The Sydney Hammers supporters group travelled on mass across the pond to watch West Ham during their tour of New Zealand.
Here’s how it was received overall:
The build up:
For many fans this was their first, and maybe their only opportunity to see the team live in action.
The fact the club chose to bring a strong squad over suggested they were serious about putting in some eye-catching performances against teams regarded as around lower Championship standard.
It was the first time a top-flight team from England had visited New Zealand since the 1980s, and there was a genuine excitement about the fixtures given the growing interest in the A-League.
In terms of access, the players were great, always obliging with photo opportunities and autographs around the two cities, and were always keen to thank the fans for their support.
Aside from a sparse minority, most fans genuinely used the opportunity to support the club and demonstrate how much it means to them.
The matches:
What was really disappointing was lack of energy and application during both matches.
Sam Allardyce said after the first game against Wellington Phoenix the players didn’t compete hard enough for possession, and admitted there was a lack of penetration.
He was happy to accept the players were fatigued after all the travel and training, but was disappointed by the lack of technique displayed against a team who were set on knocking the Premier League opposition off their stride.
However, there were few signs of any fitness improvements in the second game against Sydney FC. And despite the manager claiming they were trying to adopt a more “expansive” style, there was little to suggest off field planning had been translated onto the pitch.
Only the introduction of Mauro Zarate in both games gave greater attacking intent around the final third, and many who saw him will hope he has a full role to play in the team’s formation this season.
The reaction:
The repeated rhetoric post match was around the fact results weren’t important. Allardyce emphasised how he had seen his teams win every pre-season then struggle in the league, or lose every warm up game and remain undefeated in the first ten of the season.
But given the level of performance, and the injuries the squad had sustained, many questioned the true relevance and benefit of the trip.
Both Allardyce and ‘tour captain’ Winston Reid thanked the fans for the support and were clearly grateful for the reception they had received, but both had the look of tired men who had done a lot of training and publicity in the past week.
Hopefully this was a sign they have been worked hard physically and mentally – which will make them stronger for the start of the season.
West Ham were participating in the Football United tour of New Zealand, which included fixtures in Auckland and Wellington. Thousands of fans from around the world travelled to watch the games against A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.
A complete and utter waste of time and money. All done to placate Winston Reid in my opinion; and he has STILL refused to sign a new contract
The games against 2 Australian A league teams should have been great pre season games. The team will have been paid very well to attend so dont worry about the money. It was a great chance for us ex pat hammers to actually see the team the problem was Sam or the players or both did not respect the time money and effort put in by loyal fans down here and put on a pathetic performance.
I arrived in New Zealand with my two youngest sons, avid West Ham fans, intent on watching Premier League stars, in a pre season, ‘training match’ against Sydney.
There was no different in the team tactics from the end of last season. 3 passes and a huge boot down the middle of the park by Collins. With 2 of the quickest wingers in the game under utilised, Carlton Cole a lone figure upfront, working hard for the team (I’m not his biggest fan) but chasing every ball means he’s not in the middle to strike at goal!
Attacking football the Big Sam way means putting 10 players in the opposition half and leave the defence not exposed but non existent. Kevin Nolan looked 5 kgs overweight and waddled his way around the park. 2-0 at half time. Early in the second half 2-1, game on. Singing banter between Wellington and West Ham fans adds to the enjoyment. Bringing on Zarate hightens the anticipation, but he then spends the next 30 minutes chasing balls that are sprayed all over the park, but not anywhere near him. No wonder he looks frustrated.
it’s clear that Big Sam, buys attacking players, but does not know what to do with them, his style of football does not include anything other than a big hoof up the park and if by some miracle it ends up anywhere near the penalty area someone will have a shot, we’ll you never know!!!!
The board has no confidence in Sam, the players appear not to want to play for Big Sam and the supporters have had enough of the lack of attacking style, had enough of excuses and may well start to vote with their feet. Enough is enough, sorry to say,but Big Sam really should look for employment elsewhere. It will be unfair on any incoming manager to start 12 points behind the other teams. Having said that, I am and always will be forever blowing bubbles, West Ham through and through. COYI.
Dave the Brain I agree with you. The accuracy of crosses was not good at all and even cross field long passes often went astray. Second half was better with Zarate but he didnt seem at sure where his service was going to come from/ Sam has one way only we are over it and need to move forward
Maybe someone should look at the overpaid underperforming players.
You said it, passes went astray, crosses were poor, poor application and effort and silly mistakes.
I’m sure they are prepared the right way, given all the tools but anyone knows who has played the game that if you can’t do the basics well then the rest isn’t there.
Nolan needs a kick up the backside, sell Reid now if he doesn’t want a contract with West Ham and move on. Stop pampering to these overpaid underperforming mugs.
I think Alardyce is confused because he can’t work out why these professional players apply themselves so badly every week.
By the way, if Morrison is guilty today, get that idiot out of the club as well.