In a startling turn of events today at The Boleyn Ground Sam Allardyce has parted company with West Ham United. Having joined West Ham in 2011 he was the third longest serving manager in the Barclays Premier League behind Arsene Wenger and Alan Pardew. Having won promotion via the play-offs in the 2011/12 season he had endeared himself to the West Ham faithful. He described this as "My best ever achievement" He followed this up by securing a 10th placed finish for the East London club to firmly re-establish themselves as a Premier League team. It is unclear at the moment as to why Sam Allardyce has had his contract terminated however early indications suggest a boardroom dispute with David Gold regarding a new contract is the primary reason that West Ham are now searching for a manager.

A statement from West Ham reads;


Bookies have installed former Liverpool player Brandon Clarke as the front-running candidate for the top job at the Hammers after he was pictured dining with Karen Brady and David Gold earlier in the week.

Brandon Clarke is a relatively unknown quantity in the managerial field and many will be asking if he is up to the job seeing as he has had no previous experience of managing a team although he is regarded as a superb up and coming manager amongst coaching circles.

More to follow.

I like the Game of Thrones reference

2014-04-18 14:22#170293 Neal : I like the Game of Thrones reference

Heheh, thank you I've been thinking of doing one of these for a while but couldn't decide on a team and after watching Game of Thrones earlier this week I thought yes! The Hammers it is!

Good luck hope your fixtures are kinder than mine

Haha, as it so happens I was reading the Song of Ice and Fire when I chanced upon this xP
Some coincidence. Haha.
Good luck

In another frantic pre-season, football clubs around the country have been out strengthening squads and lining up friendlies around the globe. One team which haven't begun to strengthen yet are Premier League middleweights West Ham United.

Having recently sacked Sam Allardyce for reasons not yet known they have brought in rookie boss Brandon Clarke. Whilst a well known name for some in English football following his spells with Redditch United, Portsmouth, Burnley and most notably Liverpool he is certainly a character who knows what it is like to climb from the bottom.

In his first press conference since taking over the West Ham hot-seat he talked about his squad, transfers and his objectives for the season.

"It's a great opportunity for me to now try and establish myself in the managerial game. It's something I have always wanted to do since hanging up my boots and I feel I am the right person to take West Ham forward. I am absolutely ecstatic and I can't wait to get things started. From those who remember me from my playing days you will know that I give my absolute all when on the pitch, this isn't going to change now that I'm in the dug out. The players know that they can come to me with anything. I don't see West Ham as being a football club. It is much, much more than that. This is one of the finest establishments in English football. We have one of the most passionate fan bases in the world and the facilities here are top notch. The players understand what it means to play for this club and you only have to look at some of the names on the team sheet each week to realise that West Ham is a club on the up."

"We've got some top talent here. Anybody that knows anything about football knows that Andy Carroll is the most dangerous target man in the world when he is on his game. The way he puts himself about is second to none. I tell you what, I wouldn't want to be a center half having to face Andy. Carlton Cole is another big lad. Then we've got Marco Borriello on loan from Roma. This is a top, top striker who has played in Serie A for over a decade. He's wore the jersey's of teams like Roma, Juventus and A.C. Milan. This is a guy that knows what pressure is like and I have absolute faith that he will deliver this term. Joe Cole has still got that magic in him, I've only been here a few days but I've already noticed it in training. Some people have been saying he is past it but look, you don't just lose your footballing ability. He's had some injuries over the course of his career but with the right training regime and therapy I assure you that you'll see the Joe Cole that captivated us all during his younger years. In the middle of the park I can honestly say I've got some of the most hard working players you are ever likely to find. Mark [Noble] has been a fantastic servant to the club and he is just one of many fine graduates from the academy. Kevin is an absolutely fantastic guy, his attitude on the training ground is brilliant and his performances for every club he has been at reflects that. Diame is an absolute animal. I mean that in a good way of course but wow, complete power house. Talking about Diame I am pleased to announce that we've come to an agreement and extended his contract here. The defence is gonna be key for us this season and I will certainly be looking to make The Boleyn ground one of the most daunting places to come in the Premier League. Collins is an experienced professional and I know many Villa fans were sad to see him depart. James [Tomkins] is another fantastic product from the academy and within the next season or two I can definitely see himself forcing his way into the England set up. We've already had a few teams sniffing around him and Reid but our stance is clear. West Ham will not be forced into selling."

"Having spoke to the board a few days previous we come to the agreement that West Ham should be steering clear of any relegation battles. I see that as an easily achievable target given the players and the back room staff that we have here at West Ham. I am ecstatic to be involved with the club and I hope to have a long and successful career with the Hammers."

With the fixture list set to be released in a few days time it will be interesting to see if new manager Brandon Clarke looks to strengthen his squad, or whether he feels no additions are necessary.


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Good luck mate!

Pre-Season Review: West Ham United

It has been a very promising Pre-Season for West Ham as they have recorded 7 wins on the bounce in there 8 Pre-Season friendlies. Since replacing experienced manager Sam Allardyce with rookie boss Brandon Clarke the West Ham boardroom must be rubbing there hands at a potential gem of a manager.









It is clear to see that the new West Ham boss likes quick, counter attacking football and so far in Pre-Season it has worked to great effect. Whilst I am sure he will be concerned about the amount of goals his team are leaking from a traditionally hard to break down team, I am sure he will be more than pleased with his striking options up front with several players finding there goal scoring form.

Activity in the transfer market has been non-existent at The Boleyn Ground and so far only one concrete offer has been reported. It is understood that they attempted to sign Manchester City enforcer Javi Garcia on loan for the season with a view to a permanent. Wage demands scuppered the transfer and it remains to be seen if West Ham will bring in any new faces.

As for outgoings Brandon Clarke has held a firm stance regarding the transfers of his best players. West Ham have rejected a number of bids from West Bromwich Albion, Stoke, and Newcastle for in-demand center backs James Tomkins and Winston Reid. It is also reported that Newcastle had a bid knocked back for Mark Noble.

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Report by John Coke.