From the Boardroom - David Gold
There is no doubt that the last two results have been very disappointing for everyone at the Club but I am refusing to be despondent as we are only three games into the new season and Slaven is finding the best way to play.
We have still got work to do and it is clear to everyone that we are suffering from a lack of strikers.
But I am optimistic that Andy Carroll and Mauro Zarate will be back in action soon and I am still hopeful that one or two new faces will come into the squad before the transfer window closes.
I can assure all our supporters that we will go to the very last minute and we are out there trying to bring in new players. We will not give up.
All of our people including Slaven, David Sullivan and Karren Brady are working flat out to bring in new signings. I am optimistic that deals will still be done and we have got a few days.
We head to Anfield this weekend and I am aware of our record there over the years but I see no reason why we cannot break that on Saturday.
We will have a similar kind of side to the one that beat Arsenal and I am going to the game hopeful that we can come away with a victory.
No-one expected us to get the result that we did at Emirates Stadium and I'm sure the players and management will be drawing on that experience this weekend.
I know Slaven will be going to Liverpool believing he can win the game.
Anfield is steeped with history and they have had some great managers and players who have performed there throughout the years. They are one of the greatest clubs in the world.
But we go there believing we can win the game. We have confidence in our own ability.
We have players like Dimitri Payet who will relish the chance to perform on the big stage like Anfield and this is one of the reasons he wanted to come into the Premier League.
He wanted to play at these great arenas and we will have our own fantastic new Stadium next year.
I want to pay tribute to Kevin Nolan who left the Club this week. With all my dealings with Kevin, he was always professional and passionate about what he was doing.
He was one of the best captains we have had at West Ham for a number of years both on and off the field.
He was a great figure inside the dressing room and I saw both at the training ground and before games how he managed to motivate the other players and the youngsters around him.
He had an all-round quality as a captain and did a great job here. He played a major role in helping us get out of the Championship and then keeping us in the Premier League.
He scored some crucial goals for us and I would like to say a big thank-you to him for all his efforts during his four-year stay with the Club.
I wish everyone who is travelling to Liverpool a safe journey to Anfield and hope we can come away with a positive result.
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Friday 28 Aug Updated Friday 28 Aug 20:56
FIRST TEAM
Maiga departs
West Ham United can confirm that Modibo Maiga has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. The Mali international forward leaves after three years in east London, during which he scored seven goals in 45 appearances in Claret and Blue.
Maiga's best moments for the Hammers both came late in London derbies – the first being the third in a 3-1 Premier League victory over European champions Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground in December 2012, and the second being a later League Cup quarter-final winner at Tottenham Hotspur in December 2013.Signed from Sochaux in July 2012, the 27-year-old had two loan spells away from the Boleyn Ground during his time with the Club, at Queens Park Rangers and French side Metz.West Ham United would like to wish Modibo all the best for his future career.
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Ogbonna ready for Anfield experience
Having visited Buckingham Palace and played at some of the world's best stadia, it should come as no surprise that Angelo Ogbonna cannot wait to perform at Anfield on Saturday.
Ogbonna has played at many of football's cathedrals, including the San Siro in Milan, Rome's Stadio Olimpico and Real Madrid's Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, during a successful career with Torino, Juventus and the Italian national team.
A keen tourist who visited the home of the Queen during one visit to London, the 27-year-old cannot wait to pull on a Claret and Blue shirt at the home of the five-time European champions.
"I have found a house in Canary Wharf and London is amazing," Ogbonna began. "I've been to London four or five times for holidays and everything is nice here. I visited some museums, I visited Buckingham Palace and watched some plays."
For Ogbonna, playing against Liverpool is an experience to be enjoyed rather than endured.
"It is my job so I am not scared or intimidated by playing at Anfield," he explained. "If I was scared of playing there, then I shouldn't be playing. It is a game. I wanted to come to England because it is a big opportunity for me. I talked with my manager and we chose West Ham.
"For me, it is better for my life and for my football. It is better for me because I like the Premier League and I like this game. I watched a lot of Premier League games before I came and I wanted the chance to play in it, so that's why I came.
"I'm very lucky and happy to introduce my Italian culture and temperament here and I want to do my best."
An anglophile, Ogbonna was born in the Lazio region of central Italy to Nigerian parents, appearing 160 times for Torino before winning back-to-back Serie A titles with Juventus and earning ten full caps for the Azzurri.
"I knew the Premier League before and I knew every game was very hard and you have to concentrate in every game. You might think it is easy, but it is not easy.
"Sometimes, maybe there is something wrong on the pitch. You can be unlucky in that situation like we did in the first half against Leicester and Bournemouth. Against Leicester, we could have scored four goals instead of only one.
"The basics we have got wrong were not about quality. Maybe we were unlucky because everybody knows who watched the game against Arsenal that we have a lot of quality. In the second and third games, maybe we were unlucky. We are working very quickly [to put it right]."
Should Ogbonna himself get it right at Anfield, he could be celebrating a call-up to the Italian national squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers with Malta and Bulgaria.
When asked why he picked the Azzurri over Nigeria, the country of his parents' birth, the centre-back explained that he was never in any doubt about pulling on the Italian shirt.
"I was born in Italy and I have Nigerian parents. My father moved to Italy maybe 30 years ago to go to school, but I play for Italy because I was born there and I am an Italian guy. I know my culture and my origin but it is better to choose what I feel, and I feel that I'm Italian."
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On this day - 29 August
Busy Howes upbeat despite defeat
Having played and performed admirably against a dominant Arsenal side, the shotstopper faces a short turnaround before travelling to Liverpool this morning as the Hammers' third keeper as cover for Darren Randolph and Raphael Spiegel.
Speaking as he left the Emirates: "I'm going home for a few hours' sleep before getting up bright and early to go to Liverpool.
"Anfield would be an amazing play to make my debut, obviously I'm only there as back up to Darren and Rafa if they need it. I'm not expecting to be involved but it will still be an amazing experience.
As if that were not enough, Howes will then join up with the England U19 squad as they prepare to play Germany and Croatia.
Speaking after the defeat to the Gunners, Howes surmised: "Even though we lost 5-0 I still think we can take some positives out of it. From the first two games of the season also, particularly against West Brom we played really well.
"We had glimpses of that, we passed it and moved it around pretty well. But we had too many costly errors and we paid the price."
Despite shipping five goals, Howes was one of the standout performers for the Hammers, pulling off a string of impressive saves.
In fact, Howes' maturity on and off the pitch have long impressed coaches for club and country.
"It's a fantastic stadium and a great place to play at. These are the places that you aspire to play at. Obviously Reece Oxford played here not long ago for the first team. We now want to do it here for ourselves. It's a great that the gaffer and all the coaches trust in young players.
"As a team I'm sure we'll learn a lot from the defeat. As you go up the levels mistakes become more and more costly because you get punished more often. All the errors we made tonight were punished.
"Next week in training I'm sure everyone will be working that bit harder to iron the mistakes out and hopefully they won't happen ever again."
Despite the defeat, personally at least, Howes has continued to progress and development into one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation.
Reflecting on his call up to the England U19's, he beamed: "It's always an honour to play for your country at every age level. I've played for U16, U17 and U18 but now to move up to the U19 is an absolute honour and privilege. It's a great feeling to wear the Three Lions badge.
"I've been working hard for this, on and off the pitch. I'd like to thank JJ (Jerome John) and all the other coaches who have helped me along the way. There's still a long way to go, I want to be the best goalkeeper I can possibly be."
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson remains an injury doubt with a foot problem.
Adam Lallana has a thigh injury, joining Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen on the treatment table.
West Ham forward Diafro Sakho is expected to be available despite muscle stiffness and his recent police arrest.
Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll are all sidelined because of injury, while Adrian and Carl Jenkinson are suspended.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Martin Fisher: "Just three games in to the new season and already there's a cautious optimism sweeping around Anfield and an anxious pessimism enveloping the east-end.
"Yet to concede, Liverpool look hard to beat with a solid defence providing the platform for their flair players to prosper. Significantly, all the new signings have settled in quickly this time.
"West Ham's opening weekend win at Arsenal already resembles a false dawn. Home defeats by Leicester and Bournemouth have brought them crashing back to earth.
"There's not much depth to the squad and already there are signs of unrest. It could be a long season."
Twitter: @martfisher1
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "West Ham at home will be our toughest game of the four [so far]. They had an excellent result away at Arsenal.
"If you want to be fighting at the top end of the table your home form is vital.
"The hunger has returned back into the team - that freshness and ability to play with no fear. There are new players here with new ambition."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I'm expecting a tough game, of course. Liverpool have started well. They haven't conceded any goals and they've had good results.
"They have quality in every department and are dangerous up front. They also have their weaknesses which we want to exploit.
"It is not an easy week but with a defeat like we had last week, we were gutted after the game. We have got over that and we have to bounce back."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I just don't see West Ham causing Liverpool too many problems, and this should be quite a comfortable win for the home side.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Kevin Nolan: Cardiff City boss Russell Slade plays down link
Manager Russell Slade says Cardiff City are not close to signing free agent Kevin Nolan.
The 33-year-old midfielder has left West Ham United by mutual consentafter four years at the Premier League club.
Slade says any potential signings have to "fit in" with their philosophy.
"I think Kevin Nolan is a very good player," said Slade. "But there are lots of very good players that have been put our way as possibilities but they have to fit in."
"They have to fit in with what we're trying to do both financially and from a playing side."
When directly asked if the former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United midfielder was close to a move to the Bluebirds, Slade responded: "Not that I know of."
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker close to return from injury
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could return from injury against former club Newcastle on 14 September after recommencing first-team training.
The 26-year-old has been out since February following knee surgery after suffering medial ligament damage.
"It's only a matter of fitness now to get him back," said Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.
"If everything goes well he should participate in the game against Newcastle."
Carroll is starting his fourth season at Upton Park, including a loan spell preceding his £15m switch, and has made 46 Premier League starts in that time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::Filed: Friday, 28th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to complete a move to West Ham this weekend.
It was exclusively revealed on the KUMB Forum last night that Adebayor was set to complete a season-long loan to West Ham before the transfer window deadline.
The deal is expected to be finalised within the next 48 hours, but too late for the striker to feature for West Ham at Liverpool in this weekend's Premier League clash.
Tottenham are understood to be subsidising the 31-year-old's near £100,000-per-week wages in order to complete his move from White Hart Lane to the Boleyn Ground.
The Togo international has been linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground on several occasions previously.
Ten years ago Alan Pardew sent scouts to watch a young Adebayor when he was still at Monaco. Six months later, the then 21-year-old joined Arsenal instead.
And earlier this year he was denied the chance of moving from north to east London by a sudden u-turn from Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy that led Adebayor to speak out.
"When I finally chose the club I wanted to go to, unluckily Mr Levy was against it because they had become a rival," said Adebayor, talking back in February. "So I decided I should stay at the club, which I'm very happy to do.
"I was more than happy to play for West Ham. I wanted to stay in the Premier League and took the chance to stay in London so I had a choice of Queens Park Rangers or West Ham.
"I decided to go to West Ham because of their position in the league. They are fighting well and doing everything [they can] to finish in the top four. I've played alongside a few of their players - like Alex Song - so I wanted to go there instead of QPR."
Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa have also been linked with a move for Adebayor, who spent time with Arsenal and Manchester City before joining Tottenham in 2012.
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Filed: Friday, 28th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set for talks with representatives of Italian striker Alessandro Matri after the two parties agreed personal terms over a season-long loan.
31-year-old Matri, who currently plays for Milan is understood to have agreed to join West Ham on loan for the duration of the 2015/16 season (Di Marzio).
According to GDM, the striker was due to sign a contract at some point today (Friday) although that is now believed to be wide of the mark, according to KUMB sources.
However with West Ham also set to conclude a deal to sign Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor this weekend (KUMB), Matri could be retained as a back-up option - a policy West Ham have reverted to in recent transfer windows.
Matri, who has made seven appearances for Italy began his career with Milan before spending time with Cagliari (2007-11) and Juventus (2011-13) before returning to his first club in an €11 million switch two years ago this month.
Read more at http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=128947#sgdjHTdempra6Du7.99
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Filed: Friday, 28th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are hoping to conclude a deal to sign Hull City forward Nikica Jelavic ahead of the transfer window deadline.
The 30-year-old Croatian was relegated from the Premier League with Hull City last year just 12 months after joining the Tigers on a three-and-a-half year contract from Everton.
However West Ham, who have seen recent moves for Burak Yilmaz, Charlie Austin and Raul Jiminez come to nothing - whilst talk of Alessandro Matri arriving in east London imminently appear to be wide of the mark - are poised to bring him back to the top flight.
West Ham are understood to be trying to sign Jelavic on a permanent basis - as is the case with Chlsea's Victor Moses, who the club retain a strong interest in despite having seen previous advances rejected.
According to a KUMB source, West Ham have offered circa £6million for the 24-year-old wide man who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. However Chelsea are reported to be holding out for around £10million for the Nigerian international.
* As an update to our earlier story, Emmanuel Adebayor is now scheduled to hold talks with Slaven Bilic on Sunday.
Read more at http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=128948#tjaLCgYRIMrWH62y.99
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has revealed Diafra Sakho will be available for West Ham's trip to Liverpool this weekend, as long as he recovers from a slight groin injury.
The striker was arrested last weekend on suspicion of 'making threats to kill and witness intimidation'. He has since been questioned by police and bailed without charge.
Senegal international Sakho, who has denied any allegations against him, will continue to be selected by Bilic despite the incident and the only thing which may prevent him from turning out at Anfield is his fitness.
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Slaven Bilic admits he may have to "park the bus" at in-form Liverpool - and that he could need a double- or even triple-decker.
West Ham boss Bilic has seen his side beaten at home by Leicester and Bournemouth in their last two games, conceding six goals in the process.
Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side, in contrast, are unbeaten so far, winning the first two and drawing away at Arsenal.
Bilic said before Saturday's trip to Anfield: "When we have the ball, we have a plan to keep it and get a breather or, if it's possible, to attack them and harm them with as many players as possible.
"It's a very demanding game that we are asking from the players. If you want to call it parking the bus, call it park the bus. But for me it's defending behind the ball. Or park the bus — a double-decker or triple-decker.
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Joey Barton spilt the beans today on how he nearly became a Hammer twice!
Co-hosting the Talksport Driveshow show, Barton explained:
"West Ham decided two weeks ago they were going to go down a different route and all of a sudden after they lost to Bournemouth and they decided they wanted to revive it, or their owner did – but it was instantly uncomfortable for me."
"If they didn't want me at the club or certain players at the club didn't want me and they have been beaten twice and all of a sudden they need me… that is not me. I am an all or nothing person and if you want to get behind me, get behind me."
About Social media Barton said:
"When I was due to sign for West Ham, there was something David Gold had said about me which had got regurgitated which is the downfall of twitter sometimes, but equally it is a social media forum where you are very much reactive to what is going around and sometimes you say things that with hindsight look a little bit silly and you wish you hadn't said but you have to remember the context in which it was said, as I say if you have offended anybody then obviously you didn't set out to do that, far from it, you were just poking fun at the situation, as I say most people understand that"
On nearly joining West Ham
"I think it well documented that I was keen on joining West Ham, it wasn't my end that it broke down, there was a lot of people who said it was the fans revolt, I honestly don't think it was that, there was a number of people who complained because I remember David Sullivan saying he had 50 emails with sometime negative and I said thats not bad actually, usually when I am linked with your club it would be a lot more than that.
"West Ham for me, the main reason I thought it was a perfect fit because I looked at the team, I looked at my situation, I looked at my strengths and weaknesses and I thought it would have complemented that group, obviously certain fans get very vocal and email the club, it's their football club, I am not going to complain about but that stuff they are complaining about is stuff that happened in 2006 and 2007, OK, I can't take away from the fact that they have happened but in the last three years, last year and the couple years before you try to change things and try to do things in a different light and some people won't let that go and I am disappointed at that. It is what it is and I not asking for anyone to feel sorry for me, it's my own doing and I not going to go on that I have changed and I have seen the light. All you can do is live your life and if people decide they like you, they like you and if they don't they don't"
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The Hammers are to invest millions in state-of-the-art seating at the Olympic Stadium.
Hot on the heels of yesterday's unveiling of computer-generated images of what the Claret and Blue inspired seating designs will look like, Claret and Hugh has learned the club is to invest a significant seven-figure sum into replacing many of the current black seats with Claret and Blue coloured replacements.
An insider confirmed to ClaretandHugh: "West Ham are paying their own way when it comes down to club branding at the Stadium."
Claret and blue trianglular sail designs were also unveiled as part of a proposed solution to cover the gaps between the lower and upper stands.
But we have been told by our insider. "Nothing is set in stone yet. We will continue to look an innovative ways to cover the gap between the stands and nothing has been ruled out. We remain open-minded if a better solution can be found."
The club source also echoed what Karren Brady had said in her video about construction and cosmetic work continuing after the Rugby World Cup. He told those fans going to watch the Barbarians vs Samoa match tomorrow that they shouldn't automatically jump to the conclusion that the stadium in 'football mode' in 2016 will look the same – because it won't!
West Ham have flatly denied suggestions that Kevin Nolan departed the club because he may have fallen out with boss Slaven Bilic.
Nolan exited the club yesterday and less than 24 hours later, former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown, has speculated that a disagreement with Bilic may have been the reason for Nolan leaving the Boleyn so abruptly!
And the Gooner added: "He [Nolan] can still do a useful job for somebody, as long as his legs are still there.
"He is certainly a no nonsense person and I suspect he may not have seen eye to eye with Slaven Bilic. He may well have thought: 'I don't need this at this stage of my career' so he's off."
Keown's declaration appeared 0n the Tackle Keown section on The Daily Mail website, but the Irons claim there was "absolutely no animosity" between the former captain and Bilic – or anyone else for that matter.
A well placed source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Kevin was paid up because it was felt this was best for him and the club.
"He got most, but not all, of what he was due between now and next Summer. It was all very civil and he has been a terrific servant to this club."
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