Daily WHUFC News - 12th September 2015

Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Monday's visit of
Newcastle United. He answered questions on his deadline day dealings, the
potential return of Andy Carroll and the threat posed by the Magpies.

Slaven, I hear celebrations are in order. Happy birthday - how are you
planning to celebrate the occasion?

SB: "The older you get the less you celebrate, apart from the big ones like
40 or 50. It's just a normal day for me. It's a birthday, of course, so my
friends and family are calling, but basically an otdinary day."

There were some early birthday presents in the transfer window on the final
day. How happy were you with the business you did?

SB: "Very pleased. It's all on paper of course, and now the guys who have
come have to prove themselves and all that. But I think we did really well,
we got what we wanted and the first week of training has been really
positive. "I think they are going to do really well for us, because they
have quality, they have the energy and are very motivated. They have joined
a team that is already good and they have come here to give us extra
quality."

How excited are you by the return of Andy Carroll to training and is he in
contention for Monday?

SB: "We've changed a bit with his rehabilitation this time. A few times
before, straight after the injury when he was ok he trained for a few days
with the team and then played straight away. Then, because of his stature,
size and everything, especially with the brave way he plays, another injury
would come. "This time we've made six weeks of let's call it pre-season and
he looks very good in training. Is he in contention? Probably. "The one
thing that I don't like now, and it's for every manager is that after the
international breaks we still have some players who are going to return
today or tomorrow after long trips. You still don't have your squad, but at
least we are playing on Monday. That's good, because had it been tomorrow
it's a problem, but if you're asking about the squad for Monday we still
have to count all the players who will train together and that will be
tomorrow."

Andy will be playing his former side, now managed by Steve McClaren, who you
recorded one of your most famous victories for Croatia over. Do you have any
sympathy for him over the fall out that followed that game?

SB: "That game wasn't Steve McClaren-Slaven Bilic, it was England-Croatia
and on Monday it's West Ham-Newcastle. I had sympathy for Steve, like I have
sympathy now for the Croatia coach who was sacked this week because we lost
in Oslo. So many teams lost in Oslo, so I have sympathy for every coach
because you lost jobs. And not only do you lose jobs but they are
slaughtering you big time. "That wasn't just a normal game, we played really
well. England came back to 2-2 and then we scored again. Of course I felt
sympathy because I know how it works. but then Steve recovered really well
to go to Holland. Then I went to see him when Mandzukic was playing at
Wolfsburg. We spent two or three hours chatting, and I know him for a long,
long time because when he started as Jim Smith's assistant at Derby, my two
colleagues from Croatia Stimac and Asanovic were playing there. We spoke and
they were telling me he was a brilliant young coach. Then he went to
Manchester United and Middlesbrough and I rate him big, big time. "He was
brave enough and had enough quality to prove himself in different leagues
and now he's back in the Premier League and I'm glad for him."

You've beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away, so how important is a home win
now?

SB: "It is very important. We need to win at home, or at least to get
something from the game because we need to build on our great away results.
We have to start picking up points at home, and I'm very confident because
our reactions in the second halves of both games was good, and if we can do
it from the start and cut out the silly mistakes, we will be alright."

How do you see Newcastle?

SB: "Newcastle is a team who point wise haven't started great, but if you go
game-by-game, it's only against Swansea that they were second best. That was
also because of a red card after they had a good spell. Against Manchester
United away they were very solid and dangerous on the counter attack.
Against Arsenal it's another game with a red card, so they are trying to
catch us with the red cards! "They've bought some good players in the
transfer window, and have individuals who can change the game in a split
second. It's going to be a difficult game, but this is the Premier League
and you expect that."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walford's full-back option
WHUFC.com

Boys of '86 star Steve Walford recalls to Ian 'Moose' Abrahams his role in
West Ham United's finest-ever league season, when he was deployed in an
unaccustomed new role...

There are many players with links to both the Hammers and the Gunners, but
only one who won an FA Cup with Arsenal and was then part of the Boys of '86
– Steve Walford.

Steve's career began in north London and he's one of a select group of
players to have played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

"I started at White Hart Lane before Terry Neill took me to Arsenal, which
was my local team when I was growing up," he began. "I was bought up in that
area and found myself working with players I used to watch on the terraces.
I thought, 'Wow, I'm with Pat Rice, Sammy Nelson and Peter Simpson', players
I had been cheering them on from the terraces as a kid. It was strange but
great going there, from supporting the team to playing for them."

At that time, Steve was living every kid's dream, and then in 1979 he won
the FA Cup with the Gunners With Arsenal 2-0 up and seven minutes remaining,
Walford came on as substitute for David Price. Six minutes later and with
the game level at 2-2, before Alan Sunderland netted a dramatic winner.

Sunderland set off to celebrate and Steve gave chase, but famously he never
caught up with the match-winner: "I used to be quick but he must have turned
on the after-burners!"

I asked if it made him laugh whenever he sees the goal and him chasing after
Sunderland.

"No I hide my face, I don't look at it, as it's a bit cringe worthy really,
I have got to admit. In the end I gave up, I couldn't catch him, no chance."

Walford moved from Highbury to Norwich City and then on to West Ham, so how
did the move to the Boleyn Ground come about?

"My family settled well in Norwich, but then one day my daughter came home
and said 'I want to go out on my bike, in a strong Norwich accent and I
thought 'I can't have my kids talking like that!'.

"My contract had run out at Norwich and I signed another contract for a
year. About a week later I got a call from the club, saying West Ham had
made an offer for me and they'd accepted it and that was it, I wanted to
come to West Ham. I wanted to come home but I wanted to come to West Ham,
who were the first club I went training with after school, when John Lyall
had been the youth-team coach.

"It had been the first professional club I had trained at and I'd liked it
there. It was the travelling that made me stop going there, and Tottenham
wanted me to train with them which was 20 minutes up the road. When I heard
West Ham wanted me, they were a lot bigger club than Norwich, and I knew it
was an upward move for me."
When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it!
Steve Walford
Next year marks 30 years since the end of the season West Ham finished third
in the top flight, 1985/86, and Steve played most of that season in the
Hammers defence in a back line of Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Tony Gale and
him in a new position at left-back.

"When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it. I think we started that
season by losing away at Birmingham City, it was an early kick off and we
lost 1-0, then we went on an unbeaten run for about 20-odd games which I
think is still a record for West Ham in the top division."

Steve lost his place in the team in March to George Parris and I asked how
that came about.

"I was ill and missed the FA Cup fourth round second replay up at Ipswich,
Georgie Parris replaced me in the team and I never got back in. I couldn't
get him out of the team because he did that well."

Of course, that season was dominated by the goals of Tony Cottee and Frank
McAvennie, but Steve knew nothing about the latter when the season started!

"Up at Birmingham at the start of the season, Frank played in midfield,
behind Sarge (Paul Goddard) and TC. Sarge came off injured, Dicko (Alan
Dickens) came on and Frank went up front and the rest, as they say, is
history. At the start, Frank was playing as an attacking midfielder, now
you'd never have believed that would you."

After leaving West Ham and eventually retiring from playing Steve went into
coaching and is currently working under Martin O'Neill with the Republic of
Ireland.

As part of a team that included O'Neill and John Robertson, Steve won
trophies with Celtic in Scotland and in England with Leicester, while also
enjoying successful spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich and Aston Villa.

As a West Ham player, though, he will always be remembered as one of our
historic Boys of '86.

This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the visit
of Arsenal in December 2014.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cress aims for Magpies repeat
WHUFC.com

Having scored against Newcastle United in the same fixture last season,
Aaron Cresswell is hoping that lightning will strike twice on Monday
evening.

The left-back opened his goalscoring account for the Hammers with a deft
finish past the onrushing Rob Elliot to seal a valuable win which took the
Irons to fifth in the table in December last year.

Ten months on, and last season's Hammer of the Year is hoping to add to his
tally: "It was a great day to score my first Premier League goal that day,
it is one I will never forget.

"I would like to score another one; it would be nice to get a few goals. I
came close against Liverpool, it would have been nice if that had gone in,
but we now look to the next game and try to get the three points against
Newcastle."

Despite the current League campaign being only four games old, there has
been plenty of drama and excitement already.

Two disappointing home defeats have been matched by two heroic away wins
over Arsenal and Liverpool.

When asked about the reasons for the disparity between the Hammers' home and
away form, Cresswell continued: "I'm not too sure. I read somewhere that
there have been a lot more away game wins than home wins this season. I
don't know if it is just a freak start to the season or more to do with the
way teams are setting up, I don't know, it is still early days.

"But we have had two unbelievable wins away from home, Arsenal on the
opening day and then at Liverpool, but at home we haven't been good enough
in both games, hopefully we can put that right on Monday."

While the Claret and Blues' form has certainly been inconsistent, the
25-year-old was adamant that the Hammers can secure their first home win of
the season come Monday evening.

"Our two away games have been fantastic but our two home games have not been
good enough. We have to put in a good performance and get the three points."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A complete FArce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have been fined £50,000 by the Football Association - after
their players complained about a red card that was later rescinded. West Ham
discovered they had been hit with the fine on Friday afternoon, just a week
after the FA withdrew the red card incorrectly given to Mark Noble by
referee Kevin Friend that led to the incident for which the club have been
sanctioned. "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, West
Ham United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct
after an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found
proven," read a statement on the FA's website. "It was alleged that in or
around the 78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West
Ham failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The club had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."

West Ham are yet to comment on the fine.

Justified? Some other private companies who've been fined 50k

August 2015: A company which offered a nuisance call blocking service has
been been fined £50,000 for making 'bullying' phone calls:
www.independent.co.uk...10449475.html

June 2015: A glass recycling company has been fined £50,000 after admitting
responsibility for a worker's hand being severed:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk...9482681

May 2015: Glenn Medical Centre fined $50,000 after the death of a mother and
her unborn child: www.krcrtv.com...33129600

November 2014: An international aerospace company has been fined £50,000
after 13 employees were found to be suffering varying degrees of a
debilitating nerve condition: forthepeople.co.uk...nerve-condition/

May 2014: Food manufacturer Heinz has been fined £50,000 in the wake of a
workplace accident in which a worker lost a hand:
www.claimsdirect.co.uk...#ixzz3lSS4YgQa

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fined £50,000 by the FA
Last Updated: 11/09/15 7:52pm
SSN

West Ham have been fined £50,000 by the FA in relation to the behaviour of
their players during the 3-0 victory over Liverpool last month.
The London club have also be warned as to their future conduct after
multiple players surrounded referee Kevin Friend following the dismissal of
Mark Noble for a challenge on Danny Ings. Noble received a straight red for
the tackle but the decision was eventually overturned on appeal, with the
automatic three-match ban also withdrawn. However, West Ham have admitted a
charge of misconduct in relation to the players' reaction to the sending
off. "Following an independent regulatory commission hearing, West Ham
United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct after
an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found proven,"
read a statement released by the FA. "It was alleged that in or around the
78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West Ham failed
to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. "The club
had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exiled midfielder faces bleak Irons future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Morgan Amalfitano has little hope of resurrecting his Hammers career.
Despite being handed a squad number for the new season, the Frenchman is
still out in the cold with manager Slaven Bilic after missing a team
meeting. He was exiled to train with the under 21s a few weeks back and only
squeezed into the squad after a deadline day loan move saw Matt Jarvis join
Norwich City. But there has been no thaw in the frosty relationship between
the pair and it looks as though the midfielder's exile will continue into
the forseeable future.
A well placed source said: "It's very unfortunate but the manager has to be
allowed to manage. The player is on decent wages but only the manager can
decide if and when he will be brought back into the fold. "As things stand
there seems very little chance of a reconciliation – there looks to be no
way back the way things stand right now."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons say £50k fine may be based on 'previous'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Adrian of West Ham handles the ball
outside of the area as Sadio Mane of Southampton challenges and
subsequently receives a red card during the Barclays Premier League match
between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on February 11,
2015 in Southampton, England.

Exclusive

West Ham tonight admitted that the £50k fine handed out by the Football
Association for failing to control their players at Anfield is probably
based on previous recent incidents. The club is relaxed about the size of
the fine being more concerned that Mark Noble's red card has been overturned
following an incident involving Danny Ings. A source told ClaretandHugh
exclusively: "We were probably expecting a fine of around £30k but we have
previous and that may be the reason its higher." The Irons were fined £30k
last season following problems at St Mary's after Adrian was dismissed and
earlier a fracas at Everton saw them receive a £20k fine. Our source said:
"We can have no complaints – the rules are there and need to be obeyed. Yes,
it's an emotional game but you have to respect the referee and when and how
often do they change their minds?!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA support Wembley ground share
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The chance of Spurs or Chelsea sharing the Olympic Stadium became less
likely after the FA appeared to give a green light to Spurs and/or Chelsea
sharing Wembley stadium.

There was previous talk that West Ham could be forced to share with Spurs or
even Chelsea in the Olympic Stadium in our second season but they now seems
less likely after the FA said it was open to the idea of a ground share at
Wembley.

FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn said that the FA would be "absolutely
supportive" of Chelsea and Spurs using Wembley while they redevelop their
stadiums, even if they have to ground-share theNational Stadium for a
period.

In a £500 million redevelopment, Chelsea plan to increase the capacity of
Stamford Bridge to 60,000 whilst Spurs are planning on a 61,000 capacity for
their new £400 million stadium.

Glenn told the SoccerEx conference : "We are there to provide help. We can
run the FA for less costs and we can raise more. There's a range of things.
It's primarily a football stadium, football matches are more profitable to
run than concerts and other things."

"We are the national stadium and seeking to use it more is what we are all
about. We have an obligation to football. I'm not talking specific clubs but
it's in our interest as an association for clubs to redevelop their grounds,
make superb facilities and if it's possible to help them in that transition
by using Wembley, we are absolutely supportive of that."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spotted in Soweto - Sakho and Kouyate make a West Ham fan's day
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate managed to put a smile on the faces of two
happy Hammers fans this week - despite being some 8,000 miles away from the
Boleyn Ground. South African-based West Ham fans Greg Faasen and his son
Richard were in Soweto on Tuesday evening to watch Bafana Bafana beat
Senegal 1-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge title, courtesy of a 77th goal
from Mpho Makola. However the highlight of the night was not watching their
team triumph against the Lions of Teranga - but being recognised by the West
Ham duo.
"Richard, my son, asked me to take him to the Bafana v Senegal match at
Orlando Stadium, Soweto," Greg told KUMB.com. "I wasn't really feeling up to
that journey, but he was adamant we would meet our two Senegalese Hammers –
and we did! "During the warm up and after the game they crossed their arms
in the Hammer salute when they saw us in our Hammers kit and were happy to
have photos taken with Richard. "Cheik, who was rested for the game, then
handed Richard his medal from the Mandela Cup match - which is now sitting
proudly in his bedroom. They're both humble guys who deserve to go far!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: I spoke with Adebayor
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has admitted that he held talks with Tottenham striker Emmanuel
Adebayor ahead of the transfer deadline window. Bilic, who celebrates his
47th birthday today revealed that he had spoken with the 31-year-old
out-of-favour striker - but confirmed that the move collapsed after the two
clubs failed to agree terms. "It was just talk, it wasn't like we held
negotiations," Bilic told the media this morning. "Because of his situation
and our situation I wanted to talk to him and have a chat. "He wanted a
chat too, so we spoke for an hour about football and the possibility [of him
coming to West Ham]. In the end it didn't happen because of his contractual
situation with Spurs. That's it, basically." And when asked how he would be
celebrating his birthday, Bilic replied: "The older you get the less you
celebrate! Apart from the big ones, like a 50th, 60th or whatever. "It's
just a normal day. It's my birthday of course so my friends and family are
calling, but basically it's just an ordinary day."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll in line to return for West Ham against Newcastle
Last Updated: 11/09/15 12:00pm
SSN

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed striker Andy Carroll is in line to
return to action against former club Newcastle on Monday evening. The
England forward has been impressing in training after recovering from the
knee injury which confined him to the sidelines for the past eight months.
Bilic, who revealed he would 'probably select him' for the Sky Live match at
Upton Park, said: "Andy has had a six-week pre-season and looks very good in
training." West Ham were busy towards the end of the transfer market and
Bilic admits he is looking forward to seeing new recruits Victor Moses,
Michail Antonio and Nikica Jelavic in action. "I am very pleased with the
business we did," he said. "It's all on paper and we have to put it into
practice, but I think we've done well. "In the first week they've been
training with us it's all very positive and they're the players we wanted.
They have joined a team that is already good and they've come here to give
us extra quality. "Moses and Antonio play more or less the same position,
but they are different. For both of them the expectations are high.
"Antonio's potential is enormous. He has done it in the Championship (with
Nottingham Forest) and that means he has every chance of doing it in the
Premier League. "You know Jelavic, he is not a new name here. He has played
for Rangers, Everton and Hull. He is well proven here, he knows the league.
"I know him really well and exactly what I am going to get. He is a quality
player, who can score, hold the ball, and do everything you need from a
centre-forward. I am really pleased he is with us."

Bilic also confirmed that he held talks with Tottenham forward Emmanuel
Adebayor but says there was never any deal on the table. "It was not like
negotiations because of his situation and our situation," he said. "I wanted
a chat and he did too, so we spoke for one hour, of course about football.
"But, in the end it did not happen, because of his contract situation with
Spurs."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Excited Slav: "New guys have to prove themselves"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News
C AND H

Slaven Bilic has hailed Michail Antonio as a player "the whole club –
including me – are very excited about." Speaking at his morning press
conference ahead of the match against Newcastle, the manager said: ""The
expectations are high, with Antonio he has so much to offer us, his
potential is enormous. "Not just in training or on paper, he has done it in
the Championship, which is not that much below the Premier League. "Very few
English players came straight through the academy, many players come through
the divisions. "The whole club, including me, are very excited about
Antonio. He can make a big big impact." He is generally absolutely delighted
with the club's successful transfer window adding: ""I am very pleased. t is
all done now.
"The guys who came have to prove themselves. I think we done really well. We
got what we wanted and in the first few training sessions it is all very
positive. "They have brought what we wanted and I think they are going to do
very well for us. They have the energy, motivation, they are hungry. They
came here to give us extra quality."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Best Irons squad since turn of century"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Tony Cottee reckons the Irons have established he most impressive squad
since the turn of the century. The former striker – speaking in the
ClretandHugh interview section of the MooreThanJustAPodcast which goes out
early next week: "It is our best squad since the turn of the century.
"Those were the days Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Paolo Di
Canio and John Moncur and I think this one is as good. "We have four top
strikers and I've always said you need that many to have a top season. It
looks very good. "When it became obvious Sam Allarydce was leaving I had no
second thoughts that Slaven Bilic was the man to take us on."

Cottee – in his frankest ever interview talks to ClaretandHugh's associate
editor, Sean Whetstone in a not to be missed broadcast. TC and his legendary
striking partner Frank McAvenne – along with other members of the 1986 squad
which took the Irons into third place in the old First Division – will be
presented to the crowd before the game. It was in 1986 the Hammers
entertained Newcastle at the Boleyn and handed them an 8-1 thrashing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio giving Slav a headache!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

New boy Michail Antonio is kicking up a storm on the West Ham training
pitch as he bid to land a starting spot in the team for the Newcastle game.
The backroom staff have been astonished at the form shown by the former
Nottingham Forest star whose approch and potential were described as
"stupendous" by one source. Antonio's pace and power has been shown
throughout the week but even that may not be enough to dislodge Manuel
Lanzini from the starting line-up after his goalscoring performance against
Liverpool. ClaretandandHugh was told: "The competitions going on all over
the place on the training ground are brilliant but Michail's attitude has
had a few jaws dropping. "Having said that Manuel has been in brilliant form
and the video of his rabona goal has been all over the place. Everybody is
at it big time but the Antnio/Lanzini situation is giving the manager a
headache such is their form." However, the consensus opinion seems to be
that Lanzini will hold his place and that Antonio and Andy Carroll will be
available off the bench "to make a big impact if and when required."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Moses costs could hit £185k a game
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

The loan of Victor Moses from Chelsea could approach £6m this season. Our
senior West Ham source told ClaretandHugh exclusively this afternoon that
the 24 year old winger could cost £175,000 to £185,000 per game. He said: "
Were he to be available for 32 League games which takes account of the two
he can't play against Chelsea and including loan fee, salary, plus National
Insurance and agents' fee it works out as a very big deal. The figures have
been applied to League games only as Cup games aren't seen as being of the
same importance although our source said: "We are going to have a real go in
both competitions."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Merson predicts a Hammers win
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Just over a week ago Sky Pundit Paul Merson predicted West Ham would finish
no better than 14th Place in the Premier League and has previously said West
Ham will struggle this season.
Talking to Sky sports Website last week Merson said "When West Ham are not
expected to win, they turn it on and when they have home games against teams
that are going to be in the bottom half they get beat – so that needs to
change. The fans need to be a little bit more patient at home. Away from
home, the shackles can come off." One week later and Merson is predicting a
home win for West Ham against Newcastle on Monday night. "This is a really
weird game this one, Newcastle are heading in the right direction under
Steve McClaren, even if the results haven't been great. I fancy West Ham
here slightly, but it's going to be a difficult game".

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

For once in this life let's hope Merson has got this one right! The law of
averages says he has to get something right one day!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini visits the Queen with his Mum
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Manuel Lanzini used his day off from Training on Thursday to visit
Buckingham Palace with his mum. Posting pictures on his offiical Instagram
account, the Argentine footballer took in the sights around London. The
22-year-old, who scored in the Hammers' 3-0 win over Liverpool before the
international break has been impressing his fellow Hammers with his skills
on the training pitch with his goal during Wednesday's training session. He
is on a season long loan from Al Jazira costing a £2m loan fee plus wages
with an option to buy at the end of the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: David Cross talks Andy Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Hammers hero Dave Cross was – like Andy Carroll – not what one might
describe as a traditional west Ham United player. But in six years at the
club between 1977 – 1982 he scored 99 goals from 234 appearances to win a
special place in the hearts of Hammers. All these years on – speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he declared: "It's still my club, the first
result I look for even though I am working for Blackburn Rovers on
opposition analysis. Big fella 'Crossie' is perfectly placed to assess the
impact that Andy Carroll may have now he is ready to return to the Hammers
team under Slaven Bilic and declared: "Any manager in the word would be
happy to have Andy in their team."

That immediately 'dissed' the view of some that the Croat's more 'cultured'
approach to the game may not suit the blockbuster style of the former
Newcastle and Liverpool man. But Big Dave – talking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – said: "I think he's a top player. I wasn't seen as a
traditional Hammers player but I did ok in a team which had a lot of very
creative types in it .
"Andy has been desperately unlucky with injuries but of he comes back and
stays fit he can be a real presence in the team. "He's obviously great in
the air but he has good feet and can bring players in from the left side
really well. I like him and although a passing team is being developed down
there he still has a big role to play I think."

Theres been much talk that AC's international years may not be behind them
but Crossie has a firm view on that one declaring: "It won't be on his mind.
All he will be concerned about is getting the performances in for West Ham
and that's how it should be. "Any manager in the Premier League would want
him in their team and I hope he stays fit and has a big impact for us."
In his role as an analyst of opposition teams in the Championship Dave has
seen a lot of Michail Antonio and said: "He has tremendous pace and that's
scary. He is big and powerful. I think he was a terrific buy and could be a
major player for us."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll set for West Ham return against former club Newcastle after
eight month lay-off
10:31, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 11:02, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The England striker was all set to make his long-awaited comeback last month
before rolling his ankle putting on a pair of shoes
The Mirror

Andy Carroll is set to return to action against his former club Newcastle on
Monday night. The West Ham striker has been out since February with a knee
injury – and then suffered another setback last month rolling his ankle
putting on a pair of shoes. But Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has revealed a new
rehabilitation regime for his £15m hitman means he is finally ready to
return to action. "Is he in contention? It looks like he is good," said the
Croat. "We have changed his recovery and rehabilitation a little bit. "A few
times before straight after his injuries when he was ok he would train for a
few days and then play straight away. "However, with the nature of his size
and the way he plays – he is not one to avoid tackles or escape challenges,
he fights – he would get injured again. It's psychological as much as
anything. "This time he has completed six weeks of let's call it
'pre-season' and he looks very good in training. "We are going to see if he
selected. But probably."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STRENGTH IN DEPTH
By Iain Dale 11 Sep 2015 at 11:24
WTID

I hate it when we play on Mondays. First of all it means I can't go to the
match as I don't finish work until it's too late and you feel as if you are
out of the picture when all the other clubs are playing on Saturday and
Sunday. And it also means that it will be 16 days since the last match,
which, let me remind you was a famous 3-0 victory over Liverpool!

Even though we have signed four new players since that match I'd be
surprised if there were too many changes to the team which won at Anfield.
It's the first time Slaven Bilic will have encountered Steve McClaren since
the famous England v Croatia match when McClaren was dubbed the "wally with
the brolly", so no doubt McClaren would love to get one over on the West Ham
manager. It's one of those matches that could give us a real confidence
boost or be a bit of a let down. If we win it, we really announce to the
world that West Ham are motoring, but if we lose we will be dubbed as
inconsistent and a team that can only lift itself for the big games. I
wonder what the odds are on losing to Newcastle then beating Manchester
City. Same old West Ham…

Anyway, back to the team selection. Andy Carroll is likely to feature on the
bench, which should be the strongest bench we have ever selected. It might
well look like this…

Spiegel, Collins, Moses, Carroll, Oxford, Antonio, Jelavic
Add Adrian, Jenkinson, Song, Zarate and Valencia into the equation and it's
clear that we now have the strength in depth which has been so lacking in
the past. Jenkinson is eligible to play against Newcastle but I feel that
Bilic may stick with Tomkins. I haven't heard if Zarate if back to fitness.

Meanwhile, according to Shoot…

West Ham have reportedly agreed a deal to sign striker Luka Belic on a free
transfer. Despite being tipped to play for the Serbia national side in the
future, the 19-year-old is currently without a club after letting his
contract with OFK Belgrade expire in the summer. The Under-19 international
became the youngster ever player in the Serbian top flight when he made his
debut as a 16-year-old back in 2012. If the Hammers do seal his signature
then he is expected to go straight into their development squad.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com




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