Leave a comment

Johnson Thrust into Spotlight for Crucial European Clash

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 16, 2024 in News, Whispers

Ben Johnson finds himself in a pivotal role for the Irons as they prepare for a do-or-die Europa League second leg against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday. The 24-year-old full-back’s uncertain contract situation adds another layer of intrigue to this high-pressure encounter.

Fed Up Hammer_Ben Johnson played himself into first team contention

Johnson in spotlight

 

Despite ongoing negotiations for a new contract, Johnson remains a vital player for the Hammers. His versatility will be crucial as West Ham seeks to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.

The task for West Ham is significant. Key players Lucas Paqueta (suspended) and Jarrod Bowen (injured) are sidelined, further straining the squad’s depth.

Johnson, primarily a right-back, has proven his adaptability throughout the season, even playing on the left wing against Arsenal. With Emerson Palmieri suspended, Johnson could be tasked with containing Leverkusen’s attacking talents like Nathan Tella, Jonas Hofmann, Amine Adli, and Florian Wirtz.

David Moyes‘ recent preference for Aaron Cresswell could see him starting at left-back, potentially pushing Johnson into a more attacking role.

Overturning a two-goal deficit requires a monumental effort from West Ham. Johnson’s versatility and determination could be instrumental in achieving this seemingly improbable feat. All eyes will be on him as he takes centre stage for the Hammers on Thursday night.

Tags: , , Permalink
Leave a comment

Cheeky Man City looking for Paqueta on the cheap

Posted by Gonzo on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

Man City looking for Paqueta at a reduced rate 

According to Foot Mercato, cheeky Manchester City is trying to secure a deal for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá without paying his £85 million release clause.

Last summer, the two clubs nearly finalised a transfer for the Brazilian midfielder, with City initially prepared to meet the release clause. However, the agreement collapsed at the last minute when the FA announced an investigation into alleged betting breaches involving the player.

Man City are trying to drive down the price for Paqueta

Paqueta in the cheap? I don’t think so Pep

City are now reportedly looking to lower the transfer fee rather than triggering the buyout clause. How solid this report is remains to be seen, but Paqueta has looked increasingly frustrated over recent games for West Ham.

The story is bizarrely timed given the news that Manchester United are considering entering the bidding for the Hammers playmaker.

City famously entered the bidding for Declan Rice during the summer but withdrew their interest once Arsenal bid over £100m for the then Irons captain.

Realistically, Man City need to pay up or shut up. West Ham don’t need to sell Lucas and the only reason he’s available is because of the clause.

Tags: , , , Permalink
1 Comment

The missing 14,000 season ticket holders

Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

Another Sunday 2 pm kick-off, another home loss and another David Moyes master class where thousands were missing despite the game being billed as sold out!

The official attendance was 62,459 just 41 short of the maximum 62,500 London Stadium capacity.

We all know the official figure is the number of tickets sold, not the number through the gate.

Based on previous freedom of information requests the actual number attending yesterday was around 48,500 some 14,000 less than advertised.

With 48,500 season ticket holders this season, up to 14,000 supporters with a season ticket decided not to turn up.

Tens of thousands more departed before the end of the game with West Ham losing 2-0 to Fulham.

West Ham are winless in their last four home games in the Premier League (D3 L1), their longest run within the same campaign since October-December 2019 under Manuel Pellegrini (six games).

West Ham has also conceded the opening goal in 10 Premier League matches in 2024; the joint-most of any side, alongside Luton. Indeed, they’ve not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 13 league games – their longest run without one since July 2020 (14).

Many season ticket holders are voting with their feet!  Season ticket holders say they listed their tickets on ticket exchange but there was little interest and most remained unsold.

 

Tags: , , , Permalink
Leave a comment

Amazing news as Earthy sends message to fans

Posted by Gonzo on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

Earthy sends message to fans

West Ham have released a message from George Earthy that should have every Hammers fan smiling. Earlier today, we all received the wonderful news that George had left the hospital and had returned home.

The Hammers academy star was concerningly stretchered off during yesterday’s Premier League loss to Fulham. Earthy had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes before he succumbed to a head injury which had everyone connected with West Ham worried about his safety.

So it’s fantastic to hear a double dose of good news today with words from the player himself as well as the positive press release from the club this morning.

Earthy sends message to fans: The midfielder suffered a head injury yesterday

Earthy’s message on West Ham’s social media accounts said, “A bitter-sweet moment having come off so soon, but a dream come true to make my Premier League debut. I would like to thank the medical staff for the treatment I received and everyone for their support. Can’t wait to get back out there.”

And we can’t wait to see you back out there, George, rest up and we’ll see you soon, mate.

Tags: , , Permalink
1 Comment

Loss making athletics to continue at London Stadium

Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

UK Athletics have been bailed out financially after agreeing on a joint venture with the organisers of the London Marathon and Great North Run in a bid to help it tackle its financial crisis.

It follows UK Athletics reporting a record annual loss of £3.7m in 2023. Most of that deficit was due to the staging of major events including the London Stadium Diamond League event. UKA was awarded up to £150,000 by UK Sport to help stage July’s Diamond League London Stadium meeting last year after it approached the funding agency for help.

Despite being a 50,000 sellout, UKA is reported to have lost between £100,000 and £500,000 from the flagship event at the London Stadium.

Last Summer UK Athletics was forced to pay the BBC to cover Sunday’s Diamond League meeting at the London Stadium in a stark illustration of the financial problems facing the sport.

The BBC have been UK Athletics’ main domestic rights partner for decades, but it is understood that the current contract agreed earlier this year is worth a fraction of the previous deal, which saw the corporation pay £3million-a-year and around £500,000 in production costs.

UK Athletics will again host the loss-making games at the London Stadium this July prompting many to ask why they don’t just move the event to Birmingham.

UK Athletics signed a 50-year agreement with the London Stadium owners in 2013 and 2019n with 39 years remaining of that deal

Tags: , , Permalink
1 Comment

Zero chance of these managers taking over

Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

Jose Mourinho has absolutely zero chance of ever becoming West Ham manager under the current owners.

Mourihno is far too much of a law unto himself to work constructively with Tim Steidten and that alone would count him out of the running should the position become vacant.

Reports again emerged from Italy over the last week over the possibility of Jose given what some see as uncertainty over David Moyes’s future this summer.

Mourinho is no option whatsoever with our source previously declaring: “He can prove difficult, there’s zero chance of him managing West Ham United.”

Will Still is another name linked again with the West Ham managers role after it was claimed he could become available this summer.

While West Ham top brass have followed Still’s adventure in France with interest they believe he has not get possess the experience required to manage a Premier League team.

Still was a guest at the London Stadium press box last November to watch the Hammers take on Nottingham Forest and at the time West Ham Joint Chairman David Sullivan said  “No, I didn’t speak with him. I admire what he’s done, but too much of a gamble. In a few years never say never. I think he came as he’s a genuine supporter. I have never spoken to him.” 

 

Tags: , , , Permalink
Leave a comment

No Lunch Time Kick Offs for Saturday

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 15, 2024 in News

The Premier League schedule tightens this weekend with a reduced number of matches due to the congested fixture list. Unlike usual, there will be no lunchtime kickoff (12:30 pm) on Saturday.

FFP football stitch-up

Several factors are contributing to the condensed schedule:

European Competition: Clubs are still competing in European tournaments, with the second legs of the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League quarterfinals taking place midweek. This creates player fatigue and fixture congestion.

FA Cup Semi-Finals: Adding to the busy schedule, the FA Cup semi-finals are also being played this weekend, limiting the availability of teams for Premier League matches.

As a result of these factors, only two Premier League matches are scheduled for the traditional 3pm Saturday slot:

Luton Town vs. Brentford
Sheffield United vs. Burnley (both teams are currently battling relegation)

The absence of a lunchtime kickoff on Saturday can be attributed to:

Limited Broadcast Options: Broadcasters like TNT Sports, who hold the rights to the Saturday lunchtime slot, couldn’t find a suitable match to air due to European and FA Cup commitments of several teams.

FA Cup Semi-Finalist Unavailability: Clubs participating in the FA Cup semi-finals (Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea) wouldn’t be available for a Premier League match on Saturday.

With only three Premier League matches remaining to be aired by TNT Sports this season, they are likely to be even more selective about their lunchtime choice.

This weekend’s reduced Premier League schedule highlights the demanding fixture list faced by clubs in the final stretch of the season. With European competition and the FA Cup still ongoing, a congested schedule remains for the foreseeable future.

We have been left alone it appears. Our game against Palace is a 3pm kick off on Sunday

Tags: , , Permalink
Leave a comment

The new Vincent Kompany?

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United are among several clubs vying for the signature of highly-rated young defender Zeno Debast, according to a report from O Jogo.

 

Sporting Lisbon are actively looking to bolster their defensive options due to the potential departures of Ousmane Diomande or Goncalo Inacio, or even both, this summer. They view Debast, a 20-year-old Belgian international, as a prime target.

Debast, who began his career as a midfielder, has transitioned well to centre back. Filip de Wilde, a former Sporting player and Belgium international, highlighted Debast’s technical ability, a benefit of his midfield background. De Wilde also praised Debast’s experience playing at a high level in Belgium, making him one of the country’s most exciting young talents.

De Wilde also noted similarities between Debast and Belgium legend Vincent Kompany, particularly in playing style and career trajectory. However, he stressed that Debast needs to improve his pace in order to make an impact in the Premier League.

West Ham face stiff competition for Debast’s signature. Other interested clubs include AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, and Ajax. The report also suggested that the Irons need to act swiftly to secure Debast before their rivals.

Tags: , , Permalink
1 Comment

Can’t defend & won’t attack

Posted by Gonzo on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

Mark Twain famously stated, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

I think his inference was that statistics could be massaged to help reinforce a lie. However, the Opta site on X (formerly Twitter) has posted some most troubling but hardly surprising statistics about West Ham. . . and it doesn’t sound unreflective.

Opta Joe wrote, “10 – West Ham have conceded the opening goal in 10 Premier League matches in 2024; the joint-most of any side, alongside Luton.”

That’s an absolute shocker of a statistic but perfectly in keeping with a team that has the joint worst defense outside the Premier League relegation zone. In effect, the stats suggest that we can’t defend at all; we’re horrendous at it.

Andreas-Aguerd-West Ham-Fulham-defenders

West Ham can’t defend and won’t attack: Helpless Aguerd watches on as another goal goes in

So why does David Moyes still insist on defending when all the evidence suggests it’s a terrible tactic? During yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Fulham, Moyes’s first three substitutions when 1-0 behind were Zouma, Johnson, & Soucek.

Yes, the Hammers’ gaffer introduced George Earthy in the 81st minute, but we were 2-0 down by that point.

As pointed out by Marco Silva yesterday, West Ham have some excellent attackers. Unfortunately, the Irons’ manager can’t quite bring himself to shake off the shackles of a career spent being cautious.

Tags: , , Permalink
1 Comment

West Ham Benefit from Rent Deal Under FFP Rules

Posted by Simon Leyland on April 15, 2024 in News, Whispers

West Ham United enjoys a financial advantage under Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations due to their rent agreement at the London Stadium, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

 

Maguire, speaking on The Price of Football podcast, revealed that West Ham’s £3 million annual rent for the stadium can be offset against FFP regulations. This means the rent is considered a legitimate business expense, improving West Ham’s financial standing within FFP.

However, Maguire also highlights the disparity in the deal. While West Ham benefits from offsetting the £3 million rent, the London Council, funded by taxpayers, shoulders a much larger burden of up to £16 million annually to maintain the stadium.

This agreement has been a point of contention for years, with many questioning the justification for such a significant public subsidy. From West Ham‘s perspective, however, the ability to offset the rent offers a valuable financial advantage, particularly in light of the strictures imposed by FFP.

With Premier League clubs facing increased scrutiny for their spending habits, any advantage gained under FFP regulations can be crucial in avoiding financial sanctions. West Ham’s rent agreement provides them with some financial leeway within the FFP framework.

Overall, West Ham’s rent deal at the London Stadium presents a complex situation. While the club benefits from a favourable financial arrangement, the burden falls heavily on taxpayers. This situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding stadium financing and the role of public funds in supporting professional sports teams.

Tags: , , Permalink