: Advanced Forward (A) - Move into Channels Strategy: Counter or Standard Philosophy: Fluid TIs: Get Stuck In, Pass Into Space Thats what I'd go for to start with. It's hard to to replicate both the Striker's and Amalfitano's role. Valencia and Sakho both look to Move into the Channels creating space for Downing. Also is Amalfitano a Playmaker? Really hard to judge his role IMO, considered a Central Midfield (A) role. Well I tried out your suggestion in two games in FM14 and I must say some of the football was excellent. I have never really used pass into space so have been missing something!! Beat Metalist 1-0 and had 25 shots with 17 on target to their 13 and 4. To be fair their goalkeeper saved about 12 of them!! Then beat QPR 2-0 with 14 shots on goal with 4 on target to their 5 and 0. Both matches I conceded possession. Used standard and tried counter in the second half briefly of the Metalist game but found it invited pressure too much. The other thing I noticed is that there were quite a few long shots and obviously poor one on one finishing but I think that's FM14 for you!! Agree that Sakho/Valencia partnership IRL isn't really your basic front two. They tend to split quite wide almost like inside forwards when defending and tend to rotate the central area whilst the other pulls wide when attacking. Difficult to implement in FM unless 15 has new roles to tinker with. I would almost call it a roaming defensive forward role hence why I tried it with two defensive forwards moving into channels but whilst it worked well defensively it didn't really work going forward. I will study this thread with interest. Great thread Gandy... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Let me know how you get on with tactics. I am dreading writing that part up .. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luizinho Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Well I tried out your suggestion in two games in FM14 and I must say some of the football was excellent. I have never really used pass into space so have been missing something!!Beat Metalist 1-0 and had 25 shots with 17 on target to their 13 and 4. To be fair their goalkeeper saved about 12 of them!! Then beat QPR 2-0 with 14 shots on goal with 4 on target to their 5 and 0. Both matches I conceded possession. Used standard and tried counter in the second half briefly of the Metalist game but found t invited pressure too much. The other thing I noticed is that there were quite a few long shots and obviously poor one on one finishing but I think that's FM14 for you!! Agree that Sakho/Valencia partnership IRL isn't really your basic front two. They tend to split quite wide almost like attacking inside forwards when defending and tend to rotate the central area whilst the other pulls wide when attacking. Difficult to implement in FM unless 15 has new roles to tinker with. I would almost call it a roaming defensive forward role hence why I tried it with two defensive forwards moving into channels but whilst it worked well defensively it didn't really work going forward. I will study this thread with interest. Great thread Gandy... It's a pretty basic system. I wouldn't expect fireworks, but you'd have to tinker it from game to game to be successful long term. From what I've read about the FM15 ME thus far, it looks pretty promising. Which in turn could lead to more consistent tactics. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 It's a pretty basic system. I wouldn't expect fireworks, but you'd have to tinker it from game to game to be successful long term.From what I've read about the FM15 ME thus far, it looks pretty promising. Which in turn could lead to more consistent tactics. No I think it's excellent. I do basic anyway!! Always think you can over complicate things in FM. I'm a lazy manager which goes back to my "mixed generic" base with the sliders...... Played Newcastle away and was 2-0 down after 10 mins. Added hassle opponents and ended up 2-2. Hoping pressing in 15 is better than it is in 14. I think West Ham this season press as a team but don't push too far up probably due to a lack of real pace in the back line. It was the same in our last decent season in 85/86, the side played attacking football but with a deep defensive line. Very difficult in FM14 because you leave gaps. I guess an attacking counter attack is pretty much what you would be trying to achieve but for some reason I always invite real pressure when I tried to play counter so never got it right. Must have been my instructions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
benffffffffffff Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Noble has just been capped by Ireland on my save. Has he always been available for the Irish? Or is this an error? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Noble has just been capped by Ireland on my save. Has he always been available for the Irish? Or is this an error? https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=mark%20noble%20irish Apparantly it's right ... can't see it myself, always hoped England would give him a go.. consistent and classy, always liked him Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 He has said he would only consider England at this point in time. I had the same thing, annoyed me because I think he's good enough for England. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Either way, going to start a hammers save soon ( got a week off work ) First signing will be Dele Alli hopefully.. top talent and should fit in nicely with the side we've got. Then I'll need to sort of the defence, I'm not convinced by any of the positions back there really. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 I'd say right-back is the only position that needs looking at. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Not convinced by Reid or Tomkin's in the game tbh..Downing also doesn't fill me with confidence Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 Downing looks decent, though as a winger rather than how Sam has been playing him this season. Tomkins and Reid lack pace in-game, but other than that look fairly solid. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Tomkins and Reid aren't lightning but I would say they are at least 13/14 pace wise. What are the stats for Sakho and Valencia like as they were awful in FM14 and has Valencia now been given a striker role as well because in 14 he was only a wide midfielder? Also I would be interested to see Song's stats compared to last years game because I am convinced in FM that when a decent player leaves a big Club and moves to a smaller Club IRL his stats in the game drop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Sakho: Valencia: Song: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussex Hammer Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Fantastic face pack btw, where did you get it if you don't mind me asking? Not far off for Song but FM14 he is slightly higher in some areas although I am two seasons in. Has creativity been replaced by vision? Re Song and Valencia - Better than last year but I would seriously argue with work rate and teamwork. Don't think I have seen two harder working forwards and Valencia's pace and acceleration should be higher. He is at least an 18 acceleration and 17 for pace. He is a beats across the ground. And 11 for long shots with Valencia??? Did the researcher not see his goal a few weeks ago?? Where do you place data queries? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 You can click every players name in the 'First Team Analysis' post to get screen shots Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Facepack is the cut out megapack... it's 6gb large! been using it for years, just adding to it as necessary.. google away! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 West Ham Data Issues. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Fantastic face pack btw, where did you get it if you don't mind me asking? Not far off for Song but FM14 he is slightly higher in some areas although I am two seasons in. Has creativity been replaced by vision?Re Song and Valencia - Better than last year but I would seriously argue with work rate and teamwork. Don't think I have seen two harder working forwards and Valencia's pace and acceleration should be higher. He is at least an 18 acceleration and 17 for pace. He is a beats across the ground. And 11 for long shots with Valencia??? Did the researcher not see his goal a few weeks ago?? Where do you place data queries? Also, bare in mind, data lock was weeks and weeks ago, and new players into a team are largely done by the previous clubs researcher.. they also don't have much room to improve players straight away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 28, 2014 Author Share Posted October 28, 2014 I just had Demel request a transfer, which lead me to attempting a mutual termination. Let's just say he's not please with me and is now on a leave of absence in France. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 29, 2014 Author Share Posted October 29, 2014 Goalkeepers are rather rubbish ( ) making this save difficult. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshace Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Gandy... don't try and circumnavigate the swear filter fella! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted October 29, 2014 Author Share Posted October 29, 2014 Sorry. I am scoring, but keep conceding. It's seriously frustrating haha. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodmansee Posted November 4, 2014 Share Posted November 4, 2014 Up there hammers, here I go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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