Daily WHUFC News - 18th August 2015

Lanzini hails Boleyn Ground atmosphere
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini has praised the Claret and Blue Army for creating a welcoming
atmosphere on his Barclays Premier League debut against Leicester City.
While West Ham United ultimately lost the match 2-1, substitute Lanzini
relished the opportunity to perform in front of a raucous, sold-out Boleyn
Ground. The Argentinian forward is well-used to loud crowds from his time
with first club River Plate of Buenos Aires, and admitted he was happy to be
back in such surroundings after a year with UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al
Jazira. "I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the stadium, because I have
come from a place where there were not a lot of fans at the matches," said
the 22-year-old. "Coming back to a feeling like I had back home in
Argentina, I loved it!"

Roared on by a capacity crowd, West Ham came close to overturning a two-goal
deficit, but ultimately fell to a disappointing home defeat by the in-form
Foxes. Lanzini himself was involved heavily in the closing stages, combining
with his new teammates in an unsuccessful attempt to break through the
massed ranks of the Leicester defence. "I had some mixed emotions," he
admitted. "To sum it up, it was quite a strange match and we have a few
things to work on and correct to ensure it won't happen again. "It was a
difficult game because we were dominating and playing well and somehow we
found ourselves 2-0 down and then we had to push more men forward and try to
score a goal and come back. "Leicester didn't let us back in it. They sat
back and defended really well and that's maybe we were not able to create so
many clear-cut chances, but we tried our best."

While Saturday's result was a blow to Lanzini and everyone connected with
the Club, he insists that Slaven Bilic's possession-based style of football
will pay dividends more often than not.
Next up for West Ham is another home match, with newly-promoted AFC
Bournemouth coming to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. The No28 says the
Hammers will be ready for the Cherries. "Obviously my style of football is
that I like to receive the ball to feet, not in the air, so I like our
style!" said the 5'7 attacker. "I think we played a good style of football
on Saturday, but it was an unusual game and we have some stuff to correct
for the future."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic vowed that his West Ham United side will learn from their
mistakes from the Leicester defeat when the host AFC Bournemouth this
Saturday. Despite an improved second half performance, Bilic explained that
he was not happy with the Hammers' first half performance. "We weren't good
enough at winning second balls and dealing with long balls. Leicester were
getting all of them, there are plenty of those situations in a football
game, and if you lose the majority of them then it is impossible to win. "I
wasn't angry at half-time. You have to be reasonable, I can't be angry if
they scored a good goal, and their second was a good goal. But I can't
accept that too many times, we weren't doing the basics, and that makes it
much harder. If you don't win the first ball, you have to run, 20, 40 metres
back to recover and that is a waste of energy."

While the manager may have been disappointed with his first home game, he
said he remained confident that his squad could bounce back at the earliest
opportunity, another home game against Premier League new boys AFC
Bournemouth. "We are not going to panic, we knew what we had before the
game. For West Ham it is not that uncommon to beat Arsenal and then lose the
next match. After a great start we knew that it was going to be a difficult
and tough game, every game is a tough one. "In football, you have many
results like Saturday's where, somehow, clubs find it easier to play away
games. They are not under the same pressure to win or to play well. On the
other hand you have to use your home crowd to make it easier for you.
"Football is all about confidence; naturally you will have more confidence
when you're 2-0 up then 2-0 down. Sometimes we have to take more
responsibility with the ball."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley: "I'm staggered we lost"
WHUFC.com

Academy Manager Terry Westley spoke of his disbelief at the Development
Squad's 2-1 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion. In a match where the
Hammers were on top for large swathes of the game, it was the Baggies who
came away with the points. Reflecting on a host of missed chances, Westley
said: "I'm just staggered we lost the game. I'm really disappointed to not
have won the game, but to lose it in the last minute, I can't quite believe
it. "Up until the very last kick we had chances to score, so we shouldn't
have even come away with a 1-0 win, it should have been more."

Having started brightly, early chances fell to Elliot Lee and Manuel Lanzini
yet it was the hosts who took the lead as Adil Nadi's free-kick on the edge
of the box beat Tim Brown. After the break the Hammers regrouped through
Lee's close range header however, against the run of play, substitute Kyle
Howkins popped up in the six-yard box to role the ball home in the 89th
minute. Westley continued: "We need to be more clinical, that's the
learning curve. If you concede two you have to score at least three away
from home. We had enough chances to do that but realistically that doesn't
happen, particularly at the level where we want our players to be a t.
"Having said that, the performance today was the best I've seen in my
fourteen months at the Club. I thought we were absolutely terrific. "We've
been challenging the players to keep possession better, and to shift it
around the pitch, but with purpose and intent. I thought we did that today."


While Westley, along with a number of his players were mystified at the
result, he remained positive that the Hammers were heading in the right
direction. "You only had to see the reaction from their staff after the
game, the way their manager demonstrated how disappointed he was in their
performance. That shows how on top we really were. "If we play like that
every week then yes, we'll come out on top eventually. We will continue to
work together, there was so many terrific performances."

The Academy Manager reserved a special mention for Leo Chambers, who
returned to competitive action after more than 18 months out through injury.
"If I look at Leo Chambers, he hasn't played for nearly two years, that was
his first game back and you wouldn't have known it by watching him today.
For him to have come through that is a real plus for the boy. "Samuelsen was
dangerous whenever he had the ball, the attacking three looked dangerous
while the first teamers, Diego, Lanzini and Stephen Hendrie looked very good
and were always an outlet. "Finally, Elliot got his goal, that's what El is
all about, he's a goalscorer and always a threat in and around the box. When
the ball drops in the eighteen-yard box that's when he comes alive and he
showed it again today."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang - We're heading in the right direction
WHUFC.com

Pedro Obiang is firmly of the opinion that West Ham United are headed in the
right direction, after the Spaniard made his Barclays Premier League bow on
Saturday. The former Sampdoria midfielder joined the fray for the second
half against Leicester City and though he could not quite mastermind a
Hammers revival, he showed plenty to suggest he has a bright future in
Claret and Blue. Obiang, whose pre-season preparations were hampered by a
hamstring injury, was naturally disappointed to be part of a losing cause on
debut, but found plenty a positive to soften the blow. "I really
enjoyed it," he told West Ham TV. "It obviously didn't turn out the way I
expected, but it was a good opportunity to show the fans what I'm capable of
and show the manager that he can count on me in difficult moments.
"I still think it was a good match, but we lacked that little bit of
ferocity that we had against Arsenal. "There's good and bad, it's mixed
emotions. It's positive, because I was able to play and show my qualities as
a player, and the downside, obviously, is that we didn't win. "I've got a
good feeling about the team and certainly, little by little, we're heading
in the right direction."

Saturday's 2-1 reverse was Obiang's first outing since a 3-3 draw at
Peterborough United back in early July and yet the 23-year-old insists he is
now fighting fit. He certainly enjoyed himself in front of a raucous full
house at the Boleyn Ground and hopes the Hammers fans are going to take to
him this season. "I've been OK since the injury, a few slight twinges, but
that's normal," he continued. "There's a lot of attention on you when you're
on the pitch, you feel the pressure, but it was all good. I needed to get
back out there to pick up the pace, and now I can finally relax a little
more. "I really hope the fans are happy with me, and I intend to give them
my best, alongside my teammates, in every game, because they are the heart
of this Club, and with patience and a little calm we will achieve a lot."

With his competitive debut now out of the way, Obiang's attention turns to
the visit of Bournemouth next Saturday, an opportunity, he says, to right
the wrongs of Saturday's disappointing home defeat. "As they say in
football, the beautiful thing is that every week you can improve on what
you've done in the last match. "So we will prepare ourselves keeping in
mind the small mistakes that we made during this match. Being at home again
will make things a lot easier for us."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two clubs submitted bids for Charlie Austin, confirms Rangers' DOF
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2015
By: Staff Writer

Queens Park Rangers Director of Football Les Ferdinand has admitted that QPR
have received two firm bids for Charlie Austin.

Former striker Ferdinand, who spent four months at West Ham back in 2003
told BBC Sport that the Championship club had received two offers for the
26-year-old forward - although neither bid was sufficient to interest
Rangers.

"There's been lots of rumours in the papers, but we've only had two firm
bids," confirmed Ferdinand.

"I wouldn't say they've been turned down as we've spoken to the clubs, but
they've not met the valuation the club have placed on Charlie. For that
reason Charlie's still a Queens Park Rangers player."

Ferdinand also confirmed that QPR were looking for a fee in the region of
£15million for Austin, who scored 18 times for Rangers last season despite
their relegation from the Premier League.

"Being realistic, when you look at what Benteke and people like that have
gone for - and that Blackburn have turned down a £13m bid for Jordan Rhodes
in the Championship - I don't think we're pricing him out of the market," he
added.

"I just think it's a true valuation of the player."

Despite neither interested party being willing to meet QPR's £15m valuation
of Austin thus far, Ferdinand still expects there to be yet more twists and
turns before the transfer window closes.

"You see a lot of transfers done in the last week of the season," he said.
"I hope it doesn't happen but I'm gearing myself up for that. It's not a
foregone conclusion that he will go, but the rumours won't stop until the
transfer window closes."

West Ham have kept a close eye on Austin's situation since the end of last
season but are currently unwilling to meet QPR's valuation, as a result of
the player's history with injuries.

For David Sullivan and his team, investing such a large sum on a player with
long-standing injury concerns is a risk they are unwilling to take at
present, having already had their fingers burnt by the purchase of Andy
Carroll who has made just 27 starts in his three years at the Boleyn Ground.

But with the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, and with West Ham still
unable to attract the additional striker they so desperately need, that
stance could yet soften.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Randolph conceded EIGHT last time he played Bournemouth
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's United's reserve goalkeeper Darren Randolph will be hoping to do
rather better than the last occasion on which he faced Bournemouth, should
he be selected to play against the Cherries this weekend. The 28-year-old
goalkeeper, who moved from Birmingham in the summer as a replacement for the
outgoing Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to start in goal against Eddie Howe's
newly-promoted side in place of Adrian, who was sent off by substandard
referee Anthony Taylor during the 2-1 home defeat against Leicester. However
Randolph - who has failed to impress since arriving at the Boleyn Ground -
will be hoping for a much easier afternoon that the last occasion on which
he faced Bournemouth, when he found himself picking the ball out of the net
no less than EIGHT times. Back in October 2014, Randolph's Birmingham side
were thrashed 8-0 at home by Howe's team. Having lost David Edgar to a red
card after just seven minutes, City found themselves 3-0 down at the break
courtesy of goals from Brett Pitman, Callum Wilson and Matt Richie. However
it was to get much worse after the break when five goals in the space of 23
minutes - a Mark Pugh hat-trick and a brace from Tokelo Rantie - condemned
Birmingham to their heaviest home defeat in their 139-year history.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to appeal red card given to Adrian in loss to Leicester
Last Updated: 17/08/15 4:28pm
SSN

West Ham will appeal the red card given to goalkeeper Adrian in Saturday's
2-1 home defeat to Leicester. The 28-year-old was sent off by referee
Anthony Taylor in stoppage time at Upton Park for a high boot into the chest
of Jamie Vardy, having come up for a corner with the Hammers chasing a late
equaliser. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic confirmed on Saturday night that
he would consult with club officials before deciding whether to appeal the
decision. Having seemingly done so, West Ham will now lodge a bid to see a
potential three match ban for Adrian overturned. If they are unsuccessful
with their appeal, the Spaniard will miss the upcoming matches with
Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle, with second-choice goalkeeper Darren
Randolph likely to deputise in his absence.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OVERRULED! - IT IS TIME FOR VIDEO REFS
By HamburgHammer 17 Aug 2015 at 17:00
WTID

If this sounds familiar to you it is because we've been discussing this last
year already. Yet again – and very early in the season too – West Ham have
suffered from a shocking refereeing display and I am not even talking about
the inept efforts at the Europa League qualifying stage.

Anthony Taylor for sure was not in the mood to give anything for the home
team on Saturday, his decision near the end of the first half NOT to award a
penalty to West Ham and send Leicester's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel off
for holding out his arm in the box to clearly stop Sakho from following up
the ball massively changed the odds for West Ham to turn the first half
deficit into a draw or even a home win in the second half.

I hate to blame referees for all and sundry as obviously West Ham didn't
play well in the first half and maybe overall deserved to lose the game.

But it's become a quite regular occurrance that refs (at least in the
Premier League) get one or two big decisions wrong every weekend. I am
talking about big decisions here: penalty or no penalty, sending off or just
a yellow card, goal scored from an offside position, stuff like that which
can really affect final scorelines.

And it's not German pedantry or nitpicking on my part either. Those big
decision can lose a team vital points that ultimately have a much bigger
impact: League position, progressing in a cup competition, relegation,
qualifying for the Europa or Champions League. Jobs are on the line here and
I'm not just talking about the players or managers, it can and does affect
clubs in a big way.

The answer is very simple in my view – take a book out of how they deal with
these things in US sports for instance. I do follow all American sports with
interest, baseball, American Football, Ice Hockey. They all have ways and
means to overrule a controversial decision on the pitch. You might say that
those sports are very stop start anyway, so a further delay doesn't really
matter so much as it would in football. And I know that football as the
globally most loved sport tends to hang on to its rules and traditions a bit
longer than might be healthy in some cases. But remember: Rome wasn't built
in a day. It wasn't too long ago that no substitute players were allowed in
football.

There was a time when there were no players' names on the back of the shirt.
Back in the day the goalkeeper could still pick up every backpass without
being penalised. There's goalline technology now and referees are armed with
vanishing spray to mark the position of the wall for a freekick.

In all of these cases there were frowns and doubts from diehard oldschool
fans initially, but I reckon most football fans are glad that now those
changes have been made. In terms of the substitutes on the bench it is a
necessity of course, in my view it's the same with handing over certain
decisions to a video referee. In baseball and football these are initiated
by a manager's or coaches challenge, in the dugout they have their own TV
people who within seconds indicate to the manager if the incident is worth
challenging. There's then two ways of going about this: In American Football
the umpire crew on the field checks out the replays on the sidelines,
looking at as many replays as they need (but usually this is done within 60
seconds), they can then uphold or overrule their initial call on the field.

In baseball this decision is being handled by an operations center in
Manhattan where every single game is being monitored on several screens and
from several angles. It is them who view the replays and then relay their
decision back to the umpire crew in the respective ballpark. In this case
the video referee does have the final decision. Again those instant replay
decisions usually don't last longer than 60 seconds. In Ice Hockey the
referees themselves decide to ask for clarification from the instant replay
headquarters in Toronto if they are unsure if a goal should stand or not.

I feel it is time to introduce similare measures in football (at least at
the Premier League level). As a fan you want the referee to get the big
decisions right and with the speed of the game these days and so much
hinging on the referee's whistle it is natural for referees to be a bit
overchallenged at times (pun fully intended). It is not about mocking
referees in general or questioning their efforts.
It is about giving them some much needed assistance in order for them to get
the big decisions right and maybe even gain more respect from the fans in
the process.

Give each manager one challenge per half. if it is just one this makes sure
that the managers use it when it's needed for a big call rather than use it
in a sinister way to halt the flow of the game or stop the opposition's
momentum.

The time it usually takes for the players to moan and argue with the referee
(and for the TV station to show replays of the incident from three different
angles) can be used in a much better way for a video referee to have a look
and then give his decision on the big screen (like in rugby league). Rather
than just delaying proceedings on the pitch I feel this would even add to
the suspense and drama of it all. Plus you get more decisions right
obviously. Which to me is the main point.

Do manager's cahllenges and the introduction of video referees in football
remove controversy and heated discussions in the pubs afterwards from the
equation ?

Of course not. There will still be plenty of incidents to talk about. But
you won't have to talk about referees getting it so wrong in such a shocking
way quite so often anymore. Which can only be a good thing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham appeal Adrian's red card for studs-up, waist-high challenge against
Leicester
0 COMMENTS22:30, 17 AUGUST 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
Keeper had gone up for a corner with his Hammers trailing late on and was
trying to hook the ball back into the box when he clattered Jamie Vardy
The Mirror

West Ham have appealed goalkeeper Adrian's dismissal against Leicester at
Upton Park on Saturday. The Hammers' Spanish shot-stopper is facing a ban
after being sent off late on against the Foxes. Adrian was shown a straight
red card for a high challenge on the visitors' striker, Jamie Vardy. He
caught Vardy in the stomach with his boot in the process of trying to hook
the ball back into the box and West Ham believe the contact was
unintentional. West Ham are expected to find out on Tuesday if their appeal
has been successful. Right-back Carl Jenkinson was forced to play in goal
after Adrian went off as the Hammers had made all three substitutions. "I
thought the red card was a bit harsh. It was a high foot, but I am sure it
was accidental," said Arsenal loanee Jenkinson. "I ended up in goal but
fortunately I didn't have too much to do."

In pictures — West Ham 1-2 Leicester:

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic said after the game that he was sure Adrian did
not mean to catch Vardy, but admitted it "could have been seen as a red
card" owing to the height of the challenge. Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez
netted goals for Leicester, meaning Dimitri Payet's fine strike for the home
side counted for nothing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons look at Bees striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are reported this morning as considering a move for Brentford
striker Andre Gray. Slaven Bilic is stepping up the front man hunt and
according to The Mirror "Gray is among the names" on a growing Hammers list.
The report claims that Brentford had rejected three bids for the £7 million
rated striker and claims that Derby County and Bristol City are also keen.
The 24 year old has two years remaining on his contract at Griffin Park but
the club are ready to offer a new deal to tie down his future. The former
Shrewsbury youngster was again on the score sheet in the weekend game
against Bristol City in a 4-2 win at Ashton Gate. Boss Marinus Dijkhuizen
said: Gray showed what an asset he is to us and I am desperate to keep him.
But sometimes money talks and it is not in my hands. "If anything he has
added to his value with this performance. I have two very good strikers and
would love to keep them together."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav knows vultures are circling!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
ClaretandHugh's Steve Knightley gives his impressions on the recent Fans'
Forum

Those lucky enough to attend the Fans Forum last week got to hear Slaven's
targets for this season. To make a long story short: There is no points
target and there is no overall position target. The objective is clear. Play
every game at 100 per cent and all will fall in place, including how we
approach the FA Cup and the League Cup. Smart words from the new boss.
We have seen before how missing your target by even a single point can
determine your season a failure, and as we all know, this season in
particular the critics and the Big Sam faithful are waiting for any excuse
to chip in and spread the 'I told you so' vibes.
Everything would indicate that Slav fully understands the challenges ahead
and is also entirely aware the vultures are lurking already. He's entirely
at ease with the fans (as our picture shows) and a straight talker. He also
understands that nobody needs the added pressure of another target to meet.
Let's also remember how we were relegated with what was considered a 'safe'
points total. It really is just added pressure. Time will tell if this
approach is the right one Personally, I think it's spot on but I also
believe he has a secret and personal target of a strong top ten. You don't
have two strong personalities like Bilic and Dicks leading your team and
hope to finish with a 'yeah whatever' points total!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammers backroom team tough it out
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Sam Allardyce's former backroom have now each played three games in charge
managing their new teams with only Ian Hendon's Leyton Orient getting off to
a flying start. Sam's former second in charge, Neil McDonald joined
Blackpool in league 1. Blackpool fans have already called for him to be
sacked even before the season started. Blackpool's pre-season friendly with
Lancaster City in July was abandoned following a protest by the League One
club's fans. Tangerines boss Neil McDonald was forced to lead his side off
the pitch in his first match in charge while they were winning 3-1 after a
pitch invasion by about two dozen of the club's disgruntled supporters.

McDonald has achieved just one point in League one after a first day draw
2-2 against Colchester, they were then dumped out of the first round of the
League cup by Northampton 3-0 last Tuesday before losing again last Saturday
2-0 to Rochdale during his first home game in charge. That leaves Blackpool
in 20th place in the table. Former Hammer Teddy Sherrinham's Stevenage is
faring no better after three games with just one point to show for it. He
lost to Notts County 2-0 for his league opener at home then went on to lose
2-1 to Ipswich last Tuesday in the first round of the league cup. Away from
home he has managed a 2-2 draw against Newport last Saturday to earn his
team a solidarity point. Stevenage sit in 19th spot in League two after two
games.

Meanwhile, Former Hammers First Team coach Ian Hendon has guided Leyton
Orient to a 100% record in the League so far. Hendo's team beat Barnet 2-0
on the opening day of the season at home before going on to lose 2-1 to MK
Dons in the League Cup first round last Tuesday. They bounced back last
Saturday beating Dagenham and Redbridge 3-1 away from home to gain maximum
point and means they are second in League one, one goal difference behind
leaders Wycombe.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Slav could have been slaughtered"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham believe Pedro Obiang is set to make a huge impact on the Hammers
season after an all-action debut against Leicester. And one key insider told
ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Had he been on from the start of the game we may
have seen a different result. "After he replaced Reece Oxford at the start
of the second half it started to happen for the Hammers and that looks the
way forward. "The manager had a very difficult decision to make because
Reece had enjoyed a brilliant debut at Arsenal and had to be given his
chance. He could have been slaughtered otherwise. "But this was a very
different sort of game and was far more suited to Pedro's game so despite
the defeat the future is looking very good and we appear to have a powerful
and versatile squad."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song Update
Posted by whufc_news@hotmail.com on August 17, 2015 in News, Transfer
Rumours

There has been speculation linking Everton with a move for Barcelona
midfielder Alex Song, with a £5m fee being touted. However the 27 year-old
wishes to remain in London and the Hammers have agreed terms with the
Spanish giants, to sign the player for free. The only remaining issue (for
some time) appears to be agreeing personal terms with Song, but a reliable
source on West Ham fan site KUMB (username: jinxed), the player has now
signed a contract with the club, and an announcement will be made in due
course.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have Irons walked into a Gooners Jenks trap?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
By Steve Knightley
C and H

Have we walked in to a Jenkinson trap?

It's been known for a player to extend their loan at a football club.
Usually by a month or so.

What isn't particularly common is for a player to be on loan for a year,
sign a new deal with their parent club, and then return on loan to the club
at which they spent the previous year.

Speaking of his loan spell at West Ham, Carl told the Fans Forum, "I decided
at the end of last year that I wanted to come here. Obviously Arsenal are a
club I'm contracted to, they hold all the aces really, if those choose to
sell me or want me on loan it's completely out of my hands".

"But the one thing I told my agent is that I wanted to come back to West
Ham. I loved every minute last year, I played a lot of football and I really
enjoy my football here. I really wanted to come back and that was clear from
the offset".

Interesting then, after those words, that before Carl came back he signed
another five year deal with Arsenal..

Now let me make this point quite clear. I absolutely 100% believe Carl, I
really do. I was sat four ft from him and not only was he completely genuine
with his response but he also replied with a smile on his face and sat proud
in his freshly pressed training kit. My suspicions for any trap-setting lay
in the North side of London.

To me it makes no sense to have a player on loan at a club to 'enhance their
development' and yet consider that player developed enough to offer him a
FIVE YEAR deal. Five years is certainly one of the longer contract periods.
Not the longest, but it's up there.

My personal view is that Arsenal have seen us coming here and forced both
arms up our back. There is no doubt that Carl is a key player for us.

Bilic is rebuilding this team and Carl is at the foundation. Sure, Carl was
not for sale over the summer, but give another sterling performance with us
this season and a five year contract effectively locking Carl in to Arsenal,
I bet a pretty hefty price tag will be attached to him.

The question is, what do we do? Take the bait and wear the pen out writing
zeros and commas on the cheque to Arsenal, or start looking for a
replacement after Christmas?

Only time will tell I suppose. Place your bets!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Rob Green Update
Posted by whufc_news@hotmail.com on August 17, 2015 in News, Transfer
Rumours

QPR goalkeeper Robert Green has told his friends and fellow teammates that
he expects to return to West Ham before the close of the transfer window,
according to the London Evening Standard.
A report in the Daily Mail last week suggested the Hammers have made a move
to re-sign the former fan favourite, who has his heart set on a move back to
Upton Park. And it is now believed that the West Londoners are preparing for
his departure, by making offers for Southend's Daniel Bentley and
Huddersfield's Alex Smithies.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: West Ham in negotiations to sign Anthony Vanden Borre
HITC
Billy Hawkins

West Ham are in talks to bring Anthony Vanden Borre back to the Premier
League. Vanden Borre is known in England for the spell he spent with
Portsmouth in 2010, and a report in Belgian media outlet Sport claims that
he is in negotiations with West Ham concerning a move to East London.
Currently playing for Anderlecht, his future at the Belgian club looks to be
over, and manager Herman Van Holsbeeck is attempting to sell him before the
transfer window closes. Clubs from Turkey, France and England are stated as
having shown an interest in the right-back, but West Ham are named in the
report as actually being in negotiations with the 27-year-old. A Belgian
international, with 29 caps to his name, Vanden Borre is a well travelled
defender with a wealth of experience. He was a consistent first-team player
for Anderlecht as a 17-year-old, and has also played for clubs in Italy, as
well as the spell he spent with Portsmouth.
He made 25 appearances for the South Coast club in the Premier League,
sitting on the bench as they reached the 2010 FA Cup Final. With Anderlecht
looking to sell Vanden Borre, it is likely he will be available for a cut
price fee, and he has a wealth of experience making him a suitable option
for the Hammers. SEE ALSO: Report: West Ham target prolific Championship
striker, as Bilic eyes attacking reinforcements Able to play in the centre
of defence, as well as in midfield, his strongest position is at right-back,
and Vanden Borre will provide cover and competition for Carl Jenkinson and
the entire back-line - with injuries hitting Slaven Bilic's men hard already
this season. He could also prove an able deputy for the troublesome
defensive midfield position, and will negate the need to sign another
midfielder before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offered Ayew £90K per week
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Hammers Chairman's son Jack Sullivan has admitted that West Ham offered
Andre Ayew £90,000 per week to become a Hammer before Swansea came in with a
massive offer of £120,000 per week to gazump them. Jack was told by one West
Ham fan 'look at Ayew, the board just let him go, why? Questions need to be
asked' Young Sullivan replied on wtitter '"We offered 90k a week! Swansea
offered 120k" The former Olympique de Marseille man was a free agent when
his contract came to and end so could name his price as West Ham, Crystal
Palace and Swansea all chased his signature. Swansea signed him on a four
year deal which will reportedly cost them £25m in wages plus handsome fees
for several agents running into six figures. Ayew has scored two goals in
two games for Swansea but was it worth breaking the bank at £120,000 per
week to make him West Ham's highest earner? Jack Sullivan added via Social
media "We are not done in the transfer window! We are hoping to sign a
striker and a midfielder."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic explains why he won't always lay into West Ham stars
HITC
Lewis Doe

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic feels it's a fine balance knowing when
to rip into his players. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has explained
on the club's official website that he feels he has to be reasonable over
when he lays into his players. The Hammers found themselves 2-0 down,
eventually suffering a 2-1 defeat against Leicester over the weekend as the
side failed to back up their superb display against Arsenal on the opening
day of the season. However, Bilic has suggested that sometimes managers have
to resist the urge to rip into their players, because of the way the
opposition may have earned their right to be in front. "I wasn't angry at
half-time. You have to be reasonable, I can't be angry if they scored a good
goal, and their second was a good goal," he told whufc.com. "But I can't
accept that too many times, we weren't doing the basics, and that makes it
much harder. If you don't win the first ball, you have to run, 20, 40 metres
back to recover and that is a waste of energy."

Learn a lesson and sharpen up

It's important for West Ham to view the Leicester game, learn what needs to
be better and carry that forward as they look to forget about the defeat.
It's clear that the Hammers have talent and the ability to win big games,
but they need to show it consistently, avoiding complacency each time they
play well against one of the best teams in the division. That consistency
will allow the side to climb the table, eventually consolidating in an
impressive position before the move to the Olympic Stadium.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LAZIO TO BID FOR WEST HAM STRIKER TARGET
By Joe Hulbert

It is believed by the Gazzetta dello sport that one of West Ham's major
targets, Alexandre Pato, is being targeted by Italian giants Lazio. The
former AC Milan star has previously been linked with a move to Upton Park
but West Ham will face tough competition according to new reports.

The Brazilian was one of a dozen players being considered as Slaven Bilic
looks to replace Enner Valencia, who picked up a knock. He was no doubt one
of the better options on their shortlist, so the Croatian manager could be
concerned as Lazio have made 'tentative contact'. The report continues to
suggest that the Brazilian has been a long-term target and he is being
considered alongside Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli as a future signing.

Pato was clinical upon his return to the Brazilian League, bagging 26 goals
in 75 games for two different clubs. He was however released by Corinthians
and would be available on a free transfer. There is no estimation of what
kind of salary Lazio or West Ham would need to give him, but it is likely to
be high due to his European pedigree.

This is a transfer saga that could heat up for the Irons, as it is very
clear that Lazio have now declared their interest in Pato.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR striker Charlie Austin ready to join West Ham as Bilic calls for
reinforcements
SIMON JOHNSON Monday 17 August 2015 12:53 BST0 comments
Evening Standard

West Ham have joined the race to sign QPR striker Charlie Austin. Austin is
aware of West Ham's interest and is prepared to join them. There has been no
official bid from the Hammers for the striker, who scored his first goal of
the season in QPR's 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Saturday. There is still an
issue regarding the fee, with QPR refusing to lower their £15million asking
price. Slaven Bilic is keen to strengthen his front-line, especially with
Enner Valencia facing three months out with a knee and ankle injury, and has
already looked at signing Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor. Austin is only
interested in a move to a club within the capital. He was hoping to join
Chelsea but Loic Remy has committed his future to Stamford Bridge, leaving
manager Jose Mourinho with sufficient attacking options. Tottenham also have
Austin on their wish-list but only if they fail to sign Saido Berahino or
Javier Hernandez. It is believed Everton, Newcastle, West Brom, Bournemouth
and Aston Villa are also tracking Austin but he is not interested in a move
to any of those sides. Austin has only one year left on his current
contract. QPR will offer him a new deal if he doesn't secure a transfer
during this window. The situation has become further complicated, though, by
QPR midfielder Leroy Fer's failed move to Sunderland. With Fer's loan move
to the Stadium of Light collapsing, there was more pressure on QPR to get
some other high earners, such as goalkeeper Robert Green, off the payroll.
Green is on around £40,000 a week and likely to move on in the transfer
window, having turned down a move to Chelsea earlier this year because he
didn't want to sit on the bench.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to appeal Adrian red card
KEN DYER Monday 17 August 2015 12:57 BST0 comments
Evening STandard
West Ham are expected to appeal Adrian's red card against Leicester. The
goalkeeper was sent off late in the game following a challenge on striker
Jamie Vardy. Slaven Bilic afterwards insisted that any offence was
unintentional and the club, after reviewing the footage, now look likely to
appeal referee Anthony Taylor's decision. Speaking after their defeat on
Sunday, Bilic admitted it 'could have been seen as a red card' before
bemoaning the referee's decision to not award his side a penalty. "We lost
the game in the first half, we were better in the second," Bilic told
reporters. "The first-half performance was not down to Reece Oxford - there
were a few candidates I could have taken off. "I remember the penalty
incident and for me he could give a penalty. I saw it again and for me it is
(a penalty). "Maybe it was hard for the referee to see, but Schmeichel
didn't get the ball and then spread his arms - it could have changed the
game. That was the moment you need something."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green set to seal West Ham return
goal.com
17 Aug 2015 12:45:00
By Greg Stobart

QPR goalkeeper Rob Green is set to rejoin West Ham on a free transfer, Goal
understands. The 35-year-old spent six seasons at Upton Park, being named
their player of the year in 2007-08, but left for their London rivals in
2012 after failing to agree terms over a new contract. Green was Harry
Redknapp and Chris Ramsey's first-choice goalkeeper as QPR were relegated
from the Premier League last season and has featured in all three of the Rs'
matches so far this season. The 12-time England international will become
Slaven Bilic's second keeper signing since taking over earlier in the
summer, following Darren Randolph's arrival on a free following the expiry
of his Birmingham City contract. Green will compete with Adrian and Darren
Randolph, who started in three of West Ham's Europa League games this
season, for a starting berth.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton to battle West Ham to sign Barcelona bruising midfielder
London 24
08:35 17 August 2015 Brad Pinard

Everton have joined West Ham in the battle to sign Alex Song this summer,
according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. The midfielder is back at Barcelona
after a loan spell with West Ham last season but has picked up a knee
injury, and his return date is unknown. The Hammers are still keen on Song
though, but have changed their approach to a loan deal with a buy-out clause
inserted, rather than the original £3.6million offer. Everton however are
happy to fork out the fee up front and so Barcelona could see that as a more
attractive offer. Song is expected to favour a return to Upton Park, with
West Ham openly admitting their desire to bring him back to London. The
likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs have been linked to Song this summer
but it looks to be between Everton and West Ham, depending on his injury.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic defends players and says West Ham fans are used to losing after
beating a top side
HITC
Damien Lucas

Slaven Bilic has defended his players after their defeat to Leicester City
and says West Ham United fans are used to losing after beating the top
teams. The Hammers opened the new Premier League season with a bang when
they convincingly beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last week. The shock
result had many pundits and fans tipping the east Londoners for big things
this season with Bilic's new emphasis on attacking football. But in the
first half against the Foxes West Ham were way below par on that Gunners
display and were punished accordingly, trailing 2-0 at the break. The
performance improved drastically in the second half and Bilic's side pulled
one back through star man Dimitri Payet. The damage had already been done,
though, and the Hammers were brought crashing back down to earth after the
euphoria of the Arsenal result.

'A common problem'

Now in the wake of the defeat to Ranieri's men, Bilic has defended his
players and told West Ham's official website that the club's fans are used
to beating top sides and then going on to lose the next game. "We are not
going to panic, we knew what we had before the game," Bilic told
www.whufc.com. "For West Ham it is not that uncommon to beat Arsenal and
then lose the next match. "In football, you have many results like
Saturday's where, somehow, clubs find it easier to play away games. "They
are not under the same pressure to win or to play well. On the other hand
you have to use your home crowd to make it easier for you."

Bizarre statement shows Bilic understands the club

While it may seem a bizarre thing to say after a defeat from which
supporters are still smarting, it shows Bilic is aware of the challenge that
faces him. Any true Hammers fan will testify that the club has made a habit
over the years of beating a top side before losing to a supposedly inferior
team next time out. In fact it is a trait that is often used against the
club by rival fans claiming that is the real 'West Ham way'. What it does
show, though, is that Bilic knows the club inside out and will not try to
hide away or make excuses and his honesty will go a long way with the club's
loyal and knowledgeable fans. The former Croatia boss will also know the
best way to fix the problem, go out and beat Bournemouth next week to get
everyone back on the positive train.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Andre Gray swoop as Slaven Bilic bids to boost strike force
before deadline
7:00, 17 AUGUST 2015
BY JACOB MURTAGH
The Hammers are still in the market for another frontman with Andy Carroll
and Enner Valencia on the treatment table
The Mirror

West Ham are considering a move for Brentford striker Andre Gray. The
Hammers are still in the market for another frontman with Andy Carroll and
Enner Valencia on the treatment table.
Bees goal-getter Gray is among the names on their radar as Slaven Bilic aims
to boost his options in attack before the transfer window closes. Brentford
have already rejected three bids from Championship rivals Hull City for the
£7million-rated hotshot. Derby and Bristol City are also interested in the
24-year-old, who scored 18 goals last season following a £500,000 switch
from Luton Town. Gray still has two years remaining on his contract at
Griffin Park but Bees chiefs will offer him improved terms in a bid to tie
down his long-term future. The former Shrewsbury youngster netted for the
second time in as many games during Saturday's 4-2 win at Ashton Gate. But
boss Marinus Dijkhuizen admits the forward could still be sold if someone
meets the club's asking price. He said: "Andre Gray showed what an asset he
is to us and I am desperate to keep him. But sometimes money talks and it is
not in my hands. "If anything he has added to his value with this
performance. I have two very good strikers and would love to keep them
together."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Should West Ham consider re-signing Jermain Defoe to solve striker crisis?
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham are in search of a new striker - and Jermain Defoe reportedly wants
a move back down south. It's no secret that West Ham United need to sign a
new striker - and soon. Injuries to Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia have let
manager Slaven Bilic with few options in the final third, as Diafra Sakho
and Mauro Zarate valiantly continue to lead the line. A move for Mexican
international Raul Jimenez has fallen through after he chose to join Benfica
instead, leaing Bilic to renew his search for a new striker following
Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City. With just over two weeks to go
until the transfer deadline, Bilic needs to move quickly to find his new
forward - and whilst a number of different names are being linked, should
the Hammers consider a move for a former Upton Park favourite? A report from
the Daily Mirror on Saturday night suggested that Sunderland striker Jermain
Defoe was seeking a transfer away from the Stadium of Light in a bid to
return down south. The 32-year-old started his career with West Ham, and hit
41 goals in 105 games for the club before moving on to Tottenham in January
2004, where Defoe became an England regular. Now though, the veteran forward
is reportedly keen to return down south after a tough spell with Sunderland,
so should West Ham be considering a move to re-sign Defoe? Defoe has
certainly proven himself as a regular goalscorer in the Premier League over
the years, but it's fair to say that he has lost some of the pace that made
him so much of a threat on the shoulder of defences, whilst West Ham may be
looking for a more physical hitman in the absence of Andy Carroll. The move
would give West Ham a proven striker and hand Defoe his return to the south
of England, but Bilic should first look towards younger, more physical
strikers before considering a move for a short-term answer like Defoe, whose
best years appear to be behind him. If West Ham's top targets can't be
signed, they could certainly do worse than offer Defoe a return to Upton
Park, over 11 years after he left the club to join London rivals Spurs.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham starlet Reece Oxford is ''a man now'' and must quickly adapt, says
Mark Noble
0 COMMENTS22:30, 16 AUGUST 2015
BY HECTOR NUNNS
Oxford, who receives his GCSE results on Thursday, was taken out of the
firing line at half-time by manager Slaven Bilic as the Hammers slumped to a
2-1 loss
The Mirror

Mark Noble has told teenager Reece Oxford he is now "a man" after
experiencing the highs and lows of Premier League football in just eight
days. Manager Slaven Bilic hauled the 16-year-old out of the firing line at
half-time as the Hammers crumbled in the opening 45 minutes under a
Leicester onslaught. That came after Oxford, whose GCSE results arrive on
Thursday, muzzled Mesut Ozil throughout a superb display in the opening-day
win at Arsenal. But West Ham captain Noble insists such initiations are all
part of the learning process for the now fully-blooded midfield prospect. He
said: "It was always going to be tough for Reece. If we lose at Arsenal he
doesn't get the coverage he's got. But he's a big boy. "I said to him in
there – he's a man now, he's going to have to cope with it. I'm pretty sure
he will. He's got a great temperament and he's going to be a great player.
"If you play in the Premier League and you're playing away at the Emirates,
you've got to become a man. I learned it playing at an early age as well.
"You've got to buckle up and take the negatives on the chin. You've got to
grow stronger otherwise in this league you'll go under. But Reece knows that
and will be a great player. "This was a good lesson for all of us on what to
expect this season. Some people out there thought we might roll over
Leicester after Arsenal, but that was never the case." Bilic said: "It's
going to definitely help Reece in his career to experience both sides of
results, in first couple of games of career in first week. We will all learn
lessons from this match."

Meanwhile Adrian protested his innocence on Twitter after being sent off for
a wild challenge on Jamie Vardy in stoppage time, coming up for a corner and
then being left stranded. Bilic admitted the incident looked like dangerous
play, but goalkeeper Adrian said: "Never in my career I have kicked nobody
with bad intention to deserve a red card... neither today. "Is it a crime
now to lift your leg? How do you kick a ball without lifting your leg?" West
Ham's hunt for a striker is likely to intensify, with Burak Yilmaz set to
arrive from Galatasaray.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three midfielders West Ham could sign that are better than Tom Huddlestone
HITC
Tim Poole

Jack Sullivan has said West ham are looking for a midfielder. According to
the Daily Mirror, Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone is close to joining
West Ham United. The Hammers faithful, however, don't seem best pleased with
the news. Here are three better alternatives...

Alex Song

For whatever reason, the Irons have been unable to agree a permanent deal
for the man who spent last season on loan at Upton Park. But the 27-year-old
is a perfect fit for West Ham considering the fact they are short in
midfield, as well as his knowledge of the club after spending last campaign
there. Reports suggest Everton are leading the race for Song's signature.
It's time for West Ham to act.

Lucas Leiva

Like Song, West Ham may have to up the ante when it comes to signing the
Liverpool midfielder, with interest in the Brazilian reportedly plentiful.
But that's just a reality the east London club are going to have to wake up
to if they want to sign a good enough addition in the middle of the park.
Lucas has a very limited skill set and will only offer something
defensively. That could be perfect for West Ham, however, as it will add
depth and offer them tactical variety. Meanwhile, the one thing Lucas is
good at - protecting the back four - he can be very good at indeed.

Mathieu Flamini

A left-field option but one that was well received by fans when suggested on
HITC Sport the other day. The 31-year-old may be surplus to requirements at
Arsenal but, as a squad player, could offer a lot at Upton Park. The
Frenchman is hard working and, like Lucas, a defence-minded player. And he
may just be another better option than Hull City's Huddlestone.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burak Yilmaz 'accepts £6.4m West Ham transfer after advanced talks'
Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.uk
Monday 17 Aug 2015 12:53 am

Burak Yilmaz is happy to sign for West Ham after advanced talks with the
club, according to reports. The Hammers turned to Galatasaray's Yilmaz over
the weekend as the club look to add a world class forward to their ranks
before the window shuts. And after negotiations took place over a
£6.4million deal, Turkish outlet Sporun Dibi says Yilmaz is ready to sign
for West Ham this summer. They claim he's happy to sign on the dotted and
has accepted the transfer. The 30-year-old is a powerful striker with an
incredible goalscoring record of 57 goals in 87 games.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com




---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus