Daily WHUFC News - 27th July 2015

Reece rises to midfield challenge
WHUFC.com

Sixteen-year-old Reece Oxford continues to rise to the challenge of senior
football this pre-season and is gradually learning the craft of playing in
midfield along the way. West Ham's youngest ever player was paired with
fellow Academy graduate Josh Cullen in front of the back four at Charlton
Athletic on Saturday and, as they tend to be, the pair were easy on the eye
in possession at the Valley. Though a midfield berth will take some getting
used to, Oxford is grateful for the experience and believes the role will do
wonders for his technical ability. He told West Ham TV: "It was a good game
and a good experience for me playing in midfield. The team did well. "Josh
[Cullen] and I were talking before the game. We said one and two touches and
then pop it. Angelo [Ogbonna] was telling us the same, one and two touches,
so we just did that. "We played well and kept a clean sheet. We changed
into a diamond and I was behind, with Josh more in front, but either way, we
played well together. "It's a good experience for me, getting on the ball
and working on my technical side."

With an attacking trio of Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia and Martin Samuelsen
directly in front of him, Oxford insists it was simply a case of feeding the
Hammers' more attacking midfielders as quickly and as often as possible. "We
were trying to give them the ball as much as we could," he explained.
"Dimitri was getting on it a lot, we were creating chances but the finishing
just wasn't there on Saturday.
He [Payet] is good at getting on the half turn and getting it and turning it
and creating chances."

At the other end, the Hammers had the unenviable task of getting to grips
with 6 ft 7 Dane Simon Makienok, but Oxford was impressed with a job well
done at the back. "He's tall, quick and strong, the centre-backs dealt well
with him, I thought. "Angelo and Tonks were talking to me all game, just
saying cover, cover them in front. They did a good job and we did a good job
too. It was a good challenge for me."

All in all, Oxford is rightly delighted with an excellent pre-season thus
far and was even handed the captain's armband late on at the Valley by
Diafra Sakho. Having started both legs of the UEFA Europa League first
qualifying round tie against FC Lusitans, he would love to battle his way
back into contention. "It's going well, I'm getting a lot of games in.
Hopefully I could [get back in the squad], but hopefully the team can just
progress in the Europa League and get to the group stages."

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Randolph feeling settled
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph is enjoying a promising start to his West Ham United career
after another clean sheet in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw at Charlton
Athletic. The Hammers' latest goalkeeping recruit pulled off a stunning
second-half save to thwart the hosts and secure his third shutout in four
starts for his new club. Randolph admitted after the game that the team's
overall performance and the warm welcome he has received since arriving at
Chadwell Heath in July have left him feeling pleased. "It was a good
performance against Charlton," Randolph said. "We created quite a few
chances and on another day we would have taken them. "I've really enjoyed my
time with the club so far. I played in the first round of the Europa League
qualifiers and have played again in a few of the friendlies. It's a great
bunch of lads here so I've settled in nicely."

Randolph secured back-to-back clean sheets in his first two competitive
appearances for the Hammers by denying Andorran side FC Lusitans over two
legs. Although Adrian was selected to step in for the next round, the
Ireland international knows he is gaining experience and ability with every
minute he spends on the pitch. "The travelling across Europe just comes with
being in the Europa League qualifiers. It's tough but that's what we've got
the squad for. "The manager hasn't set us any targets for the season yet;
we're trying to concentrate on the Europa League games as they're coming
thick and fast. We're trying to take each game as it comes. "I'm always
looking to improve different aspects of my game and anything that comes
above that is a bonus."

Randolph arrived in east London after his contract at Birmingham City, whom
he played 45 times for last season, expired. He joined the Blues after
impressing at Motherwell but cut his teeth in England by joining Charlton as
a 16-year-old in 2005 and he was only too happy to catch up with some former
colleagues at The Valley. "It's been about seven or eight years since I've
been here. I've been back once or twice with Birmingham and have caught up
with the old faces again on Saturday."

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Irons big prospect wants more and more
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Reece Oxford rose to the challenge of a midfield role in the team which drew
0-0 with Charlton yesterday (Sat) and then declared: "The team did well. "
He explained it was a good experience for him playing in midfield adding:
""Josh [Cullen] and I were talking before the game. We said one and two
touches and then pop it. Angelo [Ogbonna] was telling us the same, one and
two touches, so we just did that. "

Speaking to the official site the Irons big prospect said: "We changed into
a diamond and I was behind, with Josh more in front, but either way, we
played well together."Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia and Martin Samuelsen
were directly in front and Oxford explained it was a case of feeding the
Hammers' more attacking midfielders as quickly and as often as possible. He
said: ""Dimitri was getting on it a lot, we were creating chances but the
finishing just wasn't there on Saturday. He [Payet] is good at getting on
the half turn and getting it and turning it and creating chances."

He said: "Angelo and Tonks were talking to me all game, just saying cover,
cover them in front. They did a good job and we did a good job too. It was a
good challenge for me. He added: "It's going well, I'm getting a lot of
games in. Hopefully I could [get back in the squad], but hopefully the team
can just progress in the Europa League and get to the group stages."

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Irons star in no trouble after early morning incident
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
Carroll nicked at 2.30 am
ClaretandHugh Exclusive

Twitter reports that a well known West Ham United footballer had been
involved in an incident which involved a police presence at around 1 am this
morning have drawn a response from Essex Police. Pictures of the player
(shown above) emerged on Twitter soon afterwards but police later made it
clear that no arrests had been made or charges laid.

A statement from Essex police given exclusively to ClaretandHugh read:
"Police were called to High Road, in Loughton, shortly before 1am on Sunday
July 26 following reports that a man and a woman had been involved in a
verbal dispute. Officers attended and spoke to both parties. No complaints
were made and no further police action is being taken."

A Hammers insider told us: "The player was out in company and started
receiving a lot of abuse from a passers-by. The police were called and
checked that he was okay. "They then decided the best course of action on
his behalf as to drive him home – there is no problem."

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Austin £30m package too rich for Irons blood
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Any lingering hopes the Hammers may be tempted into a deal for Queens Park
Rangers striker Charlie Austin appear to be fading and dying!
For according to morning reports which coincide with those given to
ClaretandHugh the 26 year old is looking for wages of around £85k a week –
much the same as Andy Carroll's – on top of the £15 million transfer fee.
Last season's 18-goal striker has been on the wish list of several Premier
Legue outfts although interest from the Hammers has always been over stated.
The Hammers are more interested in giving Carroll the chance to show he can
remain injury free and are likely to move for a forward on loan in the
meantime. The £30 million cost of an Austin deal over a four year package –
with Carroll still on the books until 2019 on much the same – looks far too
rich for the Irons management's blood.

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Barcelona Halilovic deal moves closer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham are looking to complete a £4.2million deal for Barcelona wonderkid
Alen Halilovic, according to reports in the Metro this morning. The paper
quoted reports in Croatian outlet Vecernji news which says West Ham are
lining up £4.2m deal for the technical pass-master. Halilovic snubbed
interest from Arsenal to join Barca last year but has struggled to force his
way into the first-team. Slaven Bilic is said to key to landing the
youngster for the Hammers.

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Report: West Ham interested in Matija Sarkic
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

Anderlecht youngster Matija Sarkic is reportedly on the radar of Premier
League outfit West Ham United. West Ham United are reportedly interested in
signing Matija Sarkic this summer, according to The Daily Star. Sarkic is an
18-year-old Montenegrin goalkeeper who is on the books of Belgium outfit
Anderlecht at the moment. The Daily Star claims that West Ham manager Slaven
Bilic has been looking at the highly-rated teenage prospect.

Should West Ham United move for Matija Sarkic?

It is interesting that West Ham are (reportedly) interested in Sarkic,
especially as they signed a goalkeeper earlier this summer.
Darren Randolph will be part of the Hammers' 2015-16 campaign after joining
on a free transfer following his departure from Championship club Birmingham
City. The 28-year-old will be the second choice between the posts, as Adrian
is the undisputed number one for the London outfit. Perhaps West Ham want
Sarkic as their third-choice custodian, but they should be looking at
22-year-old Raphael Spiegel for that spot. One way the signing of Sarkic
could work is if West Ham use him for their youth teams. Perhaps that is the
idea after all.

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Narky Nolan Edges towards the Exit
Verywestham.blogspot.co.uk

Since his arrival four years ago, Hammers fans have enjoyed a strange
relationship with Kevin Nolan. Even the begrudgers would have to admit that
as Allardyce's captain and on the pitch general he was a vital element in
our promotion and initial bedding in as a Premiership club. However, Nolan's
inherent style is based upon aggressive route one football where he imposes
his presence by slotting knock downs and other 'scraps' - an approach that
is decidedly different from the fabled West Ham way.

With the departure of big Sam it has seemed inevitable that Nolan would soon
follow. However, with Allardyce enjoying a well earned break from the game,
there is no natural destination for Nolan. His 'first' club Bolton Wanderers
apparently expressed an interest, but were scared off by his wage levels. So
far, an alternate suitor has not emerged. With just one goal in 29
appearances last season, many feel that his 33 year old legs are gone.
Without the goals, Nolan has little to offer apart from leadership as his
levels of mobility and passsing ability are not major strengths -
shortcomins that have become an obsession amongst some sections of the
faithful who have become embarrassingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with
'SuperKev'.

Watching his performances in the Europa league against modest opposition
does not convince one that a drop down to Championship level will allow him
to be a force once again. Moreover, with the new 4-2-3-1 formation favoured
by Slaven Bilic, it's hard to see any role for Nolan at West ham. With a
midfield that is likely to be drawn from Payet, Noble, Kouyate, Obiang,
Lanzini, Amalfitano, with a host of exciting kids also looking for action
(Poyet, Cullen, Oxford) there's no obvious role for our former captain.

Nolan has indicated that he wants to leave if he cannot get game time which,
given the situation outlined above, is essentially a transfer request. Let's
hope that the club can progress this tidily - Nolan HAS been a valuable
servant over four crucial years but time is merciless and our perceived
needs have changed. The Davids managed Sam's departure with considerable
grace, let's manage the Nolan situation similarly.

Maybe the club needs to consider subsidising his wages elsewhere for the
remaining year of his contract as his strong character could become a
liability if he becomes idle in the squad. It would be a pity if what is
essentially a very positive story of his time at the club were to end badly.
We are bigger than that and he has been a good servant.

Kev: Job well done, but done now.

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Samuelsen: "I don't think I'll be loaned out"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 26, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Martin Samuelsen doesn't believe the Irons will be sending him out on loan
this season! The 18 year old – signed from Manchester City has become a
hugely exciting prospect among the Upton Park faithful and looks likely to
be fast-tracked into the first team squad.
The Norwegian teenager 18-year-old looks to have made a decent decision in
leaving City to pursue more regular first-team football in England. And
speaking of his hopes for the season to Norwegian site Aftenposten, he told
of his hopes for first-team football at Upton Park and claimed the club had
no feelings about sending him out on loan this campaign. He said: "I do not
think the club wants to send me on loan. There are many games this season. I
will not be disappointed if I have to play for the U21 team, I take it as it
comes."

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Memo to moaners: Engage brain before opening gob
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 26, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H

Perhaps I shouldn't be writing this piece …it would after all be far easier
to ignore those who think Slaven Bilic should be sacked…or that we are
destined for relegation…or that we have no goal scoring edge…or that Sam
Allardyce's departure was a huge gamble and he should be brought back.

Generally, I'd give it a swerve but on a slow news day these things tend to
play around in your mind and maybe take on a greater importance than perhaps
they should.

So let's just take a look at all the points mentioned in the first
paragraph, all of which have been raised on Twitter or Facebook over the
last seven days.

Slaven Bilic – as is well known – arrived at this club after a variety of
preferred choices dropped themselves out of the reckoning and this needs to
be said straight away…when you see the agenda in front of him it was a
brave brave decision to accept the gig. But then this was an irresistible
job for the man – he loves us lot and the club.

But let's press on, he inherited a team where there is really no creativity,
where he has a lot of dead wood that needs moving on, a team playing a
system of football that needs a radical overhaul and facing a European
qualifying campaign at the start of a summer which has seen most of the
players have just around a month's holiday.

He doesn't know many of the players and needs to look at each of them
individually and within a relatively short space of time make decisions
about their futures, decide his first team, his playing system, whilst at
the same time bringing in the RIGHT new players and getting absolutely
everybody fit.

Nor should it be forgotten that West Ham 2014-15 finished the campaign on a
huge low and thus he also has the big job of rebuilding confidence levels
whilst looking after all the aforementioned issues.

A lot of people take pre-season games very seriously. They shouldn't but for
those who disagree, here' Slav's record since taking over the 'first' team:

P5 W2 D2 L1 F7 A6.

Hardly the stuff of which nightmares are made particularly when you remember
last year's pre-season!

Despite a poor performance in Malta we are through to the next qualifying
round of the Europa Cup which still has the potential to create more
problems than it's worth although I seriously hope I'm wrong.

Things are taking shape and there really isn't too much to moan about
particularly when he has introduced more exciting youngsters into the first
team' pre-season plans than most before him either here or indeed at other
Premier League clubs.

Martin Samuelsen looks a star in the making, Dimitri Payet is as exciting as
any player we have seen at UP in a long time, Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen
are being given plenty of playing time and Angelo Ogbonna looks a beast.

I'd like a fuller answer on what's going on with Pedro Obiang given that he
was brought in before Slav was appointed and Kevin Nolan's little outburst
about being forced to have a chat with the boss if he doesn't get playing
time tells us a lot about the state of play there.

After all it could just as easily have been left unsaid couldn't it?

All in all the doom and gloom merchants – we always have them at our club –
need to ease themselves back into whatever corner from which they have
crept.

It's always far far easier to be negative than positive but after six games
– four of which are near meaningless – so perhaps the small minority should,
to use an old but apt expression, engage their brains before opening their
gobs.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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