West Ham 3 Wigan 1: Hammers are shaken up by a volley from Wally Downes

29 November 2010 00:29
West Ham fans sang Paolo Di Canio's name as Wigan were beaten 3-1 but surely they should have been shouting for new defensive coach Wally Downes, such was the influence of the former Wimbledon player on only their second win of the season. [LNB]Unlike boss Avram Grant, Downes was certainly shouting for them, berating, cajoling and praising as and when required.[LNB] Noisy neighbour: Downes bellows orders as Grant looks on[LNB]WALLY WATCH 4min James Tomkins is the first player to receive a Downes salvo but the young defender is soon earning applause for a fine clearance which sets up a West Ham attack. [LNB]14min Downes gets on Lars Jacobsen's case, urging the full back to get forward quicker. [LNB]22min Matthew Upson is next for a wake-up call as Downes tells the West Ham skipper to keep the space tighter between him and Tomkins. [LNB]25min Defence coach? Downes is now on to the attack, telling Junior Stanislas to spin away from marker Ronnie Stam. Stanislas then gets a blast for not joining Victor Obinna quickly enough. [LNB] Hammer time: Valon behrami celebrates his goal after opening the lead for West Ham[LNB] 34min The fists are clenched as Downes celebrates Valon Behrami's well-worked opener. [LNB] Twist and shout: Downes gets the Hammers into shape[LNB]50min Winston Reid replaces Jacobsen and it is Downes, not Grant, who is issuing instructions to the replacement full back. [LNB]56min Downes lets out a massive roar as Obinna drives in a shot to put West Ham 2-0 up. [LNB]70min After reminding Reid to stay tight to Charles N'Zogbia and urging Pablo Barrera forward, Downes is warning the defenders and midfielders to leave less space between the lines. [LNB]80min Rightly judging Carlton Cole will get a mixed reception, Downes gees up the striker before he is brought on with a 'get stuck in' gesture. [LNB]Downes is soon pumping his fist as Parker makes it 3-0. [LNB]Avram Grant on Wally 'He asked me before the game if he could shout and say what he wants. He's happy, passionate and energetic.' [LNB]David Gold on Wally 'The board felt we needed to make changes, that something wasn't right. We proposed Wally and Avram was thrilled.' [LNB] All smiles: Downes earned the plaudits after his first game at the club ended on a winning note[LNB]Danny Gabbidon on Wally 'He was really enthusiastic and he wants the defence to be the main part of the team, where everything starts from. It's good to hear someone being vocal from the sidelines.' [LNB] James Tomkins on Wally 'He brings passion. You can see him on the sidelines ranting and raving, but he wants us to do well. He livens you up, that's what he brings and what we need.'[LNB]  FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW: Hammers get home draw against BarnsleyWest Ham 3 Wigan 1: Latics pay the penalty as Green helps lift HammersWhere's Wally? He is at Upton Park and primed to save West Ham...WEST HAM UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail