Westley - We needed the challenge
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player Development
Terry Westley says Tuesday night's friendly at Colchester United provided
his youngsters with a useful learning experience. A youthful West Ham side
were defeated 1-0 by their Sky Bet League One hosts, who took the honours
thanks to a fine free kick from Academy graduate George Moncur. Westley was
happy with the application of his team and says they will benefit greatly
from those kind of experiences. "I felt the team coped well with the test,"
he said. "It was a great friendly for us. and one which our Under-21 players
need. "They need these types of challenges. We need to be playing against
league sides because that's where we need them to play. "We need them to
play at this level, go out on loan, get some league games under their belt
and then come back and be ready for our Premier League team. "One or two
have come out and shown they can handle that, one or two have realised you
have to move the ball a bit quicker and not get into physical contests with
them because they are stronger that you at your age, but all round it was a
really good night's work for us."
For Westley, this game was another step along the road of what he describes
as an ideal pre-season, given the Under-21s' involvement in the early stages
of the UEFA Europa League. "It's been the perfect pre-season for us," he
continued. "The cohesion with the first team, working with the senior
players and being involved in the Europa League first qualifying round was
good for our young players to get that recognition. "It was a chance for
them to show the manager what they can do and I'm sure if we had won really
well against Birkirkara some of our players would have gone there and the
first team would have taken this fixtaure, but either way it has been a good
week for us and a good game to play in. "It was 1-0 against a League One
side and as the game grew and as we grew into it, we had more opportunity.
We started to get hold of the ball and I think possession-wise it would have
been close in the second half.
"In the first half we were caught in the headlights a little bit. We were
too slow, didn't move it quick enough, lost physical contests and they got
on top of us. In the end giving away the free kick resulted in the goal.
"They've got a lot of league games under their belts where our players
haven't, and again Reece Oxford stands out. At 16, being able to cope with
what he played against and then come out on top shows he's a special talent.
"Josh Pask beside him, although he got leggy, stayed with the game. Amos
Nasha in midfield, Josh Cullen in midfield, Page and Westley at the back,
they stayed in the match. We didn't capitulate, and in the end might have
got something out of it. "The support was excellent. The support in the
Europa League was excellent with 35,000 and then you come here with another
2,000 of your own supporters appreciating the effort the young players put
in, it's terrific for everyone."
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Hammers snatch 'The Jewel'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have unearthed a gem after completing the loan signing of
Argentine playmaker Manuel 'The Jewel' Lanzini. The 22-year-old has joined
the Hammers on a season-long deal, with an option to make it permanent, from
UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al-Jazira after passing his medical at Spire
Roding Hospital, West Ham United's official private hospital. Lanzini, who
came through the same River Plate youth system that produced the likes of
Alfredo Di Stefano, Ariel Ortega and former Hammer Javier Mascherano, is an
exciting attacking midfielder who can both create and score goals. Having
sealed his summer switch to the Boleyn Ground, Lanzini spoke of a massive
step in his still young career. "This is very emotional because it is one
of the best teams I have ever signed for," he told West Ham TV. "It is a
very important step for my career and for my future. "I am looking forward
to what is a new era for me. I'm very happy and I look forward to meeting my
new teammates. "This is a new challenge for me and that can only help in
the future. It will test my ability in one of the best leagues in the world,
so I am looking forward to getting started. "I am someone who always gives
100 per cent. I'm an attacking player, I can change the game's tempo and I
hope to give my maximum for the fans to appreciate me."
Born in the Ituzaingó Partido of the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area
to Italian ancestry, Lanzini joined River Plate at the age of nine in 2002.
At 17, he made his professional debut in a 1-0 home win over Tigre on 8
August 2010, and went on to make 22 league appearances for River in is debut
season. Summer 2011 saw Lanzini loaned to Brazilian giants Fluminense, where
he impressed by scoring twice in 22 appearances as a teenager, helping the
club to win the Serie A title. With that experience under his belt, the
player returned to River, where he was handed the coveted No10 shirt,
helping the club to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and scoring a
career-high eight goals in 26 league appearances in 2012/13. A packed
2013/14 saw Lanzini play 41 times in all competitions for River, helping the
Buenos Aires club to reach the last-eight of the Copa Sudamericana and
attracting the attention of clubs all over the world. It was Al-Jazira who
moved for the exciting talent, securing Lanzini's path to Abu Dhabi, where
he became the youngest foreign player to appear in the UAE Arabian Gulf
League at the age of 21. Again wearing the No10 shirt, Lanzini teamed up
with Montenego and ex-Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic and Burkina Faso and
former Hamburg midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa to score eight goals in 24
league appearances to help Al-Jazira to finish as league runners-up last
season. At international level, the creative South American has been capped
four times by Argentina at U20 level and will hope to make the step up to
the senior squad if he can impress in Claret and Blue. Lanzini becomes West
Ham's seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Dimitri Payet, Angelo
Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Carl Jenkinson, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph.
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Manuel Lanzini - Ten Fast Facts
WHUFC.com
Ten fast facts you might not know about West Ham United's new attacking
midfielder Manuel Lanzini.
Lanzini was born in Ituzaingo, a district of Buenos Aires, the city in which
he made his way in the game with Argentine giants River Plate.
He came through the same River youth system as the likes of former Hammer
Javier Mascherano, Ariel Ortega and Alfredo Di Stefano.
Manuel was only 17 years-old when he made his professional debut for the
club, playing 45 minutes in a 1-0 win over Tigre in August 2010.
He was loaned to Brazilian side Fluminense for the 2011/12 campaign, and
scored his debut professional goal in a 2-1 victory over Sao Paolo in
September of that year.
Having helped Flu take the Carioca championship in 2012 and returned to
River to take the famous No10 shirt with that useful experience under his
belt.
He impressed on his first season back in Argentina, scoring an impressive
eight goals in 26 league appearances and helping the Club reach the
quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores – the
South American equivalent of the Champions League.
He added to his medal haul when River won the Argentine Primera Division
Torneo Final in 2014, with clubs around the world by now alerted to his
talents.
Lanzini is the youngest player to feature in the UAE Arabian Gulf League,
having played at the age of 21 for Al Jazira.
He is the seventh player to link up with the Hammers this summer, following
on from Stephen Hendrie, Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet,
Angelo Ogbonna and Carl Jenkinson.
Manuel is nicknamed the Jewel, and Hammers fans will certainly be hoping he
will shine during his time with the Hammers.
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Page highlights positives for young Hammers
WHUFC.com
Reflecting on a narrow 1-0 defeat to League One side Colchester United,
Lewis Page reasoned that his side had a lot to be proud of. A youthful West
Ham XI took to the Weston Homes stadium and were undone early on by a superb
George Moncur free-kick. The former Hammer made the Irons pay as he
dispatched his effort from 25-yards into the top-right corner. While the
hosts were value for their win, the young Hammers put in a solid display and
had several chances of their own. Reece Oxford went close from two corners
while Jordan Brown forced a good save from a stinging shot from the edge of
the box. As Page said: "I thought we started off a bit slow, as soon as we
got into the game we held our own. They are a League One side so it was
difficult, they were more developed than us. But when we played, I think we
held our own. "It was a great free-kick from Moncs, but that was the only
real difference. We always knew he had the ability to do that; we shouldn't
have given a foul away in that area. Other than that, we held them up pretty
well. "I know Moncs fairly well. He is a few years older than me but we
trained together quite often when he was at the Academy. He's a top lad and
it's good to see him do well."
This pre-season has proved to be a whirlwind month for the left-back, whose
confidence both on and off the pitch has notably risen. The 19-year-old
made his first team senior debut in the Hammers 3-0 win over FC Lusitans in
the Europa League first round qualifier at Upton Park as well as the return
leg in Andorra. "I've been really happy with my pre-season, playing in
front of a full house at Upton Park was incredible and something I think
about everyday. I then played away in Andorra and a few first team
friendlies so it's been good, hopefully I can push on from here and see what
happens really. "I definitely feel like I'm improving a lot recently. You
learn a lot from being around the more senior players, it helps you to grow
up a bit. Being around the first team you see what it's really like and see
whether you cope. "As a defender I look up to Tonks and Joey the most, they
were the senior defenders in the first round of the Europa League so I had
the opportunity to learn a lot from them."
The Hammers busy pre-season schedule continues with a second leg in Malta on
Thursday evening before travelling to south London to play Charlton
Athletic. Page continued to praise his fellow teammates, who like him, came
through the ranks at the West Ham United Academy. "The younger lads did
well. We played well collectively because we could have been out of the game
but we stayed strong. As I said they're a League One side so you expect them
to be strong. "We got great support as always from the fans, and that
always helps. I think a lot of them knew it was going to be a young squad
out there too. For them to still come along was great. "The new manager
seems really good. He's passionate, likes to play at a quick tempo and play
football the right way, I'm really enjoying it."
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Bilic - We've found a gem in Lanzini
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes new loan signing Manuel 'The Jewel' Lanzini can play a
big part in the final third for West Ham United this season.
The Hammers boss insists the young Argentine has the creativity to make his
mark on the Barclays Premier League, not least with the versatility to play
anywhere behind the striker. And having tried and failed to sign the
playmaker as Besiktas manager two years ago, Bilic has now got his man.
"He's a good player and we are happy that he joined us," he told West Ham
TV. "At just 20 years of age they gave him the No10 shirt at River Plate,
which is a massive club, of course. "I watched him two years ago and I
wanted to take him to Besiktas. But then it was very difficult. We were
close but now the chance came that we could get him and of course he's going
to help us a lot. He's going to add even more creativity in the crucial
parts of the pitch. "I am confident and I'm hopeful that he can adapt. We're
going to see. He's not very strong but he rides challenges, he doesn't go
down. So I hope he could be bingo for us. I am really hopeful and I think I
have a feeling that he's going to help us a lot."
Asked whether playmaker was an apt term for West Ham's seventh summer
signing, Bilic felt he was more in the mould of Hammers new boy Dimitri
Payet, than their deeper lying equivalents. "Now in football you have deep
playmakers like [Andrea] Pirlo, or [Luka] Modric, and then playmakers
between the lines, [David] Silva and Payet, for example. He's more that guy,
he can play on the left, he can play all positions behind the striker."
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Inverness CT: John Hughes eyes Hammers in Europa League
BBC.co.uk
John Hughes has urged his Inverness CT players to produce a "heroic" Europa
League display and set up a clash against West Ham. Inverness travel to
Romania trailing Astra Giurgiu 1-0 from the first leg of their qualifier.
"I'm intrigued to see how we do," said Hughes ahead of flying out for
Thursday's encounter. "We all know what the reward is: [a tie against] West
Ham and that would be absolutely fantastic." West Ham lead Malta's
Birkirkara 1-0 from their first leg at Upton Park. "I'd love to see the
Inverness supporters strutting their stuff down in London," added Hughes.
"But it's dangerous to look too far in front of us. Hughes would love his
Inverness side to face West Ham in the Europa League "It adds a little bit
of spice to it; hopefully we can take care of business." The Inverness CT
boss believes they can overcome the Romanians and atone for a frustrating
first leg defeat. "We acquitted ourselves very well in the first game and
should've taken something from it," he said. "I think they're vulnerable and
just got beat 5-1 a couple of days ago. "But we have to be very cautious and
can't go gung-ho and before we know it we've conceded and are chasing the
game after that. "We're going to be right in it and will have to carry a
bit of luck; I expect it go right to the wire and down to the last 10
minutes. "No matter how we go about the tie, someone's going to have to be a
hero and come up with the goods. I'm confident we can do that."
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First Interview: Manuel 'The Jewel' Lanzini
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have finally confirmed the loan signing of Argentine playmaker who
they call Manuel 'The Jewel' Lanzini.The 22-year-old has joined the Hammers
on a season-long deal, with an option to make it permanent, from UAE Arabian
Gulf League club Al-Jazira after passing his medical at Spire Roding
Hospital private hospital yesterday.
Lanzini told the club's official TV channel."This is very emotional because
it is one of the best teams I have ever signed for, It is a very important
step for my career and for my future.signs I am looking forward to what is a
new era for me. I'm very happy and I look forward to meeting my new
teammates. This is a new challenge for me and that can only help in the
future. It will test my ability in one of the best leagues in the world, so
I am looking forward to getting started. I am someone who always gives 100
per cent. I'm an attacking player, I can change the game's tempo and I hope
to give my maximum for the fans to appreciate me."Lanzini becomes West Ham's
eighth signing of the summer after Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Stephen
Hendrie, Dimitri Payet, Martin Samuelsen, Angelo Ogbonna and Carl Jenkinson
also joined the Hammers.
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Gold: Retractable seating to be used in Rugby
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Retractable seating has largely been installed at both sides of the rebuild
Olympic Stadium and will be put to good use in the Rugby World Cup which
starts in September. David Gold confirmed on twitter by saying "The
retractable seating will come out over the running track and should be in
place for the Rugby World Cup games. dg"
His comments follow LLDC CEO David Goldstone who revealed last week that the
retractable seating will first be used next month during the Barbarians
rugby match against Samoa on Saturday 29th August. It is thought only the
side retractable seating will be used in rugby mode as the rugby pitch is
longer than a football pitch.
The Guardian published a photo of the retractable seating within the Olympic
Stadium which can be seen here with enormous wheels to move the structure.
David Gold also re-entered the debate about the colour of the seating at the
Olympic Stadium which remains black and white for the summer events
including the Rugby World club. Last week's stadium newsletter from the
club said "Black and white seating that viewers will see in the stands
during the rugby matches will be transformed after November with a new West
Ham-inspired design incorporating our Club colours."
Gold added on twitter "West Ham Fans will be pleased with the finished seats
at our new stadium. dg" carefully answering one question of 'Will ALL the
seats be black and white?' for which he replied "No. dg"
My understanding is the LLDC will introduce some Claret and Blue seats in
November to replace some of the Black seats to create West Ham inspired
patterns within the Olympic Stadium but I believe it will cost prohibitive
to replace all the black seats in the rebuilt Olympic Stadium particularly
in the upper tier.
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Bookies unconvinced by LVG/Hernandez stance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham remain strong favourites to sign Javier Hernandez as their new
front man before the transfer window closes despite Manchester United's 'not
for sale' notice on the player.
It's not the price of 100/30 which is as significant as the number of clubs
being quoted as being in the race for the Mexican's services. Spurs are
priced at 7/2 and the list includes the likes of Villa, Everton, Sevilla,
Inter Milan, Liverpool, Southampton, Atletico Madrid , Real Madrid and
-going from the sublime to the ridiculous, even Orlando City! Apart from
ourselves and the north Londoners the remainder are priced at anything frm
10/1 to 33/1. That's a bunch of clubs and demonstrates pretty clearly that
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaul's stated position that the striker is
not for sale is not being taken the least bit seriously by the bookies or
most other people. A Hammers source said: "We are monitoring the position.
We don't believe this is over yet – it's a long time until the window
closes!"
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Ogbonna factor hits Miralles talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are pressing ahead with a new £7.5 million bid for Everton's Kevin
Miralles although The Toffees are unlikely to budge from their £10 million
valuation. The Irons are particularly keen on the 27 year old because he can
play wide and through the middle which could help them solve their central
striker problem whilst waiting on developments over Javier Hernandez.
Miralles scored 34 goal in 52 games through the middle for Olympiakos
between 2010-12 and has since managed 21 from 88 playing wide at Everton.
The Toffees though refuse to make it easy for the Hammers as they are still
smarting from us grabbing Angelo Ogbonna despite them making a better offer.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "The Irons want Kevin and have upped their
offer. They will keep trying but Everton still have that Ogbonna
disappointment in their minds and these won't be easy negotiations
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Slav gets his man second time around
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has got his man the second time around in Manuel Lanzini. The
Hammers boss was keen to take him to Besiktas two years ago but said: "Then
it it was very difficult. We were close but now the chance came that we
could get him and of course he's going to help us a lot. He's going to add
even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch. The boss told West
Ham TV: "He's a good player and we are happy that he joined us. At just 20
years of age they gave him the No10 shirt at River Plate, which is a massive
club, of course.
"I am confident and I'm hopeful that he can adapt. We're going to see. He's
not very strong but he rides challenges, he doesn't go down. "So I hope he
could be bingo for us. I am really hopeful and I think I have a feeling that
he's going to help us a lot."
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Hammers looking hard at another midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Esteban Cambiasso could be the next player into West Ham. The Telegraph –
usually quite reliable on things Hammers – reports tonight that the player
has turned down a Leicester City contract and as a free agent appeals to the
Irons. The Telegraph claims we considered signing the former Real Madrid and
Inter Milan star last summer and that he could arrive rather than Alex Song
whose could keep him out of action for four months.. Slaven Bilic may now
well be seeing Cambiasso as a realistic alternative because although he
turns 35 next month, former Argentina international was superb for Leicester
last season and played a major part in their incredible survival in the
Premier League.
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David Gold embroiled in Carroll twitter row
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham chairman David Gold has been forced to defend crocked Hammers
striker Andy Carroll on twitter this evening. Engaging with Hammers fans the
chairman told his followers "Ideally we need another striker, of course we
do have Sakho, Valencia, Carroll and Zarate. dg"
Immediately one West Ham fan called Tony asked Gold "How can you say Carroll
is reliable?"
Gold replied "I never said he was reliable but he is a valuable member of
our strike force and when fit is one of the best"
Another Irons fan Lee waded in the row asking "How is Carroll valuable? He
is never fit"
Gold came back saying "He's not 'never' fit, he has scored some important
goals for us. He could come back from injury and surprise us all."
One last Hammers fan called Shae said "Mate, he's gonna come back then get
injured after 3 games"
Gold got the last word in stating "It's an opinion not a fact. dg"
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Hammers storm in Maltese teacup
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
You really do have to feel sorry for the Hammers after a storm in a Maltese
teacup escalated into national headlines across the island this evening.
The Times of Malta are reporting that West Ham got off on the wrong foot
with local Maltese football fans after the Irons unknowingly offending
Maltese football team Floriana FC on Facebook.
The club uploaded a photo album of their players' arrival at Malta
International Airport. However,it had a a location tag seemingly created by
a group of football fan pranksters eager to have a dig at Birkirkara rivals
Floriana FC and using an untranslated F word.
The expletive in Maltese against Floriana was quickly removed when the
club realised its mistake, but not before it was shared across social
media. ' Screen shots of it are still doing the rounds.
The Maltese Times say most Maltese online commentators saw the funny side of
the status, while pointing out what it really meant, but Floriana vice
president Matt Paris was fuming. "It's shameful," he wrote, "that an English
Premier League club engaged in this sort of attitude. West Ham United shame
on you."
To add more embarrassment the team are actually staying in the town of
Floriana at the luxury Grand Hotel Excelsior.
One Floriana fan saw the funny side posting "I think you owe our brothers
Floriana a player on loan or something We would accept a sponsor. Good Luck'
Like we say – a storm in a Maltese teacup and as for Mr Paris – as we say
dahn "ere: 'Get a life geezer.'
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Report: West Ham would prefer another loan deal for Alex Song
HITC
Billy Hawkins
West Ham would prefer to sign Alex Song on loan again, rather than on a
permanent deal. According to the Evening Standard, West Ham are still
pursuing a deal to sign Alex Song from Barcelona this summer, but they want
him on another loan deal. The Cameroonian international spent last season on
loan at the Boleyn Ground, impressing in a midfield who showed a technical
excellence not associated with Sam Allardyce. His form faltered towards the
end of the campaign though, and it was clear that the Hammers suffered, as
results turned negative and a slide down the table occurred. This resulted
in Allardyce's dismissal, but there have never been any doubts about a
potential Song return to East London, with new head coach Slaven Bilic
wanting to bring him back to the Boleyn Ground for much of the summer.
However, a deal has yet to be struck with Barcelona, and the ongoing sage
looks like it is not closer to being finalised.
An injury suffered by Song has put the move in jeopardy, with an ongoing
ankle issue potentially keeping the midfielder out of action for up to four
months. This injury has caused the Hammers to reevaluate their stance on
signing Song, and now would prefer to take him on another loan deal, rather
than a permanent contract. They want to sign him until the end of the
2015/16 season, so they can guarantee Song's long-term fitness is not
affected, and the 27-year-old returned to Barcelona last week to try and
push through a move. There are no indications as to whether the Catalan
giants are willing to accept the new proposal from West Ham, but they are
keen to get Song off their books this summer.
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Carl Jenkinson finally returns to West Ham training and could feature
against former club Charlton
London 24
09:47 22 July 2015 Brad Pinard
Carl Jenkinson has joined his West Ham team-mates in pre-season training
after his move on loan from Arsenal was confirmed last week. After a busy
summer with the England under-21 squad, Jenkinson was given an extended
holiday by Arsenal and was allowed to miss their trip to Singapore. West Ham
were always desperate to get the former Charlton man back to Upton Park and
despite having to fork out more in wages after Jenkinson signed a new
contract with Arsenal, they got their man. Coach Julian Dicks confirmed on
Twitter than Jenkinson was back in training and he could be set for his
first run out against former club Charlton on Saturday.
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West Ham fans react to Manchester City forward Devante Cole arriving on
trial
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham have taken forward Devante Cole on trial from Manchester City. West
Ham United's pre-season preparations continued on Tuesday evening with a 1-0
defeat away to Colchester United.
Terry Westley took charge of a youthful Hammers side at the Weston Homes
Community Stadium, which contained the likes of Raphael Spiegel, Reece
Oxford and Jordan Brown, but he couldn't guide West Ham to a victory as
former Hammers youth star George Moncur grabbed the winning goal. The most
interesting name on the teamsheet was that of forward Devante Cole, who is
seemingly on trial from Manchester City. The 20-year-old striker, son of
former Manchester United legend Andy Cole, has come up through the ranks at
City but has yet to make his first team debut for the club. After successful
loan spells at Barnsley and MK Dons last season, Cole looks set to leave
City in search of regular first team football on a permanent basis - and
West Ham appear to be ready to take a gamble on the forward having featured
against Colchester. West Ham fans were taken aback by the news that Cole was
starting against Colchester, and reacted on Twitter throughout the night as
they became aware of a potential new signing. Cole is raw but has great
pace, and some fans were keen to see West Ham take a punt on his potential -
whilst others were more bemused by his arrival. Here are some of the
reactions from West Ham fans on Twitter after Cole was revealed as a
trialist against Colchester...
West Ham Exclusive @WHUExclusive
Devante Cole is pure pace I would love him
10:07 PM - 21 Jul 2015
Joe Johnson?? @joe200953
Devante Cole is quality! We need to sign him up
Dan Springate @DCSpringate
Devante Cole is playing for our Development Squad?? Very decent, young
player. Imagine if he turned out like his dad!!
Joe @HulbertJoe
Devante Cole starting for West Ham- not a big fan of him myself but Bilic
must see something. Follow @TheIronsCircle for updates on him.
7:41 PM - 21 Jul 2015
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Mavila talks about Bilic's extra efforts with West Ham youngsters
HITC
Lewis Doe
West Ham United youngster Nathan Mavila has revealed the extra efforts
Slaven Bilic has been making with the club's younger players. West Ham
United youngster Nathan Mavila told the club's official website about the
extra measures Slaven Bilic has been making as manager of the club. Mavila
has been a feature of the first team squad through pre-season and he's been
impressed by the personal touch Bilic has brought to his role as boss, which
the youngster has stressed has been key in making everyone feel comfortable.
I think the new manager has been excellent so far. He's knows everyone's
names already, the youngsters, everyone. I think that is very important," he
told whufc.com. "He always takes the time to talk to everyone individually
about how to improve their game. A few of his staff came to watch the game
yesterday, so it's very good."
A clever touch by Bilic
Bilic deserves credit for a very clever touch which makes his life a little
bit easier heading into a very important year for the club. Some managers
will take the next generation of youngsters in a squad for granted, but
Bilic is trying to show the club's youngsters they are valued. It's a clever
tactic because of the importance for players in terms of feeling
comfortable. Anyone in any job will be more productive in a situation where
they are free from pressure of any kind. It's also a clever tactic by Bilic
because he's developing a relationship and a loyalty between himself and the
players. If the players see their manager going that extra mile to get to
know players and take care of them, they will put in the extra mile in that
next game or a situation where the legs are starting to go due to fatigue.
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West Ham sign dazzling Argentine midfield star Manuel Lanzini dubbed 'The
Jewel'
HITC
Damien Lucas
Things just got even more exciting for West Ham United fans after a loan
deal for Argentine wonderkid Manuel Lanzini was confirmed by his parent
club. The 22-year-old was another in a long line of skilful Argentinians who
were likened to Lionel Messi when he broke through at River Plate as a
17-year-old. The Hammers have been linked with a move for the tricky ace,
who has a very similar style to Manchester United's Angel Di Maria, for over
a month. Somewhat bizarrely Lanzini, who holds an Italian passport, played
in the footballing backwater that is the UAE Arabian Gulf League for Al
Jazira last season. And he will have to be ready for a huge jump in quality
after the move was officially confirmed by his parent club on social
networking website Twitter on Tuesday night. A spokesman said: "Al Jazira
agrees to transfer the player (to the) English Premier League and (to) play
for West Ham for a loan year."
West Ham are yet to confirm the signing their end but it is a deal aimed at
unearthing a potential star with the club said to have the option to make it
a permanent move should he impress in east London. Lanzini is an Argentina
Under 20 international who has a famously exciting obligatory YouTube clip
of his silky skills, although his finishing leaves a lot to be desired.
Come in number seven
The Hammers have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the summer
transfer market spending nearly £25 million so far. Co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold have been true to their word by investing significant funds
to strengthen new boss Slaven Bilic's squad. So far the East Londoners have
brought in goalkeeper Darren Randolph on a free transfer, midfielders Pedro
Obiang and Dimitri Payet for a combined total of around £15 million,
defender Angelo Ogbonna for around £8 million and Carl Jenkinson in on loan
again from Arsenal for a fee believed to be £2 million. The Irons had
already signed left back Stephen Hendrie from Scottish side Hamilton back in
January and he officially became a West Ham player on July 1st. But there
has been the promise of more to come with Sullivan's son Jack confirming on
Twitter ahead of Jenkinson's capture that the club will be trying to sign
'another three or four players'. Lanzini is the seventh signing with the
club now likely to turn their attentions to securing a striker.
South American gamble is low risk
The Hammers have always dipped their toe in the South American market under
Sullivan and Gold. From relative successes in Mexican Guillermo Franco and
Brazilian Ilan to players who failed to win a place in the side like
Brazilians Wellington Paulista and more recently Nene last season. But the
Upton Park faithful will be hoping Lanzini is more Tevez than Wellington and
will be safe in the knowledge that if he can't cut it in the English top
flight he will return to Al Jazira at the end of the season. If it goes
well they can seal the deal and everyone is a winner.
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