Daily WHUFC News - 9th June 2015

New manager in 48 hours?
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's search for a new manager looks to be entering its final
stages, with the Club hoping to make an announcement within the next 48
hours. The Board cleared their diaries and spent the weekend meeting and
interviewing applicants and, with the shortlist now narrowed down, talks are
entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates. Don't forget
whufc.com will bring you all the news and reaction first and exclusively so
keep checking back to find out first. You can also catch all the latest
updates surrounding the Club's search for its 15th full-time manager via our
official social media channels - Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Hammers to play two more friendlies
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have added a further two friendly fixtures to their
pre-season plans as they prepare for the 2015/16 season. With the Europa
League qualifying rounds taking place throughout July, the Hammers will be
staying close to home for this year's pre-season warm-ups. The Hammers will
travel to London Road to play Peterborough United on the Saturday 11 July
and Roots Hall to face Southend United on Saturday 18 July, both matches
kick off at 3pm. The two fixtures have been added to the friendlies that
have already been announced with Colchester United, Norwich City and
Charlton Athletic. Further details of West Ham's pre-season preparations
and fixtures will be released in due course and details of how to buy
tickets will appear on the Box Office.

Friendly fixtures:

Peterborough United, Saturday 11 July, 3pm, London Road
Southend United, Saturday 18 July, 3pm, Roots Hall
Colchester United, Tuesday 21 July, 7.45pm, Weston Homes Community Stadium
Charlton Athletic, Saturday 25 July, 3pm, The Valley
Norwich City, Tuesday 28 July, 7.45pm, Carrow Road

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2014/15 Season Review - October
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's season really got going as they recorded a 100% winning
record in the month of October. First up, the Hammers overcame a lacklustre
Queens Park Rangers to win 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground. The hosts got off to
great start, albeit somewhat fortunately, as Nedum Onuoha headed past R's
goalkeeper Rob Green. Diafra Sakho continued his electric goalscoring form
to take the Irons to seventh going into the October international break. The
Hammers picked up from where they left off by despatching Premier League new
boys Burnley. A goal apiece for strikers Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton
Cole ensured an enjoyable day in Lancashire.

Going into the final game of the month, it soon became apparent that the
Hammers were saving their best performance till last. In an outstanding
display by the men in claret and blue, Morgan Amalfitano continued his knack
of scoring against the big teams by converting Enner Valencia's pull back.
Diafra Sakho – that man again – was on hand, doubling the lead with a
well-executed header. Joe Hart did his best to get a paw to it yet the goal
stood, triggering ecstatic scenes from players and fans alike, a huge
'Poznan' engulfing the ground.

Spanish winger David Silva reduced the arrears just two minutes later with a
wonderful jinking solo effort, ensuring a nervy final 15 minutes yet the
Hammers stood firm to secure a historic victory. Three wins out of three
took the Hammers up to fourth with dreams of European football bubbling
away.

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West Ham United hope to name new boss 'within 48 hours'
KUMB.com

West Ham United hope to appoint a new manager "within the next 48 hours"
after interviewing a number of applicants over the weekend.
The Premier League club are seeking a replacement for Sam Allardyce who left
last month after four years in charge. "With the shortlist now narrowed
down, talks are entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates,"
said a West Ham statement on Monday. Former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic
has been linked with the job. Bilic, 46, managed Croatia between 2006-12
and announced last month he was leaving Turkish side Besiktas. Former
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was also linked with West Ham, along
with Real Sociedad's ex-Everton manager David Moyes. Klopp, 47, has since
revealed he is taking a break from management. West Ham finished 12th in the
league this season. "We would like someone who has managed successfully in
one of the major leagues in the world," West Ham joint-chairman David Gold
has said. "We want to bring in an established manager who has been there
and done it."

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West Ham eye QPR's Austin in swap deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are keeping tabs on the situation regarding Queens Park Rangers'
prolific striker Charlie Austin. The 25-year-old goalscorer was linked with
a move to Newcastle last week but the Magpies were told they would have to
pay upwards of £15million to land a player who notched 18 times for Rangers
last season, despite them finishing bottom of the Premier League last
season. The Hammers have been keeping an eye on Austin's situation for some
time and Rangers' relegation from the top flight means the Hungerford-born
striker is almost certain to move on from Loftus Road this summer. And key
to the completion of any deal could be the involvement of Matt Jarvis, who
barely featured under Sam Allardyce last season. Now 29 and in the final
year of his contract at West Ham, Jarvis was close to moving to Rangers
during the January transfer window but the deal fell through at the last
minute. R's boss Chris Ramsey is however thought to remain keen on landing
the former Wolves man, whilst West Ham are hoping a swap deal plus cash can
tempt him to part company with Austin.

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Seria A giants make Valencia enquiry
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Serie A side Sampdoria have been told to come back with a huge offer if they
hope to land West Ham's Ecuador international Enner Valencia.
i Blucerchiati are underestood to have enquired about the availablity of
Valencia, who scored five goals for the Hammers during his first season in
the Premier League. However they have been told that West Ham will accept no
less than £25million for a player who cost them approximately half that last
summer, when moving from Mexican side CF Pachua. Valencia, who had endured a
stop/start first season at the Boleyn was previously linked with a move to
Chelsea in January this year. And only last week the 25-year-old admitted
he would be open to a move "if it is for my good and that of West Ham" -
despite having spent less than a year at West Ham.

In other transfer news, West Ham are keeping a close eye on Liverpool's
25-year-old central defender Dejan Lovren. The Croatian international moved
to Merseyside last July in a £20million switch from Southampton, who signed
him from Lyon 13 months previously for just £8.5million.

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Lomas set for new management role
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammer Steve Lomas is on the verge of being appointed as the new
manager of Plymouth Argyle. Now, 41, Lomas has been out of the game for
nearly two years after he was fired by Millwall following a run of poor
results. However the Pilgrims are set to offer him a route back into
football by appointing him as their new permanent boss. Lomas will replace
former manager John Sheridan, who left the club after two-and-a-half years
at Home Park having failed to guide them through the League Two play-offs at
the end of last season. A combative central midfielder who was often used by
West Ham at right back, Lomas began his management career in 2009 at St
Neots Town, before landing his first big job with Scottish side St Johnston
two years later. In June 2013 he returned south to take over at Millwall,
but after winning just six of his first 24 matches in charge he was
unceremoniously dumped by the Lions following a 4-0 thrashing at Watford on
Boxing Day - just six months after he was appointed.

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B&B leading the pack
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Marcelo Bielsa and Slaven Bilic remain the two hot favourites to land the
vacant West Ham job, a fortnight after previous incumbent Sam Allardyce left
the club.

West Ham remain managerless after yet another weekend full of speculation,
false Twitter rumours and clandestine meetings failed to produce a
replacement for Big Sam.

Bielsa, the charismatic Argentine who steered Merseille towards a
fourth-place finish in last season's Ligue 1 (where they finished a full 14
points behind champions Paris St Germain) is still to sign a new contract
with the French club, despite a series of reports suggesting a new deal is
imminent.

However the 59-year-old former manager of Argentina and Chile has thus far
refused to put pen to paper on a new deal whilst the prospect of landing the
West Ham job remains a possibility.

One key to landing Bielsa may be the continued pursuit of Ghanaian
international Andre Ayew, who is out of contract at Marseille this summer.

Linked with a string of European clubs including Newcastle and Galatasary,
the £15m-rated, 25-year-old forward continues to be linked with a move to
east London this summer where he could yet team up with Bielsa once more.

Meanwhile Bilic held talks with club officials over the weekend with view to
becoming West Ham's 15th full-time manager. Although favoured by many
Hammers fans, an equally large group retain major reservations over the
Croat due to the manner of his departure from the club as a player in the
late 1990s.

The 46-year-old's stock continues to rise, with several leading candidates -
such as Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp - having now pulled
out of the race to replace Allardyce.

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The demise of Kevin Nolan
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: James Gooderson

On the first weekend in February, when West Ham took on Manchester United at
home, there were rumours going around that one fan was bringing a Nolan out
banner to brandish in the Bobby Moore Stand. I've seen banners calling for
managers to be sacked, but for captains? Unheard of.

So, where did all it all go wrong for the top goal scorer for two of the
last three seasons?

Nolan secured the stat by netting a depressing 7 in 33 as West Ham beat the
supposed second season syndrome after a good run in February. Previously he
netted 10 in 35 to help us achieve a top half finish in the first season
back in the Premiership. Top goal scorer for two years in a row? Club
captain? How did Kevin Nolan get so hated from that?

Capitano Futuro

Perhaps one reason for Nolan's lack of love from the fans comes down to his
captaincy. Leadership is a strange and difficult quality to judge, from the
stands to the television screen and in that regard I believe Nolan is not
given the credit he deserves.

However, waiting in the wing is the Capitano Futuro, Mark Noble. Noble has
almost the perfect CV to be club captain, academy player, over 200
performances and only 27. Noble is of course a fan favourite and a poll
conducted in the pre-season by Claret and Hugh shows that 79% of the fans
who voted would want Noble to be captain, Nolan came a distant second with
8%, the fans clearly favour Noble to Nolan in the role.

However, could we honestly chalk down the fans dislike of Nolan to the fact
that he is stopping Mark Noble from being captain? Of course not. If
anything, the want for Mark Noble to be captain has only surpassed
sentimental and doting reasoning because of the dislike of Nolan amongst the
fans. So how did this come about?


The Tippy-Tappy right way to play

It's quite clear that Allardyce's style did not rub West Ham fans the right
way. One twitter commentator compared the relationship to two parents who
are staying together for the sake of the children and perhaps there is a
degree of truth in that. Allardyce criticism simmered below the surface when
the results were rolling in during the first half of the campaign, but came
back in force after a terrible second half of this season.

It is impossible to deny that the fans do not like Allardyce's style of
play. Kevin Nolan was one of his first signings, who he has worked with
before at both Bolton and Newcastle and he embodies this style. The long
ball knockdowns from the big, towering striker who sets up Nolan to bang the
ball home from inside the 6 yard box. This is what happened, to degree,
throughout the championship and the first season back in the top flight.

Did this cause the West Ham fans to hate Nolan? No. There were certainly
complaints that Allardyce was not playing football "the west ham way" during
his first two seasons, but this only really came into the limelight during
the third; over a year ago, when we lost 5-0 away against Nottingham Forest
in the FA Cup and then were spanked 9-0 on aggregate by Manchester City in
the semi-final of it's sister tournament.

The run of results West Ham put together in the 13/14 season was horrific.
In the first half of the season we picked up only 3 wins and 7 draws leaving
us 19th in the table. This caused some discontent amongst the fans to say
the least and many of us were considering relegation a possibility, credit
to the board for fighting to keep Allardyce in his place as he led us on a
four game winning streak and to premier league survival.

However this did not take away from the negative results in the earlier
parts of the season that in turn were linked with the negative tactics on
the pitch and through association linked to Sam's poster boy Nolan.

Fans tend to remember poor performances of players they dislike more than
they remember their good, Nolan was disliked due to association with
Allardyce's supposed "long-ball tactics" and therefore all the negative
performances West Ham as a whole gave during the start of the season were
accompanied by criticism of the long ball system and of Nolan.

I have to feel sorry for Nolan to a degree, he was missing his partner Andy
Carroll who would have certainly helped our season and would have given us a
few more points on the board. Instead we were left with a strike force of
Maiga and Cole, who struggled to find the back of the net. Nolan himself
struggled, netting a large percentage of his goals in the second half run of
the season, including 4 in 2 games against Swansea and Aston Villa.

However after the criticism reaches a certain point it becomes too late for
redemption; Nolan is now criticised whenever he misplaces a pass and his
good performances do not merit praise but rather just reduce the criticism
on him for that particular game week.

The dislike at Nolan continued this season, with some fans on twitter
celebrating the fact that the captain was injured during the first half of
the season, Nolan was associated, and perhaps rightly so, with West Ham's
drop in form after his return from injury prompted a formation change that
lead to Valencia and Downing being shifted wide to accommodate him.

Downing is one particular gripe, the midfielder managed to break Roy
Hodgson's golden rule of not selecting West Ham players for England with a
call-up after his impressive form in the new diamond system. The player lost
his first half of the season form and this was unarguably in part to his
shift onto the wing during the second half of the season.

Clearly the poor results in the first half of the 13/14 season drew a lot of
criticism that had been lurking below the surface on Allardyce. This
criticism also fell to Nolan, for being the poster boy of Allardyce's style
of play and for a number of poor performances from the team.

Despite finishing 13th in the league that season due at least in part to
Nolan's performances late in the season, the West Ham fans did not forgive
him and he now comes under a huge amount of criticism, this was exemplified
after the formation change in the second half of the season with his return
from injury. Now that Allardyce has gone, Nolan will most likely follow him
out, with one year left on his contract and no doting manager, I expect a
Championship team to snap him up.

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West Ham United, a season in review: October
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Graeme Howlett

Throughout the football season, KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett pens a weekly
column for Echo Newspapers. Join us as we take a look back at the highs and
lows of the 2014/15 season, with our eyes today firmly affixed on October
2014...

Column #7: 5 October 2014

West Ham breezed past a hugely disappointing Queens Park Rangers at the
Boleyn on Sunday afternoon to record their third Premier League win of the
campaign.

An own goal from Nedum Onuoha and a second from the prolific Diafra Sakho
helped the Hammers ease to a comfortable 2-0 win against the league's bottom
club - a victory that lifts Sam Allardyce's team into seventh spot above the
likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.

Given that Big Sam is currently working without key players like Mark Noble,
Andy Carroll and Cheikhou Kouyate - and with West Ham having faced
Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United already this season - a return of
10 points from seven games represents a very promising start to the
campaign.

Key to that has been the form of striker Diafra Sakho, who has now scored in
every one of his five starts for the club. The 24-year-old - who cost the
Hammers just £4million back in August when signing from French Ligue 2
champions Metz - is already proving to be one of the bargains of the season.

The club's leading goalscorer in 2013/14 was Carlton Cole with a tally of
seven goals. It was that lack of firepower that left the club facing an
anxious final few weeks of the season before relegation was finally a
mathematical impossibility.

Conversely, it is the introduction of the likes of Sakho, Enner Valencia and
Mauro Zarate that is largely responsible for United's change of fortune this
season. The team has scored 12 goals in their opening seven fixtures; it
took them until the final day of November to achieve that last season!

Disappointly, there were still pockets of 'fans' determined to spoil the day
by booing substitute Kevin Nolan when he replaced Zarate with a
quarter-of-an-hour left to play.

Whilst he may be showing some signs of ageing, the 32-year-old has been a
good servant to the club and it's deplorable than some so-called West Ham
supporters would choose to boo him (something that almost certainly relates
to him being Sam Allardyce's closest ally amongst the playing staff).

However, it has always been thus at West Ham; those who can remember tell
tales of even Bobby Moore being booed towards the end of his career at the
club. If folk can boo arguably the greatest English footballer of all time,
it's unlikely anyone will ever escape the attention of the terrace hecklers.


Column #8: 12 October 2014

Alex Song beginning to make a difference

Whilst the continuous international breaks we have to contend with in the
Premier League these days can be rather irritating, especially if a team has
built up a head of steam, it's always better to enter one having secured a
victory.

And that was the case for West Ham last weekend as they enjoyed a
comfortable 2-0 win over newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers - a victory that
took the Hammers into the top seven and just a single point behind
fourth-placed Man Utd.

Make no mistake, it's been a thoroughly encouraging start to the season for
Big Sam and his boys who have taken ten points from their opening seven
fixtures. Importantly the new signings all appear to be bedding in nicely
and Diafra Sakho, for one, has proved a sensation, scoring in each of his
five Premier League starts so far.

The club's summer policy of concentrating on youth has proved largely
beneficial. Players like Diego Poyet (19), Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia,
the aforementioned Sakho (24) and Aaron Cresswell (all 24) all have their
best years ahead of them and can ensure West Ham remain a Premier League
force for years to come.

Meanwhile the capture of 27-year-old Alex Song - even if it is only on loan
and for the duration of one season - was an inspired move; the former
Arsenal midfielder had fallen out of contention at Barcelona but appears to
be revelling in playing regularly once again.

So positive are things around the Boleyn Ground currently that constant
clarion calls for the instant dismissal of Sam Allardyce have mostly abated.
There's even been talk of Allardyce earning a new contract upon the
expiration of his current deal, which runs until next summer. That
possibility would have been anathema to many, less than three months ago.

The Hammers have the opportunity to extend their decent start to the
campaign when they travel to another newly-promoted team, Burnley, next
Saturday. The Clarets have drawn four of their opening seven games but,
crucially, are still searching for their first win.

Not so long ago that would have been a match many Hammers fans would fear;
West Ham's propensity to do a club in trouble 'a favour' has often proved
our downfall in the past. But things are very different now - and anything
less than three points will be viewed as a disappointment.


Column #9: 19 October 2014

It's nosebleed time for everyone at West Ham following back-to-back wins
that have taken Sam Allardyce and his merry band to fourth place in the
Premier League.

Goals from Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole were enough to
snare all three points at Turf Moor on Saturday against a Burnley outfit
perhaps low on quality but full of energy and enthusiasm, as one would
expect from a Sean Dyche team.

For former Metz forward Sakho it was a sixth goal in as many starts since
arriving in England for a paltry (in football terms) £4million via the
French second division, where he was top scorer last season. That's just one
less than the club's highest scorer, Kevin Nolan, managed in the entire
2013/14 programme!

Sakho's partnership with Ecuador international Valencia has proven crucial
to United's solid start to the campaign. Both possess pace and a keen eye
for goal and between them, they are responsible for eight of the Hammers' 16
goals so far this season.

15 of those 16 efforts have come in the Premier League, which represents a
vast improvement upon last term. By comparison, and as a yardstick by which
to measure the team's improvement, it took until Boxing Day for West Ham to
score as many in 2013/14.

The last time a West Ham side was present in the top four at this stage of
the season was way back in 1998, when Harry Redknapp was still in charge of
the club. And whilst there's still a long way to go, there's little doubt
that the team has been totally transformed from that which struggled to
shake off the spectre of relegation last time around.

Although new players such as Alex Song and Cheik Kouyate have improved the
squad immeasurably since being drafted in, the old guard are still playing
their part too. Mark Noble, a rare breed these days having remained with
just one club throughout his career made his 200th Premier League appearance
for West Ham at Burnley and will make just as many more in future.

And whilst stalwarts such as Carlton Cole and Kevin Nolan might struggle to
retain a first team spot this season, what great options they are to have
come from the bench in the closing minutes of a game.

* Expect to see the words 'litmus test' used extensively by the media in the
coming days. Next up for West Ham come reigning champions Manchester City.


Column #10: 26 October 2014

It's hard to believe that only three months ago we were waking up to the
news that West Ham had been beaten by both Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC
following a disastrous summer tour of New Zealand.

Yet fast forward to October and Sam Allardyce's happy Hammers find
themselves rubbing shoulders with the nation's elite having beaten last
season's league champions Manchester City 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday courtesy of strikes from Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho,
scoring his seventh goal in as many starts since moving to London.

And whilst the Hammers certainly rode their luck at times - City hit the
woodwork twice and contrived to miss a couple of sitters that on any other
day would have left the net bulging - there was nothing lucky about the win
which took West Ham to within a point of their more illustrious opponents.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini was gracious in defeat, accepting that his team
were second best for much of the game. Meanwhile Allardyce was left to fend
off gushing praise from celebrity Hammer Russell Brand, who interrupted
Sam's post match TV interview to plant a kiss on his cheek!

That moment encapsulated the mood around the Boleyn Ground right now. Having
already beaten last season's top two - Liverpool having also left Upton Park
empty-handed earlier in the campaign - confidence is high in the camp and
there's a palpable air of optimism every time they step out onto the field.

Key to that is the form of Enner Valencia and strike partner Sakho, whose
story is beginning to echo that of a legendary Hammer.

Back in 1986 a virtual unknown by the name of Frank McAvennie replaced the
crocked Paul Goddard, going on to score 26 vital goals as West Ham achieved
their highest ever top-flight finish (third place). This year Andy Carroll's
long-term ankle injury meant a replacement was necessary and Sakho, like the
blonde Scot before him, has taken to English football like a fish to water.

With Stoke (a), Aston Villa (h), Everton (a) and Newcastle (h) to come in
November there's no reason why the Hammers can't consolidate their current
lofty position in the next few weeks. And whilst hopes of a Champions League
spot come next May might be a tad unrealistic, despite West Ham's sparkling
current form, there's no reasons why a top six place should be considered
unattainable.

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Rio Ferdinand should manage West Ham with me as sporting director, says
Harry Redknapp
Last Updated: 08/06/15 3:08pm
SSN

Harry Redknapp would be open to a return to West Ham as sporting director in
a partnership with Rio Ferdinand as manager. The Hammers are currently
managerless, having not renewed Sam Allardyce's contract, and an audacious
bid to bring Sevilla boss Unai Emery to Upton Park failed last week. The
68-year-old Redknapp, who left his role as Queens Park Rangers boss in
April, managed West Ham for seven years and brought Ferdinand through from
the academy before selling him to Leeds for £18m in 2000. And he then took
Ferdinand to QPR after his contract with Manchester United expired last
summer before Ferdinand retired from football at the age of 36 earlier this
month, after making just 12 appearances in all competitions. In an interview
with Kicca, Redknapp said: "I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham. I'd
go with him as director of football - that would be a good partnership. "I'd
love to see him get the opportunity somewhere. He's young and enthusiastic,
and there have been a lot of lads who have gone straight into management.
Gary Monk's done fantastic at Swansea, for example. "Rio's doing his
coaching badges and has got a great football brain. I used to talk to him a
lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask his opinion, and he always had
good ideas and read the game well."

Redknapp also suggested Paolo Di Canio, who was sacked by Sunderland in
September 2013 and has not returned to management since, could be a good
appointment as the new West Ham boss. "I'm also a Di Canio fan and I'd like
to see him go back to West Ham," he said. "I know everybody's slaughtered
him but he was fantastic at Swindon. I spoke to a lad who played under him
at Swindon, Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie, and he said he was fantastic to play
for. "He had a great start at Sunderland but it's been a hard place to
succeed. Martin O'Neill, Steve Bruce, one after the other, they've all had a
crack at it. "Paulo set high standards with the way he wanted players to
behave, live, train, eat and a lot of players don't want to be as dedicated
as he was to the game."

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West Ham have narrowed their search for a new boss to two candidates,
according to Sky sources
Last Updated: 08/06/15 5:56pm
SSN

West Ham's search for a replacement for Sam Allardyce has been narrowed down
to two candidates, according to Sky sources. Slavin Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa
are the front runners although Sky have been told a third unnamed candidate
also has has a 'tiny chance of getting the job'. West Ham are expected to
make an announcement in the next 48 hours and former Hammers defender Bilic
is understood to be in pole position to be named as their new manager. Bilic
has an affinity with West Ham supporters having played over 50 times for the
club and is known to have a strong desire to manage in the Premier League.
The Londoners have already met with Bilic, who left Besiktas at the end of
last season, after missing out on Unai Emery, Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and
an audacious swoop for Carlo Ancelotti.

Argentine coach Bielsa has been working at Marseille for the last two years
but the fact he does not speak English could prove a stumbling block for the
club. Whoever is handed the reins will have new signings to work with after
Sky sources were told the club are in talks to sign midfielder Pedro Obiang
from Italian side Sampdoria and Andre Ayew who is a free agent after leaving
French side Marseille.

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West Ham in talks to sign Sampdoria's Pedro Obiang
By Jamie Weir
Last Updated: 08/06/15 3:53pm
SSN

West Ham are in talks to sign the Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang,
according to Sky sources. The 23-year-old, who joined the Serie-A club in
2010, has had an excellent season, scoring three times in 35 appearances.
Obiang is a former Spain U21 international who was released by hometown club
Atletico Madrid's youth team in 2008 and worked his way up through
Sampdoria's academy. Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David, tweeted
on Monday that the club are set to appoint their new manager within 48 hours
and also announce a major signing this week. Sullivan said: "Cheeky update -
we expect to announce our new manager within 48 hrs or less, keep visiting
official WHU website, where it will be announced. "We [also ]expect a major
player signing this week, I'll update you as soon as its done."

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GOLD CLARIFIES MANAGERIAL CRITERIA
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jun 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham Chairman David Gold has given us an insight into the managerial
search speaking exclusively to the club's official TV Channel.

Asked about the progress of the search Gold said

"Every day goes by, it is a case of elimination. It would be lovely to have
someone with West Ham history, that ticks a box. Having Premier League
experience (and) that doesn't mean English Premier League, that means a man
who has managed successfully in the big Italian league, big Spanish league,
the German league (or) a major league in the world, that is a box that needs
to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance."

Talking about any up and coming manager candidates available in lower
leagues Gold added:

"I am making this up but say there is a fantastic manager at Accrington
Stanley and everybody is raving about him. We wouldn't want to take that
risk at West Ham. Untried, although exciting and achieving at lower levels,
that's not what we are about. We are about bringing in an established that
has been there and done it!"

Asked how quickly we can expect an announcement of a new manager Gold added

"I would like to have (a manager) in place right this minute. It is delicate
balance, we need to get someone in as quick as possible but by the same
token we are not going to bring someone who is second best"
So looking at top 40 names in the bookies list of likely candidates this is
my personal verdict of the likelihood of them joining West Ham based on the
criteria mentioned.

Slaven Bilic Ticks the Hammers history box but question mark whether he
meets the Premier League type experience box for the board.

Marcelo Bielsa Likely to re sign with Marseille and would want a massive
transfer budget

Garry Monk Not fancied and too much compensation to Swansea

Unai Emery OUT Already Out, signed a new contract with Sevilla

Sean Dyche OUT Relegated with Burnley, excluded on second best criteria

David Moyes OUT, already ruled himself out several times, staying in
Spain.

Frank de Boer OUT Not enough premier league type experience.

Michael Laudrup Has the Premier league experience but might be considered
second best by board

Roberto Di Matteo OUT Not fancied by the board, unlikely to make the list

Cesare Prandelli OUT Said to have approached West Ham but not fancied
by board

Gerard Houllier OUT Hasn't managed since 2011 when he left Villa, unlikely
to considered

Jurgen Klopp OUT, Already said he needs a sabbatical

Steve McClaren OUT Not fancied by the board, unlikely to make the list

Harry Redknapp OUT Big tick on West Ham history but doubtful either side
wants to revisit days gone by. Water under the bridge

Eddie Howe OUT No Premier league type experience

Brendan Rodgers Not available at present but who knows what the future holds
for the Liverpool manager

Slavisa Jokanovic OUT No Premier league type experience

Viktor Skrypnyk OUT Not fancied by board an no Premier league type
experience

Alan Devonshire OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience

Martin Allen OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience

Massimiliano Allegri Manager of Juventus, linked with us last summer
after leaving Milan. Unlikely to leave Juve for the Hammers

Kevin Keen OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience

Steve Coppell OUT Although once managed Man City in 1996, no Premier
league type experience & director of football since 2012

Tony Carr OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience

Mark Hughes Current manager of Stoke City, unlikely to pay compensation

Gus Poyet OUT Sacked as Sunderland manager in 2015, unlikely to be on
the list under second best criteria.

Mark Warburton OUT No Premier league type experience

Rafa Benitez OUT, already appointed manager of Real Madrid

Neil Lennon OUT No Premier league type experience

Aitor Karanka OUT No Premier league type experience although was an
assistant at Real Madrid

Andre Villas Boas Currently managing Zenit Saint Petersburg, large
compensation. Unlikely to be on the list.

Carlo Ancelotti OUT, already ruled out by board. He is not interested and
says he needs an operation.

Alan Curbishley OUT Big West Ham history but not managed since 2008 when he
sued the Hammers

Alan Pardew Can't see him leaving Palace and us paying the compensation

Alex McLeish Manager of Genk and history with Gold & Sullivan. Excluded
on second best criteria

Avram Grant OUT Never in a million years again, can't believe he is even
on the bookies list

Chris Hughton OUT Not fancied by the board. Excluded on second best
criteria

Christophe Galtier Managed Marseille and now Saint-Étienne. Maybe a
wild card.

Claudio Ranieri The tinker man was national manager of Greece until late
2014, He has been linked before to West Ham. Never say never.

Paolo Di Canio OUT Massive tick in the West Ham history box but he will
never be appointed by the current owners.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HARRY'S DREAM TEAM OF RIO & DI CANIO BACK AT WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jun 2015 at 13:40
West Ham till I Die

Former Hammers manager Harry Redknapp has joined twitter and told his
followers on social media site Kicca that Rio Ferdinand should manage West
Ham with himself installed as director of football and that Paolo Di Canio
should return to West Ham too.

The 68 year old self confessed computer phobic once said "I can't work a
computer, I don't know what an email is. I have never sent a fax and I've
never even sent a text message…"

Well he seems to have overcome his phobia by amassing over 63,000 followers
on twitter in less than a day under the account name @Redknapp

His second tweet said "That West Ham fan was right, Frank Lampard was no
good as a player after all" It has been re-tweeted over 3,800 times favored
over 2,400 times,

In this video while at QPR he recently claimed he didn't know what twitter
is and he didn't want to know! Unlike Harry to speak with forked tongue.

However it is his statement on sports social media site Kicca that has got
most people talking.

"Rio Ferdinand's doing his coaching badges and has got a great football
brain. I used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask
his opinion 'what you think Rio?' and he always had good ideas and read the
game well. I'm sure he'll come back and get himself into coaching, He needs
to do that now, something to really focus his mind on, I think he'll do that
and do well."
"I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham, I'd go with him as director of
football, that would be a good partnership. I'd love to see him get the
opportunity somewhere, he's young and enthusiastic. There have been a lot of
lads who have gone out of playing and gone straight into management, Gary
Monk's done fantastic at Swansea, so there's no reason why if given the
opportunity somewhere with the right people around him, Rio couldn't do very
well."
"It wouldn't be that ridiculous for West Ham to appoint Rio they've got good
players and as I say we've seen in the last year or two some young guys
given the opportunity to manage and done well. Gary Monk is the prime
example, what he's done at Swansea this year, he was a player and suddenly
he comes in and had a fantastic season. So there's no reason Rio couldn't do
well. West Ham's a great club with decent players, so it wouldn't be
impossible for him to have a crack at something like that."

"I'm also a Di Canio fan, I'd like to see him go back to West Ham. I know
everybody's slaughtered him but he was fantastic at Swindon. I spoke to a
lad who played under him at Swindon, Matt Ritchie who's at Bournemouth who's
a really good player, he said he was fantastic to play for. He had a great
start at Sunderland but it's been a hard place to succeed – Martin O'Neill,
Steve Bruce, one after the other, they've all had a crack at it. Paolo set
high standards with the way he wanted players to behave, live, train, eat
and a lot of players don't want to be as dedicated as he was to the game.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp backs Rio Ferdinand as shock contender for West Ham manager's
job
17:22, 8 JUNE 2015
BY KITTY TRICE
The former Hammers defender hung up his boots at the end of the campaign and
Redknapp reckons it would not be "ridiculous" to appoint Ferdinand
The Mirror

Harry Redknapp has backed the recently retired Rio Ferdinand to become the
next manager of West Ham. Redknapp, who was West Ham boss between 1994 and
2001, believes that Ferdinand will return to the game and "get himself into
coaching" following the death of his wife Rebecca to cancer in May.
Ferdinand, 36, announced his retirement from football, following a spell at
QPR, so he could spend more time with his family. Redknapp, in an interview
with Kicca, believes that he should be given the opportunity. He said: "I
used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask his
opinion, 'what do you think Rio?', and he always had good ideas and read the
game well. "It wouldn't be that ridiculous for West Ham to appoint Rio. They
have got good players and we've seen in the last year or two some young guys
given the opportunity to manage and done well, like Garry Monk at Swansea.
"So there's no reason why, if given the opportunity somewhere with the right
people around him, Rio couldn't do very well. "West Ham's a great club with
decent players, so it wouldn't be impossible for him to have a crack at
something like that."

Despite Redknapp's enthusiasm for Rio to be given the chance, West Ham
chairman David Gold has indicated that the club is keen to bring in an
established manager who has "been there and done it."

Gold, in an interview with the club's website, said: "Having Premier League
experience - that doesn't mean English Premier League - that means a man who
has managed successfully in the Italian league, Spanish league, the German
league or a major league in the world.
"That is a box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance."
Other contenders for the position include former Croatian coach Slaven
Bilic, who had a brief spell at West Ham in the 1996/97 season, and Marcelo
Bielsa. West Ham are looking to strengthen the squad for the early
qualifying rounds of the Europa League and are keen to add Sampdoria
midfielder Pedro Obiang to the team which includes the promising striker
Enner Valencia.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Chelsea transfer target Enner Valencia valued at £30m as
Sampdoria join the hunt
22:30, 7 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers want over double what they paid for the striker last summer
despite him scoring just four league goals PLUS: Bilic interviews for
manager's job
The Mirror

Sampdoria will have to splash out over £30million if they want to prise
Enner Valencia away from West Ham. The Italian club are rivalling Chelsea's
interest in the Ecuador international centre-forward. But the Hammers have
no intention of selling the 24-year-old, who was signed for £12.5m from
Mexican side Pachuca last summer after impressing at the World Cup last
summer. It is understood only a massive offer would get them to consider
changing their minds. Valencia has impressed with his performances, but
scored only four Premier League goals. That has not dimmed the interest from
Sampdoria, who are also set to conclude a £6m deal to sell Spanish
midfielder Pedro Obiang to the Londoners. The signing of Obiang, 23, would
represent a coup for the Hammers, who have allowed last season's loanee Alex
Song to return to parent club Barcelona because of concerns over his
fitness.

West Ham believe Valencia should focus on improving his goal return. He
signed a five-year deal last summer and formed a good understanding with
Diafra Sakho until the in-form striker was injured and ruled out for the
season.

* THE Hammers are sounding out the contract demands of Marseille boss
Marcelo Bielsa as they continue their manager hunt.

Slaven Bilic, who left Turkish side Besiktas at the end of last season, was
interviewed over the weekend but the former West Ham defender has not yet
been made an offer. With their 2015-16 campaign set to begin on July 2 in
the first qualifying round of the Europa League after getting in through the
Fair Play League back-door, the club hope to be close to an appointment by
the end of this week. Co-chairman David Gold said: "We would like someone
who has managed successfully in one of the major leagues in the world. We
want to bring in an established manager who has been there and done it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Congested pre-season schedule increases
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham have announced that the club will play two extra friendlies against
Peterborough United, on 11th July, and Southend United, on 18th July, to add
to the three pre-season games already confirmed. West Ham will also face
Colchester United, Norwich City and Charlton Athletic in late July despite
the fact the club will also be playing Europa League games. West Ham have a
number of Europa League scheduled in July and August assuming they proceed
through the three qualifying rounds.

Europa League First Qualifying Round 1st Leg 2nd July

Europa League First Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 9th July

Pre Season Friendly Peterborough United, on 11th July 3pm, London Road

Pre Season Friendly Southend United on 18th July 3pm, Roots Hall

Europa League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg 16th July

Pre Season Friendly Colchester United on 21st July at 7.45pm Weston Homes
Community Stadium

Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 23rd July

Pre Season Friendly Charlton Athletic on 25th July at 3pm The Valley

Pre Season Friendly Norwich City 3 days later on 28th July at 7.45pm Carrow
Road

Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg 30th July

Europa League Third Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 6th August

The Premier League season gets underway on Saturday 8th August with the
schedule released on Wednesday 17th June.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav still waits to see a contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic is tonight still sitting in his London hotel waiting to see a
contract that will make him West Ham United's new manager.
The former player has been in the country since Saturday and although
numerous phone calls have been made since his interview discussing issues
connected with the job, a contract still hasn't been put in front of him.

One source suggested that could be down to work permit clearance which will
be required for the Croat to take over. Marcelo Bielsa is believed to remain
in the running as despite reports he has still not signed a new deal with
Marseilles as widely expected. And despite the co owners remaining
seriously worried about his lack of English given the number of crucial
issues that need discussing, they have never ruled the Argentine boss out
unlike Rafa Benitez, DavidMoyes, Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp. Sources
close to the situation have told ClaretandHugh that "the balls remain in the
air" and that while Slav remains a big favourite with the bookies – one
quoting an incredible 1/50 – nothing should be taken for granted. A third
candidate with what is described as a "tiny chance" is Borussia
Mönchengladbach's Lucien Favre .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Double announcement due
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's Chairman of the Youth Supporters Club Jack Sullivan has confirmed
that West Ham plan to announce the appointment of their 15th manager within
the next 48 hours. He also added that the Hammers expect to announce a
major player signing this week too.

Speculation was rife on social media earlier today that an announcement
would be made as early as this afternoon but Claret and Hugh were told this
was '100% untrue' by a senior source.

Speaking on his twitter account just after school finished 15 year old Jack
wrote "Cheeky update -we expect to announce our new manager within 48 hrs or
less, keep visiting official WHU web site, where it will be announced" he
then added "we expect a major player signing this week, I'll update you as
soon as its done"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Laudrup out as "guessing" game starts again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H

Michael Laudrup is the latest 'Twitter name' to crash out of the Hammers
reckoning as a new Hammers boss. Speculation arose on the social network
last week that the former Swansea boss was back in the frame for a shot at
the Upton Park job but this morning it emerged that the Dane has agreed to a
new deal with Qatari champions Lekhwiya. His decision confirms an earlier
statement in which he had made it clear he would only return to the Premier
League with a top team and ClaretandHugh was told consistently by insiders
that he was no longer a candidate. Current Swansea boss Garry Monk –
another much touted Twitter name – is being reported by sources known to us
as close to agreeing a new deal with the Welsh outfit. And after placing a
call to the club regarding the newest name to emerge -Borussia
Mönchengladbach's Lucien Favre – we were told: "No better than 2 per cent."
That means the only 'active ' deal still in place concerns Slaven Bilic
although it is important to record that no contract has yet been placed in
front of the former defender at stage.
A Hammers source told us: "It's great fun listening and watching all the
gossip but the truth is there's a ot of guessing going on. We are still keen
to conclude things before the weekend."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic eyes problem positions
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic will move quickly to solve two Hammers problems positions if he
gets the manager's job at Upton Park. The Croat wants a right back and
holding midfielder brought into the club as soon as possible with only Joey
O'Brien available on the right side of the back four and Alex Song back at
Barcelona. Although Pedro Obiang is being sought and, according to some
reports, on his way to the club within days for a medical, he is more of a
box to box player in the mould of Cheik Kouyate. Bilic will make the two
positions a priority if a deal can be hammered out with the board although
there have been no further developments between the two sides since
yesterday.
The club are also in need of a fourth striker with the decision to allow
Carlton Cole to move on.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AC Milan look to hijack Obiang deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

AC Milan have met West Ham target Pedro Obiang's agent to discuss a
potential move for the Spaniard to the San Siro. West Ham have been linked
with the midfielder for months and there has been speculation that they have
already agreed a deal with Sampdoria in principle for his transfer.

However, to complicate the deal at the last minute West Ham style, AC Milan
are claimed to have entered the negotiations for Obiang and according to Il
Secolo XIX, they have met the player's agent to discuss a potential
transfer.
Yesterday, Gianluca Di Marzio claimed a £4.3million deal has been struck
between the two clubs, with West Ham just needing the go-ahead from the
player himself to complete the transfer.
Sampdoria finished seventh in the Serie A league this season with Obiang
scoring three goals in his 33 league appearances.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£12m price tag on Hammers target
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Blackburn Rovers have put a price tag of £12 million on their striker Jordan
Rhodes. The long list of clubs interested in signing Rhodes now reads:
Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Swansea, Everton and supposedly West Ham.

Rovers bought Rhodes from Huddersfield for a club record £8 million back in
2012, Huddersfield inserted a 20% sell on fee clause.

The Hammers have been linked with the 25 year striker for more than 3 years
with claims we once previously bid £3m to Huddersfield before he was sold to
Blackburn, we were linked again the Summer of 2013 and last year.

Sam Allardyce was a long term admirer of Rhodes and it is claimed he tried
to bring him to Boleyn Ground on a number of occasions. It remains to be
seen whether Tony Henry and the board togetehr with any incoming manager see
it the same way or whether this is just recycling of transfer news during
the silly season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons already have the future Rio on their books
Date: 8th June 2015 at 7:00 pm
Written by: Sydney Hammers | Comments (0)
Foreverwestham.com

West Ham coaches believe the next Rio Ferdinand may already be waiting in
the wings at the club. On the same weekend the former England captain
announced his retirement, youngster Josh Pask excelled with a series of
assured displays during the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament.

Under 18 coach Mark Phillips said: "I thought Josh Pask was absolutely
outstanding. I think he can go on and play for the first team.
"He doesn't take the eye as a defender, but when he drives forward like
that, it's Rio Ferdinand isn't it, let's be fair." He was one of many who
caught the eye during a promising tournament for West Ham, which saw the
young ten man squad come up against much more experienced opposition.

Striker Jaanai Gordon scored two in the final, and four in total throughout
the two day cup run, with Phillips praising his "strength and finishing
qualities". Fellow forward Djair Parfitt-Williams was also singled out for
acclaim. The 18-year-old was rewarded with his first professional contract
immediately after returning from Hong Kong, and Phillips believes he has a
bright future ahead of him. "I don't like to have star players, but he's
quite an effective footballer," he said. "He creates his own chances and
creates chances for other people. You can see how he can go on to play for
the first team at times, if he learns the defensive side of it, because he's
an exciting player and can go past people. "Especially in a tournament like
this where one player can open things up, he's excellent at that. I said to
him he could be the player of the tournament if he feels like it. He's a
very good player."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on new manager with Sam Allardyce successor to be named
within the next two days
West Ham are on the verge of announcing new boss
The Irons have been searching for a successor to Sam Allardyce
Slaven Bilic is reported to have been interviewed over the weekend
Unai Emery and Marcelo Bielsa are also in the running for the job
By JIM VAN WIJK, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 16:53, 8 June 2015 | UPDATED: 18:04, 8 June 2015
Daily Mail

West Ham hope to make an announcement on their new manager 'within the next
48 hours'. The Irons appear close to appointing a successor to Sam
Allardyce, who left Upton Park at the end of the season when his contract
was not renewed. Slaven Bilic is reported to have been interviewed about the
vacancy over the weekend, with the likes of Rafael Benitez, Jurgen Klopp,
Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery all said to have been under consideration as
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold look to find the right man to take
them forwards and on into the Olympic Stadium from 2016/17.

On Monday afternoon, the club's official website carried a statement which
read: 'West Ham United's search for a new manager looks to be entering its
final stages, with the club hoping to make an announcement within the next
48 hours. 'The board cleared their diaries and spent the weekend meeting and
interviewing applicants and, with the shortlist now narrowed down, talks are
entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates.' Gold has indicated
the club were determined to 'bring in an established manager who has been
there and done it'.

Bilic has coached at international level with Croatia and also in Europe
with Besiktas as well as at Lokomotiv Moscow. Marcelo Bielsa of Marseille is
another said to be on the Irons' radar. Bilic would certainly go down well
with supporters, having become a cult hero during a brief spell at Upton
Park in the 1996/97 season. 'It would be lovely to have someone with West
Ham history,' Gold said in an interview on the club's official website.
'Having Premier League experience - that doesn't mean English Premier League
- that means a man who has managed successfully in the Italian league,
Spanish league, the German league or a major league in the world. 'That is a
box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance.' Whomever is
eventually appointed, the club are looking to strengthen the squad for what
will be an earlier return than usual because of qualifying rounds for the
Europa League. Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang is one target, while the
club have no intention of allowing striker Enner Valencia to leave following
an impressive debut season. While the Irons appear to be closing in on an
experienced candidate, former boss Harry Redknapp has called for Rio
Ferdinand to be given a chance, joking he could also return to Upton Park as
director of football. Ferdinand, 36, retired at the end of the season
following a spell at QPR, the former Manchester United and England defender
now spending more time with his family following the death of his wife to
cancer.
In an interview with sports social network site, www.kicca.com, Redknapp
said: 'Rio Ferdinand's doing his coaching badges and has got a great
football brain. I used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and
I'd ask his opinion, 'what do you think Rio?', and he always had good ideas
and read the game well. 'I am sure he'll come back and get himself into
coaching, He needs to do that now, something to really focus his mind on, I
think he'll do that and do well.' Redknapp left QPR in February saying he
needed a knee operation, but insisted he was not leaving football. The
68-year-old said: 'I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham. I'd go with
him as director of football, that would be a good partnership. 'So there's
no reason why, if given the opportunity somewhere with the right people
around him, Rio couldn't do very well. 'West Ham's a great club with decent
players, so it wouldn't be impossible for him to have a crack at something
like that.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to beat rivals Tottenham to Ghana star Andre Ayew
Ghanasoccer.com
Posted: Monday, 8th June 2015 0 comments - you should start the discussion!

West Ham are reportedly close to completing move for Marseille's winger
Andre Ayew. The Hammers, who are still without a manager after Sam
Allardyce's departure at the end of the season, are keen to get their
transfer business done early and according to the Telegraph they will soon
finalise their second deal of the summer. Ghanaian forward Ayew, who is out
of contract following an eight-year spell at Marseille, has been attracting
the interest of several Premier League clubs including Tottenham, Newcastle,
Everton and Swansea. But the Hammers lead the race to sign the 25-year-old
after they upped their initial contract offer. Ayew is keen to move to the
Premier League despite offers from clubs in Italy and Turkey. If he does
join for West Ham Ayew will be the club's second signing of the summer after
Birmingham goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could West Ham sell Enner Valencia to fund Charlie Austin signing?
Billy Hawkins
HITC

Austin is likely to leave QPR, and he could be the perfect signing for West
Ham. Valencia has been linked with an exit from the Boleyn Ground this
summer, with the Guardian claiming Sampdoria are interested in the
Ecuadorian forward. The 25-year-old is currently away on international duty,
with the Copa America starting later this week, but with a transfer
potentially occurring this summer, the Hammers have placed a £30 million
price-tag on his head. If a transfer is to go through, that would represent
a profit on Valencia larger than double what they signed him for, and for a
player who netted just four goals this season, it is hard to imagine
Sampdoria agreeing to pay that. However, the Hammers could push through a
great deal if they can sell Valencia for that value, with QPR forward
Charlie Austin available for £15 million this summer, as per the Mirror.
Austin is one of the most in-demand players in England right now, and for
£15 million, he looks a bargain signing, especially if the Hammers make £30
million from selling Valencia. He provides a greater goal threat than the
Ecuadorian, and although Valencia was played out wide occasionally to create
chances, Austin is actually the better provider of goals as well.

As can be seen, Austin is a far better goalscorer than Valencia, with his
conversion rate of 13.8% vastly better than the Ecuadorian forward's. Even
though Diafra Sakho was the main goalscorer for the Hammers, Valencia did
fail to provide much threat in the striking department, and although Austin
had more shots to score more goals, his ratio of hitting the back of the net
is far better. What else makes Austin seem the perfect fit for West Ham is
his goal poaching ability, with the Hammers lacking someone with a killer's
instinct in front of goal. He found the back of the net with 40% of his
clear cut chances, scoring 11, with 16 of his attempts from inside the box
resulting in a goal. In relation, Valencia failed to score a single clear
cut chance, which is a dreadful return for a striker.

With the Hammers keen on establishing themselves with a new-look attacking
play featuring a host of goals and stylish efficiency, Austin would look
like a great signing. West Ham may not be in the market for him, but if
Valencia does leave for a £30 million fee, they could do much worse tan move
for the English striker, who has proven himself in the Premier League time
and time again.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing: The advice Sheringham gave me before he left West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe

West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has explained the advice he was
given by Teddy Sheringham, before the coach linked up with Stevenage. West
Ham United player Stewart Downing revealed in FourFourTwo the advice Teddy
Sheringham gave him before the coach moved to Stevenage. Downing was one of
West Ham's most versatile and most important attacking players last season,
offering an option out wide as well as through the middle, in behind the
main striker. He's explained that part of his recent progression has been
down to Sheringham challenging him and placing pressure on him to provide
more end product to the attacking skill he's always had. "Our coach Teddy
Sheringham always says to me 'It's not good just playing in your position,
you've got to get goals and create – that's your job'. It's not just about
playing well; you've got to be effective. My way of thinking has changed –
Have confidence, be brave and keep trying," he said. Downing can look back
on his stats from last season and be relatively pleased with what he sees;
six goals and eight assists from all competitions. He'll have individual
aims for next season, one of which will be to improve on his tally in each
of these areas. He'll want double figures in both columns and if he can
achieve that, the manager coming in will have a very good chance of creating
an exciting attack with threats coming at the opposition from different
areas. What Downing and the new boss need to do is settle on a role and
position for him in the side, which should help him to improve on his
consistency. If he can feature in the same position and bear in mind the
advice that Sheringham gave him before he took the leap into management, he
should be up there in terms of West Ham's best players next season.

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