West Ham United are a professional football club currently competing in the second tier of English football (Npower Championship). The Hammers, referring to the club's well-known nickname, where originally named as Thames Ironwork Football Club when established back in 1895. In them days the club was a member of both the Southern and Western leagues, winning one title, before eventually joining the Football League in 1919. Since the acceptance the club has achieved many great accolades and trophies, consisting of two second-flight titles (old Division one and the Championship), three FA cup trophies and a European Cup Winners Cup in 1965. The club unfortunately don't comprise of a top-flight title as of yet, recording their highest ever league position back in the 1985/86 finishing third. Since then the club has been able to upgrade facilities and have a very good young reputation and established academy, with a number of highly reputed players haven risen from the club's academy. As well as this, the club boast good training facilities, top corporate resources and a 35,402 all seater stadium, kitted with an under soil heating system, known to many as the Boleyn Ground but all often referred to as Upton Park.
A club statement has today announced the surprise resignation of manager Sam Allardyce days after his appointment. Allardyce, who replaced Avram Grant following the club's relegation, is believed to quit his post due to family issues but nothing has been made clear as of yet. The club's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold where shocked when told the news, however they sent their best regards to Sam wishing him all the best in the future. Their main job now is to found the correct manager to fill the vacant roll, with promotion their minimum expectation.
Wide-spread speculation have installed Martin O'Neill as the bookies favourite along with other well-known names such as Aidy Boothroyd, Roy Keane and Steve Coppell. Previous West Ham managers Alan Curbishley and Glen Roeder have also been listed as possible candidates. West Ham fans have came out in their numbers expressing an interest in Martin O'Neill, along with offering their regards to the departing Sam Allardyce. The fans spokesman said; 'Today's events have come as a massive shock to everyone related to to West Ham Football Club and also the footballing world. On a whole the fans where excited as the prospect of a Big Sam era however unfortunately it has been cut short. We are a fantastic club with great ambitions, top facilities and a very supportive fan base. Any manager should be proud to manage a club with traditions like ares, personally I'd love to see either Roy Keane or Martin O'Neill in charge as both have experience of getting high pressured clubs out of this league and into the top flight, which is where this club belongs...'
Two weeks on from the shock resignation of Sam Allardyce, West Ham United have appointed unknown man James Sadler as their new boss. Sadler who had his playing career cut short through injury has signed a 2-year deal and is said to be over the moon at the opportunity. The new manager enjoyed an unfortunate short career spanning 9 years, where he made his debut as a 16 year old for his boyhood club Tranmere Rovers. He spent 4 years at the club before striking a six-figure transfer to local rivals Wigan Athletic. During his time with the Latics he was apart of the promotion winning team which took Wigan Athletic to the top flight for the first time in their career. In addition he also attains a League Cup runners-up medal when they where thrashed by near-neighbours Manchester United in the 2005/06 season. After spending 5 years at the club, Sadler had to retire at the young age of 25 due to a recurring knee injury.
During his press conference James Sadler expressed his extreme delight at the prospect of managing 'such an illustrious club' and said it was an 'honour' to do so. After being asked about his ambitions of the club, Sadler replied; 'This club only has one ambition at the moment, and that's getting back to the Premier League. The club belongs there, and hopefully once we achieve this goal we can dream of big Wembley finals and potential European football here at Upton Park...' He went on to talk about the fans; 'West Ham United supporters, what can you say? I've been down here on a number of occasions when playing for Wigan and they don't half make it a daunting place to come. With them at the top of their voice I believe we can create a fortress here. I know they are probably thinking why on earth have we appointed myself instead of the experienced names that have been chucked around and I sympathise with you. However I am here to do a job, to get this club playing in the top flight, we will need to unite and support the players through bad times and the good...' On a whole he gave a rather power but yet suprising press conference; revealing how much he had to spend on new transfer targets, his opinion on his squad and staff, and also on the state of the club's finances.
With jobs these days based on results and if James Sadler can mastermind his ambitions on the pitch, it could turn out to be a really shrewd appointment. However, this is a massive gamble and with the bookies odds of 4/6 joint favourite to be the first Npower Championship managed sacked, I wouldn't get my hopes up too much.
Pre-season insight at Upton Park...
Captain and Vice announcement
Today a club statement was issued from manager James Sadler on his decision to maintain both Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble in their roles of club captain and vice with immediate affect.
The launch of the new kit
The new season's kit was launched by manufacturer macron today, with the traditional claret and blue home kit was this year accompanied by a stylish sky blue away kit. West Ham have struck a lucrious two-deal with American gambling company SOBET.com for sponsorship of both shirts.
A few days after his arrival, manager James Sadler was quick to the market securing the loan signings of John Flanagan and Danny Wilson both from Liverpool, and also Josh McEachran from London-neighbours Chelsea. These three signings where closing followed by the only other during the summer window as James Forrest joined for an initial £2million from SPL giants Celtic.
Friendlies
West Ham United have today announced that they will be competing in six friendly matches during pre-season, four of which are away at AFC Wimbledon, Rochdale, Chesterfield and Charlton Athletic. The other two are home games against Premier League opposition in the shape of Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea.View attachment 216071
With some excellent team and individual performances during the friendly matches, the exciting prospect of Derby County in the first game of season was just around the corner. A sell-out crowd expected at Upton Park and with no pre-season injury concerns, manager James Sadler with have a fully fit squad to pick from.