Daily WHUFC News - 24th March 2016

From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

The London Evening Standard's Ken Dyer says West Ham United will benefit from the international break...

I thought it was a cracking game at Chelsea on Saturday, even if West Ham United were denied another famous away win late on. It was end to end and both teams went at it hammer and tongs.
West Ham are going to be disappointed for the second successive game but, as Guus Hiddink said, maybe a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play, but having been in front twice West Ham would be disappointed not to have won. Slaven Bilic was spitting feathers and understandably because that's two games running where penalty incidents haven't gone his way – the Dimitri Payet one at Manchester United and now the Ruben Loftus-Cheek one at Chelsea. From where I was, it looked as if it was maybe outside the box and if there was any contact, I'm not sure. It did look as if it was outside and the referee Robert Madley did think about it and took his time. Maybe he got something in his ear from the linesman, but then he gave it. As a West Ham fan, the temptation is to be pleased with a draw at Chelsea, but we're higher than them in the table and I think the players saw that as two points dropped. Certainly if you looked at their faces as they came off, they looked very disappointed, and I'm sure that's the way Slaven looked at it as well. It was the 89th minute and you should be able to hold out, and West Ham had also had one or two chances before that to put the game out of sight. As Slaven said, Paris Saint-Germain couldn't score three goals at Chelsea, so it's no disgrace. It's easy to be a bit despondent but really once the dust settles, they are coming to places like Stamford Bridge and to be disappointed not to win is a sign of how far they have come. West Ham scored two cracking goals. I thought Manuel Lanzini was superb. In the first half, especially, he was taking up positions where they just couldn't handle him and he was linking well with Payet and scored a cracking goal. Then what a great substitution for the second goal! Andy Carroll came on and he took it really well. Andy is being used an 'impact sub' by Slaven and I can see why he likes to use him like that because by the time he comes on the game has opened up and if you put it up there, he will win it in the air. Andy had another great chance to score one or two more and, although he got one, he won't be happy because he wants to start matches. I'm sure when he is 100 per cent fit, he will start. Finally, I think this international break comes at a good time for West Ham, but Slaven will be on tenterhooks until his players come back from international duty fit and well. Notoriously, games after the international break, particularly when they have had to travel a long way, can be difficult and we are at home to Arsenal. It's been relentless the last few weeks, so I think the lads will enjoy a little breather.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of West Ham United.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stunning New Stadium wrap design revealed
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are pleased to confirm that a planning application has been submitted by E20 LLP for a spectacular wrap solution for the former Olympic Stadium, which, if approved, promises to set a new benchmark in world stadia. The Club and its stadium partners have worked tirelessly with leading digital experts to develop an optimum solution that would revolutionise the exterior of the Stadium. It would see the largest digital screens in Europe, measuring a massive 83m by 12m, installed on the outside of the Stadium. If approved, the new installation will provide immense benefit to all partners of the Stadium, enabling events throughout the year, including West Ham United matches, to have a highly-visible, cutting edge digital platform for content, information and promotional material, all in glorious HD. For West Ham matches, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. So expect goals from Dimitri Payet or classic clips from Bobby Moore's heyday to enthral the Claret and Blue Army on their way in to the Stadium. And crucial to that end, the screens would be designed to respond to different brightness settings, meaning definition remains at an optimum level for day or night games in any weather condition. The exciting new plans – which replace the previously submitted application - also include including prominent, Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising. This is key to the Club's absolute commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham United. Now that the above proposal has been submitted for consideration, West Ham United and its Stadium partners will be working hard with the planning authority to reach an agreeable outcome. A response is expected within the next eight weeks, to allow installation to take place between May and July.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley - We've gained vital experience
WHUFC.com

Development squad manager Terry Westley believes his side's experiences this season will help prepare his squad if the first team calls next campaign. The young Hammers progressed to the final of the Under-21 Premier League Cup last week after an extra-time win over Liverpool, and they are currently fifth in their league table. And Westley thinks the involvement in both competitions, as well as valuable loan spells for some members of the squad, have been vital in the team's progression. He said: "With the Under-21s being so competitive in the league, with an awful lot of younger players playing, and the run in the cup, we hope they'll kick on next pre-season. "Some of them will be ready for the first team and for Slaven [Bilic] and will be able to help. Add the Under-18s qualifying in the top section in their league, and we look really strong. "Lewis Page at Cambridge, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke at Bradford, Martin Samuelsen at Peterborough…they've all had great experiences that will stand them in good stead to progress next season. "It's pleasing how many young players we've been able to field. The emergence of Declan Rice, who has done very well in the 18s and has played in the 21s, is great, George Dobson is an Under-18 but playing for the 21s – the same with Marcus Browne. "The team has done well to cap off the season with a cup final in the last year of the stadium being available to us so it's a great way for them to end the campaign."

Westley also explained how important getting the balance right between playing academy football and getting senior experience on loan is. "It depends on who the individual is, but both types of experience are vital. Some clubs will tell you it's all about a loan, but others will say if you're 18 and good enough you'll have a go in the team. You might not need a loan.
"Look at [Luke] Shaw, [James] Ward-Prowse, [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain and [Theo] Walcott at Southampton – they all never went on loan. But then at Spurs, [Ryan] Mason, [Tom] Carroll, [Harry] Kane and [Andros] Townsend – they all had a lot of loans. "It just proves it depends on where the player is on his pathway. "I think Samuelsen, Cullen and Burke, after a loan in the Football League, have got to prove next pre-season that they're ready to help the first team and help the manager. "It's a competitive Under-21 programme, pushing players up age-groups, so it's good for us and it's been a good season so far."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio heads home
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio put plenty of smiles on faces when he returned to first club Tooting & Mitcham FC to coach youngsters. The in-form No30 came through the ranks at the south London club, which he joined as an U12 and progressed to the first team while still a teenager. Antonio coached the club's Kickers and caught up with plenty of familiar faces - and West Ham TV were on hand to catch all the action.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner set for Ecuador return
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia is looking forward to pulling on the famous yellow shirt of the Ecuador national team again this week. The West Ham United forward returns to Los Amarillos duty for the first time since appearing at the Copa America in June 2015. A pair of ankle injuries have ruled Valencia out of Ecuador's record-breaking start to their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which has seen them win four matches out of four to go top of the ultra-competitive South American group. The country may have a population of a little more than 16 million, but Ecuador have already pulled off a first-ever win in Argentina, followed by home victories over Bolivia and Uruguay and a 3-1 success in Venezuela. Next up come the visit of fourth-place Paraguay on Thursday, followed by a trip to neighbours Colombia on Tuesday 29 March. "We play against Paraguay in Quito and then Colombia away," said the No11. "They are two very difficult games, but Ecuador is now performing very well. We will hope to get three points at home and then Colombia will be very tough, but we will try our best again. "The whole country is behind us. We are doing fantastic and everyone is confident. To be top of the table is a fantastic performance. "I am also looking forward to seeing my family again, as I have not been home since the Copa America last June. It is hot there now, too!"

At club level, Valencia returned to the West Ham starting XI for Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chelsea, where he gave a typically energetic performance at both ends of the pitch. "It was a very good game and I was very happy to start the game and contribute to a good result," he said, speaking in his rapidly improving English. "It was very good for my confidence. I am very happy with all the Club and the fans and I'll keep working hard for them."

While he did not get on the scoresheet himself, Valencia was delighted for fellow South American Manuel Lanzini, who curled in an exquisite opener. Later, super-sub Andy Carroll scored within seconds of his arrival on the pitch to put West Ham 2-1 up, only for a controversial late penalty to secure a scarcely-deserved draw for the Blues. "Manu's goal was unbelievable," Valencia confirmed. "He is a fantastic player and he has the capability to be one of the best players with West Ham. I know him from his time in South America and now he is a very good player here in England. He has good technique and he scored a fantastic goal on Saturday. "Andy, too, is unbelievable. He was on the pitch for about 20 seconds and he scored a goal!"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid - Noble deserves all the praise
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender Winston Reid has nothing but admiration for the way Mark Noble has stayed so loyal to the Hammers and says he deserves his day in the spotlight at his Testimonial match on Monday. Reid has been fortunate enough to play alongside Noble for the last six-years and has enjoyed many memorable moments with the West Ham captain. The New Zealand international will never forget being part of the side alongside Noble that won the memorable Play-Off Final at Wembley against Blackpool to gain promotion back into the Premier League. And he is looking forward to paying tribute to the talented midfielder in front of another sell-out crowd at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday. Reid said: "Mark thoroughly deserves everything that he's getting. There are not many players that stay with the same team for this long, but Mark's from the area and he's been here all his life. "I hope he enjoys the game. I'm sure he's been through some difficult times during the years he's been at West Ham, but now especially with this good season, you can see how much it really means to him. "When we were promoted from the play-offs [together], it was a special moment for everyone connected with the Club but you could see the relief on his face, and that was a great moment."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Farewell Boleyn - From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Nigel Clarke is one of the most well known faces in British Journalism and has been covering top flight football for over 50-years. He is a big admirer of the Hammers and can boast to be one of the closest friends former England captain Bobby Moore had with the media.

Clarke has worked for some of the biggest newspapers in the country including the Daily Mirror and Daily Express and will be sad to see West Ham leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season.


​I have covered top flight football for a number of years and been to some of the best stadiums in Europe but I have to say that the Boleyn Ground has always been one of my favourite grounds to cover a big match.

I will never forget when we used to go up to Ron Greenwood's office inside the ground after a game and he would give out his pearls of wisdom and share his thoughts on the result. He was very upfront and always answered your questions.

I was very fortunate that I struck up a very close relationship with Bobby Moore and one of the biggest things for me after covering a West Ham game was spending the evening with the players at the Britannia Arms in Plaistow.

Myself, Mooro, Frank Lampard and Graham Paddon would sit there for hours discussing football.

It was total education and I learned so much about the game from talking to them. You would listen to established people and they knew you would not betray them. I was fascinated by the fact that Bobby had such a will to win.

We had a long lasting friendship and and Bobby was one of the greatest football players I have ever met. I used to go down to the Boleyn Ground on a Sunday morning if he was having treatment with the physio Rob Jenkins and we would talk even more about the great game.

I cried so much when Bobby died and one of my biggest every memories of going to the Boleyn Ground was immediately after the news had broken about his death and I was overwhelmed by the amount of tributes that had been made and the flowers that greeted you when you walked inside the gates.

I will always remember Upton Park and it always stood for something very special. They wanted to be the best and there have been some tremendous times there over the years.

The people are always nice and friendly and the biggest factor is they are homegrown and understand the traditions of the club. It is all about the family in the East End.

You feel the warmth and friendliness when you walk inside the stadium and I still love covering games there.

There have been so many stories associated with the famous old ground and from a reporters point of view it was always great to speak with players in the tunnel after a game.

The biggest challenge was getting an interview with Billy Bonds as he would have a bath and would then disappear out of the ground!

In more recent times it has been fun interviewing the likes of Frank McAvennie and Paolo Di Canio who was a real character.

We would have to wait ages for Paolo but trust me it was well worth it and he would always give you a story. He would come out of the dressing room with his tie done up the wrong way and he would be wearing different colour socks. He was a unique individual.

He always seemed to know what the press wanted from him and would sometimes stand there winking at you while he was talking. We were never sure how much he was winding us up!

I have covered so many games through the years but my standout memory has to be the Hammers 7-0 win over a strong Leeds side.

I think Bobby hit 105 out of 106 passes that night and it was the most complete demonstration of how to play the game. I can still remember the noise the crowd made and it was something very special.

The Boleyn Ground was part of my upbringing and I will miss the old ground terribly.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of West Ham United

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Borg Off
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd March 2016
By: Staff Writer No.3

Academy product Oscar Borg is on the verge of signing for Premier League basement club Aston Villa. The 18 year-old left back, who can also operate further forward, joined the Irons at the age of 13 and has featured at both U18 and Development Squad level in recent years. In 2014 Borg looked set to join Manchester United after a successful trial spell. However, the clubs failed to agree a compensation package for the youngster, who qualifies for both England and Turkey at international level. Since then it appears that the player, who was, perhaps unfairly, likened to Gareth Bale in his playing style, has failed to progres as well as the club might have liked. It is undrstood that Villa have offered Borg a two and a quarter year contract.This would keep the player in Birmingham until June 2018 as the Villains embark on a rebuilding programme in advance of what will almost certainly be relegation to the Championship at the end of this season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Lanzini deal shows West Ham are on the verge of something special, says club legend Trevor Brooking
March 23, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Sir Trevor Brooking spoke to the Evening Standard and hailed West Ham's permanent capture of Manuel Lanzini and feels his old club are on the verge of something special.
Joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have spent around £9million to turn Argentinian midfielder Lanzini's loan deal from UAE side Al Jazira into a four-year contract, with the option of a further two years. The 23-year-old, who scored his sixth goal of the season at Chelsea on Saturday, has joined Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate in signing long-term contracts with the Hammers. And with the club set to wave goodbye to Upton Park and move into the Olympic Stadium next season, former Hammers midfielder Brooking feels the future is looking bright.

"It's great," he said. "I was asking the two Daves if they had sorted Lanzini out just a couple of weeks ago. "He was outstanding until he got injured earlier this season. Then he came back and he and Dimitri Payet together are great. It's good to sort him, Payet and Kouyate out for the next few years. "People can say what's to stop big clubs still coming in for them, but if I was a player on the platform that they are given at West Ham, a club where the fans enjoy watching you and now with the new stadium, it's a great opportunity for them and anyone else who comes in. "With three or four new players, the right sort of people, I think they can be very dangerous next year."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUEmployee Exlusive: Payet and Bilic shortlisted for Barclay's Player and Manager of the Month
March 22, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

We are delighted to announce, exclusively, that Dimitri Payet with his 1 goal, 3 assists and scintillating performances has been shortlisted for the prestigious Barclays Player of the Month award.

The nominees are:
Dimitri Payet
Harry Kane-Tottenham
Wes Morgan-Leicester City
Riyad Mahrez-Leicester City
Graziano Pelle-Southampton
Ashley Williams-Swansea

Following on from Payet's nomination, Super Slaven Bilic has also been shortlisted in the manager's award having guided West Ham to wins over Spurs and Everton and a draw at Chelsea (which we all know should have been a win if it was not for the referee).

The nominees are:
Slaven Bilic
Eddie Howe-Bournemouth
Francesco Guidolin-Swansea
Claudio Ranieri-Leicester City

Congratulations to the both of them!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why always us? Or am I just paranoid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st March 2016
By: Paul Walker

Consider, if you dare, what would happen if the disgraceful refereeing decisions that have overwhelmed West Ham these past two matches had happened to Manchester United.

Can you image the purple rage of old Fergie if his side had been denied a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and then been robbed of a Champions League qualification place in successive matches?

Two games against Manchester United and then Chelsea that could have defined our season, both games we should have won, our two biggest matches of the campaign against not just two of England's biggest clubs but two of the world's very biggest.

And we have done so well, received praise from all quarters and have put down markers now on what we are capable of. I cannot praise Slav and this fired-up, compelling squad enough for what they have achieved already, with so much more to come.

But they always seem to be fighting against the odds. These have not been the run-of-the-mill cock ups we see every game, but definitive mistakes that could cost West Ham millions.

We all know what would have happened if it had been Man U on the receiving end. Fergie would have screamed blue murder for days, David Gill would have been pressurising from within the FA and refereeing careers would have been fatefully damaged. Just ask Andy D'Urso!

There would have been days of media overkill, deep analysis, pages of moaning. But we all know that such misfortunes rarely, if ever, befall the likes of Manchester United, they just seem to happen to us.

Now I know it is easy to sink into a claret and blue bias here. Mistakes do happen, these things eventually even themselves out. Or so we are told.

But they don't do they? Because a couple of sets of statistics published recently do seem to suggest that West Ham get the rough end of these decisions more than anyone else!

And you sense that there is a growing anger from within the corridors of power at the Boleyn, and it's coming from the very top. David Gold has ventured into twitter of late to carefully bemoan the current unsatisfactory state of play.

Firstly there was a remarkable survey that looked into mistakes by officials that have seen goals wrongly awarded against teams, and had seen their own efforts wrongly ruled out. West Ham had suffered the most of both.

Then there was an even more interesting investigation into penalties awarded. You guessed it, over the past four seasons we have been awarded fewer than any other team in the top flight. And amazingly, not been awarded one penalty in four seasons in an away match.

Just think about that for a second. I am not sure whether this survey included this incomplete season or not, so lets say for arguments sake that we have played 75 away league games in the past four seasons. That's 6,750 minutes play. Or another way, 112.5 hours football. That's 4.6 days.

Are we seriously expected to accept that not one foul on a West Ham player in the penalty area has occurred during nearly five continuous days of football? I doubt David Gold accepts that for one minute.

So is this just unlucky, or do referees just not like us? Or maybe we didn't get the phone call from the referees' mafia that said we would be looked after because we were a big club? (Sorry, this sort of stuff does make you paranoid.)

The penalties survey makes interesting reading. Not only did we not get an away penalty in four years, we only had nine at home. In that time, Manchester United had 20 spot kicks, ten away. Manchester City and Liverpool had the most, 26, with Chelsea 25 and Arsenal 18.

Now I accept that clubs with better players will find their opponents committing more fouls against them. But to this degree? I am not having that.

The big club/little club syndrome has always been there, whether officialdom likes it or not. Take, for example, that ridiculous penalty awarded to Liverpool in the final seconds at Crystal Palace.

Christian Bennteke going down after a tiny connection with Damien Delaney's knee. Our old boss Alan Pardew went potty and insisted that sort of penalty would never be awarded to his team. The statistic suggest he was right.

Now for our own recent problems. Dimitri Payet was clipped from behind in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. Howard Webb, on BT Sport, Dermot Gallagher on Sky and Graham Poll in the Daily Mail all agreed it was a penalty. Why would Payet have gone down in that position if he hadn't been fouled?

But ever since we have seen the full might of the Manchester United media machine turned against him. Louis Van Gaal said it was "more or less" a foul. Make your mind up pal, you have done a pretty good job of character assassination.

Of course, he went down too easily claims the deluded Dutchman. Almost as easily as the way Anthony Martial went down when mildly caught by Nathaniel Clyne in the Europa League match with Liverpool a few days later. He flew through the air in true Ashley Young style. Didn't hear anyone at Man U doubting hat decision, did we?

And then there was the obvious foul by Bastian Schweinsteiger on Darren Randolph, it was too obvious for words but it still cost us victory and Manchester United's equaliser should not have counted.

That, by the way, is the same German midfielder who smashed his arm into Winston Reid's face during the league game there in December, and was only punished later because Mark Clattenburg had failed to see it from ten yards away..maybe his hair gel and fake tan got in his eyes.

And now we have another shocking decision by Bobby Madley at Chelsea, a referee who does not know how to mark out ten yards, by the way.

The supposed connection between Michail Antonio and Ruben Loftus-Cheek was clearly outside the box. Madley was also not in a good enough position to give a spot-kick anyway.

The Chelsea lad clipped his own heels, dived into the box and got a penalty, Payet went down under a limited connection and didn't get a penalty. Martial went down the same way, dived, and got one. Benteke was barely touched, dived and got a spot-kick. See a pattern there? Big clubs get, small clubs don't.

And how many clubs have had to appeal, successfully, against three bad sendings-off in a year like us? Adrian, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate have all had red cards rescinded. That is a very high figure, surely.

So my paranoia has taken over. And I wonder if our leaders are starting to feel the same way? They will be aware of al these facts and injustices and I bet someone, somewhere has had a word or two about it all.

Will things change? Unlikely. Will Payet get booked for diving some time soon? You can bet on it, thanks to loopy Louis.

But not even dodgy referees can spoil this season. Slav's men seem able to take things in their stride, attack at every opportunity and are giving us one hell of a ride.

European football, though, is going to be tough to attain. With none of the current top four still in the FA Cup, qualification will now not get to sixth place. So we have to cling onto what we have. And for a change I am not betting against that!

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reveal plans for Olympic Stadium 'wrap-around' screens
Last Updated: 23/03/16 5:07pm
SSN

West Ham have released images of how they hope their new stadium will look next season. The club will move into the Olympic Stadium in the summer and their game against Manchester United on May 10 will be the last at Upton Park, their home since 1904. The club have revealed they hope to cover the outside of the Olympic Stadium in giant digital screens which they claim will be the largest in Europe at 83 metres long. The screens will show clips of past and present players on match days. The Olympic Park's management company, E20 LLP, have submitted planning permission and West Ham should know by the end of the current season whether the scheme has been given the green light. A statement on the club's website read: "For West Ham matches, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. "So expect goals from Dimitri Payet or classic clips from Bobby Moore's heyday to enthral the Claret and Blue Army on their way in to the Stadium. "The exciting new plans - which replace the previously submitted application - also include including prominent, Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising. "This is key to the Club's absolute commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham United."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loanee Alex Song set for Barcelona return in summer after disappointing season
17:13, 23 MAR 2016 UPDATED 17:13, 23 MAR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Song has only made 15 appearances for the Hammers as his season has been hampered by injuries, meaning he could depart the club
The Mirror

Alex Song looks set to return to Barcelona this summer. West Ham signed Song on a season-long loan from Barcelona last summer and a new contract would kick in based on appearances. But Song, 28, has struggled to make the same impact this season as during his impressive first year at West Ham and it looks increasingly likely he will go back to the Nou Camp. West Ham could still try to do a cut-price permanent deal, especially if they clinch a place in Europe which would boost their chances of agreeing a contract. Cameroon international Song has made just 15 appearances this term largely because of injuries and is no longer an automatic choice. Barcelona would be willing to do a permanent deal and there would be no shortage of takers with Song keen to stay in the Premier League.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-West Ham player gets three years jail after glassing bouncer in face in parking row
17:04, 23 MAR 2016 UPDATED 17:13, 23 MAR 2016
BY PETER STUBLEY
Simon Williams suffered horrific cuts from his temple to his shoulder, including two severed arteries, after Izzy Iriekpen lashed out with a glass in his hand
The Mirror

A former West Ham footballer who glassed a bouncer in the face in a parking rage row over a Porsche has been jailed for three years and three months. Izzy Iriekpen, 33, left martial arts expert Simon Williams needing emergency surgery to repair two severed arteries in his neck. Mr Williams ended up with 61 stitches on the horrific cuts stretching from his temple to his shoulder after the attack outside a pub in the famous Notting Hill area of London. Iriekpen, who captained the 1999 FA Youth Cup winning team featuring Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, claimed he forgot that he was holding the glass when he lashed out in self defence. But prosecutors said the former centre-half simply lost his temper because he felt "disrespected" by Mr Williams in front of a female friend. The Old Bailey heard the attack happened outside at the Westbourne Tavern in Notting Hill while it was showing a World Cup game on Friday 4 July 2014. Mr Williams went over to speak to Iriekpen at around 6.30pm after noticing the ex-footballer had moved outside the barrier around the pub with a drink in his hand. Iriekpen appeared to be talking animatedly on the phone and moments later his female friend Ofa Lesuma pulled up in a black Porsche.

Mr Williams, who has held a security license for 25 years and worked at the Westbourne Tavern for eight years, said he asked Miss Lesuma to move the car because it was blocking the pavement. The bouncer told the court that Iriekpen became angry at his interruption and told him "don't talk to me like that" or "don't talk to her like that". Mr Williams said he went to restrain Iriekpen but the footballer grabbed his throat. "He was not happy, he was very angry. He put his thumbs into my Adam's Apple and I remember thinking it was a totally disproportionate responses to what's happened and it shocked me."

Iriekpen then smashed Mr Williams on the left side of the head with the glass in his hand. "I felt a massive bang to my head, it was like an explosion," said the bouncer. Iriekpen left the scene in the Porsche driven by Miss Lesuma but was later arrested. He told the Old Bailey that he punched a second bouncer, Ymer Topuzi, because he "was being a bully". Iriekpen said he swung the hand holding the glass in self defence because he "just wanted to get away from them". He said: "Both of them are on me… so I have just swung and felt like I have hit his head and the glass just shattered and I saw a little bit of blood on his head, but my hand was open and bleeding. His barrister, Anand Beharrylal, asked: "Did you think you had a glass in your hand?"

Iriekpen replied: "I didn't have time to think. I had two people on top of me. I just wanted to get away from them." Prosecutor James Vine told the Old Bailey that Iriekpen deliberately glassed Mr Williams. Mr Vine added: "He did not appreciate being shown what he considered disrespect by these two bouncers. It was plain anger. "The Crown say he hit him with the glass he meant to cause him serious harm and that's why he did it."
He was loaned out to Leyton Orient and Cambridge United in 2002 and 2003 respectively, before joining Swansea, then in League Two, on a free transfer. After being part of the Swans' promotion-winning campaign in 2005, Iriekpen had stints at Scunthorpe United, Bristol City, and Scottish side Hamilton Academical before retiring due to injury in 2009. Iriekpen, Paddington, west London, was convicted of unlawfully wounding Mr Williams but cleared of the more serious charge of wounding with intent. He was also cleared of common assault against Mr Topuzi.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: Foxes eye Irons defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

Morning reports claim that Leicester City boss is keen on making a shock swoop for Reece Burke And The Sun claims Burke is ready to entertain such an offer and the chance of Champions League football. However, it takes a leap of the imagination to accept that he would go from a loan spell with Bradford City to such exalted heights or that the Hammers are ready to let him go. He remains a key figure in the club's future with James Collins reaching the veteran stage and an Irons source told ClaretandHugh : "He's been getting rave reports and our own scouts have kept an eye on his progress. He's a very good player and not one we wouldn't want to lose. Burke has played five league games for the Irons and Ranieri is impressed with his versatility in being able to fill both central defence and right back positions

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England holds on to CL League 4th spot
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

Uefa has announced England will retain four Champions League places until at least the end of the 2017-18 season. The Premier League had faced a challenge from Italy – which currently has only three spots – as a result of a fall in its rating in UEFA's coefficient system. But the progress of Manchester City and Liverpool to the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League and Europa League respectively, while Roma, Juventus and Lazio have all been eliminated from European competition, has reversed the situation. The news will be a big boost for the Hammers , Manchester United and Manchester City, all of whom are competing for a place in the top four with eight games remaining this season. Arsenal fans should also be relieved as their side will be in the Champions League next season even if they slip to yet another fourth-placed finish.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DS warns cash may not help big boys
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

David Sullivan has warned 'flashing the cash 'isn't going to help big clubs win back their elite Premier League standings next season. And instead – taking a dig at Manchester United – he said: "They might buy a pile of players that make them worse. Look at Man United, two years in a row they have spent a fortune and either only got into fourth or didn't make it at all."
Speaking to The Mirror's Darren Lewis he said: "It's possible that next year will be the same as this year, that the order has changed for ever. "There is more money lower down. You've got Stoke taking an £18million player (Giannelli Imbula). You've got West Brom taking £12m players (Salomon Rondon)." He also believes the 'London Factor' will play a huge factor in the market adding: "With 60-70 per cent of players, it is a major advantage. We know about clubs up north signing players and telling them, 'We're only an hour from London' — but they leave out the fact that that's [if you travel] by private jet or helicopter!" Sullivan admits he's delighted with Claudio Ranieri's success at Leicester and not necessarily for the club's sake adding: "It takes the pressure off us! "If they weren't there, we'd be the sole topic of conversation: 'Are West Ham going to make top four? Will they do it?' "So it really pleases me that we are slipping through under the Leicester umbrella." "Fourth for us would be beyond our wildest dreams. I'm glad City have got [their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain] as a distraction. We have the FA Cup, but it is not two legs."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: "Our team doesn't need major surgery"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 23, 2016 in News
C and H

David Sullivan has told the Sun newspaper that while Beneke is a player the club admire most clubs would struggle to afford his huge wages. The chairman reconfirms the club's commitment to find a twenty goal a season striker "He's a player we admire but the problem is that he is on huge wages that no club can afford. What we don't have is 20-25 goal a season striker. If we did we'd be even higher up the table. "Andy has scored some big goals this season. Four doesn't sound much but they have been huge goals and he has made a huge impact coming off the bench. He is a 'chaos' player but maybe a real top, top consistent goalscorer."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan confirms Benteke too pricey at £120k
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Sullivan has confirmed ClaretandHugh' s story that Christian Benteke will not be joining West Ham at a fee of around £120k a week. The Mirror claimed in a headline this morning that the Irons want him but just as CandH had revealed, whilst Slaven Bilic is an admirer, the wage puts him out of the frame. Sullivan told reporter Darren Lewis " "The problem is he is on such a huge wage no club can afford him. But he is a player that we admire." FALL_OF_THE_KRAYS_FB_IMAGE1[7]On Monday our major source revealed to us when discussing the £32.m Liverpool front man: " "They aren't the sort of wages we will pay. He added: "If it were it just the case of a transfer fee there would be no problem but any new front man will have to fit into the FFP regulations."
Meanwhile, the chairman's latest movie – Fall of the Krays – will be released on Easter Monday and we will be running a competition for copies to run at the same time. bSullivan told ClaretandHugh this morning (Wed): "I think it's a far Better film than Rise of the Krays , but like 'Rise' it shows the Krays as they really were-very violent, nasty, gansters. I would warn potential viewers that there are two scenes of graphic violence that might shock them.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goodbye to one …big doubt over other
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are close to making the final decision on Alex Song's future at the club. The midfielder had hoped to land a two year deal at the end of the summer but that is now looking increasingly unlikely after he has been missing from the team over recent weeks. That is understood to be as a result of the normal procedure of loaning clubs placing a clause in the deal that sees the deal become automatically permanent should the player make a certain number of first team appearances. ClaretandHugh was told: "There's still time for Alex to earn his deal but the jury remains out at this stage." Meanwhile Emmanuele Emenike will be rejoining his parent club Fenerbahce at the end of the season as the Hammers boss Slaven Bilic clears the decks to bring in his big striker signing. We were told: "Emmy has done well but it's now well known we are ready to go in for one of several big strikers and that changes the game."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini deal – the finances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham's new £9 million star signing Manu Lanzini has signed a weekly deal worth around £40k a week with the club. The Argentine was on a weekly wage of around £25k a week whilst on loan but his new deal carries a £40k-£45k basic plus appearance and goal bonuses. The 23 year old has agreed a new four year deal worth around £10 million with a two year option in the club's favour as chairman and de facto Director of Football David Sullivan develops the squad. A well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "It was a comfortable deal to organise. The player was always keen to join and the finances were relatively straightforward. Everybody is very settled with the contract. Manu has signed a long term deal with an option."
"It's great to have our three big players – Payet, Kouyate and Manu settled at this stage as we can now concentrate solely on bringing in the striker we need."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Giant TV screens to replace OS digital wrap
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 23, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham have announced that a planning application has been submitted by E20 LLP for a replacement wrap solution for the former Olympic Stadium after the previous design was abandoned.

The Club say it has worked with its stadium partners tirelessly to develop an optimum solution that would see the largest digital screens in Europe, measuring a massive 83m by 12m, installed on the outside of the Stadium.

If approved, Hammers fans will be able to enjoy clips of their heroes past and present in High Definition as they make their approach to the world-famous venue they will call home from August. And crucial to that end, the screens would be designed to respond to different brightness settings, meaning definition remains at an optimum level for day or night games in any weather condition.

The new plans – which replace the previously submitted application – also include Olympic legacy-inspired Claret and Blue shards and the Club's crest and colours, in addition to branding and advertising to support the Club's commitment to ensuring the Stadium looks and feels like the unmistakable home of West Ham. Now that the above proposal has been submitted for consideration, West Ham United and its Stadium partners will be working hard with the planning authority to reach an agreeable outcome. A response is expected within the next eight weeks, to allow installation to take place between May and July.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
COULD CARRICK RETURN, IS IT A GOOD IDEA?
By S J Chandos 23 Mar 2016 at 08:00
WTID

There were a number of reports yesterday, suggesting that West Ham might be interested in signing Michael Carrick on a Bosman deal, if Man United fail to offer him a contract extension this close season. Carrick has publicly stated that he wishes to stay at Old Trafford, but it is possible that he could move on as they (with or without a new manager?) look to rebuild this summer. If that is the case, a last 'swan song' at the Olympic Stadium, and a return to his first club, might possibly appeal to Carrick.

What are the pros and cons? Well, in terms of pros, Carrick remains a very proficient and effective footballer, with excellent pass completion rates and the ability to retain possession. He exercises enormous influence on the pitch and controls 'the levers' with a range of accurate passing from a deep lying/defensive midfield position. Carrick has amassed a wealth of top class experience, including challenging for major honours, playing in the Champions League and at international level. If West Ham do qualify for the Champions League (or alternatively the Europa League) would the club not benefit hugely by bringing in a player with that type of invaluable experience. It would be a short-term, transitional, signing, but look at how influential 35 year old Esteban Cambiasso was for Leicester City was last season and the key role he played in the transition to where the Foxes now find themselves. Indeed, were not West Ham so impressed with Cambiasso last season that they tried to sign him in the summer, before he opted to join Greek side, Olympiacos. The Hammers were also interested in Gareth Barry before he joined Everton, another veteran midfielder who pulls the strings in a deep lying role. So, we may have a unwritten rule about not signing anyone over 27/28, but there are clearly exceptions if the player is experienced, talented and influential enough.

As for the cons, well obviously, there is Carrick's age. He turns 35 years of age this summer. There is also his personal terms. Carrick is probably on £100,000 plus at Manchester United. He would come on a Boseman, but it is unlikely that West Ham would pay that sort of wage. So, would Carrick accept a lower wage as a final swansong and pay day? He is a Academy graduate and maybe a return would appeal on a certain level? But, there might be far more financially attractive packages on offer from US and China, that is a distinct possibility? Finally, if the reports are true that the club have signed Norwegian defensive-midfielder, Havard Nordtveit on a pre-contract agreement, then would they also move for Carrick? I guess it all depends on Bilic's assessment of what the squad needs to help it to respond positively to the extra demands placed on it by a possible European campaign? Others might argue that if the player is no longer good enough for Manchester United, why should he be good enough for a resurgent, aspirant and upwardly mobile West Ham United? Now that is a definite moot point, but things in football are not always that logical nor straightforward! Otherwise, what ambitious top tier team would have looked at Cambiasso and Barry when they, respectively, left Inter-Milan and Man City?

My own view is that it is a move that makes perfect sense (in playing terms) as a short-term, transitional, signing. Carrick has the skill, experience and profile to excel with West Ham for a season or two. Particularly, his experience. If the Hammers enter the Champions League, the recruitment of an older head, with the relevant experience, in that key position, could prove invaluable. And, more to the point, Carrick would share that experience and impart it to our outstanding young prospects like Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen. It could prove to be a masterstroke, a bit like Leicester City's signing of Cambiasso. In the final analysis, it all depends on what the club's other summer priorities are and the level of resources that need to be committed to land them? We shall see? Personally, I would be surprised if Manchester United did not offer Carrick a one year contract extension, but if they do not then it does open up some interesting possibilities.

What is your view, does bringing in an experienced deep lying/defensive midfielder, like Carrick, make sense in the right circumstances? Should he be an exception to the general rule about not signing players over a certain age? Or is the proposed move unrealistic and/or undesirable and, if so, why is that the case?

SJ. Chandos.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com