Daily WHUFC News - 17th September 2015

Manager on Wednesday
WHUFC.com

Looking ahead to the Hammers' trip to the Etihad to face table topping
Manchester City, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic identified three key
attributes behind the Irons' strong start to the season. Bilic's men backed
up their emphatic away form with a convincing 2-0 win over Newcastle United
to climb to fifth in the Premier League table. Reflecting on a dominant
display, the manager surmised: "We had skill, pace and were solid. They are
the three topics that are basically football, if you don't have one of them
then you are really struggling. "But we had all three of them. We defended
very well, whether it was in their half or on the edge of our box. We had
pace to run in behind them and were good in transitions, better than we have
been in the first few games. Then we had the quality when we got the ball.
The performance makes us proud because we totally deserved it."

Having recorded his first home league win of his Claret and Blue managerial
career, Bilic is now focusing on facing the Citizens, and trying to end
their 100% winning start to the campaign. The Croatian continued to say that
while City were in clinical form, with two wins on the bounce, this weekend
is a good time to face Manuel Pellegrini's men. "It is also a big relief
because we didn't want to lose three games at home. So it was a very good
night for us. "I wouldn't have swapped the wins against Arsenal and
Liverpool for the defeats against Leicester and Bournemouth but it's enough.
"Our fans are happy and it is also great for confidence. Leicester and
Bournemouth both deserved their wins, but we responded well, our reactions
were good, much better than Liverpool's or Arsenal's against us."

Since the historic win at Anfield, the Hammers further strengthened the
squad with four arrivals on transfer deadline day. So far, the one new
recruit to feature, Victor Moses, instantly won over the West Ham faithful
with an impressive debut."Newcastle was small proof that we have done really
well in the transfer window. I am happy now with the team, we are really
strong and have a lot of depth. We can play various systems and change it
when needed."

Having scored a brace, Bilic could not help but sing the praises of
Frenchmen Dimitri Payet. The midfielder was in sparking form, scoring two
well taken goals early on in both halves: "I am not surprised at how well
Dimitri is doing, how quickly he has settled in here.
"We have a good group of players here. I was more surprised at how quickly
we signed him. He was my number one target, I said to the chairmen that and
then in five days it was done. I tried to take him to Besiktas but it was
impossible. He's one of those players that not only decides the games, but
he makes all the players around him better. "He is special, that is why we
are very, very happy to have him."

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Payet savours the moment
WHUFC.com

There was no holding back when Dimitri Payet's delicious curler nestled in
the top corner of Tim Krul's goal inside ten minutes of Monday night's 2-0
success. The usually understated Frenchman took to his knees to celebrate
West Ham United's opener against Newcastle United, his second Barclays
Premier League goal, and the first of a memorable match-winning double. And
well he might. Unlike his maiden league goal, against Leicester City at the
Boleyn Ground, this one set the Hammers on the path to a first home victory
of the campaign and happily coincided with the birth of his third son. One
to cherish, so says West Ham's playmaker: "I'd not had the pleasure of
really enjoying my first goal, because we were behind and we lost. Here, I
took the time to savour the magnificent atmosphere and it was a pleasure for
me to score at home. "I was happy because I knew that we had to start the
match well, seeing as we'd made mistakes at home when we'd lost. I was very
happy, even more so after the birth of my third boy, so it was a beautiful
night."

His second owed much, if not everything, to Victor Moses' explosive run and
shot, which cannoned off the bar and to the feet of Payet. The Reunion-born
midfielder, composed as ever, tucked it away with the minimum of fuss.
Payet, naturally, agreed that the Nigerian's endeavours deserved more, but
he does not expect it to be too long before Moses is celebrating goals of
his own. He continued: "He deserved to finish with a goal because his run
was magnificent, but unfortunately for him and fortunately for me, the
crossbar got in his way. But I'm sure, with his quality, he will score
plenty of goals this season. "He's a player that I know because I'd already
seen him play, particularly at Chelsea and in the Africa Cup of Nations. He
has a lot of quality to enable him to run with the ball and he's very quick.
We saw that in the second goal. The ball came back to me again, but he did
all the hard work."

Payet, inevitably, is taking plaudits and grabbing headlines. Flattering
though it obviously is, the No27 is not taking too much notice and rather
wants the team to continue the good work that they have started. "I don't
pay attention, the most important thing is that we progress. We've gone two
games without conceding and it's important for us that we're sound
defensively. "The fact that people are speaking about me, it's good, but
it's not most important, the most important thing is that we progress and we
take as many points as we can."

The Hammers' quest for points will be boosted by the return of Andy Carroll,
whose cameo appearance from the bench on Monday was a welcome sight for
everyone of a Claret and Blue persuasion. And Payet, for one, is thrilled to
have the big man back. "When I first arrived, I saw him training apart from
the squad with a physio. I know that it was difficult for him, all that
time, training alone, and that he was eager to return. "We're happy to have
him back with us, he's a very important player for West Ham and I think he's
going to do us good."

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone.

We will start with an update on the condition of Angelo Ogbonna, who
suffered a hamstring injury in the Barclays Premier League victory over
Newcastle United on Monday evening.

Angelo underwent a scan on his injured left leg on Wednesday and we have
received the results. The injury is not too bad and we hope he will be back
in action within three weeks.

We also have positive news regarding Mauro Zarate, who is back training with
the first-team squad. He is positive and joined in the full session with the
group on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's trip to Manchester City.

As you can see from the video above, Alex Song is working hard on his rehab.
Songy is a very positive man and a pleasure to work with. We have all picked
up some dance moves from him, too!

We are working on Alex's ankle, which has been operated on, and this
improving the mobility and strength. We are also working on his other ankle,
his knees, hips, his core and his fitness – everything from top to bottom.

Enner Valencia is doing well and should his rehab continue at the current
rate, we hope to see him back in action by the start of November.

It is a long progress and we have to keep it enjoyable, exciting and
engaging for Enner, but the bottom line is that he puts in the hard work!

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sport Science

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Samuelsen cannot wait for Magpies encounter
WHUFC.com

Exciting winger Martin Samuelsen cannot wait to play under the lights at the
Boleyn Ground on Monday 21 September when the Development Squad host
Newcastle United. The 18-year-old Norwegian has impressed since joining the
Hammers in the summer – making his senior professional debut against
Birkirkara FC in the Europa League before being named on the substitute's
bench at Anfield in the historic 3-0 win over Liverpool. Reflecting on his
first few months in Claret and Blue, Samuelsen smiled: "I'm really enjoying
my football. I've settled in well and I'm more relaxed then when I first
joined. "Being on the bench at Anfield was the highlight of my career; I
hope I get a few more opportunities this season to show what I can do."

The next opportunity the tricky winger may have to demonstrate his
considerable pace and attacking play could be on Monday evening when the
U21s host Newcastle United. Having played three of the Dev Squad's opening
four matches; Samuelsen is relishing another opportunity to play at the
iconic ground where he made his senior debut. "I got 30 minutes against
Birkirkara which was a good experience; I've had a taste of playing at the
Boleyn, under the lights, so I can't wait to do it again. "With a crowd in,
it's a fantastic atmosphere, a nice pitch and a great stadium. It's just a
great place to play football really."

Following the first team's 2-0 win over the Magpies on Monday, the Dev Squad
are aiming to emulate their senior counterparts. In particular, Samuelsen,
who plays in the same position as Dimitri Payet, is targeting a similar
starring role. "I'm trying to learn as much as I can from him, we play in
similar positions, similar roles so I try to copy some of the stuff that he
does. He's an amazing player. "I love being involved in the first team, in
training, on the bench, hopefully playing soon. Hopefully we can win our
first game on Monday."

Admission for the Development Squad's game with Newcastle United is FREE for
all fans. Kick off from the Boleyn Ground on Monday 21 September is 7pm.

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Cresswell's ready to kick on
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell was delighted to help West Ham United secure their first
home win of the season when they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Monday
night, The Hammers had to wait until their third Boleyn Ground game to open
their home points account for the campaign, but nevertheless sit fifth in
the table thanks to outstanding away victories at Arsenal and Liverpool.
Now, having tasted success on home turf, Cresswell is sure the Hammers can
kick-on to greater things this year. He said: "We've had the two home
defeats in the first two games, but the first two away games were fantastic
so it was important that we put that right on Monday. "When we went to
Anfield, we put Bournemouth behind us. We still knew we needed that home win
though and we've done that now. "We've got Sakho up top, Victor Moses and
the new signing Michail Antonio too, who all have pace. It's nice to have
that out ball and an outlet to get up the pitch. I think Victor coming in
and making his home debut was fantastic. "It's early doors, but looking at
us fifth in the table is nice. We have to look to be consistent throughout
the year."

West Ham were given another boost on Monday by the return from injury of
Andy Carroll and Cresswell predicts he will have a big impact this year. He
added: "Andy is a fantastic player, his heading ability is different class
and it's a massive boost for him coming back. The fans gave him a great
reception and hopefully he can get some goals for us. "It's always hard for
anyone being injured, watching the lads training when you're working
individually, so it'll be a big boost for his confidence getting on the
pitch."

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West Ham disappointed with Olympic Stadium deal decision
BBC.co.uk

West Ham say they are "disappointed" with a ruling that the terms of their
rental of the Olympic Stadium from next season should be made public. The
London Legacy Development Corporation - which manages the publicly-owned
stadium - has been told to publish details of the move. London mayor Boris
Johnson, who oversees the LLDC, says he is "perfectly happy" with the
decision. West Ham say it will prevent them "securing the best deal for
taxpayers". The club were awarded tenancy of the London 2012 stadium in
2013, and £272m has been spent to convert the site for use as a Premier
League ground.

West Ham have contributed £15m towards those costs, and will pay between £2m
and £2.5m a year in rent. Last month a BBC documentary revealed that the
club was having many of the running costs of the stadium paid for it by the
taxpayer under the terms of the tenancy agreement.

A coalition of 14 supporters' trusts from around the country submitted a
Freedom of Information request to obtain that tenancy agreement and believe
that the deal gives West Ham a competitive advantage. Manchester City pay
council rent of about £4m a year for the Etihad Stadium, the construction of
which was also initially funded by taxpayers, for the 2002 Commonwealth
Games. It has been reported that Chelsea and Tottenham may have to pay
between £11m and £15m a year to play at Wembley if they use the national
stadium temporarily while they redevelop their grounds.

Work includes installing a new 45,000 square metre cantilever roof, twice
the size of the original, covering all the seats - it will be the largest of
its kind in the world The local borough of Newham is contributing £40m, and
the Government £25m, with the remainder coming from a variety of sources,
including Olympic Park land sales Retractable seating for 21,000 spectators
is being fitted to allow the athletics track to be used in the summer West
Ham have joined the LLDC in insisting that the rental deal should remain
private for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Speaking at mayor's question time on Wednesday, Johnson said he is happy to
have the details made public but believes that the deal remains the best
available for the taxpayer. We did not want to put anything out that would
impact on our ability to negotiate future contracts," Johnson said. "But it
should be a matter of public record and we should be very proud that we have
got a Premier League football team in that stadium. "The stadium has been a
fantastic success. It is doing brilliantly and it is basically unlike any
other Olympic Stadium around the world as it has a long-term viable future
with Premier League football at the heart of the deal. "There are Olympic
stadiums around the world that are totally mothballed and don't have any
real activation in them. Go to Athens, go to Beijing.
"We've got nothing to hide, we've got a very good rental agreement with West
Ham and it's fantastic that we will not be spending any more public money on
this."

West Ham have played at Upton Park since 1904 but will play at the Olympic
Stadium from August 2016 Under the terms of the deal West Ham have a 99-year
deal as anchor tenants, and the LLDC says future profits will see a return
to the taxpayer. A West Ham spokesman said: "West Ham United shares the
mayor's view that our presence at the former Olympic Stadium guarantees it a
viable and sustainable future.
"Our agreement will not only return hundreds of millions of pounds to the
taxpayer, but will ensure that London's Olympic Stadium will not join the
long list of other former Olympic stadiums that are rotting away through
lack of use. "The LLDC has stated its disappointment at the Information
Commissioner's Office ruling as it believes it will damage its ability to
secure the best deal for the taxpayer in future and we share those
sentiments. "The club are now working with the LLDC to decide the
appropriate next step."

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Ogbonna out for three weeks with hamstring injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Head of Medical and Sport Science has confirmed that
central defender Angelo Ogbonna will miss the forthcoming matches against
Manchester City, Leicester City and Norwich City.

Stijn Vandenbroucke revealed this afternoon that the Italian international
is likely to be out of action for about three weeks, meaning that Ogbonna
could be in contention for the trip to Sunderland on Saturday, 3 October -
at the earliest.

"Angelo underwent a scan on his injured left leg on Wednesday and we have
received the results," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com. "The injury is not too
bad and we hope he will be back in action within three weeks."

Meanwhile there was good news regarding Mauro Zarate, who is back training
with the first team squad following his recent spell on the sidelines -
although fellow striker Enner Valencia is still likely to be out of
contention until November, at the earliest.

Lastly, Alex Song in continuing his rehabilitation, with no return likely
until the end of next month. "We are working on Alex's ankle which has been
operated on," added Vandenbroucke.

"We are also working on his other ankle, his knees, hips, his core and his
fitness – everything from top to bottom."

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Boris Johnson: West Ham consider legal action to prevent release of Olympic
Stadium deal
Last Updated: 16/09/15 7:14pm
SSN

London mayor Boris Johnson has claimed West Ham are considering taking legal
action to prevent the full financial details of the club's move to the
Olympic Stadium being disclosed. The Hammers will leave the Boleyn Ground at
the end of the current season and begin their 99-year deal as anchor tenants
of the stadium, at a reported annual cost of £2.5m, from the start of the
2016/17 campaign. The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and West
Ham have attempted to block any release of information, insisting that
details of the deal involving the largely taxpayer-funded stadium must
remain private for commercial confidentiality. However, during Mayor's
questions at London's City Hall on Wednesday, Johnson insisted he would have
no problem publishing the deal which will see West Ham assume the stadium's
use for up to 25 days of the year. Johnson, instead, claimed it was West
Ham that were unwilling to release the entire figures of their move. "I
would be perfectly happy to publish the details of this arrangement. But I
understand the football club concerned is not so keen because they think it
would give other clubs an insight into their finances," Johnson said. "I
think they may be trying to take legal action on that point. The jist of the
matter is that this has actually been a fantastic success. The stadium is
doing brilliantly, it had a brilliant summer. I am sure it will do very well
during the Rugby World Cup and it is basically unlike any other Olympic
Stadium around the world. "It has a long-term viable future, with Premier
League football at the heart of the deal. I thought that was the right way
forward for London and the right way for the Olympic Stadium. There are
stadiums like that which are totally moth-balled, that don't have any real
activation. Go to Athens, Beijing… this has been a great success and a good
investment for London."

The Information Commissioner has ruled that the terms of the deal must be
made public, after Freedom of Information was requested by the Supporters
Trusts' campaign. The LLDC has 28 days in which to lodge an appeal, but the
coalition of groups has called on Johnson, as head of the LLDC, not to do
so. Johnson added: "We have been very up front. The reason we have not
published the details so far is because we have only just concluded the last
letting of the contract and hospitality areas. "We did not want to put
anything out that would impact upon our ability to negotiate future
contracts. The main contract breakdown as you know: £189m for the main
transformation works, £17m for the retractable seating, £7m for the
hospitality fit out, £7m for the pre-transformation works. "The funding for
the transformation works comes from a number of different sources: £40m from
the London Borough of Newham, £15m from West Ham United Football Club and so
on.
"I am very happy to release all the details, but it is the club who are not
happy to do this and they are considering at the moment taking legal action
to protect their rights to privacy on that front."

Despite fierce questioning from his fellow MP's, Johnson remained convinced
the deal for West Ham to assume use of the Olympic Stadium is positive for
the future of London. "I think we should be rather proud that we have got a
Premier League football team in the stadium. Most of the public spending was
to deliver the biggest cantilever roof for the stadium and it is doing
wonders," he said. "I think rather than carping and being miserable, you
should congratulate the LLDC on the deal they have done."

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BILIC SAID HE WOULD FIX IT AFTER BOURNEMOUTH – AND DIDN'T LET US DOWN
By Tony McNulty 16 Sep 2015 at 17:00
WTID
I had the great pleasure of going to Upton Park for my first home game of
the season – and I really liked what I saw. It has to be said that this was
not the brightest or best Newcastle team I have ever seen, they haven't
scored a goal since the opening weekend. Their attacking unit has been
described as 'powder puff', but I have lost count of the number of times I
have trudged back up Green Street having watched West Ham be battered by
inferior teams who take advantage of mediocre Hammers' performances or hit
us on the break. Monday night was different.

It was still scrappy in parts. It was clear that we took our eye off the
ball occasionally. But when it worked, there was a style on the pitch that
would make the most hardened West Ham fan purr – and the style went from
front to back.

Bilic - I will fix it
Slaven Bilic said after the Bournemouth game that 'he would sort it out'.
The Newcastle game was his first opportunity to do so – and he did. Playing
Victor Moses from the start was an inspirational choice – and the way that
he linked up with Payet and Sakho. Mark Noble celebrated being appointed as
the club captain by having another masterful game in midfield and linked up
well with the defence and the attack. It was perfect and when it worked, it
worked really well. The defence linked together very well and Biulic was
absolutely right to put Tomkins back into the centre when Jenkinson came on
for Ogbanna. It kept the defence strong and focussed.

Captain Marvel - Mark Noble
I was disappointed that we were only 1-0 up at half-time. It wasn't for the
want of trying, but we didn't finish the job. The best feature of the second
half was how we kept on going, defended very well and made some very sharp
counter-attacks on the break. Overall, it was a cracking performance that
approached the dizzy heights of our away performances at the Emirates and
Anfield.

I thought the crowd's performance was OK at the Newcastle game – but not
brilliant. There seemed to be an acceptance that we were going to win – and
not much enthusiasm to spur the team on. Newcastle sang more and got behind
their team more – at least until the second goal. Don't get me wrong, there
was nothing negative about our crowd's behaviour – it just felt a little bit
meh! May be I am being a bit harsh, but I don't think I am. It will be
interesting to see what other people think.

I know we should start to relax and enjoy the football, build up some hope
and excitement around this season and hope that we can emulate the boys of
'86 who paraded on the pitch at half-time, but I am a West Ham fan, we
thrive on pessimism after overdosing on hope too often. I look at the table
and, instead of enjoying the fact that we are fifth and Chelsea's 4th
bottom, I see 10 points in the bag and only 30 to go for safety! Instead of
saying with relish 'right, bring on Manchester City next week and we'll do
them to', I think 'oh my God, all this is going to come crashing down next
week at the Etihad'.

It can be a costly pessimism. One year, our very last game of the season was
against Manchester United – away. I went to Old Trafford and, just for fun
as they say, had a little bet on the game. I was so confident of our team
that I wrote out the bet without even thinking – West Ham to win 1-0 with
Carlos Tevez scoring the only goal. This was a brave bet – I think, form
memory, for a £10 outlay, I stood to win over £300 or so. This was the bet
of the optimistic West Ham fan who had faith in the team; the optimistic
West Ham fan who believed that, for once, faith would triumph over hope; the
West Ham fan who believed that, for once, the West Ham way would prevail and
we could and would win at Old Trafford.

I know that you all know that we won the game 1-0 and, of course, that
Carlos Tevez was our goal scorer – so I know you are all dying to know what
I spent my winnings on. My hard-earned and well-earned winnings that were
the result of having such faith and optimism about the outcome. Did I put it
to one side to help pay for my next season ticket? Spend in on a nice meal
for myself and my brother who was at Old Trafford with me? Treat myself to
something special at the bookie's expense? Well, no I didn't. None of the
above in fact.

Should've believed in Carlita!!
I'm a West Ham fan. I can't even see the bloody glass, let alone see if it
half empty or half full. Just before I handed over my betting slip, I
bottled it. My bravery evaporated and my pessimism returned. I took out my
pen and changed 1-0 to 1-1 – to my eternal shame. As a result, we won and I
lost – but I was very, very happy and had a grin from ear to ear all the way
back to London. I have never changed a bet on West Ham ever since – whatever
my first instinct is, I stick to it.

My bet at the Newcastle game was West Ham to win 3-0, because my hope and
optimism are returning – and that's all down to Slaven Bilic. He said after
the Bournemouth game that 'he would fix it'. And he clearly did. He wrote in
the Newcastle programme that if we 'cut out the silly mistakes, we will be
alright. And the team mostly did. A little bit more 'oomph' behind the team
from the Boleyn crowd and I think we will have all the elements necessary to
fully restore by hope, my faith and my optimism. And give me an ability to
see every glass as half-full and not half-empty – although it's empty now
and it's your round.

Etihad, Schmetihad – three points against City please.

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West Ham could make £17million LOSS ahead of Olympic Stadium move, warns
David Sullivan
0 COMMENTS 18:56, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 18:58, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers splashed the cash on a host of new signings this summer to aid
new boss Slaven Bilic - but they are counting the cost off the pitch
The Mirror

West Ham are on course for an annual loss of £17milion as they prepare to
move into the Olympic Stadium. Hammers owner David Sullivan revealed the
extent of the Hammers' losses after spending over £40million on new players
to support freshly-appointed boss Slaven Bilic.
West Ham will leave Upton Park at the end of the current season as they move
into the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, the home of the London 2012 games.
And after a Freedom of Information request, West Ham will have to reveal
their financial figures from the move to the new stadium - an act which has
been backed by London mayor Boris Johnson. The summer expenditure, which has
seen owners Sullivan and David Gold partially dig into their own pockets,
has proved to be a success, with the Hammers recording Premier League wins
against Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle already this season. Sullivan said:
"I cannot remember a more exciting or successful window during our time at
the club. "We brought in 12 new players at a cost of over £40million, but
that was only possible because David Gold and I made sure we dug deep to get
the players we wanted. "We thought it was important this season, with the
move to the new stadium, that we bought players in every position to create
the best squad and team that has been at the club since we arrived." But the
summer outlay means that if West Ham want to strengthen any further, players
will have to leave the club this summer. Sullivan continued: "As a result,
we are now at the maximum wages we are allowed to pay under Premier League
rules, and therefore if we wanted to buy again in January we would no doubt
have to sell someone before we would be allowed to make any new signings.
"It also means we expect the club to make a loss of between £10million and
£17million this year, depending on where we finish in the league and the
number of games we have televised. "This is indicative of just how seriously
we took this window and the signings we wanted to make."

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Boris Johnson 'perfectly happy' to make details of West Ham's Olympic
Stadium move public
1 COMMENT 17:35, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 17:37, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY AARON FLANAGAN
The Hammers are apparently considering taking legal action to prevent the
full details being released ahead of their big move across the city next
summer
The Mirror

Boris Johnson says that he would be happy to release the financial details
of West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium. The London mayor claimed that
West Ham are considering legal action to prevent the the full details of the
move being disclosed to the public. West Ham move into the home of the 2012
Olympic games at the end of the current season, starting a 99-year deal as
the stadium's primary tennants.
The stadium will cost the Hammers around £2.5million-per-year. West Ham and
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) have attempted to block the
release of full financial information. They claim that the stadium, which
has largely been paid for by the taxpayer, must remain private for
commercial confidentiality. Johnson would be happy for all the details to be
made public, but he claims Hammers chiefs are unwilling to release for full
figures of their move. "I would be perfectly happy to publish the details of
this arrangement," Johnson said. "But I understand the football club
concerned is not so keen because they think it would give other clubs an
insight into their finances. "I think they may be trying to take legal
action on that point. The jist of the matter is that this has actually been
a fantastic success. The stadium is doing brilliantly, it had a brilliant
summer. "I am sure it will do very well during the Rugby World Cup and it is
basically unlike any other Olympic Stadium around the world. "It has a
long-term viable future, with Premier League football at the heart of the
deal. I thought that was the right way forward for London and the right way
for the Olympic Stadium.
"There are stadiums like that which are totally moth-balled, that don't have
any real activation. Go to Athens, Beijing… this has been a great success
and a good investment for London."
The Information Commissioner has ruled that the full financial figures of
the move must be made public, after Freedom of Information was requested by
the Supporters Trusts' campaign. The LLDC now has 28 days to file an appeal
but the coalition of supporter groups have called on them not to do so. He
continued: "We have been very up front. The reason we have not published the
details so far is because we have only just concluded the last letting of
the contract and hospitality areas. We did not want to put anything out that
would impact upon our ability to negotiate future contracts. The main
contract breakdown as you know: £189m for the main transformation works,
£17m for the retractable seating, £7m for the hospitality fit out, £7m for
the pre-transformation works. "The funding for the transformation works
comes from a number of different sources: £40m from the London Borough of
Newham, £15m from West Ham United Football Club and so on.
"I am very happy to release all the details, but it is the club who are not
happy to do this and they are considering at the moment taking legal action
to protect their rights to privacy on that front."

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West Ham not scared of Manchester City despite ELEVEN wins in a row says
Carl Jenkinson
0 COMMENTS 16:40, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 16:58, 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
On-loan Arsenal defender believes the Hammers can beat the leaders away on
Saturday having already won at his parent club and Liverpool this season
The Mirror

Carl Jenkinson insists West Ham have no reason to fear Manchester City this
weekend. After five straight wins AND five clean sheets in the league,
Premier League leaders City were beaten for the first time this season by
Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday — ending a run of 11 straight
victories, dating back to April, in all competitions. And West Ham will be
aiming to take advantage now the Blues' invincibility has been shattered.
Slaven Bilic's side travel to the Etihad on Saturday having already won away
at Arsenal and Liverpool this season — and on the back of an impressive 2-0
home victory over Newcastle on Monday night. England international
right-back Jenkinson, on a year's loan from the Gunners, said: "Of course
they are flying (in the league) at the moment. "But we've got some good
results against the big teams this season so we've got to be encouraged by
that. "We can afford to go there with no fear at the moment, with the way we
are playing this season. People aren't expected to go to City and win these
days and it's not that easy, but we'll go there confident and play with no
fear."

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Special DS praise for criticised Randolph
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 16, 2015 in News#
C AND H

David Sullivan has paid a glowing tribute to Darren Randolph. The Hammers
number two stopper has been in really impressive form since coming in for
red-carded Adrian. And he was at the centre of fierce speculation that the
Irons would be forced to go in for Robert Green after showing uncertain
pre-season form. But in his column From the Boardroom at the www.whufc.com
website Sullivan – after picking out Dimitri Payet and Victor Moses for
special mention, added: "I also want to pay special tribute to goalkeeper
Darren Randolph who has proved a lot of his critics wrong. I think over the
last three games he has shown he's a very capable, international keeper who
will be pressing Adrian all season for a first-team spot."

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Payet may escape court appearance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham believe it unlikely that starman Dimitri Payet will need to travel
to the island of Reunion for a court hearing this month or next. Originally
there were fears that the midfielder would miss at least one game should be
be forced to travel back to his homeland for the hearing but that is now
considered improbable.. Payet was caught by cops doing 106mph on a 55mph
road in his Audi Quattro RS5 on July 3. They seized the supercar and
confiscated the 28-year-old's licence. He risks a three-year ban and £1,000
fine. A court hearing is due to be held later this month or next but the
Hammers believe it's very unlikely to involve a personal appearance by the
midfielder.

The date of the trial is unknown at this point but a well placed Hammers
source said: "It seems more probablr that he will be represented in court by
his legal team rather than have to make a personal appearance." The club has
not been informed of a date for the hearing at this stage.

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West Ham United fan Billy Blagg says it's time to expect the unexpected
after a topsy-turvy start for the Hammers in the Premier League
Guardian Series

My grandad always used to say "With West Ham expect the unexpected" and over
the decades he's never been far wrong, writes Fan's View columnist Billy
Blagg. With Slaven Bilic at the helm though, there's a sense we're going
back to a different time. One where exciting and open football is going to
mix with nerve-shredding performances in a manner not seen since Paolo di
Canio last pulled on the shirt. The early-season form has been something of
a rollercoaster ride but those demanding their 'West Ham back' wouldn't have
it any other way. The abortive and ultimately disappointing Europa League
campaign, the encouraging blooding of youngsters, scintillating away form,
abysmal home performances and a lot of action in the transfer market have
made supporters dizzy in the opening weeks of the 2015/16 Premier League
campaign. But there were signs against Newcastle that everything was
starting to slot into place. It seems madness to suggest that the Hammers,
having already won at Arsenal and Liverpool, were under the spotlight, but
another defeat in front of the faithful following the reversals against
Leicester and Bournemouth would have left the manager with a lot of
questions to answer.

As it was, Newcastle were ideal visitors. Despite having over 60 per cent of
the possession, the Magpies created little and the excellent early strike
seemed to calm everyone's nerves.
What followed was a good example of the type of thing we can expect to see
under Bilic. Defending deep but hitting with pace and accuracy on the break,
the result was an entertaining evening of attacking football. Victor Moses
may only be on loan from Chelsea for a season but there's little doubt he
can lead the Hammers to the Promised Land of Stratford (Oh come on! Someone
has to say it!). Newcastle could barely cope with the winger's mazy runs and
the standing ovation the Nigerian received as he left the pitch must have
been encouraging for a player who always seems to struggle to find a home
for his undoubted talent. With Moses alongside the man who is sure to become
the bargain of the season – Frenchman Dimitri Payet – you feel the
confidence in the side growing. These are the type of players that can be
relied upon to produce something special and give the opposition a constant
problem in trying to contain them. The result is that other players around
them are able to express themselves. As if things could get any better, the
evening even saw the return of Andy Carroll, who got a brief run out and
astonishingly appeared not to injure himself in any way in the five minutes
he was on the pitch. Of course, it's very much the West Ham way that
Carroll's return probably comes at the time the club need him the least, but
that's always been the way of things at Upton Park.

At least the squad now has some depth and there is competition for place a
visit to Manchester City would normally be a fixture fraught with worries
but, if nothing else, at least Bilic can lead out a team on Saturday that
will pose some problems for Manuel Pellegrini's league leaders. Expect the
unexpected? Why not?

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