Daily WHUFC News - 18th September 2015

Parfitt-Williams in confident mood
WHUFC.com

Highly rated forward Djair Parfitt-Williams has targeted Monday's game with Newcastle United U21 as the game to get his personal tally off the mark. The Bermudan-born winger-come-striker has made three appearances for the U21s so far this season, and he was at his creative best against Blackburn Rovers, setting up two of the Hammers' three goals. Speaking ahead of the Irons' fixture with the Magpies, Parfitt-Williams said: "I got a few assists against Blackburn which was good because obviously that's an important part of my role in the team. Hopefully I get can my first goal of the season soon, hopefully it'll come on Monday. "I'm happy to contribute in any way possible, but as a forward, you always want to be scoring a few goals yourself. I'm doing the right things so I'm confident the goals will come sooner rather than later. "In the two and a half games I've played this season, I think I've been pretty effective. I can still improve and take it to the next level."

Parfitt-Williams had pre-season to remember as he featured, and impressed, in a number of friendlies before making his West Ham debut against FC Lusitans in the Europa League. The 18-year-old was one of eight academy graduates to make their debuts this season, replaced Mauro Zarate in the Hammers' 3-0 win, and the youngster is relishing the opportunity to play once again at the Boleyn Ground. "Playing in-front of 35,000 people was something I've dreamt about since I was a little boy. It was something I've always wanted to, so it was really a dream come true. "There's definitely a new positive vibe around the training ground since the new manager has come in. I really think that feeling has sunk down to the Dev Squad and the Academy."

Last time out, the young Hammers were narrowly edged out in a seven goal thriller by Blackburn Rovers thanks to a 83rd minute winner from Connor Mahoney. Despite the defeat, Parfitt-Williams is pleased with his side's recent performance levels: "The game at Ewood Park had ups and downs. We played really well at the start and played them off the pitch, our passing was very good. Unfortunately we let in an easy goal which tied things up and went in 2-1 at half-time. "Hopefully we'll get that first win of the season on Monday. We've played some very good stuff in some of the games, and the scores haven't reflected that yet."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Manchester City
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Hammers' trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City on Saturday 19 September, West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic faced the media. Fielding a number of questions on a range of subjects, Bilic answered questions on Dimitri Payet, the Hammers outstanding away form and his plans to stifle Manuel Pellegrini's table topping side.

Good morning Slaven, what's the team news for Saturday?

Pedro Obiang got a slight knock in training but it is nothing major and we will see how he is today.

I hope he is okay and I am expecting him to recover in time for Saturday. Angelo Ogbonna picked up a hamstring injury and it is going to be a week or two. It will be long enough for him to miss the next couple of games.


Are you expecting Manchester City to respond after their Champions League defeat against Juventus?

I would have loved them to beat Juventus so probably they need a response. They played okay against a Juventus team who have played in the Champions League Final.

Manchester City didn't deserve to lose the game. The minimum they deserved was a point.


Would it be an upset if West Ham win at Manchester City?

It would be a surprise of course because Manchester City have scored 11 goals in the league and have not conceded.

They are cruising in the early stages and already have a gap which is hard to get after five games.

It wouldn't be a shock as we already have two out of two away wins. We know what we need to do to have a chance.

They are the favourites of course but I am expecting us to have a good game and if that is the case we will have chances.


Did you expect to see the roller coaster of results that the Club have experienced in the first five games?

To be fair I couldn't predict that we would win against Arsenal and Liverpool and lose against Leicester and Bournemouth.

I wouldn't swap those two historic wins for the two home defeats. But you want to win at home and that is why the victory over Newcastle was so big because we needed to get a home win.


Everyone is going to be talking about Dimitri Payet. Does it get to the point where he will become a marked man?

I don't think the other teams would not have been aware of him and they would have been trying to mark him anyway. But he is a good player.

I am not comparing him to Messi, Ronaldo or Silva, but just as an example all the managers are trying to stop them but they cannot do it as they are great players.

Dimitri is playing in a position that you have to close down no matter who players there. I think he is going to continue playing like this, especially if the team continue to help him.

We are trying to make the situations easier for him to get him in a situation where he is one against one and then he has got the quality.


With Victor Moses, Chelsea have loaned him out to different clubs. Do you think he is under-rated as a player?

He is a class player. He doesn't have that continuity in one club in the Premier League which you need to settle down.

He is a well known name here and if people say he didn't make it, it is because he is not getting the chances because the big clubs buy big players and it is hard for you to do it.

Last season he played at Stoke and he was one of their best players. He has the quality to make a difference in the Premier League. His first game was very good for us.

He had composure, linking the play and his work-rate was very good.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins - Why not make it a third?
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins is determined to make it three away wins out of three when West Ham United head to Manchester City on Saturday teatime.
The No5 has started three of the Hammers' five Barclays Premier League fixtures this season - all of them at right-back - with all three ending in clean sheets for Slaven Bilic's side. Those victories have come at Arsenal and Liverpool and at home to Newcastle United and Tomkins is determined to extend that outstanding record when West Ham travel to face the Citizens. However, with the game pitching the top flight's two most potent attacks against one another, the defender knows a clean sheet will not come easy at the Etihad Stadium.

"It was a great win for us against Newcastle on Monday and it was massively important that we got our home record right this time and it was nice to get a victory and put a great performance in," he told West Ham TV. "It's weird that I've started and kept three clean sheets but that's the way it's panned out. You can see how sharp we are all over the pitch and our pressing is very good, so teams find it hard to break us down. "With all the new players we've had coming in, we have got pace, strength and energy going forward and that's massively important. We showed that on Monday and I'm sure we'll show it again. It's also important for the team that they do a bit defensively and they have. "We're a good unit and it's looking good at the minute and everyone is looking forward to playing against City."

After starting at right-back in his three previous appearances, with Angelo Ogbonna out with a hamstring injury, Tomkins looks set to return to his favoured right centre-half position at the Etihad Stadium. "It felt weird going back to centre-half at the start!" he smiled. "Playing centre-half is more natural for me, with Reidy alongside me, Jenks at right-back and Cress on the other side, they are familiar faces in the back four. "We were really solid, did really well and talked to each other and the players in front of us. It panned out well and hopefully we can keep this run going."

Behind the back four, Darren Randolph produced another outstanding performance in goal, making fine saves to deny Daryl Janmaat and a deflected Papiss Cisse effort that span towards the top corner off Tomkins. With Adrian now available again after a three-match suspension, the No5 says manager Slaven Bilic can be confident, whichever of his two senior goalkeepers he selects. "Darren has done massively well for us. He pulled off a good save in the first half and with the one that deflected off me, I'm not sure how he has saved it, so the gaffer is going to have a hard decision, but one he will want to make. "The gaffer wants to know that whoever he puts in will do well for him and fair play to Darren because he has done well."

After impressing in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday, the Hammers get another chance to do so at the Etihad. "We will go there with confidence. The two away results we've had have been unbelievable, so why not make it a third? Everyone is going into it knowing we can do something against them, for sure."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley welcomes fans to Magpies contest
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Academy director Terry Westley has urged Hammers fans to get behind the Dev Squad when the face Newcastle United on Monday 21 September. The experienced coach is hoping for a strong following at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening to help aid the young player's progression. Speaking ahead of the clash with the Magpies – a repeat of last Monday's game with the first team, Westley said: "Some clubs really generate a support for their youth teams and that's something we want to work on. Norwich City's average crowd for U21 games is 7,000 – some League One clubs would be happy with that! "The biggest game last season, Manchester United v Manchester City was 16,000. That game was also shown live on TV so it demonstrates that there is an appetite for youth football. "We hope that by making it free, on Monday we get a good crowd which will be a great experience for our players."

Monday's game, the Dev Squad's first at the Boleyn this season, should provide a great experience for the up and coming stars of West Ham's future. Already this season, despite only four games being played, 24 different players have been used so far, ranging from first teamers such as Manuel Lanzini and Diego Poyet to Academy starlets Declan Rice, Marcus Browne and George Dobson. Westley continued to say how important the experience of playing in first team stadiums is in helping players to bridge the gap between youth and professional football. "I think you saw how positive an effect playing in the Europa League, in a full stadium, had on the likes of Lewis Page, Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford. "It's a whole new experience that players need to adapt to but also thrive on. "Even at a younger level, I would hate for a scholar never to play in a home stadium, we're fortune enough that we get together and give our players that opportunity."

Last time out, the Hammers were edged out in a seven goal thriller away at Blackburn Rovers, with Kyle Knoyle, Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen all scoring outstanding individual efforts. While results have been hard to come by in the early stages of the season, the performances, and the quality of football has been impressive. Reflecting on the defeat to Rovers, Westley could not fault the effort on display: "After the game, I had several first team managers who were at the game and they said how well we played. "If it wasn't for a few individual errors, we would have come away with a deserved win. "Maybe in football we don't work to the same forensic detail as a boxer or an Olympian, or even in the theatre. The actors that play Billy Elliot can't afford to make a mistake, from the age of 13, they have to be that good. "Where it's equal is on that grass, there's no money out there. We have to be really tough with our players. We don't necessarily want players to paint walls or tiles but we want them to train properly."

The Development Squad play Newcastle United U21 on Monday 21 September. Kick off at the Boleyn Ground is 7pm. Admission is FREE for all fans.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton - I think it's exciting
WHUFC.com

Dean Ashton says West Ham United can travel to Manchester City confident of earning just their second ever victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The Hammers face the Barclays Premier League leaders on Saturday, seeking their first league victory at the Etihad and just their second success in 13 visits in all competitions. West Ham's sole previous win at City's new home came back in March 2006, when Ashton made himself a Claret and Blue hero by scoring both goals in a 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final tie. "It's amazing to think we haven't got a result there since, but things have certainly changed in that time for Manchester City and it's now one of the toughest places to go and it'll be no different come the weekend," Ashton told whufc.com. "I had made a decent start to my West Ham career without really setting the world alight, but I think that night showed what I was all about. Especially my first goal, I was deceptively quicker than people thought, but once I got in I was great with both feet and it showed that with my left-foot strike. "I think West Ham fans got more of an idea of what I was like as a player that night and it was great for me and great for the team. It's great to have people still come up to me and mention that game."

Nearly a decade on and the one-time England centre forward says Slaven Bilic's side can repeat that result if they go to the North West full of belief and confidence. Having already chalked up Barclays Premier League victories at Arsenal and Liverpool this season, Ashton says the counter-attacking Hammers should be targeting a memorable hat-trick. "To go to the Emirates and win and then go to Anfield and win, they should be absolutely full of confidence and they do really set up well away from home with two holding midfielders – that looks really good," Ashton enthused. "You've then got the pace with Sakho and Payet and I think it's exciting away from home, so I don't think there is any harm going there full of confidence, especially after Manchester City losing in midweek as well."

Now a media pundit, Ashton has been impressed by the way West Ham have started life under Bilic – in particular the important role his former teammate Mark Noble has been given by the new manager. "I have seen quite a bit of West Ham and what I do like is that they've given Mark Noble a bit more freedom. He's been stuck in a defensive midfield role, playing out from the back which is great and he does that really well, but he's actually a better player than that. "He's already shown in the few games that we've seen that he and Cheikhou Kouyate have been given licence, one at a time, to be able to go and join in – Kouyate with his power and strength and running and then Nobes with his creative side. "I'm pleased he has been given the chance to get forward as much as possible and what has also been great has been Payet come in and he's going to produce goals as well. When you've got one up front, you need your midfield players to produce goals and score goals and that's really encouraging."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: this is no bonus game, it's a Premier League game
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has dismissed suggestions that this weekend's trip to Manchester City is "a bonus game".

Although others within the club have already indicated that the trip to the City of Manchester stadium is a game the Hammers are expected to get nothing from due to the quality of the opposition, Bilic took a contrary - and refreshing - view when addressing the press today.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash this morning, Bilic refuted suggestions from some quarters that West Ham have nothing to lose when facing Manuel Pellegrini's in-form City side - whilst accepting that it would be a surprise were West Ham to repeat their success at Arsenal and Liverpool.

"It would be a surprise because forget about [last night's Champions League defeat to] Juventus, Manchester City have scored 11 goals in the league, haven't conceded and are cruising at this early stage," he said.

"They already have a gap, which is hard to close after five games, so on one hand it would be a surprise. But it wouldn't be a shock considering that we have done it already, with two out of two [away wins] now.

"It's good for us and we know what we need to do there to have a chance. With the greatest respect, they are the favourites of course but I am expecting us to have a good game.

"If we have a good game, we have a chance. We are confident, but with the greatest respect to Arsenal and Liverpool this is a bit different.

"I'm not talking about the size of the clubs, maybe not even the quality of the teams," added Bilic, "but the way Man City have played their opening five games. They've shown less weaknesses than anyone else so far and that's why they're top of the table."

"Their quality is scary. They are definitely more solid than last year, they are not casual. They are more compact than last year and those three or four individuals that were good last year this season are excellent, the likes of Aguero, Silva, Toure and that's more than enough."

Yet despite the difficulties created by facing such strong opposition, Bilic refused to rule out his team causing yet another Premier League surprise.

"We're going to have to be as solid, as concentrated and as together as we were in the games against Liverpool and Arsenal," he said. "It's not only up to us how we're going to play, they're probably going to dictate how the game is going to be played as they have that quality.

"But we are confident enough. Some people are saying this is a bonus game for us but it's not, it's a Premier League game. I would be very disappointed is we don't play well and if we don't get anything from the game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New claim to West Ham attendance record
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

The author of a new West Ham United records book has claimed that the club's record attendance is incorrect.

For many years it has been widely accepted that West Ham's record attendance at the Boleyn Ground was recorded in 1970, when the Hammers hosted local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a Division One tie in front of a crowd of 42,322.

However a new book by Hammers historians Steve Marsh and John Northcutt - who also acts as resident expert here on KUMB.com - claims that there were two home matches staged prior to the Second World War which attracted larger crowds - but have previously been overlooked by the club.

Explaining the oversight, Northcutt told KUMB.com: "We have always been aware of the earlier attendance figures.

"But in 1970, when the Tottenham game attracted 43,322, the club decided to make this their record attendance as they said the loss of records during the war leaves earlier attendances unconfirmed and that many earlier ones were just estimated.

"My first Complete Record was published in 1987 and research leading up to that (from newspaper reports) led me to record those Tottenham games with the attendance shown. The Tottenham record books show our figure too."

According to Northcutt and Marsh, the club's largest attendance was actually recorded back in January 1927 when 44,417 people watched the Hammers beat Tottenham 3-2 courtesy of a hat-trick from the club's leading goalscorer of all time, Vic Watson.

And the 1970 figure is also believes to have been superseded in January 1938, when 42,716 people were said to have watched a thrilling 3-3 FA Cup 4th round draw - also against Tottenham.

The new book - West Ham United The Complete Record - is published by deCoubertin books and is available now, priced £25 for the hardback edition or £55 for a limited clothbound special edition.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet unfazed by media attention, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic believes Dimitri Payet is unlikely to be affected by the media attention he has attracted since his match-winning performance against Newcastle. The 28-year-old French attacking midfielder has taken the Premier League by storm since his £10.75million move from Marseille in the summer and scored both goals in Monday night's 2-0 win against the Magpies. And Bilic, speaking to reporters this morning ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester City believes that West Ham's number 27 has all the attributes to carry on in a similar vein, regardless of the scrutiny to which he has been exposed in recent days. "I think he is going to continue to play like this, especially if the team are helping him," said Bilic. "We're not giving him the ball when he's alone against three or four players, we are trying to make the situations easier for him - to get him in a situation where he is one against one. Then he has got that quality. "Dimitri is playing in a position that you have to close down no matter who plays there. If the other teams were analysing us before the games I think they would have tried to mark him anyway. "He is a good player but I am not comparing him to Messi, Ronaldo or even Silva. For many years managers have been trying to stop those big players but but they can't do it. That's why they are great players."

And Bilic refuted suggestions that Payet still needed time to settle into his new club - insisting that the culture shock might not be quite as harsh as suggested in some quarters. "Some players need some time but I think we talk too much about the Premier League effect," he added. "Nobody talks that much about players moving from France to Germany, or to Italy, or whether they're going to be able to make it or how much much time they're going to need. It's a new country, a new environment and everything but Dimitri is 28 and a really class player. "It's not his first move either - he played for Lille, he played for St Etienne and he played for Marseille which is an extremely big club. "There is big pressure with big responsibility. He was a key player there and still he's not completely settled, but he's such a class player and a good professional that his form doesn't surprise me."

Bilic, whose squad was boosted by 13 new arrivals during the transfer has been similarly encouraged by the start Victor Moses has made since arriving at the Boleyn on a season-long loan from Chelsea. "Victor is a class player but he hasn't had that continuity at one club in the Premier League, which is very important for you to settle down," surmised Bilic. "If people are saying he didn't make it, it's because he didn't make it at Chelsea, or maybe Liverpool. He's a well known name here. Sometimes it's hard because you aren't getting many chances as they buy £20m/£30m players - and as soon as you don't make it in a couple of games, you are out. Then it's very hard. "But last year he played at Stoke and he was one of their best players, so he definitely has enough quality to make a difference in the Premier League. His first game was very good for us, not only because of that fantastic sprint for the goal but because of his composure, his linking play and his work-rate - which was very good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City must bounce back from Champions League loss, says Jamie Redknapp
Last Updated: 17/09/15 7:10pm
SSN

Manchester City must put their 'naive' Champions League performance behind them or they'll be caught out by Dimitri Payet and West Ham, says Jamie Redknapp...

Arsenal, Liverpool… Man City? Can West Ham pull off another huge away win on Saturday Night Football?

You'll have to go a long way to find a better result than their win at Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season, when all the talk was about the Gunners' title challenge. They followed that up in their next away game with a stunning 3-0 win at Anfield.

They've certainly found a formula. In both of those games West Ham were compact, sat back, closed the gaps in midfield, giving Arsenal and Liverpool no space to exploit.

But in between those wins, West Ham lost to Leicester and Bournemouth. Disappointing home defeats in front of their own fans. That's why Monday's win over Newcastle was such a big, big result.

In a strange way it was as big a win as the ones over Arsenal and Liverpool. And the West Ham players will take loads of confidence from performing like that in front of the Upton Park faithful.

The star man on Monday was Dimitri Payet - and he's on course to be one of the stars of the season. I saw him play a lot last year in France and I really liked him. He can see a pass, score a goal and he's enjoying the Premier League.

Teams will be aware of him now, mark him more closely than they did before and try to stop him playing. But if there's any sort of hangover for Man City from their Champions League loss to Juventus, Payet will make the most of those wide open spaces at the Etihad.

City have a 100 per cent record in the Premier League this season and are yet to concede a goal - but they won't be bouncing into this fixture in the same way they would have if they'd got a result in midweek.

That was a really painful defeat for them to take on Tuesday night - and it will have had an impact on the atmosphere at the training ground since.

To be honest, I was amazed by City's performance.

You can't always win games - especially against top teams in Europe. But you can't afford to lose them like that. Even a draw would have been a decent result. Yes, it wouldn't have been the best start but it would have been a point on the board and something to build on.

Instead, City were naive. And that just doesn't make sense when you look at all the world class, experienced players they have in their team.

Player for player, there aren't too many Juventus footballers who would get into that Man City team. But when they play in Europe, City's players have a mental block.

That's a major issue City need to iron out - but now they need to switch their focus back to the Premier League and find a way to pick themselves up. Because they have a huge opportunity in the league now.

City could win the Premier League in quicker time than any previous champion, given how their title rivals have started in comparison.

But that game against Juventus will have taken something away from them mentally and physically and it's a great time for West Ham to be playing them.

West Ham could go and get beaten 5-0. But with six points in the bag from trips to Arsenal and Liverpool, the pressure is off them. They've got a free roll of the dice on Saturday night.

This is going to be a real grind for City - but they need to show the fans something and win their trust back after losing in midweek.

I think they'll win by the odd goal but they'll have to work hard for it. West Ham have players who can play on the counter attack and Andy Carroll could come on and cause problems - he's done that to City before when he was at Liverpool.

But I expect Manuel Pellegrini's side to scrape through.

Sergio Aguero should return to the starting XI, which is a massive boost, and they'll be hoping he can inspire them to a good performance to put that poor Champions League result to bed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic confident of another bold show at Manchester City
Last Updated: 17/09/15 12:51pm
SSN

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is confident his side can produce another 'shock' this weekend and add Manchester City to their list of early-season big-name scalps. West Ham have offset disappointing home defeats by Bournemouth and Leicester City with impressive away victories at Liverpool and Arsenal, before Monday's 2-0 win over Newcastle at Upton Park. Bilic is expecting another bold showing at the Etihad stadium in the Sky Live Saturday Night football game against the early pacesetters. The Croatian coach said: "Manchester City will feel they need a response after the game against Juventus in the Champions League, but that won't affect their confidence. Manchester City didn't deserve to lose that game, minimum they deserved a point, but Juventus scored two great goals."

City have won all five of their league games, scoring 11 goals - including three against defending champions Chelsea - and have yet to concede.Bilic said: "They are cruising at this early stage but we have done it already at Arsenal and Liverpool so we know what we have to do to give ourselves a chance. "It would be a surprise if we were to win, but it would not be a shock. We have already done it twice and I am expecting us to have a good game and if we play as well as we can, then we have a chance."

The manager confirmed that he would be without the services of defender Angelo Ogbonna due to a hamstring injury, but said midfielder Pedro Obiang was likely to feature. He said: "Pedro Obiang got a knock on his ankle on Monday but it's nothing major and he should train today. Unfortunately Angelo Ogbonna is out for a week or two weeks with his hamstring." Dimitri Payet was the star man on Monday night as the Hammers beat Newcastle to move into fifth place and Bilic was quick to acknowledge the importance of the Frenchman to their chances.
Bilic said: "Payet is just a good player. For years and years, managers have tried to stop the best players. I think he can continue to play like this especially if the team continue to help him like they have."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Didier Deschamps hits back at Dimitri Payet after West Ham winger's complaints over France omission
14:17, 17 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 14:18, 17 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The £11m summer signing told French TV that he doesn't understand why boss Deschamps left him out of his squad for fixtures earlier this month
The Mirror

Didier Deschamps doesn't care if Dimitri Payet doesn't understand why he is not in the France squad. The West Ham playmaker, who scored twice against Newcastle on Monday night, went on French TV to complain about his omission from Les Bleus' friendlies earlier this month.
The £11m summer signing from Marseille said: "I find it difficult to understand what he wants from me - I am in the best form of my career." But former Chelsea midfielder Deschamps , who is building a squad to win next summer's Euro 2016 in France, responded on RMC radio: "It doesn't bother me, players say what they like. "I am not going to go in the media to respond to them. "He is not the first and not the last. He is in training, I talk to him and I tell him what I expect on the field. "After that, he understands or he doesn't. He has the right not to understand, It is not really my problem. You have to deserve what you get in life. "But I don't just have lambs for players. They have character."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav faces fascinating City decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Darren Randolph has an outside chance of holding onto his place for the weekend clash against Manchester City.

Whilst Adrian is favourite to return after his three game ban Randolph has reason to hope that boss Slaven Bilic will stick by him.

And insiders at the club believes the boss could send out a serious message to the squad generally by giveng the stopper his chance at the Etihad.

The keeper has kept clean sheets against both Liverpool at Anfield and making several important saves at the Boleyn along the way and several close to the manager believe he has earned the right to keep his place.

The keeper's form has taken many by complete surprise after given the early form in the Europa Cup qualifying rounds which saw moves for former stopper Robert Green.

One key source told ClaretandHugh: "He's done absolutely nothing wrong, even against Bournemouth where he could not be faulted for any of the goals.

"He only has an outside chance of keeping his place but several of us think perhaps he should as his form has been outstanding.

"Should Darren play it will send a message to the entire squad that the pressure is on every one of them and that when they are performing they will keep their places. Slaven has an interesting dilemma."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio could get the call for City
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Michail Antonio may get the call to make his debut at the Etihad on Saturday evening. Victor Moses – despite making a great start to his Hammers loan period against Newcastle – has played a limited number of games over the last couple of seasons is still working hard on his fitness. And Antonio's strength and power – rather than Moses' flair – may be seen as a better option in this particular match against the leaders. The former Nottingham Forest star is continuing to impress enormously in training and is a certainty for the squad and we have been told it will be a tight call between him and Moses for the starting role. ClaretandHugh was told by training ground insiders: "The two were neck and neck for the game against Newcastle and it would be no surprise were he Michail to start with Victor coming off the bench. "This is such a strong squad with everybody putting pressure on each other but it is true that Mihail continues to look tremendous in training."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Hammers legal action
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Claret and Hugh can tonight reveal that the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) is all set to appeal against the demand to reveal details in the confidential Olympic Stadium agreement struck with the Irons.

And we have been told that speculation West Ham could take legal action by seeking a court injunction or a judicial review is incorrect.

The demandto reveal details of the deal came from Information Commissioners Office (ICO) after Charlton Athletics Supporters' Trust (CAST) made a Freedom of Information request to see the agreement in full.

However important details were blacked out on grounds of commercial confidentiality. That request was the catalyst which led to the Guardian article by Owen Gibson, the BBC documentary in August and the petition from a coalition of 14 Supporters' trusts.

The Charlton Group complained to the ICO and that was was upheld with the LLDC given 35 days to comply from the 3rd September.

Yesterday London Mayor, Boris Johnson said he had nothing to hide telling the London Assembly "I would be perfectly happy to publish the details of the arrangement, I understand the football club concerned is not so keen because they think it will give other clubs an inside into their finances and so forth."

It will be up LLDC to appeal the ICO decision as West Ham United is not a public body and not subject to Freedom of Information but sources close to the club understand that an appeal is imminent.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Excited Adrian is on his marks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Terrace hero Adrian is ready to launch himself back into action hopefully at Manchester City this weekend. ClaretandHugh revealed this morning that some insiders believe that Darren Randolph should hold onto the keeper's job after performing well over the last three games. But the No 1 is more than ready to return after a month on the sidelines and the odds are he will get the nod. He was sent off in the final seconds of the game against Leicester City as the Irons chased the game, lifting a foot as he turned to race back into his own half after joining the attack. Despite appealing the card the Hammers lost out and – with the international break as well – the stopper believes he has been away for too long. Taking to Twitter he declared: "After an eternity(a month) banned…excited,available & ready for saturday!Looking forward next game #WHU #COYI ⚒

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold on the Payet/ Devonshire comparison
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has no hesitation in naming Dimitri Payet as the club's best midfielder since Alan Devonshire. And that takes some saying from a man who has held the club legend among his personal gallery of greats for many years. But the co chairman – even after only a handful of games from the Frenchman – is as seriously impressed as every other Irons fan. His two goals were classics against Newcastle and manager Slaven Bilic summed him up perfectly when saying that he is such a good player that he makes everyone around him better. Gold agrees making it clear that he believes the 28 year old to be right out of the top drawer from which Dev arrived back in 1976 before making 359 appearances and scoring 29 goals in his 14 year reign at the Boleyn. The co chairman recalled his glory days saying that he could not understand where such skill had come from and said: "He was one of the most extraordinary talents ever to grace this club.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he added:"I loved watching him – couldn't get enough of the guy. He was utterly brilliant and I thought I'd never see another like him in our colours. "But Dimitri is right up there. He's amazed everybody since he arrived at the club and I have to say it he's the best since Dev. "He's a truly exciting player who – just like the great man – has the ability to get the fans out of their seats and that's what this game is still all about."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Devonshire v Payet – here's Dev's verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

EXCLUSIVE

Club legend – and next to Mooro – my personal West Ham favourite, the great Alan Devonshire, has spoken for the first time on the man who is being hailed as having taken over his Upton Park mantle – Dimitri Payet.

And in an exclusive interview with CLARETANDHUGH he gives a generous appraisal of the man's talents saying: "I really enjoyed what I saw against Newcastle – he's a top player and is going to be great for us. However, it's probably too early to start comparing him with me.
"People tried that when Stewart Downing was around but let's be honest he was never Alan dDevonshire was he? I'm glad we son't have top go there again."

However, he's more than happy to discuss Payet declaring him "a very good technical player" who at 28 years old is arriving at the peak of his powers. Dimitri-Payet-605211He said: "I had a God given gift and knew how to avoid tackles and lunges because I had an instinct to know when they were coming. Payet has the same from what I can see and like myself is very aware of everything that is going on around him and where players are. "He knows where the goal is and his first against Newcastle really was out of the top drawer…he's very gifted and I can understand why the comparisons are being made but let's give it a bit of time."

Dev always made going past the roughest and toughest challenges look easy even after "smashing my knee up" in the 1984 FA Cup clash against Wigan. He said: "I had plenty of speed before that but I still managed to go past them afterwards – it's really about awareness and instincts of what's going on."

He believes that the coaching system is responsible for the lack of players like himself and Payet declaring: "Natural ability gets knocked out of our kids at an early age and that has created a problem in our game. "I was never coached. John Lyall simply told me to go out there and play. Dimitri has probably received the same treatment and I'm sure if not, he will under Slaven Bilic. You have to let players like us play our natural game."

A smile and a laugh is never far away with Dev though and whilst being very impressed with our new playmaker he couldn't say the same for Steve McClaren's Newcastle. He said: "Had the '86 team have played against them the result would have been the same as it was back then – 8-1."

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



http://vyperz.blogspot.com




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