Is Rio Eyeing the Terminator's Job?

It's been a pretty crazy weekend. We all expected that the current series of fixtures would severely test Bilic's team, but did not quite expect two performances quite as abject as the meek 4-1 surrender at Old Trafford in midweek and the 5-1 home capitulation against Arsenal. Then, as the media vultures sensed that SuperSlav was wounded, they seized upon his vulnerability during a painfully candid post match interview.

SuperSlav did nothing to deflect attention away from his under fire side as he lamented the lack of intensity in the squad and pointed to the training ground as the source of the problem. Bilic comes as a package, having three Croatian assistants who oversee training and conditioning of the squad. He also has Hammers legendary hard man Julian Dicks as defensive coach. One presumes that his comments were aimed at his players rather than these trusted hands but the blame for any lack of intensity ultimately must rest with the coaching staff.

Then, to add to the intrigue, ex-Hammer Rio Ferdinand publicly offered to lend a hand as a defensive advisor! Just how that might relate to King Julian's role is unclear but of note Dick's signed a new two year contract last Summer. Although Dicks was famed for his passionate displays in the claret and blue, off the pitch he is quite a gentleman and presents as a composed figure during matches.

It'll be fascinating to see what comes out of this mornings training session but whatever else, Bilic has ratcheted up the pressure and his staff - both players and coaches - will need to respond. One senses that he has started the clock ticking but the big testers will be the games against Burnley (H), Hull (H), Swansea (A) and Leicester (A) which follow our trip to Anfield next weekend and will bring us into a new year. 

Rio in Reverse!

The growing rumours that Leeds United's top prospect, Sam Byram, will be joining West Ham during the transfer window is a cause for reflection on the state of the Hammers in 2016. While the troubles at Leeds of the past decade are only too well documented, it's worth reflecting how back in 2000 young Rio Ferdinand, who at the time was our best young prospect, exited Upton Park for the then staggering fee of 18 million!

At that time there was a sense that Ferdinand's departure was inevitable as West Ham were essentially a feeder club for bigger outfits. In fact, the Hammer's faithful were already bracing themselves for the inevitable subsequent departures of Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole, which duly followed a few years later.

Wind forward to 2016 and West ham are no longer a feeder club for Manchester United, Chelsea and (dare i say it!) Tottenham. Of all the arguments for the move to the Olympic Stadium, the improved capacity to build a brilliant team that includes our best home-produced talent is surely the most compelling?

So as we hoover up young Byram into our ranks to serve as understudy to Tomkins and Jenkinson (sorry Leeds fans!), let's all reflect upon how times are changing. When the 'big' clubs inevitably come calling at the end of this season for the services of Payet, Reid, Lanzini, Adrian, Cresswell, Sakho etc we no longer look at the sports news with the previous sense of trepidation.

As Goldie and Sullivan keep reminding everybody.....we are no longer a selling club. Upwards and onwards...

 

The Hammered Devils: Hammers Edge it in High Scoring Free For All!

Ahead of today's crunch Premiership clash between buoyant West Ham and an out of sorts Manchester United, we consider a team comprised of players who have played for both clubs  - the impressive ‘West Man United XI’. Ultimately, we ask, will these performers be considered Hammers or Devils?

	At Man United he failed to inspire confidence - epitomised by ‘the goal that never was’. Joined West Ham in 2005 after falling out over a lack of first team opportunities. Had a good initial season but sustained a back injury in Jan 2006 and slipped into a variety of difficulties that ultimately earned him a place in the ‘Troubled Bubbles XI’! Verdict Neither.
	Hammers debut at the tender age of 17, Rio soon forced his way into the  first team squad where he continued to impress until Leeds paid a record 18 million for him in November 2000. Quickly moved to Man United where he has been a fantastic servant for a decade and was key to the many successes of the past decade.Too old to make a fairytale return to the Boleyn.  Retired to QPR. Verdict Devil.
	8 appearances for Man United where he was never really given a chance. A bargain signing for 500K for West ham that led to a five year career and over 100 appearances . Versatile defender who had his finest hour when scoring twice in a 4-0 victory over Man United in 2010. Ran out of road as the Hammers regrouped after relegation and moved to Birmingham. Verdict: Hammer.
	Top man. Signed from Cork Athletic in 1952. Noel enjoyed a fruitful 8 years at West Ham with 250 appearances. Captained the Hammers to promotion back to the top flight for the first time in almost 30 years in 1958 . Sold to man Utd for almost 30K in 1960 where he captained a cup winning side and was part of two league winning teams. Verdict Hammer.
	More than a century ago both clubs were graced with the contributions of this scottish forward who between 1900-3 scored 41 goals in 78 appearances for the Hammers, including four on his debut! A subsequent spell at Man United delivered 13 goals in 29 games, before he returned to the Hammers for 5 more years. The status of players at the time is highlighted by the fact that his date of death is unknown! Hammer
	Industrious and gamey, the 'Guvnor' was a top performer in the Hammers shirt after replacing Billy Bonds in 1987. However, mishandled his Hammers departure that included  being photographed in a Man United shirt well before the deal was confirmed. Probably did not deserve the criticisms thrown his way by Fergie and after 6 years and over 200 appearances Verdict: Devil.
	Another one thrown in as a teenager at 17 into the Hammers first team. Skilful but perhaps a little ‘ghosty’ at times. Happy to do the unglamorous work and stayed loyal after relegation in 2003 before losing patience and moving to Spurs for £3.5 Million and then Man United where he has never quite stepped up to the lead role in midfield predicted for him. Solid. Verdict Devil.
	Trouble with a capital T during his time at Man United, Fergie tired of his disciplinary problems and Big Sam obliged for a mere 650K. 'Raveldo'  still only performs in fits and starts and has recently retuned to the championship with Cardiff for another 'development' spell.   Considered by many to be the most naturally skillful English player since Gazza? Verdict Hammer.
	A hero wherever he roamed throughout his career (even Millwall!). Arrived at Man United late in his career but proved another astute Fergie signing and achieved legendary status in stoppage time of the 1999 Champions League final. Came to the Hammers not far short of pension age but still had plenty to offer by virtue of his excellent footballing brain as attacking coach. Verdict Both.
	Played in a different era when United were not quite the same powerhouse they are now but picked up a cup winners medal, scoring in the 1977 final against lovely Liverpool. Moved to the Hammers in 1979 after a nasty knee injury but still managed to play a major part in the 1980 Cup final victory over Arsenal, teeing up Trevor Brooking’s ‘stunning’ header! Verdict Both.
	Arrived to the Boleyn in 2006 as part of a bizarre deal. He then underperformed for two-thirds of a season of Carlos  in a lacklustre side until it all clicked into gear for the final 10 games where he couldn’t stop scoring, including a final day 1-0 win at Old Trafford to keep the Hammers up! The Apache had some classy moments in the United shirt but got sidetracked by his own ego needs and then moved across the city in another strange transfer deal!!!!.Verdict Hammer.

Final score Hammers win 6-4, a score that could be repeated today as both side are strong in offence but struggling at the back. Will this XI change much over the coming years?