By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling on Twitter
West Ham will not be signing Liverpool winger Stewart Downing because of budget restrictions, according to Irons boss Sam Allardyce.
"I wouldn't have thought we could afford Stewart, unfortunately," the West Ham manager told the Sun.
The Hammers were first linked with the England international last week and West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald admitted an admiration for Downing but said that no approach had been made for the player and described the reports that the club were set to bid for the former Middlesbrough star as 'paper talk.'
Showing posts with label Neil McDonald. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neil McDonald. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Carroll touch and go for Cardiff opener: McDonald
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
New £16m signing Andy Carroll could be fit for the first Premier League game of the season, says assistant manager Neil McDonald.
The big striker is currently recuperating from a heel injury that forced him out of the England squad for the recent friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and was originally expected to miss the first month of the season, but could yet make the season opener, according to No 2 McDonald.
"Andy is well underway in his rehab and is working really hard on the training ground- we just have to be a little bit patient," McDonald told the Sun.
"The injury that he has is quite extensive and it takes time for the body to heal itself. He is doing everything he can to push on and there is still plenty of time for him to get ready for the new season."
Carroll is the club's only injury worry, other than left back George McCartney who continues his recovery from a recurring cruciate injury suffered in December of last year.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
New £16m signing Andy Carroll could be fit for the first Premier League game of the season, says assistant manager Neil McDonald.
The big striker is currently recuperating from a heel injury that forced him out of the England squad for the recent friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and was originally expected to miss the first month of the season, but could yet make the season opener, according to No 2 McDonald.
"Andy is well underway in his rehab and is working really hard on the training ground- we just have to be a little bit patient," McDonald told the Sun.
"The injury that he has is quite extensive and it takes time for the body to heal itself. He is doing everything he can to push on and there is still plenty of time for him to get ready for the new season."
Carroll is the club's only injury worry, other than left back George McCartney who continues his recovery from a recurring cruciate injury suffered in December of last year.
@alexshilling
alex@blowing-bubbles.co.uk
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
McDonald dismisses 'paper talk' of Hammers move for Downing
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has brushed aside reports the club are set to sign England winger Stewart Downing in a cut price move.
The Star, amongst others, reported yesterday that the Irons are in talks with the 28 year old Liverpool midfielder, but McDonald has cooled any transfer talk.
"He's a very good player," the No 2 told ClubCall in the last hour.
"A player of that calibre and West Ham being involved would be great, but it's all just paper talk at the moment."
McDonald did not, however, move to quash other transfer rumours after reports that the club have made an inquiry for Belgium star Nacer Chadli.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The Star, amongst others, reported yesterday that the Irons are in talks with the 28 year old Liverpool midfielder, but McDonald has cooled any transfer talk.
"He's a very good player," the No 2 told ClubCall in the last hour.
"A player of that calibre and West Ham being involved would be great, but it's all just paper talk at the moment."
McDonald did not, however, move to quash other transfer rumours after reports that the club have made an inquiry for Belgium star Nacer Chadli.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Monday, 6 May 2013
Big Sam best manager in the Premier League, says No 2 McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has hailed the work of his boss Sam Allardyce this season and called for the 59 year old to be named manager of the season.
Speaking after Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle that leaves the Hammers just one win away from mathematical Premier League safety, McDonald praised Allardyce's achievements this season and backed him to walk away with the award at the end of the campaign.
"At the start of the season, publicly we were talking about survival, but privately we were targeting the top ten," McDonald told whufc.com.
"We broke the season down into small goals and most of the time we achieved those goals. If we set a target for top ten and we achieve that, I don't see why Sam shouldn't be a contender for manager of the season."
Defensive consistency has been the key to the Irons' success this season, and Saturday's shut-out against the Magpies was the side's twelfth clean sheet of the season- the club's best defensive top flight season since achieving the same numebr of clean sheets in the 2008/2009 season.
Manager of the year might be a bit much, but Allardyce certainly deserves credit for the organisation and consistency he has brought to the club, and fully deserves the new contract which should be coming his way any day now.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Speaking after Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle that leaves the Hammers just one win away from mathematical Premier League safety, McDonald praised Allardyce's achievements this season and backed him to walk away with the award at the end of the campaign.
"At the start of the season, publicly we were talking about survival, but privately we were targeting the top ten," McDonald told whufc.com.
"We broke the season down into small goals and most of the time we achieved those goals. If we set a target for top ten and we achieve that, I don't see why Sam shouldn't be a contender for manager of the season."
Defensive consistency has been the key to the Irons' success this season, and Saturday's shut-out against the Magpies was the side's twelfth clean sheet of the season- the club's best defensive top flight season since achieving the same numebr of clean sheets in the 2008/2009 season.
Manager of the year might be a bit much, but Allardyce certainly deserves credit for the organisation and consistency he has brought to the club, and fully deserves the new contract which should be coming his way any day now.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Friday, 3 May 2013
Carroll "much more than a target man" and deserves England chance- McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has praised on loan striker Andy Carroll ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground, and has said that the 24 year old will be "licking his lips" at the prospect of facing his former club.
"Andy will be desperate to score against Newcastle and keep up his fine run of form," said McDonald.
"When you're in form, you should be considered for England and Andy is more than just a big lump, and he would give England much more options than just a big ball over the top. He has excellent control, inter-link play and of course is fantastic in the air."
Recent reports have intimated that a good performance on Saturday for Carroll could see a return to the England squad for the big striker, with England coaches including Roy Hodgson's No 2, Ray Lewington, expected to be at the match tomorrow.
"You might think that he's difficult to work with, but he's a very unassuming young man who has done fantastically well considering he is in the spotlight all the time and is working hard and trying to learn."
On Carroll's future at the end of the season, McDonald echoed the feelings of his boss.
"It is a pleasure to work with Andy, I think he is enjoying life in London, which has been reflected in his performances, and if we can get him at the end of the season, that would be great."
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
"When you're in form, you should be considered for England and Andy is more than just a big lump, and he would give England much more options than just a big ball over the top. He has excellent control, inter-link play and of course is fantastic in the air."
Recent reports have intimated that a good performance on Saturday for Carroll could see a return to the England squad for the big striker, with England coaches including Roy Hodgson's No 2, Ray Lewington, expected to be at the match tomorrow.
"You might think that he's difficult to work with, but he's a very unassuming young man who has done fantastically well considering he is in the spotlight all the time and is working hard and trying to learn."
On Carroll's future at the end of the season, McDonald echoed the feelings of his boss.
"It is a pleasure to work with Andy, I think he is enjoying life in London, which has been reflected in his performances, and if we can get him at the end of the season, that would be great."
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Morrison likely to be loaned out again next season
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has told TalkSport that young midfielder Ravel Morrison, who has spent this season on loan at Championship outfit Birmingham City, could be heading back out on loan next season.
The exciting 20 year old has earned rave reviews for his performances at St Andrews, and after a difficult start, Blues' boss Lee Clark declared that he wanted to keep Morrison for another season, describing his player to the Birmingham Mail as a 'genius'.
Morrison has played 29 games for Birmingham this season, scoring twice and appears to be enjoying his time at the club, tweeting an hour ago "good day at training today good memories sad to say it was the last day".
Now, McDonald has said today that the Irons are in no way ruling out sending Morrison out on loan again next season, saying that "one of the reasons we sent him to Birmingham was for him to get that consistent time on the field- he would have had a job getting in our team."
"He has got in the team at Birmingham and played consistently well which is great. I saw comments from Lee Clark saying that he'd like to have him back which would be great."
"That's a decision for the manager- do we bring him back because he's had a good year's football inside him or do we leave him there to see if he'll develop more? We'll decide that in the summer."
Morrison has been attracting attention from all over the country, with Manchester City reportedly inquiring about the midfielder's availability in recent weeks.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
The exciting 20 year old has earned rave reviews for his performances at St Andrews, and after a difficult start, Blues' boss Lee Clark declared that he wanted to keep Morrison for another season, describing his player to the Birmingham Mail as a 'genius'.
Morrison has played 29 games for Birmingham this season, scoring twice and appears to be enjoying his time at the club, tweeting an hour ago "good day at training today good memories sad to say it was the last day".
"He has got in the team at Birmingham and played consistently well which is great. I saw comments from Lee Clark saying that he'd like to have him back which would be great."
"That's a decision for the manager- do we bring him back because he's had a good year's football inside him or do we leave him there to see if he'll develop more? We'll decide that in the summer."
Morrison has been attracting attention from all over the country, with Manchester City reportedly inquiring about the midfielder's availability in recent weeks.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Thursday, 2 May 2013
No deal for Rat, says McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has this afternoon rejected recent reports that Romanian international Razvan Rat has agreed a deal to sign for the Hammers.
"It's all hearsay and rumours at the moment, without mentioning any names," said McDonald today, addressing the press ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
Rat's agent last week was widely quoted in the Romanian media as saying that his client was on the brink of a move to East London, but no deal as such has been agreed, according to the Hammers' assistant manager.
McDonald did however admit that the Irons are in the process of securing signings this summer, saying that "the recruitment process has been ongoing for some time, since January I suppose, in order to get some competition in to make sure we go onto the next level."
In other words, this one is very much still on. More on this as we have it.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
"It's all hearsay and rumours at the moment, without mentioning any names," said McDonald today, addressing the press ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
McDonald did however admit that the Irons are in the process of securing signings this summer, saying that "the recruitment process has been ongoing for some time, since January I suppose, in order to get some competition in to make sure we go onto the next level."
In other words, this one is very much still on. More on this as we have it.
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
Macca reveals Allardyce motivational methods and expects 'tough' game on Saturday
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground, and says that the players are raring to go in the penultimate home game of the season.
"I think we've had a fantastic season so far- we'd have snapped both your hands off [to be in the league position the team are currently in] and to be in a position where you're almost safe is great."
"Andy Carroll is really looking forward to the game. He and Kevin Nolan have some fantastic memories from their time at Newcastle and they're really looking forward to the game."
McDonald remained cagey on Carroll's England future, however, refusing to directly answer a question regarding reports this morning that the striker will be under keen observation from England manager Roy Hodgson's coaching staff on Saturday.
"I think they should [keep a close eye on Carroll.] He's in good goalscoring form and and his contribution to our play and interlink play has been really good and I think that's reflected in our results."
The assistant manager, however, could confirm that the Irons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game, stating that "we've almost got a fully fit squad to choose from, there's nothing new, so there's good competition for places."
The main revelation of the press conference related to manager Sam Allardyce methods of motivating the players. McDonald revealed that Allardyce has used the 'carrot' incentive method in recent weeks.
"He's done that once this season [telling the players that if they win on Saturday, they don't have to train until Thursday] and we had a fantastic response, physically their [the players'] levels, their workrate and intensity, go up, so it does work. As long as they're not abusing their bodies, to have a little break means they come back fresh."
On Winston Reid's new contract, McDonald waxed lyrical about the defender.
"It's a brilliant boost. He's been our most consistent defender this season and he thoroughly deserves his new contract. From when we came here two years ago, there has been a vast improvement in all aspects of his game. Maybe he could get a few more goals from set pieces, but on the whole he's been tremendous."
The assistant manager's verdict on Saturday's opponents was that despite their poor season, Saturday will be no cakewalk for the Irons.
"They're on the verge of getting involved in the relegation battle but I think they'll come here, try and keep a clean sheet and snatch a goal on the counter attack. Personally I think they've got enough points [to stay up]; they're going through a little sticky patch at the moment and I'm sure they'll come through it, just after Saturday!"
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
"I think we've had a fantastic season so far- we'd have snapped both your hands off [to be in the league position the team are currently in] and to be in a position where you're almost safe is great."
"Andy Carroll is really looking forward to the game. He and Kevin Nolan have some fantastic memories from their time at Newcastle and they're really looking forward to the game."
"I think they should [keep a close eye on Carroll.] He's in good goalscoring form and and his contribution to our play and interlink play has been really good and I think that's reflected in our results."
The assistant manager, however, could confirm that the Irons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game, stating that "we've almost got a fully fit squad to choose from, there's nothing new, so there's good competition for places."
The main revelation of the press conference related to manager Sam Allardyce methods of motivating the players. McDonald revealed that Allardyce has used the 'carrot' incentive method in recent weeks.
"He's done that once this season [telling the players that if they win on Saturday, they don't have to train until Thursday] and we had a fantastic response, physically their [the players'] levels, their workrate and intensity, go up, so it does work. As long as they're not abusing their bodies, to have a little break means they come back fresh."
On Winston Reid's new contract, McDonald waxed lyrical about the defender.
"It's a brilliant boost. He's been our most consistent defender this season and he thoroughly deserves his new contract. From when we came here two years ago, there has been a vast improvement in all aspects of his game. Maybe he could get a few more goals from set pieces, but on the whole he's been tremendous."
The assistant manager's verdict on Saturday's opponents was that despite their poor season, Saturday will be no cakewalk for the Irons.
"They're on the verge of getting involved in the relegation battle but I think they'll come here, try and keep a clean sheet and snatch a goal on the counter attack. Personally I think they've got enough points [to stay up]; they're going through a little sticky patch at the moment and I'm sure they'll come through it, just after Saturday!"
By Alex Shilling, News Editor
@alexshilling
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