en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/736104 Comments by AussiHammer http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/24/match-preview-west-ham-v-aldershot/#IDComment186018180 Agree- Sears just won't cut it for me- Carew needs match fitness so he must play Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:29:49 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/24/match-preview-west-ham-v-aldershot/#IDComment186018180 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/12/first-things-first-as-carlisle-await-in-the-carling-cup-2nd-round/#IDComment182384893 Has Bellamy signed for anyone yet- I am sure I will get slated but I think he could be the poacher we need- experienced and still 12-18 months left in him. Failing that I'd take Michael Owen not that he would come- surely there must be some East European somewhere worth a try or African as yet undiscovered, I would also like to see Anton return and feel that is a real possibility as he has struggled at a cash rich Sunderland. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:53:02 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/12/first-things-first-as-carlisle-await-in-the-carling-cup-2nd-round/#IDComment182384893 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/10/2m-bid-for-kyle-lafferty/#IDComment182049876 re Faubert- I must be the only fan that actually thinks he can have a part to play- when going forward he has looked better than Sears and his crosses if we play a Carew up front will be deadly- OK so he is not a great right back but then he wasn't signed as one was he. He also had to help out when he did play midfield as it has been years since we have had a good right back. This is a long season and we need a big squad of positive and confident players- I suspect we will use 20+ players this year and for some games (home) Faubert gives us something different. Sears for me has produced nothing and Collinson is not a winger, Piquenne is not naturally a wide man and neither is Noble so it doesn't give us much option does it. We must find a fast poacher with confidence, I cannot think of anyone we presently have that fits that bill but I do not know the reserves well enough- Sears, Hines are just not physical enough and the rest too slow so perhaps we have to think outside the box and play Barrera in behind Carew and Cole with Parker, Nolan and Noble as a 3 man midfied Also thought Illunga had a great game against cardiff with the one slip costing us and unfortunate- he got forward, ran with pace and worked hard for his first game is a long while. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:15:32 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/10/2m-bid-for-kyle-lafferty/#IDComment182049876 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/04/andy-johnson-john-carew-or-david-ngog/#IDComment180009337 all three represent a step backwards and would have no value to us going forward- finding a decent striker is not easy at this level and division given we still do not seem to have cash to invest- I think Zamora might still be tempted if he knew we wanted him, Bellamy may just now be too old and Rich to care- I really cant see the issue of buying Shane Long - we all know Parker will go just before transfer day for $4m to Spurs, Cole will also go and all we will hear is that it was too late for anyone decent to sign! AGAIN Thu, 4 Aug 2011 08:14:07 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/08/04/andy-johnson-john-carew-or-david-ngog/#IDComment180009337 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/07/07/should-we-sell-carlton-cole/#IDComment170578980 Its weird and frustrating- 20million for Nasri rejected yet nobody in for Parker who is a far better player- OK so he is 30, everyone wants success now and Parker gives you that for 2-3 years. Some of the money banding about for average at best players astounds me. Therefore, whatever we may believe if you said Carrol was 35million, 25M for Bent, then any offer less than 10m is silly for Cole. If he played in a side that was successful, had a decent strike partner and did not have to try and hold the ball up to rest our defence then I can see him scoring 15-20 goals a season. If he had an Arsenal or Chelsea shirt on everyone would be valuing so much more. At WHU last year he was playing alone, under pressure and unfit/injured. Why sell him now when if we do get promoted a Cole like player would cost us twice what we get now. What will 7M buy us?, we can't even get some Posh player to join us -instead he believes the prospects at Brighton are better Thu, 7 Jul 2011 08:15:50 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/07/07/should-we-sell-carlton-cole/#IDComment170578980 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/03/21/reasons-to-be-cheerful-123/#IDComment136570731 Ian- I think you are spot on- same side brings confidence and results. Playing Ba through the middle would allow us to play Piq left, Obinna right and still have hitz Noble and Parker which is a far better combination. Cole again missed the best chance of the game, I know he works hard but every week he misses too many opportunities and perhaps a rest will re inforce his desire Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:54:59 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/03/21/reasons-to-be-cheerful-123/#IDComment136570731 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/03/08/the-resurgent-hammers-squad-retreats-to-the-algarve/#IDComment133332133 I would like to see Parker rested- Spector to be given his chance as he has improved massively and maybe one of those leaving so we need to see how he plays in a confident side. For me Ba stays in- in a hot streak so why change him but potentially he could partner Keane if fit just to see how it goes. I would also like to see Collinson, if fit get a run at some stage. Saturday was great, the only player not playing well for me is Bridge- shows money is not everything I would also be tempted to rest one of the back three- perhaps Gabbidon gets a shot only to protect against unwelcome injury- Stoke are a physical team so Tomkins, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Bridge- Noble, Spector, Hitz and Obinna Ba and Piq Subs- Keane, Collinson, O Neil, Parker, Upson, Cole Green obviously first name down for me Tue, 8 Mar 2011 11:08:12 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/03/08/the-resurgent-hammers-squad-retreats-to-the-algarve/#IDComment133332133 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/23/obinna-available-on-a-free-and-could-hitzlsperger-be-the-new-lucas-neill/#IDComment129992594 Agree with what you say in the main, at centre half we have problems but for me Upson's injury creates the chance for Tomkins and Da Costa to shine and I feel both going forward to next year represent our best central defenders. I am sure most will disagree but Spector can also play CD, with Noble, Parker and Hitz in midfield we may have limited opportunity for Spector but he does look more solid than Reid- not saying much I know.(even Piquenne looked more solid when forced to defend against Brum than Reid does) I think it will come down to goals scored rather than goals conceded in sealing our fate and we now have, arguably, the best front line of those in trouble- Wolves, WBA, Wigan, Blackpool- Villa for me will do enough not to get involved in the mix. It also suits that our games, on paper, appear harder. How often do we see 6-13th place teams almost give up at the end of the season. I would much rather play Blackburn and Sunderland than Wigan and Wolves when it gets to a survival fight. If fit- Green, Bridge (I am not a fan but we have no choice), da Costa, Tomkins, Jacobsen, Hitz, Noble, Parker, Obinna, Piquenne and Ba with Cole, Collinson maybe, Hines, Keane, Spector, Sears on the bench is not a bad side. If we need goals then a great bench. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:32:16 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/23/obinna-available-on-a-free-and-could-hitzlsperger-be-the-new-lucas-neill/#IDComment129992594 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/22/result-player-performances-v-burnley/#IDComment129817975 Cant remember such a bunch of positive results- lowest above 5, are you appealing to a new audience or are we starting to put a decent team together. Low marks for subs acceptable but Bridge 100 grand a week, looks iffy to me. First game he was a fault for at least 2 goals, against Blackpool he showed none of his experience in a young back 4 and where was he for the Birmingham goal- not goal side that is for sure. Oh for Deprela Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:37:28 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/22/result-player-performances-v-burnley/#IDComment129817975 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/09/god-helps-those-that-help-themselves/#IDComment126871956 Hi Ian, I actually think 38 points will be enough- I cannot see Blackpool winning more than 2-3 games, Wigan the same as Wolves and they would be my choice for relegation if and it is a big IF we can win the home games against lower competition and collect 3 points on the road somewhere- perhaps the double of Spurs! Highlight for me the weekend was that we battled till the end, the side looks more balanced although I prefer Faubert at right back for home games if O Neil is in front of him to give us a better option going forward. Cole looked poor and we must start Ba and Piq with Obinna- Keane must learn to earn his place and push the team on not complain when he mis reads a pass Not down and not out which means another no sleep Saturday night here in Aus watching at 01.00 in the morning Wed, 9 Feb 2011 08:27:01 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/09/god-helps-those-that-help-themselves/#IDComment126871956 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/04/strength-in-depth-and-competition-for-places-is-key/#IDComment125832924 we are not great at defending long balls, set pieces and high balls- however the best way to prevent that onslaught is to defend from the front, first half Birmingham we did that well, without time on the ball those hoofs become what they are hoofs, if we can stop the silly fouls on the edge of the box that is stop playing Kovac, and Piquenne comes back for corners leaving Keane up then some of the threat is gone. Piquenne was superb at Birmingham defending set plays. That said we have a paid defensive coach and he will be working on resolving the issue- for me Tomkins and De Costa are Ok it is Upson that struggles to take responsability. Jigging the defence to ensure the taller guys are in the middle of the box may be the first step providing they attack the ball and that could be a confidence thing, Green always punches so someone at the back needs to be ready to help clear that punch I can see us winning the next 2-3 and then a tough March, hopefully come April a few others will be in the mix- Villa, WBA, Wigan, Wolves, Birmingham, Blackpool, Fulham should all be close with us and we have one advantage- proven goal scorers for the first time in a long while Fri, 4 Feb 2011 04:52:35 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/04/strength-in-depth-and-competition-for-places-is-key/#IDComment125832924 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/04/strength-in-depth-and-competition-for-places-is-key/#IDComment125796262 I understand injuries at Blackpool prevented Spector being on the bench, he musty be used for midfield and cover at the back from the bench before Kovac in my opinion, his development as a midfielder has been rapid and to be congratulated, not the finished article but does add something different in the run in. With Collinson and Hitz fit I really hope this is the end of Kovac, he just isn't any good, I noticed that Charlton want to extend the loan of Matty Fry at left back, with Upson, Gabbison having knocks, Illunga out of the squad I hope we bring him back as cover, being 20 he is exempt from the 25 man rule I also feel that Cole getting dropped will make him a better player, for too long he has been first choice- is he now third choice! that should give him more to play for. I said last week 5 wins will keep us up and I still think another 12 points will be enough, we could have half of that in the next two weeks as Birmingham and WBA both look winnable games Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:35:49 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/04/strength-in-depth-and-competition-for-places-is-key/#IDComment125796262 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/02/the-golden-25/#IDComment125405855 We need goals to win games so my team Green Tomkins De Costa Upson faubert Noble Parker Hitz Collinson Keane Piquenne Subs Cole, De Ba, Dyer, Jacobsen and Obinna Wed, 2 Feb 2011 11:35:05 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/02/the-golden-25/#IDComment125405855 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/01/credit-where-its-due/#IDComment125104321 I am also pretty pleased with the signings, a good balance and sensible costs with little risk should we go down. Interesting that should we stay up and providing we can get 18 points I think 39 will be enough this year Wolves, Wigan and West Brom would be my bet to go down with Blackpool in the mix as well. The summer we have to say goodbye to 4-5 finishing their contracts, Dyer, Upson, Gabbidon being the main three, for me Kovac and McCarthy are must sales, Illunga still may recapture that form and Bridge on 100K a week cannot be sustainable- in summary we will need 4-5 new players again but fortunately this time it will be defensive- that is the cheaper end of the market. Tue, 1 Feb 2011 10:25:00 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/02/01/credit-where-its-due/#IDComment125104321 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/31/transfer-deadline-gossip-thread/#IDComment124891305 My mate plays amateur football in Brisbane and has heard that we are looking at a last minute deal for their centre half, apparently he is shit but so is Reid and he is willing to go for a lot less than 4million. Also heard that Upson has cemented the Captain position for the remainder of the season, he has stiched the armband on his shirt and funds are so tight we can't afford a new shirt for him so he stays as Captain Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:46:15 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/31/transfer-deadline-gossip-thread/#IDComment124891305 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/27/wanted-leadership-and-creativity-as-well-as-goals/#IDComment124039225 looks more like a case of Avram getting his way over Brady after the mess they all caused- we have to think short term, have a good look at what we have and what we need and after watching every game live so far a midfielder is the last thing we need. Someone strong but quick up front to play of Cole and Piquenne as both are too similar to play together- Hines is not ready and Sears doesn't cut it and neither does Obinna. The best form of defence is attack and we have shown that if we get wide and have pace the pressure if off at the back- that said we must learn to defend set pieces and for me De Costa is best at that, I thought Piquenne was great defending at Everton but Cole who is a similar build and height does not seem to share that responsibility Summary Ba and another striker first priority and getting the others fit the next. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 04:37:49 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/27/wanted-leadership-and-creativity-as-well-as-goals/#IDComment124039225 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/27/wanted-leadership-and-creativity-as-well-as-goals/#IDComment124023248 On the night we had a great first half where everyone played there part but only because we were given the freedom at the back to do so, our midfield worked there socks of. With the second half going to be very different why were changes not made earlier and why oh why is Upson still getting the armband. Bridge looks ordinary at best for his 100K a week, Hines is just not ready in physical stature and we lacked width with pace yet Stanisalas has it and doesn't get included. I am sure with Collinson and Hitz we have some options but it may be too late. We seem to struggle to put 1 forward out each game and even when fit Hines, Cole, Piq and Obinna do not make a good front two irrespective of combination. In some ways with our squad this may help us providing our heads do not drop, another 2 signings- Ba and creative midfielder may come but we wont replace Upson yet he offers so little - 5 wins is what we need and this should be strategically focussed on now not cup games, that can come next year. Grant can only do what he has the tools to do and bringing McCarthy on shows how limited his options are- in fairness could he have changed much to tackle the change in game plan? If we don't know how to defend set pieces it is unlikely anyone else on the bench would improve that, a shame de Costa was not fit and how does ferguson stay on the pitch after a straight forward kick at Dyer!!! Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:39:30 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/27/wanted-leadership-and-creativity-as-well-as-goals/#IDComment124023248 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/21/as-if-things-couldnt-get-worse/#IDComment122651909 careful what you say, it may be closer to the truth and we realise Fri, 21 Jan 2011 03:52:41 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/21/as-if-things-couldnt-get-worse/#IDComment122651909 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/21/as-if-things-couldnt-get-worse/#IDComment122639410 Doesn't anyone get it, we have no money, no decent player is going to sign for a team at the bottom unless paid an absolute fortune. Our Board have upset the players and they all talk- would you recommend us given how we treated grant of late? Even if we stay up, which looks increasingly unlikely, Dyer, Upson, Spector, Gabbidon, Piquenne, Obina, Bridge, are all free to leave. Good or bad they need replacing and tha tis just the start of it. Why are we so surprised, this is the third transfer window with Gob and Sulks and what have we bought, a Mexican that can't tackle, a Kiwi that can't defend, a fat bloke from Blackburn passed his best and a host of loans where there own clubs didn't want them or couldn't afford their salaries to sit on the subs bench- ye sure a top quality striker is bound to sign up isn't he. I can't see where this will end, even being relegated doesn't solve the issue- still a poor squad, overpaid and hard to shift out. I am sure the plan is to rent the Olympic Stadium, sell Upton park so they get all their money back and become an average Championship team which will be sold and all profits going to messrs G and S. If they carry on we won't need a bigger stadium, perhaps we should look to ground share with orient! Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:30:47 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/21/as-if-things-couldnt-get-worse/#IDComment122639410 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/16/grants-future-time-to-put-up-or-shut-up/#IDComment121651740 I think the simple truth is that we are waiting for O Neil to make up his mind as they have no intention of sacking Avram and then not having a stand in. That said - we will get some dodgy statement about the banks not agreeing to paying compensation so he stays, bla bla money money, we are paying so much of our money, bla bla bla- the reality, they have bought shares, like any investment , everything backed by guarantees and owning the land, actually put in their own cash without is being some preference loan- never Sick of the owners and lack of real ambition- yesterday was a joke, I am not sure any of the midefielders that played would get a game anywhere else in Premiership= Sears din't impress Scunthorpe, Kovac - what a disgrace, Spector worked hard but lets be honest not a midfield playmaker, Hines!!! come on Avram the boy is a striker- and not a great one either What worries me is that Upson, Spector, Gabbidon, Dyer all finish or are out of contract in 5 months, Piquenne is only a loan as is Bridge, Faubert has 18 months to go on his contract- how are we going to fund there replacements should they all decide not to renew contracts , come July we would need an investment of 5-6 players just to stand still, even if we as usual bought average players that is still 15-20 million surely and I cant see Gob Shite and Gullivan wanting to spend a tenth of that! up or down we need investment- Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:04:23 +0000 http://www.westhamtillidie.com/2011/01/16/grants-future-time-to-put-up-or-shut-up/#IDComment121651740