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No Red for Ahamada in West Ham Rout by Crystal Palace

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

Crystal Palace midfielder Naouirou Ahamada escaped a red card during his side’s emphatic 5-1 victory over West Ham United, and former referee Dermot Gallagher believes the decision was correct.

West Ham players argued for Ahamada’s dismissal after a challenge on James Ward-Prowse during the April 21st match. Replays, however, showed the incident wasn’t as severe as initially perceived.

Dermot Gallagher, analysing the tackle on Sky Sports News, highlighted Ahamada’s loss of balance and attempt to minimise contact. He concluded that a yellow card was the appropriate punishment

The incident occurred shortly after Crystal Palace took a commanding 5-1 lead, rendering the red card decision inconsequential to the final result.

No West Ham player at Selhurst Park  come out of the game with their head held high on what was a truly shocking day for the Irons.

 

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West Ham in Bidding War for Young Defender

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United are reportedly pushing hard to sign promising young centre-back Zeno Debast from RSC Anderlecht.

The 20-year-old Belgian has impressed since breaking into Anderlecht’s first team in 2021. He has already racked up 90 appearances for the club and is a regular starter this season with 34 matches played. His talent and potential have attracted attention from several clubs.

Debast’s contract expires in 2025, making a summer transfer a possibility. Sporting CP was previously interested in acquiring him at a bargain price, but West Ham’s strong interest could drive up the asking fee.

West Ham has been monitoring Debast for a while and has now identified him as their primary target to bolster their central defence. The Hammers lack depth in this position, and Ogbonna’s expected departure at season’s end creates a further need for reinforcement.

While Anderlecht was reportedly open to an €18 million offer for Debast, West Ham’s involvement could push the price up to €20 million with potential bonuses. The Premier League club’s financial muscle could be a deciding factor in this transfer race.

The Hammers are actively pursuing Debast and will likely leverage their financial resources to outbid other interested clubs. This move reflects our desperate need on strengthening their defence for the upcoming season.

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Amorim chase ain’t over yet

Posted by Gonzo on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

Talk Sport is reporting that Rúben Amorim has rejected West Ham’s job offer. The Sporting Lisbon head coach flew to London yesterday where Tim Steidten presented him with an impressive presentation and a lucrative contract.

The 39-year-old returned to Portugal yesterday with his representatives but is now believed to have rejected the Hammers’ offer.

However, Claret & Hugh’s understanding of the situation has changed little from our update yesterday. Despite club sources remaining tight-lipped, we believe there is a shortlist compiled by Steidten and Amorim was at the top of that list.

Amorim has returned to Lisbon after reportedly turning down West Ham’s job offer

There are at least two more younger candidates set to be interviewed by the club. If no deal can be agreed, there are agreements in principle in place for Paulo Fonseca and Julen Lopetegui.

With so many conflicting stories circulating, it’s often difficult to know what to believe. However, don’t rule out Amorim using West Ham’s offer to flush out interest from Liverpool. Therefore, a slim chance remains that Amorim could still land the top job at the London Stadium, but Fonseca or Lopetegui remain the most likely candidates.

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West Ham in Talks with Ex-Bayern Manager

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United’s managerial search is in full swing assuming David Moyes’ probable departure. The Hammers are in discussions with three prominent figures: Ruben Amorim, a rising star currently at Sporting CP, Julen Lopetegui, a seasoned manager with experience at top European clubs, and surprisingly, Hansi Flick, the decorated former Bayern Munich boss.

West Ham’s Europa League elimination and a crushing defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League look like they are the final nails in the coffin for Moyes. Throughout the season, the team’s inconsistency fueled speculation about his future.

Ruben Amorim, a young manager with a reputation for attacking football, has quickly become a coveted figure in the managerial market. Julen Lopetegui, with his experience at clubs like Sevilla and Real Madrid, also represents a strong candidate.

Adding a twist to the story, journalist Jack Rosser reports that Hansi Flick, a manager with an impressive trophy haul at Bayern Munich, is also being considered. His surprise inclusion suggests potential prior contact between Flick and West Ham, evidenced by his attendance at a West Ham game this season.

Flick boasts a decorated past, having won the Bundesliga, Champions League, and numerous other titles with Bayern Munich. However, his recent stint with the German national team ended on a disappointing note, with an early exit from both the Euros and the World Cup.

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Rangers For Johnson?

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham utility man Ben Johnson will definitelyleave the club on a free transfer this summer,

Palace set to snap up Hammer Ben Johnson for nothing

Rangers keen on Ben Johnson

 

The 24-year-old wants to take advantage of his free-agent status in the upcoming window upon the expiry of his contract.

Rangers were among the clubs interested in the right-back in January, and could re-enter the race for his signature this summer,

The player’s versatility is also highly valued by clubs in the Premier League and clubs at the top end of the Championship.

He has played in various positions across the pitch, with Johnson lining out at right-back, left-back and centre-back, as well as right and left midfield.

It has been well documented  that the Hammers were open to handing the player a new contract, with Johnson having rejected several offers from the Irons.

The Hammers academy graduate has made 22 senior appearances in all competitions this season, with a further three appearances coming for the club’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2.

The defender boasts over 100 West Ham appearances, but sadly it looks inevitable he is set to leave the London Stadium for free at the end of the season.

Another good prospect leaving, there is obviously something wrong in our ability to nurture young talent

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West Ham Fans Frustrated by Moyes Future Uncertainty

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United‘s supporters are facing an agonizing wait as the club remains tight-lipped over David Moyes‘ future. TalkSPORT host Andy Goldstein has criticised the board’s inaction, urging them to make a definitive decision regarding the manager’s long-term position.

Moyes’ current contract expires at the end of the season, with reports suggesting an extension is on the table. However, speculation has intensified about the club’s interest in Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim,

TalkSPORT‘s Andy Goldstein has slammed the club’s silence on the matter. He argues that a clear announcement, even if it confirms Moyes’ departure, would allow fans to move on and potentially give the manager a proper farewell.

West Ham fans hold differing views on Moyes’ tenure. While some acknowledge his past successes, others have criticised his defensive approach.

The lack of clarity regarding Moyes’ future significantly impacts the club’s ability to plan for next season. Without knowing who will be at the helm, it’s difficult to make strategic decisions about transfers and team development.

Although an official announcement remains elusive, signs increasingly point towards a separation between Moyes and West Ham at the season’s end. This uncertainty leaves the club in a state of limbo as they approach the final stretch of the campaign.

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Hammers legend admits Moyes has to go

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United legend Joe Cole has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding David Moyes’ future at the club.

 

With West Ham struggling for form and rumours swirling about Moyes’ potential departure, a significant portion of the fanbase has expressed their desire for a change. Our recent 5-2 thrashing by Crystal Palace only intensified these calls.

Several names have been linked as potential replacements, including Marco Silva, Maurizio Sarri, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui and now Reuben Amorim.

The debate surrounding Moyes centres on his approach to the game. While some fans appreciate his focus on results, others criticise his defensive tactics and lack of attacking flair. West Ham’s recent poor run, with only four wins in 22 games this year, weakens Moyes’ case.

Despite the current struggles, Moyes’ past successes at West Ham cannot be overlooked. He revitalised the club, guiding them to European qualification and their first major trophy in 43 years.

Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole expressed his support for Moyes, highlighting his achievements. However, Cole ultimately believes a parting of ways is inevitable, potentially benefitting both the manager and the club.

Cole suggests that West Ham currently possesses its best-ever squad, which some fans may find debatable. The team’s age and lack of depth, especially evident in the latter half of the season, certainly contradicts his claim.

While Cole acknowledges Moyes’ positive impact, he also recognises the desire for a more modern, attacking style of play. He further suggests Moyes has another big job in him after West Ham, but questions which Premier League club would be interested in the manager.

 

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Amorim Talks “Not Positive”

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

The saga surrounding Ruben Amorim’s managerial future takes another turn.

News emerged yesterday that West Ham held talks with Amorim, appealing to him as a potential successor to the probable departure of David Moyes. This ignited excitement amongst West Ham fans yearning for a modern, attacking style of play.

However, the story took a twist when reports surfaced that Amorim might also be considering Liverpool as a possible destination to replace Jurgen Klopp. This revelation raised eyebrows amongst both fanbases.

Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda confirmed Amorim’s visit to London for talks with both clubs. While details are scarce, Sepulveda suggests the West Ham meeting “was not positive.”

Sepulveda offered some comfort to Liverpool fans, stating they “won’t be missing out to West Ham” regarding Amorim. His cryptic message hinted at a potential deal with Liverpool being more likely.

With Amorim perhaps out of the picture, West Ham will likely turn their attention to other managerial candidates, with Julen Lopetegui being a possible option. However, Amorim’s profile had generated significant fan enthusiasm, making any replacement feel like a lesser choice.

Amorim himself recently downplayed rumours of talks with Liverpool, emphasising his focus on winning the Portuguese title with Sporting. His next move remains shrouded in mystery.

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Incredible Amorim U-Turn

Posted by Gonzo on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

Sky Sports broadcasting legend Jeff Stelling has performed a remarkable U-turn by instructing West Ham to “Get him in immediately” when asked about Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach flew to London yesterday for a meeting with Hammers officials where he was reportedly offered the role of head coach.

This is an incredible reversal from Stelling, who had only recently been the cheerleader-in-chief for the ‘be careful what you wish for’ brigade, who are so protective of Hammers manager David Moyes.

Amorim-West Ham-Steidten

Amorim is believed to have met with Tim Steidten and David Sullivan yesterday

Speaking to WHFT’s Nicky Hawkins on TalkSport recently, Stelling asked whether West Ham fans would like to remain in the Premier League with Moyes or get relegated playing pretty football.

Nicky was quick to point out that the two were not mutually exclusive, but it was clear Stelling was affronted by the suggestion that Hammers fans should want Moyes out.

Now it appears Irons fans are allowed to be less cautious about what they wish for. The former Soccer Saturday host appears to have softened his stance… thanks Jeff, nice switch.

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Amorim Links Spark Excitement and Soucek Concerns

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 23, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United supporters are experiencing a mix of emotions as rumours swirl about Ruben Amorim potentially becoming our new manager.

Amorim Links Spark Excitement and Soucek Concerns

 

David Moyes’ recent struggles, with a meagre four wins in 21 games this year, have cast a shadow over his future at the club. The demoralising 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace only intensified calls for a change in leadership.

The possibility of Ruben Amorim taking charge has ignited excitement amongst West Ham fans. The young Portuguese manager, known for his attacking and innovative tactics, has transformed Sporting Lisbon into a force to be reckoned with. His arrival could usher in a new era of exciting football at the London Stadium.

However, Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system with a high press system demands a specific type of player. His midfielders need to be technically proficient and possess exceptional stamina. This has led some fans to question how current players, like Tomas Soucek, would fit into his philosophy.

The Athletic‘s European football expert, Alex Barker, believes Soucek’s technical limitations could hinder him under Amorim. While Barker acknowledges Soucek’s past contributions, he suggests the Czech midfielder might not be the right fit for a team aiming to take the next step.

West Ham fans are understandably excited about the prospect of Amorim’s attacking brand of football. However, concerns linger about how the current squad, particularly players like Soucek, will adapt to his system. The coming days are likely to reveal West Ham’s next move, with us all eagerly awaiting news that will determine the club’s direction.

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