West Bromwich Albion have been the representatives of the gulf between the Premier League and the second tier in recent seasons. Albion were relegated from the top flight in 2003, 2007 and 2009. In the interceding years, and including last season they were promoted back to the upper tier in 2005, 2008 and 2010. The record clearly sends the message that the club are too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League.

The teams relegated from the Prem last season were Hull City, Burnley and Portsmouth. Hull spent only two seasons in the EPL and Burnley just one. What are the hopes for the new boys this term? It appears that the established top flight teams are able to become more and more established through their bigger incomes, and increasing reputations. Portsmouth themselves are an excellent example of the reputation factor. They have never been one of the big clubs in the Prem, but once they established themselves in the early part of the last decade, they were able to attract a better quality of player. Burnley and Hull were never able to do this. Whilst West Ham were down there with those two at the end of last season, the Hammers have been back in the EPL for five years now and can still attract relatively big players.

Despite the title of my article, I do have a good feeling for West Brom this year. Manager Roberto Di Matteo, has brought in some experience at the back in Pablo Ibanez, and is fighting off the attentions on his star player Graham Dorrans. He is currently being rumoured to be close to capturing former Baggie, Jason Roberts from Blackburn. Having someone who can potentially give you twenty goals a season up top is a must for any team to survive. Blackpool will fight and fight this year, but they won’t survive. They aren’t equipped to make it in the top flight, and the fact that I can say that with such confidence shows how hard it has become to stay up. What is interesting this season is that we may see a side who have been a round a while come down, as Newcastle too may hold their own on their return. Along with Blackpool, I expect to see Wolves get relegated in their second season, leaving any one from eighteen to bid farewell to the big time.

This season will be a defining season as to how viable promotion from the second tier has become, If West Brom and Newcastle can make their presence felt to stay another year, then the format is still thriving. But if two of the three that went up, come down, and are joined by Wolves or Birmingham, questions need to be asked about the inequality of the current regime. Nobody has a divine right to stay in the Premier League, but they may effectively be being given one, with the access to finances that the Championship clubs do not have.

photo credit: joncandy

There are 8 players in England’s World Cup squad of 23, that have played for West Ham at some point in their careers. John Terry also played in West Ham’s youth side but never played for the first team. After Robert Green (one of two current Hammers in the England squad) announced himself onto the world stage last night, here is a fantasy World Cup eleven from one time Hammers at the World Cup.

1. David James (England)

Former Hammer James may get the nod to start in goal after Green’s mistake on Saturday night. West Ham fans will be hoping Green gets the chance to show what he can do, and to improve his international reputation. James who is now at Portsmouth, has played 50 times for his country. His former clubs also include Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

2. Glen Johnson (England)

Current Hammer Jonathan Spector is in South Africa with the USA squad. Spector didn’t get on to the field of play against England though. It is hard to look past former West Ham youngster Glen Johnson  however when filling the right-back position in this formation. Johnson had an excellent game against the United States on Saturday night and has established himself as Fabio Capello’s first choice right sided full-back. Johnson now a regular at Liverpool, joined the reds in 2009 after spells at Chelsea and Portsmouth.

3. Lucas Neil (Australia)

Now 32, Aussie Lucas Neil can count Everton and Blackburn as former clubs, as well as West Ham. The versatile defender now plays his football in Turkey after signing for Galatasary. Neil has 56 caps for his country and appeared in the side that played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He can play in the centre of defence or in either full-back poisition and has slotted in nicely as the left-back for this team.

4. Rigobert Song (Cameroon) Captain

The experienced Rigobert Song is the team captain. Nearly 34 years of age, this will be Rigobert’s fourth World Cup. Cameroon lit up the World Cup in Italy in 1990 with Roger Milla’s dancing and the scare they gave England in the quarter-finals, and have qualified for four of the last five tournaments. Song also played for Liverpool in the Premier League and now plays is football for Trabzonspor.

5. John Pantsil (Ghana)

John Pantsil will play at full-back against Serbia today but slots in along side Rigobert Song in the centre of defence for this select XI. Pantsil now plays for Fulham with team mate Clint Dempsey, who equalised for the USA Saturday night. Much has been said of South Africa, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, but Ghana could also make an impact in this World Cup. Losing Michael Essien through injury before the tournament was a big blow but they still have the quality and know-how to upset a few teams.

6. Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

The combative midfielder will play a holding role as he does for both club and country. Liverpool’s Mascherano came to England in a surprise deal that included Carlos Tevez. The tenacious midfielder puts in the hard yards to allow his more creative midfield colleagues to attack the opposition.

7. Frank Lampard (England)

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is one of West Ham’s most famous sons. Harry Redknapp’s nephew and Jamie’s cousin is one of the first names on the team sheet for this lineup. Redknapp is a leader on the field and his scoring rate from midfield is excellent. Much has been said of whether Lampard and Gerrard can play together in central midfield for England to good effect. Fabio Capello is hoping to demonstrate that they can in this World Cup.

8. Valeron Behrami (Switzerland)

Current West Ham midfielder Behrami makes it in to the team along side Frank Lampard in midfield. Behrami is a good mix of creative, attacking play and tough tackling. The Swiss international will be hoping to add to his two international goals against Chile, Honduras and Spain.

9. Richard Garcia (Australia)

Richard Garcia grew-up as a footballer at West Ham with Joe Cole and other youngsters who have gone on to get international honours. The Australian now plays his domestic football for Hull City, who will be adjusting to life in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League.

10. Carlos Tevez (Argentina)

With Lampard and Behrami behind him, Tevez will have chances put on a plate for him to fire this side to fantasy victory. The Argentinian has a great chance of real glory this summer as his countries strong squad are one of the favourites for the title. Tevez almost single handedly kept West Ham in the Premiership and has gone on to play for the red and blue halves of Manchester. He will also be dreaming of success in the Premier League next season as we watch and wait to see, who Mancini will add to his team of stars this transfer window.

11. Guillermo Franco (Mexico)

The Mexican left the Irons at the end of last season and is with his country in South Africa. Franco is one of eight forwards named by manager Javier Aguirre. The 34 year old has a good strike rate for his national side with 7 goals from 22 appearances.

West Ham fans would love many of these players to still be at their club, and would be dreaming of success if Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick also came home.

photo credit: nicksarebi

West Ham has made a move to sign Thierry Henry and make him the highest paid player in the history of their club.  Yeah, that’s what I thought too–huh?

Their reasoning makes sense:

“We’re trying to assemble a more prolific strike force at West Ham and I’d love to have Henry here. Our club is in debt but a striker of his quality and standing would make it a great deal.”

“Henry is still up there with the best.”I’ve made an offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.”And it’s a serious offer because Henry could walk into almost any Premier League side.”

I can see that00Henry’s great–you’re not–so sign him.  However, don’t we think that certain clubs are below certain players.  When I think West Ham I think, “eh”.  That’s pretty much it.  There’s no pizazz there and I think Henry would want some pizazz where he plays.

I can’t blame Ham for trying, but I just don’t think they’re making a smart move by humiliating themselves in the press over this announcement knowing that there is a 99.9% chance Henry will turn them down.

Now you’re the team nobody wants to sign with.  I mean–nobody.  That’s what the papers will say, “Henry turns down West Ham”.  So you’re the team that got rejected and now every other player is a second choice–who the hell wants to be someone’s second choice?

I know I wouldn’t.

Where do they go from here?  They need to target players they can sign and they need to work on defense.  It kills me when every team in soccer who loses alot goes out and buys guys who score alot.  THAT ISN’T YOUR PROBLEM.

You give up too many goals–fix it!  Find someone who breaks people’s legs when they come in your end.  It works!

photo credit: wonker

Manchester United moved to within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 3-0 defeat of West Ham United tonight.

A week after heading two goals in the 3-2 UEFA Champions League first knockout round first-leg defeat of AC Milan, Wayne Rooney did it again. His first came on 38 minutes, turning in Antonio Valencia’s volley at the end of a fine team move. Ten minutes into the second half, Valencia again set up Rooney to double the lead and take his season’s goal tally to 27.

Michael Owen came on with 12 minutes left as Rooney was withdrawn and swiftly added a third following a Paul Scholes pass. With the defeat West Ham remain in 13th position, four points above the relegation zone.

photo credit: wonker

Everytime an owner flaps his “yap” it gets harder for the players to take the field.

New West Ham boss David Sullivan is taking his new found power to the wrong level, at the wrong places, and the wrong times, with the wrong audience.  It appears that Sullivan is content to use the media to run his club and since they are ALREADY in danger of relegation he may want to stop before he alienates fans who probably have no desire to come out and see a relegated club.

Sullivan has had his words in print saying (essentially) “Kieron Dyer should retire because he costs alot of money and we’re not getting anything in return for that money and I’m over it.”

Well, that would be nice, except that you can handle that situation behind closed doors like a man instead out in the press like a coward.  Anybody can go to the press and slam somebody, but it’s much more difficult to say things to someone’s face.

[If you're wondering...yes, I would say EVERYTHING I've said here to the faces of ANYBODY I've said ANYTHING about.]

Sullivan could have, very easily, sat Dyer down and told him “Yo, you’re hurt, and this sucks, but we need to move on.”  He could have arranged a favorable transfer, given him a position with the club in management, offered him a coaching position, or done any number of things to soothe the blow AND be considerate at the same time.

Instead we’ve got people close to Dyer saying that he is FAR from retirement and that means he’ll stick it out even if it is in his WORST interests.  He could wind up getting more hurt and sinking any plans he has of playing on. 

All I’m saying is that a little consideration would go a long way with a pro athlete.  Can’t we all just get along?

photo credit: wonker

Fielding a team is only one part of running a professional sports club…

The ink on West Ham’s takeover isn’t even dry and David Sullivan is ALREADY going after top talent. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy is the object of West Ham and Tottenham’s affections.  (This goes right into my theory that Real Madrid will crumble, but we’ll discuss that later.)

Well, how did Sullivan plan on ripping van Nistelrooy from Tottenham’s clutches?  He offered him a ton of money of course.

Well, Sullivan said he knew that Tottenham wanted van Nistelrooy, but that he offered substantially more cash.  Let’s be real for a minute…he thinks that money buys all things in a place where relegation is a reality?

Why would someone like van Nistelrooy go to West Ham when West Ham is in danger of relegation on a regular basis?  To fix the problem?  He can’t fix this by himself.  The culture needs to change completely for that to happen and money is not the only ingredient.  David Sullivan may be a genius owner, but the culture has to reflect a great place to play where you won’t be in danger of relegation all the time.

I know the Premier League is the Rolls Royce of Soccer leagues, but that doesn’t mean all the parts of the car are attractive.  Here are your choices…sit in the passenger or driver’s seat (Arsenal, Chelsea) or you can sit on the engine block and twist the little cap that reads “don’t open when car is hot…pressurized gas…injury or death could occur”.

Which one are you picking?

Tottenham got jumped by Arsenal, but they’re still in 4th…not 16th.

David Sullivan would be better served hiring better coaches and personnel for their youth program, reworking his front office and making West Ham seem attractive.  There’s got to be some PR work done to make West Ham look like a “good” team and not a bottom-feeder.

As soon as Sullivan does that he can throw his money around…

New West Ham United owners David Sullivan and David Gold have revealed that West Ham United are ion debt to the tune of £110m. Which begs the question: Why did they buy West Ham?

“It makes no commercial sense to buy this club,” said Sullivan after laying out the scale of West Ham’s borrowing. If there was any other club in this situation, then we would not be buying it. We bought this as supporters, not from a business point of view.”

CB Holdings, who retain the other 50% ownership in the club, had said the Hammers had debts of £38m, but Sullivan disputes that number.

“In simplistic terms, £50m is owed to banks and £40m to other clubs… West Ham are not owed a single penny by other clubs because when they’ve sold players, they’ve discounted the debt with the banks,” We’ll have to find new money.”

Gold and Sullivan will now go on a dog and pony show and try and get some rich people to buy a part of West Ham for £10-20m each and that money will be used to pay off debts. If that doesn’t happen, regardless of what the new owners say, West Ham will be forced to sell players to pay the £40m that is owed to other clubs for players that West Ham has already bought. That is one one of the problems that Portsmouth is facing, in that they had not paid other teams for players that they had bought.

photo credit: wonker

Chelsea and ManU have had issues with lesser clubs this season and including Chelsea’s draw of West Ham we also have to include their recent draw to Birmingham.  Manchester United has had their own issues (like losing 3-0 to Fulham) but this brings up the great paradox in pro sports:  Why do good teams have a hard time with bad teams?

For me, it’s pretty simple.  Pro athletes look ahead WAY too much.  (This explains, a little, the sullen nature of a guy like Bill Belichick because he doesn’t want his team to get too excited) but sometimes that sullen nature leads to sullen play.  So, the idea that these players have to ride a fine line between being jubilant and dead silent.  Why do you need to keep this kind of focus?  (Just look at Chelsea drawing two bad/mediocre teams and ManU losing 3-0 to Fulham.)

So, how do they not look ahead but still enjoy the moment and have a good time and give the fans the enjoyable soccer matches that they pay their hard-earned money to see?  This explains another oft-used phrase in sports that I never understood until just now…

“We need to play within ourselves…”

I mean, how long have I been hearing this one and NEVER understood it?  When players want to “play within themselves” they want to have fun, play hard, win, and not get so carried away with what’s coming next.  The best players who play within themselves ALWAYS know what’s coming, but never stare it right in the face until it’s directly upon them.  One could easily argue that knowing your schedule is a detriment to your play and having a long schedule (like they do in European Soccer) only makes it harder.  There are so many derbies, el classicos and leagues to play in that you can circle just about every game on the schedule and say “Oh, we gotta win that one!”

I even heard Mark Schlereth on the 4-letter network talking about his days in the NFL and he basically said that he hardly knew who he was playing until the week of the game because that became his focus ONLY on the week of the game.  This would never work but…

If you didn’t disclose the schedule and just shipped the teams around and they didn’t know who they were playing until they were in the city limits of their opponent then “looking ahead” would be obsolete and “playing within yourself” would be the prime factor in all professional team sports.  I know it’s crazy, but…

a guy can dream, can’t he?

photo credit: wonker

With Chelsea “accepting” a draw with Fulham and ManU getting blasted by West Ham I have 3 questions to ask (and yes, this goes back to the “picking the wrong team to crumble thing”.)

1.  What does it say about the 2 best teams in the Premier League that they took a draw to a team that is pretty close to being relegated and losing (badly) to a team that will most likely be relegated?

Well, what it says is that neither Chelsea nor ManU is mentally prepared to complete the season in the manner in which they started it.  This also means that they will have issues STARTING the postseason…not finishing.  They’ll both probably have pretty bad opening matches (that they’ll end up winning anyways) and then one of them will get hot and take the whole thing.  Who will that be?  Probably Chelsea.  Why?  John Terry is their captain.  I bet he’ll keep saying to his club “We’re going to get to 90 points if it kills me!” 
(and you know what?  They’ll believe him!)  I don’t think ManU has a player like that…sorry boys.

2.  What does it say about the chances that Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham have?

Well, it tells me that these clubs are fighting for 2nd place.  Since I’m taking Chelsea to make it to the final match and discounting ManU then one of these 3 “stragglers” is going to be hoping they don’t get destroyed by Chelsea in the Final.  I’ve seen them all play and right now I’d take Aston Villa because they’re so tenacious…but that’s just me.

3.  How in the world did ManU lose to West Ham?  (a team that might be most famous because Russell Peters likes them.)

Lack of leadership…the same reason they’ll crap out before the final.  Sorry again boys, but you don’t have John Terry standing up and saying “We will make it to 90 points.”  Teams in England need a “mouth” and there really isn’t a “mouth” for ManU…not a good one anyways.

PS – I don’t care about the drama with the penalties in Chelsea’s draw.  We know the officials are pretty bad, but teams like Chelsea should still win those matches if they want to get to 90 points…

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola was over the moon after Zavon Hines’ last-gasp strike earned his Hammers their first win since the opening day of the season. England Under-21 striker Hines was the toast of Upton Park after he netted the winner in the fourth minute of injury time.

Zola said:

“This could be the turning point for us. We gave a demonstration of desire and belief and that’s what we want from our players. Everything else is there. It’s a fantastic game to win. Every time Zavon has played for us he has been good. He has character and personality and he deserves to be in the spotlight.”

Zola must have feared the worst when left-back Herita Ilunga and leading scorer Carlton Cole both limped off with hamstring injuries in the first 32 minutes.

Yet Hines, who replaced Cole, set up the opener right on half-time when ref Steve Bennett dubiously decided he had been felled by Habib Beye as he burst into the box. Replays suggested Hines had been offside and that Beye had played the ball. Mark Noble did not listen to the arguments as he fired his kick into the roof of the net.

Bennett sparked more spot-kick controversy four minutes after the break when he ruled that Manuel Da Costa had jumped into the back of James Collins in the area. But Ashley Young failed to accept Bennett’s gift, as his penalty was saved by the outstanding Rob Green, who had earlier pulled off stunning stops to deny John Carew and Stiliyan Petrov.

Ashley Young scored a stunning equaliser in front of the England coach, when he inside and unleashed a right-footed curling shot from 30 yards that gave Green no chance on its route into the top corner.

Hines then became the Hammers’ hero at the death when he collected Scott Parker’s ball into the box and wrong-footed two Villa markers before slotting into the net.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill, whose side would have gone fourth with a win, refused to discuss West Ham’s penalty.

“It would be a pointless exercise as anyone with access to a TV monitor could make up their own mind. I’m disappointed to lose a game I thought we were going to win in the last 30 minutes.”