The programme documents Bobby’s family background in Barking; his rise to prominence for West Ham and England; his successful cancer treatment in the 1960s; his greatest club and international triumphs between 1964-66; the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign; the defence of the trophy in 1970 (including the Bogota bracelet incident and that classic  match with Brazil); the sale to Fulham and 1975 FA Cup Final; the years of exclusion from top club management and being largely ignored by the FA; and his tragic, premature death in 1993.  

The programme has some great clips of Bobby in action for West Ham and England (at the old Upton Park and Wembley) that shows not only his imperious defending and the odd goal or two scored, but also the on-pitch presence, dignity and keen sense of humour of the man. 

 It includes interviews with Pele, George Best, Bobby Charlton,  Malcolm Allison, Noel Cantwell, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jimmy Greaves, Jackie Charlton, Harry Redknapp, Terry Venables, Alan Ball, Alan Mullery, Mike Summerbee and Jonathan Pearce.  They hail Bobby Moore’s greatness as a defender and captain and confirm that his leadership was crucial in 1966 in capturing the ultimate prize in world football.   But they also talk of Bobby’s likeable personality and genuine, down to earth, modesty.  His personality is further explored in some very emotional, and heart felt,  interviews with his family and close friends like Jimmy Tarbuck.

It is a fine tribute to West Ham and England’s greatest ever player and captain.  It must be good because it almost made me forget West Ham’s current troubles, if only for 60 minutes or so!  You may already have seen it, but check it out again, if you get a chance. 

Now from the sublime to the ridiculous,  some tabloids yesterday reported that Avram Grant has just three matches to save his job!  I do not believe that things are at that stage, just yet.  Grant is the appointment of the new owners and they are likely to continue supporting him in the short term.  However, if we are still struggling in late November-early December, then I have no doubt that the issue of a managerial change will then move up the agenda.

David Sullivan was also reported yesterday as stating that certain of the club’s overseas players wanted a move from West Ham in the summer, but acceptable offers were not forthcoming!  He alleged that this had resulted in those players showing an alleged  lack of application and effort so far this season.  He correctly suggests that those players need to accept their situation and play themselves in to a move in January!  Ok, fair enough, but what I do not understand is why a public statement needs to be made on this matter.  Surely it is best dealt with internally, by the manager and his staff, in liaison with the board?  I sincerely hope that this is not the first of a new series of high profile and controversial public comments from the board?

Finally,  there were also reports that West Ham’s proposed move for free agent, Jeremie Aliadiere broke down because the player suffered a knee injury in a trial match for the club.  Apparently, West Ham have accepted their responsibility for his medical expenses, but have denied that a deal had been concluded.  Much as I am very sorry for the player, being injured and out of contract, the fact is that it is fortunate for the club that it happened before he signed a contract, rather than afterwards.  The last thing we want is to pay the wages of another player with a long-term injury.  Tough, but true!

SJ. Chandos.

Lets hope that the report is wrong or, alternatively, that his injury problem does not drag on too far in to the season.  I have seen Hitzlsperger play in pre-season and there is no doubt that he brings an authority to the midfield.  Mark Noble, in particular, combines very well with him and they, along with the admirable Scott Parker, can form a very effective midfield unit.

However, that news does makes me glad that Valon Behrami’s proposed move to Roma did not go through.  If it had, Kovac would have been the virtually the sole cover for Parker and Noble.   Instead, we now have another option in Behrami.  Also, after selling Diamanti and Daprela for relatively low fees, I am glad that we stuck by our guns in our valuation of Behrami.  I get the impression that Roma were ‘trying it on’ with their loan request, and subsequent transfer bids, and it did not work to their advantage!  To sell a player like Valon Behrami for £2-3m is not good business. 

I must admit that Behrami is a player that I like.  I value his all action, industrious approach and commitment  He is ‘Mr perpetual motion’ on a football pitch, the engine never stops running.  Unfortunately, last season he never seemed to get back to the same levels, after returning from the unfortunate knee and ankle injuries picked up against Man City in the final match of 2008-09.  He then proceeded to compound a largely indifferent season at club level, with a pretty disastrous World Cup campaign.   I really empathised with him over that harsh sending off in the WC Finals.

Still, new season, new start!  It is always very difficult when a player’s family is unsettled, but he has no option but to accept that he is going nowhere, at least until January, and respond positively.  He needs to play well, if only to put himself in the shop window for a move back to Serie A in the winter transfer window.   One hopes that he will settle down and get back to the level of performance that he attained  in his first season at Upton Park.  He has all the tools to play in a defensive midfield role and, if match fit, he should be given a start against Chelski.  Arguably, his display in the corresponding home fixture last season was his stand out performance of 2009-10.

 It was certainly interesting the way that the media spun his comments about staying.  Whilst some led with a negative line about him being suprised at  still being at West Ham, others emphasised his positive commitment to play well and do a good job for the team.  My view is that while he remains a West Ham player he should get the full support and encouragement of the supporters.  But in return he needs to show his commitment to the cause and put in some good displays.

Finally, it was good to see younger players like Cahill, Johnson and Young  get their opportunities for England against Bulgaria.  The enforced absence of some of the ’fixtures’ in the international side has obviously freed things up and pointed the way forward.   It must be frustrating for Carlton Cole, though, to be in yet another England squad and not figure in the final selection.  It is difficult with Rooney ahead of him, but all he can do is play well for West Ham and hope that he eventually gets his chance.

SJ. Chandos.

Between the 24th and 26th February 2010 I will be walking from Wembley Stadium to West Ham United in memory of my nanny who died from bowel cancer. I am also walking in memory of Bobby Moore and all of the money I raise will be donated to The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

I have been very lucky to have recently heard from WHUFC who will be helping me, Cancer Research UK are also helping me too. I am emailing you to ask if you could please help me spread the word. This year my sister raised £9500 for our local hospice in memory of our nanny. I want to beat her amount. On the 26th February I will be walking the final part of my challenge from Bobby’s childhood home in Barking to the centre circle of the pitch before kick off against Liverpool. I am a season ticket holder and WHUFC have agreed to let me have a collection on the day too. It would be nice if some of the fans could do the last stage of the walk with me (I might need a shoulder carry as I could be tired by then).

Can you please give me a mention on your website? My sister has made a website for me which has just been launched HERE. it has details of the wallk including the route. My just giving page is www.justgiving.com/fornannyandbobby and my email is fornannyandbobby@sky.com. All of these are being watched by mummy and daddy too.

–
Jonjo Heuerman
For Nanny and Bobby
In aid of The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK

The additional striker did not materialise.  Although I am sure that West Ham will now trawl the list of available free agents to see if there are any credible options  available.  Although, that proposition does beg the question whether clubs can still add free agents to their notified squads of 25 plus?  I have not had an opportunity to check it out, but I assume that EU players who are free agents can still be  signed outside of the window?   After all, EU law on free movement of labour surely supersede football specific rules and regulations?  

Regardless, we must now be reconciled with the players at our disposal and hope that they click as a team.  Looking at the squad, on paper it is decent enough, even if the uncertainty in defence remains a worry!  Ultimately, our level of success, or abject failure, will depend on a number of variable factors that can, theoretically, go either way.  Amongst these variables are –  will:

• Green recover from his World Cup ‘crisis of confidence’ and regain his former authority between the sticks?
• Avram Grant find a solid and reliable back four combination?
• The likes of Upson, Illunga and Gabbidon rediscover their form and Jacobsen do ‘a job’ for us at right-back?
• The decision to sell Daprela, and failure to sign a left-back as cover, back fire on us?
• Hitzlsperger prove to be the influential midfield player that many suspect him to be?
• Collison and Hines return quickly from injury and push for selection?
• Kieron Dyer stay fit and finally show just what he can do in a West Ham shirt?
• West Ham have some welcome luck with injuries, for a change?
• One or more of our promising youngsters break through this season and makes an unexpected impact at first team level?
• Carlton Cole wake from his early season stupor and demonstrate his ability to lead the line and score goals?  
• Victor Obinna prove a ‘find’ and add extra pace, power and finishing to our forward line
• The early season promise of Barrera and Piquionne be realised and transmute in to assists and goals? 
• Benni McCarthy regain full fitness and make a positive contribution?    

No doubt there are others?  And perhaps the meta-variable, in all this, is Avram Grant’s ability to get his selection and tactics right and forge a collection of talented players in to a team.  Grant’s appointment was received with great positivity, but this appears to have quickly dissipated with the advent of the three opening PL defeats.  Lets just hope that he does know his stuff and gradually turns the results around?

One thng is sure.  A squad that includes Green, Upson, Illunga, Parker, Noble, Cole, Collison, Hitzlsperger, Faubert, Barrera, Piquionne and Dyer really should not struggle.  Compare our squad, player for player, with the likes of Fulham and Bolton’s and, arguably, we have the better individual players.  However, they are effective teams units and possess the essential organisation and cohesion that we lack. 

That lack needs to be addressed, and quickly, to get our wayward season back on track!

SJ. Chandos.

Goalkeepers: Boffin, Green
Defenders: Ben Haim, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Jacobsen, Reid, Spector,
Upson
Midfielders: Boa Morte, Behrami, Collison, Dyer, Faubert, Hitzlsperger, Kovac, Noble, Parker
Forwards: Barrera, Cole, Hines, McCarthy, Obinna, Piquionne

Under-21 pros
Goalkeepers: Stech
Defenders: Brown, Eyjolfsson, Fry (on loan at Charlton Athletic), McNaughton, Modelski, Spence, Tomkins
Midfielders: Edgar, Lee, Stanislas, Wearen
Forwards: Abdulla, Montano, Nouble, Sears

In haste. Sorry. Discuss!

18.10: So can this be right? No one in, no one out? I have to leave the office now to get a train… Back at 8pm.
18.09: Well, that was a bit premature. Apparently the Chimbonda deal has fallen through after the clubs failed to agree terms.
17.21: Chimbonda has signed a year’s loan, Ryan Babel has said on his Twitter page he is staying at Liverpool.
15.42: Danny Gabbidon has just tweeted: Hearing a shout of Ryan Babel, what a signing that would be.
15.16: Scott Parker has told the BBC’s Jacqui Oatley that he is definitely staying. Woohoo!
14.41: The Sun reports that Scott Parker is snubbing Spurs to stay at West Ham. Is there a God after all?
14.23: Sky Sports have just sent a text out saying West Ham are considering a Liverpool bid for Carlton Cole. Let’s hope it’s a big one. Minimum £10 million, I’d say.
14.10: KUMB is now reporting the Chimbonda story too. He’s a talented player, but a bit of a head case.
13.53 Cradlebay reports West Ham have signed Pascal Chimbonda on a free. Not sure I can believe that.
13.28: I’m thinking, hmmm, Rocky Santa Criz or Carlton Cole… Get on that phone to Eastlands, Avram…
13.19 Santa Cruz’s move to Lazio has broken down.
13.14 Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham are battling with Spurs over Ryan Babel.
12.52: The Mail reports that the Hammers are interested in former Portsmouth defender Anthony Vanden Borre, currently with Genoa, after his move to Tel Aviv fell through.
12.51: KUMB reports that the Yobo deal is off.
12.33: Former Hammer Josh Payne has joined Oxford on loan from Doncaster.
11.48 Delmo reports: Football agent Barry Silkman has just been quoted saying the following: “For me, I’m doing a lot of work for West Ham at the minute. It’s mental,” stressed Silkman. “If anything happens I don’t know. They’re trying to get a right-back, they’re trying to get a midfield player, possibly a second goalkeeper. There’s a million things West Ham are looking at, I’m not sure what is going to happen. Everything is up in the air, to be honest, everything is up in the air.”
11.13: The Spurs Blog THBN is reporting that Scott Parker has been seen at Spurs Lodge training ground this morning. Hmmm.
10.52: ESPN report that Liverpool are going to make a last minute bid for Carlton Cole.
10.08: The Sun reports that West Ham are after Ivory Coast international full back Siaka Tienne
10.07: Yobo is the hot tip of the moment, while Yakubu rumours continue to swirl.
10.03: KUMB report that we are after Brazilian goalkeeper Doni as Rob Green is out for a fortnight
10.01: Talks being held with Hamburg over right back Guy Demel
10.00: Those Scott Parker rumours just won’t go away
09.58: Junior Stanislas tipped for a loan move to Leeds

The balance sheet so far is that Hitzlsperger, Barrera, Piquionne, Reid, Ben Haim (on loan)  and Obinna (on loan) have arrived; whilst Diamanti and Daprela have departed.   However, there are still a number of major issues that need resolving.

In particular, we are crying out for another right-back and Daprela’s departure now means that we also need cover at left-back.  Additionally, it may also be good policy to secure experienced cover for Rob Green.   I am assuming that Grant will stick with his existing players at centre-back and try to find an effective partnership.  Although a last minute deal for Upson might change that?

Midfield is probably the strongest area of the squad at the moment.  Although the futures of Parker and Behrami’s are obviously in question.  While it looks like Kovac will remain with the club, at least until January.  Diamanti’s exit means that we have lost a lot of creativity, which we really should be looking to replace.  However, the reality is that good play makers are at a premium and cost accordingly. 

Up front Cole is the subject of a Liverpool bid and it is rumoured that they are offering Lucas and/or Babel in exchange.  Can Piquionne or McCarthy assume Cole’s role in leading the line?  Or will Caracciolo or Gameiro be brought in?  Obviously, we have signed Obinna on loan and he should add pace and power to the forward line.  We will certainly need him if it true that Hines has suffered a set back in his rehabilitation and will not now be available until the new year.  Finally, our best chance of a tried and tested PL goal scorer probably lies with signing Robbie Keane from Spurs, but will Scott Parker have to be sacrificed as part of the deal?  And is that a price worth paying?

Indeed, one of the things to look out for will be part-exchange deals involving Carlton Cole and/or Scott Parker; as well as the possible sale of Behrami to Palermo.  Player-exchange deals are ok in the right circumstances, but we must ensure that we gain more than we lose.  It will also be interesting to see if Grant pursues his expressed interest in signing Mark Wilson from Pompey?

All shall be revealed by 6pm when the window closes.  I just feel that it is worrying that we still need to do so much potential business in the final day of the window.  What is the bare minimum that we can expect? Probably a full-back,  a goal keeper and a striker.  Will that be enough?  It depends on the correlation between the quality of any additions and that of the players that we might lose in any horse trading?

Iain will be posting regular updates on the rumours/deals as they arise throughout deadline day.  Optimistically, lets hope that he has some good news to post!!!! 

Oh well, more in hope than expectation.

SJ. Chandos

Warning: If you are offended by bad language do not click on PLAY.

I have to say I am dreading the next 24 hours. I’m now convinced we will let Parker join Spurs.

UPDATE: Some people are suggesting we got a fee for Daprela. If that were the case, I suspect it would have been trumpeted on the official site by now.

However, there was nothing warm or sweet about Saturday’s result.  I feared the worst when I saw the starting line up.  Grant dropped Piquionne and Barrera (our two best players against Bolton) to accommodate Boa Morte and Faubert on the left and right flank.  He obviously felt that these players would better track back and battle for possession, which is fairly sound logic I guess.  However,  Personally, I would have preferred to have seen us start with Barrera and moved Faubert back to right-back. 

Again, Grant’s post-match logic in concluding that Man Utd are a better team than us cannot be faulted.  Although I note that the reported pre-match qualification about the ‘best team not always winning’ had been conveniently forgotten.  We were certainly under the cosh for much of the match (as usual), although we managed to threaten on two or three occasions.  Indeed, some of our forward play was good, although it appeared that Cole was too isolated up front and, as a consequences, we consistently lacked a real cutting edge.  Hopefully, Victor Obinna will help solve that particular problem?

The most depressing thing for me was the continuing tendency for the Hammers defence to shoot itself in the foot.   For the penalty, Jonathan Spector let Giggs cut in and get on the wrong side of him.  Hence, he was at a distinct disadvantage when the subsequent challenge was made.  Having seen the challenge once again, on TV replays, it is clear that Spector got the ball before making contact with Giggs, but his poor positioning allowed the Man Utd veteran to take advantage to win the spot kick.

Danny Gabbidon was arguably at fault for the second, in failing to make a decisive challenge on Nani, backing off and then compounding it all by falling over.   For the third goal, more should have been done to stop Nani getting the cross in to the far post.  But having done so, Spector’s failure to mount a serious challenge to Berbatov was painful to observe.   As I said, a right defensive comedy of errors, but no one in the long suffering Claret and Blue Army was laughing!

Will alleged transfer target, Mark Wilson, improve the defensive situation?  Apparently, Wilson can play at centre-half or defensive midfield.  But the question is, will his acquisition add extra quality to the squad?   Is he really any better than the players that we currently have?  I hope so, if the deal happens. 

I also hope that we ideally retain Parker and Cole, but the failure the sell Behrami probably makes a deal for one of the two more likely.  I do not like the prospect of losing one of our best players, but a deal will be more palatable if it led to the acquisitions that shake up and strengthen the squad.   However, my big fear is that we will lose one or both of them and then bring in players that fail to add extra quality and ultimately prove ineffectual. 

I suspect that we are missing Hitzlsperger, we certainly looked more solid and tougher to beat in pre-season.  I know that they were only pre-season matches, but regardless his positive on-pitch influence was there for everyone one to see.   I sincerely hope that the German international is back soon.  We shall have to see what happens on transfer deadline day, but I would prefer to see us sign a right-back with existing PL experience.   If a player is moved out, then perhaps they will make an improve bid for Lorient striker, Kevin Gameiro?   Alternatively, could Robbie Keane and/or O’Hara arrive from Spurs as part of a deal for Parker?  Could Lucas and Ryan Babel arrive in exchange for Carlton Cole?  Alternatively, could transfer funds be raised via a late deal for Matt Upson or Valon Behrami?  We shall see come midnight on Tuesday?

It should be noted that the three opening defeats equal our worst ever top level start in 1977-78, a relegation season!  If we lose the forthcoming home match against Chelski we will gain a new, unwanted club record.  So our next home match takes on a crucial importance on a number of levels.  The club need to be looking for at least a draw to stop the rot and put a point on the board.   In truth we need a repeat of last season’s gutsy, battling home performance that saw us go ever so close to beating them.  We could even be boosted by the continued absence of Chelski’s England duo of Terry and Lampard, although admittedly they still have plenty of quality available without them.   

I know that at this juncture it may appear fanciful to say it, but a draw and win against Chelski and Stoke City could really turn things around for us.   As we all know stranger things have happened.   Much may depend on the success or otherwise of our dealings in the final 48 hours or so of the current transfer window. 

SJ. Chandos.