Evening news round-up for Saturday 26/11/16 by 337hammer.
Bilic – Carroll could return.
Slaven Bilic has revealed the Hammers could be on course for a huge boost on Sunday with the potential return of Andy Carroll to the first team squad. The east Londoners take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League and star striker Carroll – who has not played since the opening game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in August – could be in line for selection.
Bilic, speaking ahead of the first of two matches in the space of four days against the Red Devils, revealed the forward could play a part in the north west. He said: “Andy is training with us, and he’s come back from a long injury, so we are going to see. He’s very close. “He could be in the squad. We are going to see, depending on how he progresses. He’s done individual training, has trained with the U23 squad, and now he is training with the first team. “He’s back doing that this week, and that’s why two days is very important. But is he very close? Yes, definitely.” whufc.com
What are your opinions on Carroll’s supposedly imminent return? What part do you think he might play in Sundays game? Who would you start up front?
West Ham interested in Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea flops: Bilic has made up his mind.
West Ham are reportedly seeking a new goalkeeper to replace the out-of-form Adrian – and could raid their Premier League rivals for a new No 1. West Ham have conceded 23 goals in the Premier League this season – just under two per game. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic has seen enough and has decided to sign a new goalkeeper. But the boss will bide his time and wait until the summer to land a replacement.
Bilic is hoping that Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet, Asmir Begovic of Chelsea and Man City stopper Joe Hart all become available at the end of the season. express.co.uk
What do you make of this supposed new keeper interest? How much blame does Adrian take for our poor defensive record this season? Is it the goalkeepers fault or are defensive issues at full back more to blame? Would you prefer one of those goalkeepers that have been named in this article to come in? Certainly Hart has to be better than Randolph or Adrian? Your thoughts?
U18s beaten at home by Reading.
West Ham United U18s endured a frustrating afternoon, going down 3-0 at home to Reading. The Hammers were aiming to bounce back from their midweek FA Youth Cup exit at the hands of Stoke City, but were beaten for the first time at home this season.
“I think Reading deserved to win today. They had the better chances than us. I wouldn’t say they’re a better footballing side than us but they definitely deserved to win on the day,” said assistant manager Mark Phillips. “It was a similar game to Tuesday (vs Stoke). They (Reading) were a physical, robust side and we struggled to deal with them. “This is our worst period of the season without a doubt, but we’ll work very hard on the training ground to put it right.” whufc.com
Adrian for me
Adiran is a great keeper and has more than earned his starting spot through YEARS of class performances. Yeah he makes mistakes sometimes, but so do all players, and it’s his willingness to take risks and play out of his mind that often makes him so good. The only keeper listed that I rate as good as Adrian out of that list would be Hart. And being honest, if we’re willing to move on from Adrian so easily, when is Bilic leaving and Mancini or someone else coming in? Bilic is the coach who didn’t reinforce the right back position over the summer and it’s clear most of our heartbreaks have come from teams exploiting that weaker right side Antonio is on. He also let Moses (better than any winger we signed over the summer), Song (solid midfielder and creative outlet) and Emenike (pacey striker) go and I don’t know if anyone can say that we wouldn’t be in better shape if we kept them and brought in a solid right back along with Edi Fernandes and Masuaku. Maybe dropping Emenike if we could get a top class striker. But honestly it’s a little cheeky to say Adrian out after all he’s done for us and especially if we’re not willing to kick Bilic, who to be honest through squad selection and bad tactics allowed us to drop so many crucial points. Players underperform but a good manager is able to get them firing again (see Chelsea w/ Conte).