Daily WHUFC News -

New arrivals excite Carroll
WHUFC.com

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is relishing the chance to play under new manager Slaven Bilic and says he is excited by the style of play that the Croatian will bring to the Boleyn Ground. Carroll has been working hard throughout the summer to regain full fitness following a knee injury he suffered back in February, and is on course to return to action in the pre-season. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward was thrilled to hear the news that Bilic was appointed as the new manager this week and hopes he can play a major part in the final season at the Boleyn Ground.

Carroll said: "I think it has been a great appointment. I have spoken to the lads and everyone seems to be happy with it. He plays a lot of attacking football and I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack. "That is a great feeling for me and I cannot wait to get started."

The 26-year-old has worked under a variety of managers during his career, including Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, Brendan Rodgers and Sam Allardyce, and is now looking forward to learning the methods employed by the former Croatia and Besiktas boss. "It is interesting to see how he is on the touchline," Carroll continued. "Different managers have got different styles and this will be very different to what we have had in the past, but it will be very interesting and I cannot wait to get started."

Away from football, there is the impending patter of tiny feet to look forward to for the No9, as Carroll is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child, a son, with fiancee Billi Mucklow.
The front man says he cannot wait to become a father again and hopes this is the start of a memorable few months, on and off the pitch. Carroll added: "The baby is due on Monday and these are exciting times. We cannot wait and it is very exciting. Everything has been sorted out and we cannot wait. "I am a dad already but this is my first (with Billi) and it will be great for us down here to start a family. These are really exciting times at the moment and everything is going well."

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2014/15 Season Review - January
WHUFC.com

West Ham United faced a busy start to 2015 as the FA Cup got under way. Despite the dark wintery January days, the Hammers enjoyed one of the most exciting games in living memory as Adrian's penalty shootout heroics left the fans dreaming of Wembley…

The Hammers fixture against West Bromwich Albion side on New Year's Day was one marked down as one to win, yet the Baggies were rejuvenated following the appointment of Tony Pulis.
While the experienced manager was only watching from the stands, his impact could be felt on the pitch. Diafra Sakho's opener was cancelled out by Saido Berahino who capitalised following a break-away.

Cup fever then descended on the country with the FA Cup third round. The Hammers made the journey to the Blue half of Merseyside, for the second time, and again, Romelu Lukaku did his best to ruin the party. James Collins' bullet header looked to have given the Hammers safe passage to the fourth round yet the dominating Belgian had other ideas, equalising with seconds to go.
Before the two teams did battle again in the replay, the Irons faced a difficult away trip to Garry Monk's high-flying Swansea City.

In a tight affair, Andy Carroll scored a simply majestic opening goal. The big No9 controlled the ball expertly, before shifting his feet with breath-taking poise and elegance before lashing a shot into the top corner. A goal any forward would've been proud of. Unfortunately, the Swans refused to be cowed and their efforts came to fruition via a Mark Noble own-goal. The ball hit the midfielder on the line who could not readjust in time. A goal as unfortunate as Carroll's was classy. Just three days later and the Hammers were in action again. There was little to suggest prior to kick off that the game would turn out to be a classic, but a classic it certainly was.

In a pulsating match, Enner Valencia scored his first goal at the Boleyn, a neat finish from Carroll's knock-down, shortly before Aiden McGeady got himself sent off for two clumsy challenges. Substitute Kevin Mirallas' rocket free-kick took the game to extra time. Tormentor-in-chief Romelu Lukaku was up to his old tricks again however Carlton Cole's poked finish ensured the game would be decided on a dreaded penalty shootout. There would be more drama to come as the penalty shootout entered sudden death with the goalkeepers called up. Up-stepped Adrian, who flung his gloves away midway through his run up and smashed it past Joel Robles. He wheeled away in delight as his teammates flung themselves on him. It was a sight few will ever forget. Buoyed by the epic victory, the Irons took the momentum into their league campaign, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Hull City.

The Hammers tamed the Tigers with second-half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing. The Frenchman finished the move he started with a burst into the box while the English international raced onto Alex Song's threaded through-ball. January continued to be prosperous as the Hammers cup run gathered pace with a narrow 1-0 win over League One highflyers Bristol City. Despite a rather sluggish performance, substitute Diafra Sakho bagged the all-important winner nine minutes from time.

By the last game of January, West Ham found themselves six games unbeaten, however the busy schedule took its toll on a squad hit by injury as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, leaving the Hammers eighth in the table.

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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com

Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular new column...

Hello everyone,
I am excited to be starting this new column for the official website giving you my thoughts on all the latest news that is happening at West Ham.

This is certainly an exciting period for the Club and I said last summer that I had never seen someone like my dad work so hard in getting in all the new signings.

But I have hardly seen him for the last two weeks and I only get to to talk with him at dinner time.

We have finally got our new man and he is a manager who I wanted to lead us next season.

It has been surreal seeing some big name coaches come to my house during the managerial process and seeing them walk past me. I have even sat in their chair after they have gone!

But I was thrilled when Slaven was identified as the best choice. I think it is great for our fans and we have got someone who shows so much passion.

I love seeing managers who are animated on the touchline and I'm sure the majority of fans will be the same. It shows they care about what is happening on the field.

He has got a great managerial record and has shown he can compete against the best teams in England when he helped his Besiktas side knock Liverpool out of the Europa League last season.

Slaven has said our team is good and with him at the top I can see this being a very strong season for the club.

All the talk now is about what players Slaven will bring into the club and I get constantly hassled by all my school mates asking if we have signed anyone. I try and keep quiet as much as possible.

It has been great to see Pedro Obiang come into the Club this week. I watched him play against Napoli last season and he is very similar to Esteban Cambiasso.

I like that he rarely loses the ball and he has been one of the star players for Sampdoria.

Dad is working hard to get more players in and I am confident we will have more new arrivals before the new season gets underway.

Dad is going for players I would never have imagined we could get into the Club and it shows how far we have come. A lot of the players are buying into the Olympic Stadium and I am really confident ahead of the new season.

I can't believe that the new season for us is getting underway on July 2 but it is great that the Club is back in Europe and playing in the Europa League.

I have got to try and persuade my dad to let me go and watch some of the games now!

The number of games will be hard on the squad but I'm sure that Slaven will be able to manage the situation really well as he has the experience through his managerial career.

It is also going to be an emotional last season at the Boleyn Ground. We have over 100 years of history at the stadium, but I genuinely feel this is the right move for West Ham and I can assure everyone that it is breathtaking at the new stadium.

The whole stadium is so vast and everyone has been so good for us to move there. I cannot wait for us to get started there.

I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.

Jack

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Striker target snubs Premier League
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham target Andre Pierre Gignac is set to snub the chance to work in the Premier League - in favour of a move to Mexico. According to Get French Football (via Le Aficion), 29-year-old Gignac has rejected a number of offers from European clubs - including at least two from the Premier League - in order to join Mexican side Tigres. In addition to West Ham, Gignac - who is currently in Cancun on holiday - has also been linked with a move to West Brom this week. Southampton, Newcastle and Stoke are also said to have expressed their interest in signing the Marseille forward. West Ham have already spawned the opportunity to sign Gignac's former team mate Andre Ayew this week. The 25-year-old midfielder signed for Swansea on a free transfer yesterday.

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What next for Kevin Nolan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer

Kevin Nolan is almost certain to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer after four years as West Ham United's captain. With his closest ally, former manager Sam Allardyce now departed following the conclusion of his most recent (two-year) contract, Nolan is likely to find himself out of the first team picture at the Boleyn. Vice-captain Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate, new arrival Pedro Obiang and potentially Alex Song, who the Hammers are seeking to sign on a permanent basis from Barcelona will all be above Nolan in the pecking order next season - notwithstanding any additional summer acquisitions. And having become the latest scapegoat for some West Ham United fans last season, the former Bolton and Newcastle man is seeking one final move before calling time on a playing career that began at Bolton 18 years ago.

Acutely aware that he is unlikely to be able to shake off the ill-feeling his alliance with Allardyce generated amongst sections of the club's fanbase, Nolan has already indicated privately that he is looking to move on this summer. Now 32, the attacking midfielder is entering the final 12 months of a lucrative five-year contract, signed in 2011 when the Hammers had just been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. Born in Liverpool, Nolan spent his entire professional career in the North (with Bolton and Newcastle) before joining Allardyce at West Ham in July 2011. His £2.6million annual salary is likely to keep him out of reach of all but Premier League/major forieign clubs this summer - unless West Ham opt to cover a percentage of his wages as part of a loan agreement.

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West Ham eye transfer of Tottenham old boy Vedran Corluka from Lokomotiv Moscow
22:30, 12 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
New boss Slaven Bilic plotting reunion with experienced defender who was a key player as his Croatia side lost just EIGHT times in six years
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic is trying to bring former Tottenham star Vedran Corluka to West Ham. The 29-year-old, currently at Lokomotiv Moscow, spent four years at the White Hart Lane club between 2008 and 2012. Before that, he spent a year at Manchester City but was replaced when then-boss Mark Hughes brought in Pablo Zabaleta. Corluka was a key player for the Croatian national team under Bilic and was part of the side that lost just eight games in six years under Bilic, the Hammers' new boss. He has just been voted one of the best players of the past season at Lokomotiv - one of Bilic's former clubs - who have lifted the 2015 Russia Cup. West Ham had an interest in free agent ex-England full-back Micah Richards following his release by Manchester City. But the 26-year-old is set to join Aston Villa on a free transfer next week when he returns from holiday. The Irons have also expressed an interest to Arsenal in taking Carl Jenkinson on loan, as they did last season. The Gunners, however, want a £2million loan fee, which the east Londoners are not prepared to pay. Meanwhile Mauro Zarate has insisted he is ready to prove himself an asset for Bilic. The 28-year-old Argentine was brought in by Hammers' joint-chairman David Gold last summer but then-manager Sam Allardyce rarely included him in his plans and the two men fell out. Zarate was farmed out on loan to QPR but arrived at Loftus Road disillusioned and unfit. He was also fined for his angry reaction to not being able to make the team to face Liverpool last month. He was eventually sent back to West Ham who, in turn sent him home to Argentina for a break to regain his fitness ahead of the new season. With Bilic now in charge, Zarate is aiming for a fresh start next season. He said: "It is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of that. I know the new manager had a good relationship with his players at Besiktas and I want to work hard to become a part of his plans. "West Ham is still a club that I love. I have been training hard and I am looking forward to showing that I can still be an important player for them." Earlier this week, Gold made it clear that Zarate would get another chance. He said: "The slate has been wiped clean and under Slaven everyone will get their chance."

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Bilic returns to London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic flew back to London today from his family holiday in Croatia to attend his work permit hearing which was described as a formality. He also took time out to visit the Boleyn Ground for the first time since his appointment.

In an interview with the club's official TV channel Bilic said

"It feels great to be back, I was expected this kind of feeling but when I entered the pitch, all the emotions started to come back. The Chairman asked me if it looked the same, but it has been nearly 20 years and it has changed a bit and is definitely bigger!

"The atmosphere around the whole stadium came flooding back to me and it felt like it did 17 or 18 years back. I can still remember the roar and the atmosphere and the good feeling to be in this stadium.

"Why have I come back to east London? Because it's a great club and is my club and it has never gone from me. It's one of the best, if not the best league in the world and it was always my ambition to one day come back and manage this club, my club, West Ham."

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Cabaye words raise Hammers hopes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Speaking to L'Equipe, Yohan Cabaye has said that he must leave PSG his summer to ensure that he impresses enough ahead of Euro 2016.

Cabaye told the French paper: "I know that if I stay I could do everything, but nothing would change. It's clear. I know this. At the club, they know it too. It will be important to make the best choice possible."

"Sometimes it's better to go backward in order to go forward. I enjoyed myself in England, in a league that works for me."

His comments may raise hopes of his availability this summer.

Yesterday the club's ITK Boleyn Insider said "There have been reports linking West Ham with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye and my sources indicate to me that although the Club really like him, they are not convinced that PSG will be willing to sell him this summer."
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Slav thrilled by Mourinho welcome
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has become a major fan of Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea boss went right out of his way to welcome him to the Premier League.

The new Hammers boss received a phone call from 'The Special One' soon after being installed as the new Hammer boss and is thrilled to bits with the new connection.

He said:"I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho. Demba Ba texted me to say Jose had asked for my number.

"It was great. I felt 'wow.' He said to me: "I'm glad you are here and welcome to England. It was really flattering. The guy is class. What can I say."

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Bilic confirms backroom team
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has confirmed his desire to bring in a Croatian back room team to help him manage West Ham. Fellow Croatians Nicola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic and Miljenko Rak are set to take up important positions in his technical staff subject to agreeing contracts and work permits being granted.
On Jurcevic, Bilic told the Sun "My first team coach. We had six years with the national team, then in Russia and Besiktas. Hopefully he will join me at West Ham" On Terziz he said "My second assistant, a great coach. Really good with players. He worked for Borussia Dortmund and has great experience"

On Rak he added "My fitness coach. Won Olympic medals as Croatia handball team fitness coach. Then he was in many sports. He's a legend" The Boleyn Insider yesterday suggested Slaven Bilic is about to announce a new goal keeping coach after the departure of Bobby Mimms. I wonder what Ludo Miklosko is up to? It would be fantastic if Bilic managed to persuade the West Ham hero to come out of retirement.

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David Gold delivers Mauro Zarate transfer update on Twitter
HITC
Tim Poole

The West Ham co-chairman has been discussing the forward's future. David Gold has delivered an update on the future of Mauro Zarate on Twitter. The West Ham United forward struggled for form, game time and fitness at Upton Park last season and was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers. However, Gold says the Argentine's future will lie with the Hammers for now. Indeed, asked by a West Ham fan on Twitter about whether Zarate will get more playing time at the east London club next season, the co-chairman suggested the slate will be wiped clean under new boss Slaven Bilic, with everyone getting a chance. Sam Allardyce was criticised for his handling of the 28-year-old, who was rarely played and, when he was, it was often out of position.
Zarate has his work cut out impressing the Hammers faithful, of course, as attitude and work-rate are paramount to success and, despite any complaints he may have about unfair treatment, the Argentine didn't exactly display those two qualities in abundance. Under Bilic, however, there may just be a striker in there somewhere for West Ham...

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he's 'grateful' to Allardyce
HITC
Olly Dawes

Slaven Bilic wants to make new signings at Upton Park. Slaven Bilic has told The Sun that West Ham need to make new signings this summer despite being left with a 'good team' by Sam Allardyce. Bilic, 46, was appointed West Ham's new manager earlier this week, returning to Upton Park having played for the Hammers as a defender in the 1990's. The Croatian replaces Allardyce, who left the club just minutes after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season. It was another disappointing season for 'Big Sam', with a 12th place finish not enough to keep him in the job after just three Premier League wins in 2015. The Hammers have though qualified for the preliminary rounds of the Europa League by virtue of their Fair Play record, meaning Bilic has an immediate chance to impress the West Ham faithful this summer. Yet, in order to make an impact in Europe and achieve at top ten finish in the Premier League, Bilic will need new signings this summer to strengthen a squad which lacks depth. The new manager told The Sun that, whilst he is 'grateful' to Allardyce for assembling a good squad, he must add more quality this summer to achieve his goals - and called on the team to be more consistent next season. "Sam left behind a good team. They are in good shape and I'm grateful for it," said Bilic. "The team is good but, as at any team, we're going to try to make it better and we're going to buy some new players. We must now find a way to make the team more consistent for the whole season," he added.

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Report: The loan fee West Ham would have to pay to sign Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Carl Jenkinson played on loan for West Ham United from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the 2014-15 season. West Ham United will have to pay as much as £2 million to sign Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal for the 2015-16 season, according to The Daily Mail. It has been reported by the British newspaper that Arsenal want £2m as loan fee to send the England international defender back to their London rivals on a temporary basis. The right-back played on loan for the Hammers during the recently concluded 2014-15 campaign and gave a good account of himself.
Jenkinson made 32 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham, creating 22 chances in the process. The 23-year-old right-back had a pass accuracy of 78% and a shot accuracy of 60%, and he won 22 headers, 11 dribbles and 26 tackles. Former Charlton Athletic defender Jenkinson progressed well at the Boleyn Ground, but he will find it tough to break into the Arsenal first team next season. Mathieu Debuchy, formerly of Newcastle United, is the Gunners' undisputed number one, while youngster Hector Bellerin is his deputy; Calum Chambers can also play at right-back. It would be best for the development of Jenkinson that he stays at West Ham next season, but it remains to be seen if the Hammers are willing to pay the £2m loan fee that Arsenal reportedly want.

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James Collins wants West Ham United stay
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

James Collins wants to remain at West Ham United for the rest of his career. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he wants to sign a new contract with the London outfit. The Wales international centre-back has been on the books of the Hammers since 2012 and has a contract until June 2016. "Finally I hope to sign a new contract soon with the club and I would love to finish my career at West Ham," Collins wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a club I love and I would love the chance to play at the new stadium. I always give my all and 100% every time I pull on the shirt and always want to do my best for the fans." Collins has made over 70 league appearances for West Ham since his return to the London outfit from Aston Villa in the summer of 2012. The 31-year-old is a senior figure in the current Hammers squad, and him remaining at the Boleyn Ground is good for the club. The former Cardiff City star made 27 appearances in the Premier League in the recently concluded 2014-15 season, creating five chances in the process. Collins had a pass accuracy of 67% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 101 headers and 24 tackles. West Ham finished 12th in the league table with 47 points from 38 matches.

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Report: West Ham to fight Arsenal and European giants for Burak Yilmaz
HITC
Stephen Pickering

West Ham are looking to lock horns with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea to land Galatasaray forward Burak Yilmaz. According to Turkish publication Eurosport, West Ham, under new manager Slaven Bilic, will look to beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid to highly-rated forward Burak Yilmaz. The report states that the striker is high on the list of targets put together by Bilic, who will know him well due to his previous two seasons in Turkey, and will look to fight off Europe's big boys for his signature. The 29-year-old, who turns 30 on the 30th June, has had an exceptional year for Galatasaray once again and netted a staggering 22 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. In fact, over the past six seasons, there haven't been many more prolific forwards in Europe as he can boast a tally of 130 goals in 213 appearances. Although he is undoubtedly a talented player, the age of the striker is likely to put some suitors off – especially the top clubs. At 30, if he does move, he will be after a big contract to secure his future in the past few years of his playing days. In fact, a longer contract could be the deal breaker in the Turkish forward's thinking. If West Ham can offer a substantially better contract than the other interested parties then him agreeing a move to East London wouldn't at all be a surprise. Next season, the Olympic Stadium will become the Hammers' new home and for all players linked to the club over this summer, that will be a big pull.

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James Collins comments on Pedro Obiang signing
Subhankar Mondal

James Collins is delighted to have Pedro Obiang as his West Ham United teammate for next season. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he expects Pedro Obiang to be a success. The 23-year-old midfielder has joined the Hammers from Italian club Sampdoria, as announced on the club's official website earlier this week. The former Spain Under-21 international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and has become the London outfit's second signing of the summer after goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Collins is delighted to have the Spaniard as his teammate for next season, and believes that he will prove himself at the Boleyn Ground. "We have been busy in the transfer market as well and it is massive for us to have someone like Pedro Obiang coming into the club," the 31-year-old Wales international wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a great signing and he is a young, talented player so it will only add to the squad. "I think we will lose a few out of contract lads so we need to make a few signings and that is a great start." Obiang was one of the best players for Sampdoria in the recently concluded 2014-15 Serie A campaign. The Spanish midfielder scored three goals and created 28 chances in 33 league appearances. The 23-year-old had a pass accuracy of 82% and a shot accuracy of 52%, and won 22 headers, 26 dribbles and 76 tackles.

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Report: Everton rivalling West Ham for Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins

Everton and West Ham are keen on signing Dimitri Payet. West Ham were linked with a move for Payet yesterday, as per the Telegraph, but now it appears as if the Hammers are not the only team to be interested in the prolific playmaker. A report in L'Equipe has today claimed that Everton are also planning summer move for him, with both Premier League sides already starting their advances to open talks with Marseille. Payet, a 28-year-old playmaker, enjoyed a prolific season with Marseille in 2014/15. In 36 games, he netted seven goals and registered an impressive 17 assists. Generally selected as a number 10, playing through the centre, he registered 2.1 shots per game, as well as 3.7 key passes and 1.8 dribbles, making him one of the most consistently creative players in Ligue 1. Central to much of Marseille's attacking play, the French international excelled under Marcelo Bielsa, and a move to the Premier League would come as no surprise. The Hammers were linked with a move for him following the appointment of Slaven Bilic at the Boleyn Ground, whilst Everton's interest comes from a need to increase the attacking threat the Toffees possess. Payet would be a great signing for either club, although with his contract not expiring until 2017, he will cost a pretty penny to sign him - even if he is worth a large transfer fee.

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Report: West Ham United interested in Esteban Cambiasso
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso, who is out of contract at Leicester City at the end of the month. West Ham United are interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso when his current contract with Leicester City runs out at the end of the month, according to The Sun. It has been reported by the British tabloid that the former Argentina international midfielder is "wanted as part of new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic's cultural revolution". The London outfit have already "made contact" with Cambiasso's agent, according to the report. It has also been claimed by The Sun that West Ham are ready to offer "top wages" to Cambiasso if they can get him on a free transfer. Cambiasso joined Leicester on a one-year contract in the summer of 2014 after leaving Italian giants Inter Milan. The former Real Madrid midfielder was one of the best and most influential players at Leicester and was a key figure in their survival battle in the recently concluded 2014-15 season. The 34-year-old scored five goals and created 36 chances in 31 appearances in the Premier League. Cambiasso had a pass accuracy of 73% and a shot accuracy of 32%, and won 36 headers, 14 dribbles and 43 tackles.

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Gunners look for huge Jenks LOAN fee
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Arsenal want £2 million for Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season. And with those sort of numbers floating around expect it to be a quieter summer than usual for if we add in a fairly conservative £50,000 a week wages that would bring the cost of Jenks to £4.5 million for the year! And although the Gooner had a top Upton Park season playing 36 times that sort of money may be too rich for our blood. As we reported earlier in the week Slaven Bilic is an admirer but is likely to start looking elsewhere given the apparent Gunners' financial requirements.

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Barcelona's Alen Halilovic will flourish at West Ham
Published 26 minutes ago Add your comment
GiveMeFootball.com

Fans of Premier League outfit West Ham United could see one of the best young players ever pulling on the claret and blue next season. Barca B's Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic is the real deal. His moniker of "The Croatian Messi" is well earned and well deserved and for such a young talent, he is a delight to watch. Hammers fans might recall the last time there was such a buzz about a young player in the East End. During the mid 1990's, Portuguese wonderkid Dani arrived at Upton Park but it was obvious fairly quickly that the move wouldn't end well.
There are no such worries as far as Halilovic is concerned. New Hammers manager Slaven Bilic knows all about what Halilovic can bring to the table and it's no surprise that he has moved so quickly to try and secure the services of a player who will be wasted in Spain's Segunda B, equivalent to England's League One.

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Jose Mourinho gives Slaven Bilic that 'wow' feeling after congratulating him on West Ham job by text message
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 08:53, 12 June 2015
Evening Standard

Jose Mourinho congratulated Slaven Bilic on landing the West Ham job this week via text, the Croatian has revealed. Bilic was appointed as Sam Allardyce's successor this week after arriving from Besiktas on a three-year deal as the Hammers embark on a new era in East London. The Croatian spent a season playing at West Ham in the mid-nineties before joining Everton, but that has not stopped Chelsea boss Mourinho from welcoming him to England. Bilic revealed that, via former Chelsea player Demba Ba who he coached at Besiktas, Mourinho sort his number before sending him a short message by text. "I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho," Bilic told The Sun. "Demba Ba texted me to say Jose asked him for my number. It was great. I felt 'wow'. He said 'I'm glad you're here and welcome to England'." "It was really flattering. The guy is class, what can I say." Meanwhile, former Hammers boss Allardyce has warned Bilic that his popularity with the fans will not stop them turning on him. "Slaven's popular and it will start off okay but it won't take much for the mood to change if results aren't going well," said Allardyce.

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Report: Unhappy Ravel wants out of Lazio
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Ravel Morrison is reported homesick at Lazio and desperate for a return to England. According to Mirror Sport the the 22-year old wants a way out of the country before he's kicked a ball for his club. The Mirror claims that discussions have been going on between Lazio and Queens Park Rangers with whom Rav did not enjoy a particularly successful loan spell. Morrison announced this week that he one day wanted to manage West Ham raising speculation he could be on a fishing mission for an Upton Park return. However, it seems at the moment that the newly relegated Rangers are his best chance of return to English football. Ravel moved to Rome earlier this year but has been unhappy there for some time now. The Mirror claims though that contrary to suggestions he has caused his new club a problem Lazio have been sympathetic to his plight and are helping him to try and find a way back to England.

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Hammers track Marseille playmaker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are allegedly tracking Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet according to a number of media outlets over the past twenty four hours. The 28-year-old scored in France's game on Sunday and has been monitored several times by both Everton and West Ham scouts it is reported. The French international did well last season at Marseille, where he scored seven goals in 36 appearances making an incredible 16 assists. Payet moved to Stade Velodrome from Lille in 2013 for €11m (£8m) and was previously at St Etienne, where he attracted attention from Chelsea and Liverpool.

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Vaz Te on Bilic and Turkey
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Ricardo Vaz Te reckons Slaven Bilic's time in Turkish football will serve him well at West Ham. The former Hammer – now with Turkish Super Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor – saw the new Hammers boss operate in the country last season. And he said: "I think Bilic was and is well respected and is seen as having done a good job here in Turkey, at times with limited resources," said the 2012 Championship Play-Off final hero. Speaking to the official site he added: "He got a great reception from fans when he left and I know that he was well respected amongst the players. " I am not sure what went on near the end in-house at the club, but he wasn't far off landing the title with them. They also saw off Liverpool in the Europa League and that was a big result here, a big victory and achievement. "He has experience of European football and that can only be a big positive thing. He likes to play good football, from what I could see and from what I heard, he is a very focused person and instils this in his players."
Vaz Te, who scored 19 goals in 61 appearances said: "The other thing is he knows West Ham as a club personally, having been there as a player himself and that is something he will look to embrace further I am sure. "It is exciting times for West Ham with the Europa League and then the big move to the new stadium. They are in a good place and can now hopefully build on that."

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Bilic sets out his shopping list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has identified the key areas he want to fill in the Irons side but won't rush to get the first available options. The new manager believes he needs a top right back, central defender, holding midfielder and creative middle of the park operator as his first signings. He and David Sullivan are holding intensive talks over each position but a source close to the new boss said: "Slav wants the absolute best he can find and won't be rushed. "He has identified the areas he's looking at and it's caused a ripple of surprise that he sees the need for another top class central defender." "However, with James Collins hitting his 32nd birthday in August he sees this as the time to bring inhig h quality new blood at the heart of defence."
David Sullivan insists that Alex Song could yet arrive as permanent signing but doubts are arising over Carl Jenkinson on a new loan deal as Arsenal are believed to want £2 million for the privilege of letting him out for a season . Key to Bilic is to find a top class creative midfielder in the Luka Modric mould whom he once claimed was the best player in the world.

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Slav: "I want to feel as boss what I felt as a player "
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has made it clear he would have signed as West Ham's boss even if they were not on the move to the Olympic Stadium. Indeed, he said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium." And he claimed he can't wait to get into the dug out at the Boleyn adding:" 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.' He's looking forward to life at the OS but added: 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.'

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I'd like to get my guitar out with Slaven Bilic! James Collins looking forward to working with new West Ham boss
Evening Standard
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 11:03, 12 June 2015

West Ham defender James Collins cannot wait to start working with new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic was appointed as the club's new manager on Tuesday but there will be no settling in period for the Croat, with the club's Europa League campaign kicking off on July 2. Collins said: "It will be great having Slaven as our new manager. He is on to a winner straight away because the West Ham fans loved him when he played here and you can tell by the way he played that he is a winner. All the lads are looking forward to it. "A lot of my mates are West Ham fans and they loved him when he was a player. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a committed defender." Bilic has his own rock band and Collins said: "I would like to get my guitar out with Slaven. I am still not the best on it but I practise every day and fingers crossed I will come in and give the boys a song!"

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Yohan Cabaye admits stubborn PSG could hinder West Ham or Crystal Palace moves
London 24
11:40 12 June 2015 Brad Pinard

Former Newcastle man Yohan Cabaye Former Newcastle United man Yohan Cabaye reveals he hopes PSG are 'clever enough' to allow him to leave with minimal fuss this summer. The France international has failed to make much impact in the French capital during his 18 months there and is looking likely to come back to the Premier League this summer. West Ham and Crystal Palace are reportedly battling it out for Cabaye's signature, with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle also monitoring the situation with a view to a late bid. The 29-year-old admits he wants to come back to England but knows it isn't all in his hands. "I really enjoyed myself in England, it is a league that corresponds well with me," Cabaye told L'Equipe. "Today, I am at PSG. Of course, I would have liked for things to work out differently, the club too, but we must consider reality. "If I have the chance to return to England, I hope that everyone will be clever enough in order for things to work out. There could of course be other destinations…" West Ham signed midfielder Pedro Obiang and confirmed they are in talks to bring Alex Song back to Upton Park, a deal which could scupper Cabaye's plans. However, Alan Pardew is keen to link up with the playmaker again after enjoying a successful spell together at Newcastle.

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Slaven Bilic: West Ham arrival has nothing to do with Olympic Stadium move
By BEN NAGLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:31, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 09:31, 12 June 2015

Slaven Bilic insists his arrival at West Ham United has nothing to do with the club's impending move to the Olympic Stadium. Bilic will take charge of the Hammers' final season at their current stadium after 111 years, and the former Croatia boss admits he can't wait to get in the dugout at Upton Park. Speaking to The Sun, Bilic said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium. 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.' Bilic spent a season-and-a-half at West Ham as a player under Harry Redknapp, before moving to Everton in the summer of 1997. He returns to West Ham as manager following two seasons in charge of Besiktas, and admits he is happy to have one more season at his old stadium. 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. 'That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.'

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WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS?
By Iain Dale 12 Jun 2015 at 09:17
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Banjo

I've been thinking….

There is much talk on the blogs that Slaven needs to be given time and that provided we see attractive football then a mid table finish and a cup run will be sufficient. I don't buy that at all. We get criticised for our lack of ambition and lack of positivity at West Ham, well here's some ambition and some positivity, we should go into next season aiming for a top 6 finish and a cup win and certainly expect top 8 and a shot at a cup.

The above is a minimum expectation of Spurs, Everton and Liverpool so let's have the same expectations as them for heavens sake. We should always have higher expectations than Stoke, Swansea and Palace, and probably Southampton too (where do you think they are aiming for next season?)

Slaven WILL get the support he needs. To suggest that those that supported Sam for his tenure will turn on Slaven first opportunity completely misses the point. They supported Sam because they support the manager and their club. That's what they (we) do so Slaven will get the same treatment from them. Those that hated Sam from day one will support Slaven because, well because he isn't Sam. There will be those fans that will turn on him if the football isn't flowing and if we are dicing with the bottom 3 come the new year but I don't think that's a likely scenario and he will certainly be given more time than many.

Why should we be aiming for a top 6 finish? I have 4 arguments;

1) the Boleyn factor. Some already have us winning all 19 home matches in the Premiership! So that's 57 points then, couple of decent away performances and we are Champions League! But seriously, because the place will be hopping. 12th man and some.

2) the Slav factor. The ground will be full of Slavs army, Super Slav and He's one of our own. It won't quite be the PDC effect but it won't be far off. On top of that he is the 53rd best manager in the world and Sam was 113th so he's twice as good, right?

3) the Sam factor. Sorry folks! Sam has laid good foundations for Slav. We are in a far better place now than we were when he joined. Promotion and 3 mid table finishes and a squad that contains value and talent. Adrian, jenkinson, Creswell, Tonks, Reid, Sakho, Valencia, AC, Kouyate, are all £10M – £25M players. Add Obaing and potentially Song to that and a couple more big signings and a couple of promising youth players in Reece and Oxford and what's not to like about that squad?

4) the we are on the up factor. We really are people. There are only 3 clubs out of our reach just now in my view when you factor in the OS and they are Chelsea, City and United, in that order. Arsenal are going to be the 4th side in the distance, although I think they are catchable, but Liverpool and Spurs are definitely catchable as are, of course, Everton and Southampton. We just need to get our shite together!

I expect our net spend this year to be £30M and quite possibly more. Over the last 5 years only Chelsea, City and United have significantly exceeded that. Spurs, Liverpool and Southampton have had big spends as a result of selling Bale, Suarez and, well, half a team in the case of Southampton! Our average nett spend compares favourably with our piers and with the OS we will narrow that gap. I could cut and paste the nett spends of those clubs but I will make a mess of it. Some years these clubs have had minus nett spends due to selling on their stars!

So there you go ladies and gentlemen of the blog, I give you my case for us aiming higher. The fans need to aim higher, forget all the fading of your dreams, think positive, Sullivan and his board certainly are, he is in the top 6 camp, and I can't imagine for one moment Slav is thinking mid table, can you?

COYI's

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£8m Chelsea striker given PERMISSION to talk to West Ham
LOIC REMY has reportedly been given permission to speak to West Ham over a summer move.
By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 07:37, Fri, Jun 12, 2015 | UPDATED: 07:44, Fri, Jun 12, 2015
Express.co.uk

New Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, as Express Sport reported earlier this week has made Remy one of his top targets. The east London outfit are looking to make a serious foray in the transfer window, and it is thought they could spend up to £25million on new recruits. Remy has become increasingly frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge after playing second fiddle to Diego Costa.
The Sun claim Remy is desperate to force a move away from the Blues. They suggest West Ham have held informal talks with Remy and will offer him a lucrative contract to entice him to Upton Park. Remy is also believed to have told his team-mates that he feels he has no future at the club. The Frenchman hit nine goals in all competitions last season.

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Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson demands could deter West Ham as £2m loan fee sets tone
By CHARLES SALE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:13, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 00:38, 12 June 2015

The £2million fee that Arsenal want for full back Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season underlines why the summer transfer window might be less frenetic than forecast. There had been expectation of the biggest market ever in the wake of a record, £5billion domestic TV rights deal. Instead, it is loan moves rather than permanent transfers that are set to be exploited during the uncertain financial climate for clubs. Most Premier League outfits — apart from the big four or five — are reluctant to commit to huge transfer fees while there are still doubts about the Ofcom investigation into how the Premier League sell their domestic TV rights, the amount of money coming in from overseas TV deals and the financial fair play changes. And the loan price Arsenal are quoting for Jenkinson might put off West Ham, for whom the England international defender made 36 appearances last term.

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Newcastle United striker hunt: Andy Carroll in the frame as Steve McClaren admits club want forward
17:53, 11 JUNE 2015
BY MARK DOUGLAS
The Chronicle

Steve McClaren wants to add a striker in the mould of the typical Newcastle United number nine to his squad this summer. McClaren already has goalscorer Papiss Cisse who wears the shirt but he admits getting another forward – who fits in with the goalscoring traditions of a shirt that was worn by Alan Shearer, Andy Carroll, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn – would be "great". United want Charlie Austin of QPR while West Ham's Andy Carroll has emerged as a shock target this summer. Bas Dost, the Wolfsburg striker, was also linked on Thursday as McClaren gets his feet under the desk. No new signings are imminent, but the club are increasingly hopeful of landing Austin. Speaking to the Chronicle for the first time since his appointment on Wednesday, McClaren set out his vision for a team that "fights" the way the team did against West Ham on the final day of the season – and while he says the result is king, he will make room for flair. "One thing I want to see is exciting players – a bit of pace, a bit of speed and individualism. This crowd has always had a number nine-style player and it'd be great to get one of them in," he said.

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Loic Remy tells team-mates his time at Chelsea is over
Published 47 minutes ago Add your comment
Give Me Sport

Loic Remy has told his Chelsea team-mates that he has no future at the club after Jose Mourinho gave him permission to open talks with West Ham United, reports The Sun. The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Queens Park Rangers last summer after an impressive season on loan at Newcastle United. But chances have been hard to come by at Chelsea with Diego Costa consistently being preferred in a lone-striker system. As a result, Remy has told the club he wishes to leave this summer and Mourinho has done everything to help him by allowing West Ham to open talks regarding personal terms. Chelsea paid £10.5m to sign the 28-year-old and are hoping to recoup most of that by slapping an £8m price tag on his head.

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West Ham chief confirms Slaven Bilic to give first-team chance to forgotten man
08:26 12 June 2015
Brad Pinard
London 24

West Ham co-owner David Gold claims the likes of Mauro Zarate will be given a clean slate under new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic arrived this week and is now on holiday until June 22 when he will officially start work. The Hammers squad will have just ten days before their first Europa League game of the season and Bilic will want to asses his squad as quickly as possible. Zarate initially showed promise, running the show and scoring a beauty in an early season win away at Crystal Palace. However Sam Allardyce quickly decided the Argentinean wasn't going to last and farmed him out to QPR on loan in January. ADVERTISEMENT - Article continues bellow... The relegated R's also had no luck with Zarate, but Gold admits he will be given a second chance at West Ham. The likes of Modibo Maiga, Diego Poyet and Matt Jarvis are also set to be given a chance to break into the team this summer.

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