Daily WHUFC News - 25th March 2016

New Stadium capacity increased to 60,000
WHUFC.com

In conjunction with the London Legacy Development Corporation, Newham
Council and Stadium operators LS185, West Ham United are delighted to
announce that the former Olympic Stadium will now boast a capacity of 60,000
for Hammers matchdays. The move will see the release of 6,000 additional
seats, so that even more West Ham fans will be able to enjoy the team's
debut season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Club announced late last
year that the number of people registered on the Season Ticket Priority List
five times exceeded the number of seasonal seats available. In the months
since, the West Ham Board have been working closely with their stadium
partners on how to accommodate the maximum number of Hammers fans. This new
higher capacity will bolster footfall to the site, with West Ham's presence
bringing 1.5 million visitors to the park each year. With the Club's
transition to Stratford proving an overwhelming success so far, West Ham
United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said she was thrilled that thousands more
loyal Hammers fans would have the opportunity to take their place in West
Ham history. "Today's announcement is further evidence of the upward
trajectory of this Club," the Vice-Chairman said. "We are on course for what
could be our most successful Premier League performance ever and our
ambitions to finish in the top six and break into Europe are very much
within reach. "West Ham fans are famous the world over for their wonderful
support. They have demonstrated this once again at matches this season and
in the way that they have embraced the move to the new ground. We are
delighted to be able to reward that magnificent support by releasing
additional Season Tickets and bring even more visitors to the Park to enjoy
all that it has to offer. "The 2016/17 season looks bright for the team, the
Club and our fans. Not only will we have one of the world's greatest new
stadiums, but now it will be one of the very largest in the world's
most-watched league – a Stadium with both the quality and the capacity to
match our ambitions."

David Edmonds, Chairman of E20, added: "It is fantastic to see such a high
demand for West Ham United tickets as it shows how eager people are to watch
football at the Stadium. By meeting this demand the use of the venue will be
maximised, increasing its revenue and the return to the taxpayer. It will
also give more people the opportunity to enjoy Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park's beautiful parklands, historic waterways and unrivalled sports
facilities."

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "The Stadium is an iconic venue and
it is fantastic that even more people will be able see football in such a
high quality setting. Our investment in the Stadium was all about giving as
many Newham residents as possible the chance to see top class sport in the
borough. This announcement further supports that commitment."

Linda Lennon CBE, Chief Executive LS185, Operators of the Stadium said: "We
are delighted to have worked with West Ham United to deliver this extra
capacity. 60,000 fans will provide a great atmosphere and it is a superb way
to begin the new season in this iconic venue."

West Ham fans hoping to secure a Season Ticket for the new Stadium can still
join the Priority List. Anyone who does not get a Season Ticket for the
2016/17 Season will be transferred to a waiting list and notified as and
when seats become available.

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Hammers complete Lanzini deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Manuel Lanzini will join the
Club on a permanent basis on 1 July. Following an exceptional debut season
in east London, the Hammers have taken up an option to sign the 23-year-old
attacking midfielder from UAE League club Al Jazira Club for an undisclosed
fee. The sparkling Argentine, nicknamed 'La Joya' – The Jewel – in his
homeland due to his outstanding talent, has scored six goals and chalked up
three assists in 22 appearances in Claret and Blue.

After putting pen to paper on a four-year contract with a further two-year
option, the popular No28 said he was pleased to have pledged his future to
West Ham. "I am absolutely delighted to have signed and to be able to stay
at this Club," Lanzini, who scored on his Hammers debut in a UEFA Europa
League tie with Astra Giurgiu in August, told West Ham TV. "I really feel
at home here, and when you feel at home somewhere, you definitely don't want
to leave. "I am very happy and now what I want to do is to keep giving the
best of myself."

Diminutive in stature, but strong and determined in body and mind, Lanzini
came through the same River Plate youth system that produced the likes of
his boyhood heroes Pablo Aimar and Ariel Ortega, as well as former Hammer
Javier Mascherano. Born in the Ituzaingó Partido of the Greater Buenos Aires
metropolitan area to Italian ancestry, Lanzini joined River Plate at the age
of nine in 2002. At 17, he made his professional debut in a 1-0 home win
over Tigre on 8 August 2010, and went on to make 22 league appearances for
River in is debut season. Summer 2011 saw Lanzini loaned to Brazilian giants
Fluminense, where he impressed by scoring twice in 22 appearances as a
teenager, helping the club to win the Serie A title. With that experience
under his belt, he returned to River, where he was handed the coveted No10
shirt, helping the club to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and
scoring a career-high eight goals in 26 league appearances in 2012/13. A
packed 2013/14 saw Lanzini play 41 times in all competitions for River,
helping the Buenos Aires club to reach the last-eight of the Copa
Sudamericana and attracting the attention of clubs all over the world. It
was Al Jazira who moved for the exciting talent, securing Lanzini's path to
Abu Dhabi, where he became the youngest foreign player to appear in the UAE
Arabian Gulf League at the age of 21. Again wearing the No10 shirt, Lanzini
scored eight goals in 24 league appearances to help Al-Jazira to finish as
league runners-up last season.
At international level, the creative South American has been capped four
times by Argentina at U20 level and will hope to make the step up to the
senior squad if he can impress in Claret and Blue.

*What is your reaction to the news that Manuel Lanzini will join West Ham
United on a permanent basis? Have your say on Twitter now using the hashtag
#LanziniSigns

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The Big Interview - Manuel Lanzini
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini has committed his future to West Ham United by signing a
permanent four-year contract with a further two-year option. The outstanding
South American has been impressive since joining the Hammers on an initial
season-long loan from Emirati club Al-Jazira, scoring on his debut in the
UEFA Europa League last August and dovetailing superbly with Dimitri Payet.
The 23-year-old told West Ham TV he is delighted to be a Hammer for the
long-term, of how Slaven Bilic instilled huge belief in him and how much he
loves living in London. A firm fans' favourite, the No28 believes the Club
has a bright future ahead which he is happy to be a part of.

Manu, you are a West Ham United player for at least the next four seasons,
so what is your reaction?

"I am absolutely delighted to have signed and to be able to stay at this
Club. I really feel at home here, and when you feel at home somewhere, you
definitely don't want to leave. "I am very happy and now what I want to do
is to keep giving the best of myself.

Since arriving at West Ham United, your injury aside, surely you could never
have dreamed that you would settle into the Club so well, and be so warmly
accepted by the supporters?

"When I arrived, I wanted to do so playing my best football, but I knew it
would be a little bit difficult because I'd come from a type of football
where the tempo and perhaps the quality were a little bit lower, but the
truth is that I was able to get back to full fitness straight away. "What
really helped was the confidence I got from the coaching staff and my
teammates, so I am very pleased. We've had a great season and it's not over
yet, so from a personal standpoint and from the standpoint of the whole
Club, it's been great. "I am really thankful to the fans because they have
helped me at all times."

As you say, the season is not yet over, so what can we achieve over the next
two months?

"Well, I certainly hope we can achieve some very big things. We've already
done very well, and it's already been a very good season, and when you're so
close to achieving your objectives, of course you want to keep dreaming. "Of
course, if we continue on the right path, we can certainly achieve what we
want."

You mentioned that the coaching staff have given you confidence – how so?

"Both Slaven Bilic and the whole coaching team showed a lot of confidence in
me and invested a lot of belief in me and I'm now showing that and
demonstrating why I was given the chance to play. "Obviously there is more
to come from me. I'm just 23-years-old, I've got a lot to learn and I hope
to keep giving 100 per cent here for West Ham."

Looking into the future, we have a fantastic new Stadium to move to in the
summer and a fantastic squad of players, so can we become one of the biggest
clubs in the country?

"I certainly think so, not only in terms of the Stadium, but also with the
players we have here. They are both factors which will not only help the
Club reach the next level, but also to become a much bigger club than it
already is. "We really hope we can make everyone very happy with the
situation. "The way we are playing is really good and we've achieved some
great things so far, so I really hope we can make the fans very happy by
continuing on this path."

You grew up in Buenos Aires in Argentina, have lived in Rio in Brazil and
also in the United Arab Emirates, but seem to be very much at home in
London…

"Absolutely. It's a great city and I've always said that. It's definitely
one of the greatest cities that I have lived in. "I always had big dreams as
a child, but you never know what the future is going to hold. Thanks to God,
I'm here, I'm enjoying the city, I'm enjoying the people and I really see my
future here."

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Borg joins Aston Villa
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that 18-year-old left-winger Oscar Borg has
joined Aston Villa on a permanent basis. Having joined the Hammers at U13
level, Borg progressed through the ranks at the Academy of Football to
become a regular member of the U18 team in the last two seasons. This term,
the winger who can also play at full-back, made 20 U18 appearances, scoring
once – against Tottenham Hotspur – in August 2015. West Ham United would
like to thank Oscar for all his hard work and commitment and wish him all
the best in his future career.

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Testimonial Travel Information
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have issued the following important travel advice for
supporters attending the Mark Noble Testimonial match on Monday 28 March.

There will be no London Underground service to/from Upton Park station
because of planned engineering work on the District and Hammersmith & City
Lines on Easter Monday.

Supporters travelling from central London are advised to use the Jubilee
line or the DLR to Canning Town station and continue their journey on foot.

Supporters travelling from the east are advised to use c2c services to
Barking station and walk from there to the Boleyn Ground. Barking station is
also served by London Overground services.

The walking time from each station is about 40 minutes. Bus services will be
operating from each station but are expected to be busy.

Due to the suspension of Abellio Greater Anglia and TfL Rail services
to/from London Liverpool Street for Network Rail engineering work, and also
the aforementioned suspension of the District and Hammersmith & City Lines,
c2c will be running an enhanced Sunday service on Easter Monday.

Additional trains will run from Southend Central, Westcliff, Chalkwell,
Leigh-on-Sea, Benfleet, Basildon and Laindon to Upminster, Barking, West Ham
and London Fenchurch Street.
There will also be additional shuttle trains from London Fenchurch Street to
West Ham and Barking.

Additional trains will also run from London Fenchurch Street, Barking and
Upminster to Laindon, Basildon, Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell,
Westcliff, Southend Central and Shoeburyness.

Additional relief trains will start in service at Barking, calling at
Upminster and Laindon only. There will also be additional shuttle trains
from West Ham to Limehouse and London Fenchurch Street.

The walking route to/from Canning Town station
The walking route to/from Canning Town station
After the match, c2c services are planned to call at West Ham station on a
Set Down basis only. This is due to the fact it may become necessary for
London Underground (who manage this station) to close it at short notice to
prevent overcrowding.

The operation of West Ham station may also be restricted to exit and
interchange only. We would recommend that you consult the Transport for
London website if you are planning on travelling to/from or via West Ham
Station between the hours of 16.00 and 19.30, before travelling.

In conjunction with Transport for London, Barking Station will be the
recommended station for passengers to use that are travelling from/to all
points Eastbound. Barking station is likely to be exceptionally busy both
before and after the match, particularly between the hours of 10.30 – 13.15
and 16.15 – 19.30.

Please Note:
A queuing system may be in place for passengers joining services after the
match.
It may not be possible to join your first choice of train service.
Please ensure you follow any directional signage.
Follow the instructions of c2c station staff - who will do their utmost to
get you to your destination just as quickly and as safely as they can do so.
Please have your tickets (including Oyster, Contactless or Smartcards) ready
for the automatic ticket barriers.
Plan Your Journey to this event

You can plan your journey to the Mark Noble Testimonial match using the
National Rail Journey Planner or the TfL Journey Planner.

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Joint-Chairman thrilled with Lanzini deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan believes Manuel Lanzini can
become a star for both club and country over the next few years and is
thrilled to see the talented star pledge his long-term future to the Club.
Lanzini has been one of the star performers this season following his loan
move from Al Jazira last summer and has now followed in the footsteps of
Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate by agreeing a new contract.
The Argentine forward has enjoyed a memorable first season in the Premier
League and showed his quality once again at Chelsea last weekend when he
scored another wonder goal.

Mr Sullivan has no doubts he can continue to show his best form for the east
London Club and can also become a major player for Argentina over the next
few years. Mr Sullivan said: "Manuel is a fabulous player he is and we hope
over the next five to six seasons that he can become a West Ham United
legend and a star for the Argentina team. "He is a very special player and
we are very proud that he has joined West Ham United."

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Boleyn Memories - Graham Gooch
WHUFC.com

Former England cricket captain Graham Gooch will be full of emotions when
the Hammers play their final ever game against Manchester United at the
Boleyn Ground on Tuesday May 10. Gooch has been a lifelong West Ham
supporter and has so many fond memories going back through the years. The
62-year-old was best remembered for being the most prolific run scorer
top-class cricket has ever seen and was one of the best batsmen of his
generation. Despite travelling around the world with England, Gooch always
kept a close eye on how the Hammers were performing. Gooch says it will be
hard for him to see his beloved West Ham leave the Boleyn Ground but knows
the Club will move onto another level when they make a historic move to the
new Stadium during the summer. Gooch said: "It is going to be emotional when
things finish at the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season. "I remember
coming here back in 1960 when my father Alf took me to stand on a box in the
old South Bank to watch Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst make their
names in claret and blue. "They went on to do big things for West Ham and it
was a great experience. I have been a life-time Hammers supporter. "It will
be emotional when we play the final game because it has been our home for a
long time. I have got some great memories going back through the years. The
FA Cup Final victory in 1964 and then we had the European victory in 65'. "I
think my best memory of a game at the Boleyn Ground came against Leeds when
we beat them 7-0 and I was there that night. Geoff Hurst scoring all the
time and being fed by Bobby Moore with Martin Peters mopping up as well.
They are great memories. "Seeing some of those great players throughout the
years like Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds, Ray Stewart, Paolo Di Canio has
been fantastic and seeing them grace this green grass at Upton Park. Let's
hope the future of West Ham can grace the new Stadium. "It will be a new era
for the Club when they move but it will open up a lot of opportunities.

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Former Player Blog - John Moncur
WHUFC.com

When West Ham United fans talk about their favourite central midfield
players, two names that always crop up are John Moncur and Mark Noble.

In many ways, the pair are peas from a pod, possessing similar brands of
commitment and aggression mixed with flair and creativity. Speaking ahead of
Noble's Testimonial match on Easter Monday, Moncur – whose father John
Senior is on the captain's Testimonial Committee – said he could tell the
No16 was going to make it when he was still a teenager. "The first time saw
Mark was him joining in training for one session," said Moncur, who made 175
Premier League appearances in Claret and Blue. "Glenn Roeder was the manager
and we were in the gym. I think he was only about 17 or 18 and you could
tell straight away what a quality player he was. "He had that little bit
about him where he wasn't fazed coming in with the first team and he had
great quality on the ball and you could tell that even from the one session
in the gym. "He wasn't the biggest lad but you could tell he had a big
future ahead of him. I certainly could being a midfield player and I was
proved right."

As someone who knows how to operate in the Hammers engine room, Moncur is
perfectly placed to comment on Noble's outstanding form this season.
Now 49, the former Hammer explained how he took on a similar role in the
West Ham side during the closing years of his career under Harry Redknapp
and then Glenn Roeder. Regarding Noble, Moncur believes the 28-year-old
deserves a place in the England squad alongside one of his old West Ham
teammates, Michael Carrick. "Nobes makes the team tick for me," said Moncur,
who will pull on his boots again on Monday afternoon as one of the West Ham
United All-Stars. "Late on in my career, I played that role and he's become
one of those players who's so important to West Ham. He's showing as time is
going on what a good player he is. "He links the back up with the front and
keeps the game moving all the time. When he gets into forward areas he's
also got a lot more quality in the attacking third than people give him
credit for. "He's a player with a good range of passing, short and long, and
he's up there with the Michael Carricks. I see him at that sort of level, no
doubt about that."

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Adrian - Noble is a great leader
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble is a great leader on and off the pitch and therefore a fantastic
captain, according to West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard will
turn out alongside Noble in front of a packed Boleyn Ground on Monday to
take part in the skipper's Testimonial match. And the stopper had nothing
but praise for the midfielder ahead of his big day. He said: "It's an
amazing achievement for Mark that he has spent many, many years at this one
Club. "He's a great captain for us and a great leader in the dressing room.
He's an amazing person off the pitch, too. "Mark has a great impact on all
the younger players. Of him, they see the number one West Ham player because
he has done it all before. "Like a great captain, when I had a confrontation
with [Mario] Balotelli, Mark came over to me saying: "You are crazy! We are
winning!" but that was a great thing for a captain to do."

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International round-up
WHUFC.com

Several West Ham United players have teamed up with their nations for
international matches over the next six days.

France boss Didier Deschamps recalled Dimitri Payet after his superb
performances for the Hammers, and he could be involved on Friday as his side
travel to face the Netherlands before hosting Russia on Tuesday.

Payet has recently won both the London Player of the Year award and the PFA
Fans' Player of the Month for February prize following a flurry of goals and
assists in claret and blue.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Darren Randolph is with the Republic of Ireland squad
as they make final preparations for Euro 2016, with friendlies against
Switzerland and Slovakia.

Enner Valencia's Ecuador are top of a World Cup qualification group which
contains both Argentina and Brazil, and will take on Paraguay late on
Thursday night, while Cheikhou Kouyate and Victor Moses are in the Senegal
and Nigeria squads respectively.

In action on Wednesday evening was 17-year-old defender Reece Oxford, as he
played 90 minutes in England U18s' 3-2 victory over Austria. The Young Lions
twice came from behind to down the hosts.

On Thursday, England U19s were also victorious, as they began their Euro
2016 Elite qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Georgia, however Hammers
goalkeeper Sam Howes was an unused substitute.

Finally, West Ham's Bradford City loan pair Reece Burke and Josh Cullen are
with England U20s and the Republic of Ireland U21s respectively.

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First and Last - James Tomkins
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United continue their final season at the Boleyn Ground
underway, we've asked our players for some memorable lasts from their
careers and lives, as well as some firsts. James Tomkins goes under the
spotlight…

FIRSTS

What was the first car you owned?
It was a Ford Focus. I first got the car when I passed my driving test back
in 2007.

Can you remember the first CD you bought?
I am trying to think of the music that I would have played when I was first
started driving into training. It would have been slower music and I would
have to say Boyz II Men. I remember playing that back at that time.

When was the first time you signed an autograph?
It would have been around the Boleyn Ground. It was back when Alan Pardew
was in charge and I was a ball-boy at the time. I think one of the fans must
have recognised me from an Academy game and I didn't know what to do. I
think I just put my initials down on the bit of paper. I had to change it
quickly after that!

Who is the first player you would call up for a pub team?
I am trying to think who that would be, but I know a few of them think they
are intelligent. Even Nobes thinks he is half clever but if you asked him
what he got at school he probably couldn't remember!

Who is the first player you would vote off on the X-Factor?
I would have to say Adrian. I think he tried to sing something Spanish and I
don't think he would last very long on the X-Factor. Ginge plays the guitar
and is good at it, but I haven't heard many of the players sing!

LASTS

Which artist or group was performing at the last concert you went to?
Ed Sheeran at Wembley. He was brilliant and I have been to see him twice. He
often does the same songs but he is someone I really like as a musician –
just watching him and a guitar.

Who is the last person in the team you would like to be stuck in a lift
with?
Aaron Cresswell as his breath would soon drop me down a few levels! I would
pass out with him in seconds! I love him really.

Who is the last person you would take fashion advice from in the team?
Adrian – one of the worst dressers I have ever seen. It must have been
something in Spain he did growing up but it is not there. Alex Song has some
mad stuff but he can pull it off.

What was the last film you went to see?
I have not been to the cinema for a while but it would be the The Equalizer
with Denzel Washington. He was unreal in it. I quite like him as an actor
and it was really good.

Who is the last person out of the dressing room?
I would have to say myself or Nobes. I know my missus and my family are
always saying I am the last out and keep them waiting for ages. I am always
talking with Nobes after the game and we stay around and talk about what
happened and general stuff.

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West Ham sign midfielder Manuel Lanzini on four-year deal
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have taken up their option to sign on-loan Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini permanently from United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira.
The 23-year-old, on a season-long loan at the Hammers, has signed a
four-year deal, joining for an undisclosed fee. "I really feel at home here,
and when you feel at home somewhere, you definitely don't want to leave,"
Lanzini told West Ham TV. "I am very happy and what I want to do is to keep
giving the best of myself." The contract starts on 1 July and it is
understood there is the option of a further two years. The Argentine has
scored five goals in 18 league matches, including one in the 2-2 draw with
Chelsea on Saturday. Boss Slaven Bilic has now secured the futures of three
of his key players after Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate recently signed
new long-term contracts.

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West Ham will have third largest Premier League capacity at Olympic Stadium
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 24/03/16 4:42pm
SSN

Increased seating at the Olympic Stadium means West Ham will have the third
largest capacity in the Premier League from next season. After 112 years at
the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers will call the Olympic Stadium in east London
their home from 2016/17. The stadium was originally expected to hold 54,000
people but, due to heightened demand, the capacity has increased by 6,000
seats to 60,000. That's a significant increase on 35,345 capacity of the
Boleyn Ground.

Premier League stadium capacity

Club Stadium Capacity
Manchester United Old Trafford 75,653
Arsenal Emirates Stadium 60,260
West Ham NEW Olympic Stadium 60,000
Manchester City Etihad Stadium 55,097
Newcastle United St James' Park 52,338
Sunderland Stadium of Light 48,707
Liverpool Anfield 44,742
Aston Villa Villa Park 42,660
Chelsea Stamford Bridge 41,798
Everton Goodison Park 39,571
Tottenham White Hart Lane 36,284
West Ham CURRENT Boleyn Ground 35,345
Southampton St Mary's Stadium 32,505
Leicester King Power Stadium 32,312
Stoke Britannia Stadium 27,740
Norwich Carrow Road 27,010
West Brom The Hawthorns 26,850
Crystal Palace Selhurst Park 25,456
Swansea Liberty Stadium 20,909
Bournemouth Vitality Stadium 11,464

The increased capacity means only Old Trafford (75,653) and the Emirates
(60,260) can host larger crowds in the Premier League, while only 18 clubs
across Europe have larger capacities, according to thestadiumguide.com. Old
Trafford's expansion over the years has propelled Manchester United's famous
ground up to the ninth biggest stadium in Europe, while the Emirates and
Celtic Park (60,500) are the only other British grounds to make the top 20.
The additional seating at the Olympic Stadium has moved the Hammers' new
home above Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, Valencia's Mestalla and
Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon.

The move was not met with unanimous approval from all fans, who still feel a
great deal of affection for their spiritual home in Upton Park, but Tony
Gale insisted the move is exactly what the club needs to keep pace in the
Premier League. "It had to be done, you have to move on," Gale told Sky
Sports News HQ. "Arsenal had to move out of Highbury into the Emirates
Stadium, thinking about the long term. "The only worry is that it might take
a long time to generate the same atmosphere of the Boleyn Ground. "Hopefully
the club will go from strength to strength."

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West Ham captain Mark Noble won't give up on England call
By Jonathon Moar
Last Updated: 24/03/16 4:06pm
SSN

West Ham captain Mark Noble insists he will not give up on playing for
England, despite being left out Roy Hodgson's latest squad. The England boss
did not include midfielder Noble in his 23-man squad for the friendly
double-header with Germany and the Netherlands, despite his consistent form
for the Hammers. Noble, who was capped 20 times for England's U21s, told Sky
Sports News HQ he accepts he is unlikely to force his way into Hodgson's
plans for this summer's European Championship finals but will continue to
battle for a future call. "I don't give up, for sure. For the Euros,
probably - yes, actually - but for England, I don't give up," said Noble.
"It's not just about me, it's about a lot of very, very good players - top
players - who have got a tournament to go and win in the summer."

Speaking on Sky Sports Now, former West Ham defender Tony Gale said Noble
would have been a good addition to the national set-up. "What could he have
brought to the England squad? He's got a calmness about him," said Gale.
"He's a great passer of the ball and he's added to the repertoire with a
couple of spectacular goals. He takes all the penalties for West Ham, and he
cares. That rubs off on all the other players." Noble is also eligible to
play for the Republic of Ireland, by virtue of his Cork-born grandparents.
He has refused to rule out playing for Ireland in the past, but former
England defender Andy Hinchcliffe believes Noble still has his heart set on
England. "There comes a point when you're not getting an England call, maybe
you think you want to play international football - maybe he would have
decided by now if he wanted to play for Ireland. "He seems to still think
there's a possibility he could play for England. Certainly in future
tournaments - look at the squad they picked with Danny Drinkwater and Jordan
Henderson there - why not Mark Noble?"

Instead, Noble will celebrate nearly 12 years in the West Ham first-team
with his testimonial on Monday against a Hammers All-Stars XI and is looking
forward to seeing some legends back at the Boleyn Ground. "Paolo Di Canio,
Rio Ferdinand and Scotty Parker are coming back, and some really good
friends of mine. I've also got my best mate from when were kids to play 20
minutes, so that's going to be great," added Noble. "To be able to play a
testimonial in a season like this, in our last season at the Boleyn Ground
is pretty special." The testimonial is raising money for Richard House
Children's Hospital, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation.

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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive: Borg joins Aston Villa
March 23, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

Talented youngster Oscar Borg has left the club to join Aston Villa. The 18
year old left full back or winger as signed a professional contract of 2
years and 3 months with the Midlands club. The player was scouted by many
clubs in his time at West Ham, notably by Manchester United (where he had a
trial) and we fought to hold onto him. Some people were even labelling him
the new Gareth Bale. Unfortunately he hasn't developed as much as we would
have liked him to and Terry Westley doesn't think he has enough ability to
make it at West Ham. It is thought that he could figure for the Aston Villa
first team next year. We wish Oscar all the best in his future career.

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Hammers watching Vestergaard?
March 24, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham are interested in signing Werder Bremen centre-back Jannik
Vestergaard, report German magazine Sport Bild. Vestergaard, 23, is a Danish
defender who has five international caps for his country plus one goal, and
has been a regular starter in the Bundesliga this season. Danish outlet
Bold.dk also run the reports, adding that Werder Bremen sporting director
Thomas Eichin concedes he may find it tough to hang onto the defender, who
has already captained the club. Eichin is quoted: "With us, all players in
principle are for sale if there is an offer that we, for business reasons
can not refuse, then we talk about it." Vestergaard stands tall at 6 foot 6
and has a contract with Werder Bremen which currently runs until 2018. West
Ham are not the only Premier League side to show an interest in Vestergaard
over the last 12 months. Just last week Bild reported, as relayed by
Fussball Transfers, that Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the defender. The
Northern Echo reported back in August that Newcastle had an offer for
Vestergaard turned down, believed to be in the region of £9 million, but
Rafa Benitez's side will surely be out of the race if they suffer
relegation. Bild also reported last May that Roberto Martinez's Everton were
showing an interest in the defender.

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Hendrie desperate for first-team chance and reveals Bilic talks
March 24, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham's Stephen Hendrie is determined to force his way into the Hammers'
first team next season. Hendrie signed a pre-contractual agreement with West
Ham in January of 2015 and he made the move to London the following summer
from Hamilton Academical. The Scotsman has found it difficult to break into
the first team, and he was sent out on loan last January to Southend in
order to gain regular football. Hendrie is now back at Upton Park and he
scored the winner to send West Ham's under-21 side through to the Premier
League Cup final against Hull. The 21-year-old left-back says he is fully
focused on impressing for the under-21s, and he hopes that next season he
can force his way into the senior side. "I am back with the under-21s and we
are in the cup final now so it is looking good for the rest of the season,"
he told the Glasgow Evening Times. "I would have liked to have stayed out on
loan and played more but it wasn't to be. I am happy to be back at West Ham
and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. "We have some great
players so I will stick with the 21s and see the season out and then give it
another go next season. "It is going to be hard for me because the manager
isn't going to drop someone after one bad game and stick someone else in.
"We have some quality players and we have had a great season. It is going to
be hard for me but it is a challenge and one I am looking forward to."
Hendrie says he spoke to West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who advised him to make
the move to Southend to gain some experience. "He said that I needed to go
out on loan and play games," he said. "I know what I need to do. "He is a
great guy to work with. He came in and we are flying and everyone at the
club loves him. "He has so much passion about him and that is what you want
from a manager. He loves the game and he is a great coach on the training
field as well. It is all good."

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West Ham plan new Slaven Bilic contract as they chase unexpected Champions
League place
22:30, 24 MAR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
But first-year boss who could also deliver this season's FA Cup will have to
prove he isn't a one-year wonder first, says co-chairman David Sullivan
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic will get a new contract at West Ham — but not until January at
the earliest. Former Croatia manager Bilic, appointed on a three-year-deal
last summer, has defied expectations of a mid-table finish to challenge for
a Champions League place in his debut campaign. West Ham also have a home FA
Cup quarter-final replay to come against Manchester United next month. But
co-chairman David Sullivan wants the club's impressive form to continue next
season. He said: "I will give Slaven a new deal in January. "I just want to
see that he is not a one-season wonder. I'm sure he is not, but we will talk
next January — or at the end of next season. "I have to tell you that he is
interested in the project, not money. "He stayed at Croatia on £2,000 a week
for five years when he would have had bundles of offers. He is not really
into money. He is more interested in getting the best players for the club
than the best money for himself." Sullivan is also targeting new deals for
left-back Aaron Cresswell and goal-scoring winger Michail Antonio. Cresswell
had admirers at Chelsea and Manchester City before signing a new deal last
June. Antonio, who signed from Nottingham Forest last summer, has scored
seven goals for the Hammers this season — including three in his last five
games.

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West Ham's Mark Noble writes off his England Euro 2016 squad chances after
latest Roy Hodgson snub
22:30, 24 MAR 2016 UPDATED 22:56, 24 MAR 2016
BY ROB MAUL
Uncapped midfielder overlooked for the Germany and Holland games can't see
himself getting the call this summer now — but hopes it'll come one day
The Mirror

Mark Noble has given up on a call from Roy Hodgson for the Euro 2016 finals.
And the West Ham midfielder is puzzled why he has yet to receive an England
cap, saying: "I don't think I'm a bad egg." Hammers captain Noble was
ignored for this week's double-header with Germany and Holland.
Though West Ham could end up winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the
Champions League, the 28-year-old is planning his summer holidays. Noble
said: "For the Euros, probably yes, I've given up. But for England, I will
never give up. I'd love a cap, of course, but I think especially with the
squad announcement, if I'm honest with myself the chances are very slim. "I
don't know why it hasn't happened. It's not a personality thing because I've
started every season under every manager at West Ham since I've been here."
A sell-out Upton Park crowd of 35,000 will watch Noble's testimonial on
Easter Monday, featuring old favourites such as Rio Ferdinand, Paolo di
Canio and Teddy Sheringham. Proceeds will go to the DT38 Foundation, Help
for Heroes and Richard House Children's Hospice.

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Noble sends out fans appeal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mark Noble has made a personal plea to fans to 0vercome transport problems
to support his testimonial on Easter Monday. Nobes has lined up a list of
legends like no other to play his Hammers team but is aware that fans will
need to make special arrangements to get to the Boleyn. The eagerly awaited
match for the hugely popular skipper hasn't been helped by problems on the
rail system and Noble has gone out of his way to ask them to make sure they
leave early.

He tweeted: "I know there are problems with trains on Monday but please
leave a bit earlier it will all be worth it, thanks for your support #MN16."

Among the legends turning out are Paolo Di Canio, Rio Ferdinand, Ian Bishop,
Steve Lomas, Trevor Sinclair and Christian Dailly.

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Season ticket holders must commit for two years
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The news that West Ham have increased capacity has also bought fresh news
that new Hammers season ticket holders at the Olympic Stadium will need to
commit for two season rather than one.

The 6,000 additional seats will soon go on sale from the 4th April at the
Stratford reservation centre but with those lucky enough to be chosen from
the remaining 40,000 priority list will need to commit for two years at £289
per season for a band 5 ticket.

The two year commitment does not affect the 40,000+ of those who have
already chosen their seats for the Olympic Stadium.

It is not clear whether the £578 will need to be paid completely up front
but the club do confirm finance options are available. Over 34,000
supporters are likely to be disappointed but they will form one of the
largest season ticket waiting list in the Premier League.

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Irons issue Carroll assurance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News, Whispers
C an H

West Ham have no intention of moving Andy Carroll on despite their hunt for
a £25 million striker this summer.

The Hammers though have made it clear to ClaretandHugh this afternoon they
are "in no hurry" to bring their big summer signing to the club declaring:
"We are going to make sure we get this absolutely right."

Our top source added: "It's known there's an interest in Christian Benteke
if a salary could be negotiated along with other names that are well known.

"However, despite his injury problems there is no readiness to sell Andy
because as this club enters the European arena they will need all the
quality players they can get. He's become a big impact player.

"There has been an ongoing public conversation on social media about his
future but he's a top player and can do a great job for the club. If we make
it into Europe it's clear we will need more players of quality rather than
less.

"He's had far too many injury problems but he's done really well at times in
games recently and deserves a change of luck. There's no question of us
wanting to sell."

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Benteke saga set for a new switch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 24, 2016 in News
C and H

And so it begins….!

It was no surprise at all this morning to open up the tabloids and see
Christian Benteke plastered all over them claiming he's sorry he ever joined
Liverpool given how he's been treated under Jurgen Klopp. Just a few days
after West Ham have claimed they like him but can't afford him, we come to
the next stage in a very typical football transfer scenario. This usually
takes the form we are currently seeing – the player goes public with a
bitter outburst and edges towards asking for a transfer or being given the
chance to "resurrect his career" …as they like to put it. Everybody is happy
– one club gets rid of a player it no longer wants – the other gets its
target. The Irons – via chairman David Sullivan – have made it clear they
like the player having said yesterday: "The problem is he is on such a huge
wage that no club can afford him. But he is a player that we admire."
ClaretandHugh had been told precisely the same by it's top source back on
Monday! Interest in Benteke hasn't just surfaced with the latest headline –
this will have been an ongoing process over a couple of months or so. And it
isn't rocket science to work out that soundings are being made to discover
what sort of age the Belgian hitman may be ready to settle for. There will
be other interest of course – how could it be otherwise in a fella who
managed 42 goals in 82 games for Villa. The transfer season seems to have
started a bit earlier than usual as the Hammers look set to create a new
record signing at some time quite soon.

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THE FINAL PUSH
By Tony Hanna 24 Mar 2016 at 08:00
WTID

Well, as we enjoy the final International break of the season (not), it at
least gives our players a chance to re-boost the energy levels and get over
any injuries and niggles. Hopefully, the players and especially Dimitri
Payet can come through any International matches unscathed. Barring that and
any training ground knocks, by the time we play Crystal Palace we should
have a fully fit squad which if happens, will be for the first time this
season (not withstanding Carl Jenkinson). Tomkins and Collins may be a
little ring rusty but no doubt will be given their opportunity as after the
Palace game we move into an 11 day period where we play four games and if we
win our quarter final match against Manchester United we could well be
playing 5 games in 15 days.

Three of the four games are at home and the other is away to potential
champions Leicester during this congested period, so on the positive side
there is not much travel involved. If we do get that 5th game aforementioned
it will be a Wembley semi final and no one would be complaining about that!
So, this next period of the season will be a demanding one fixture wise, but
there are positives with the venues and the squad depth. For many, this
season could end right now and they would still be very happy with how the
season has panned out. However, the new found optimism that has transcended
right down from Bilic and through his players, has infiltrated the most
hardened of the older pessimistic West Ham fans and I think all of us are
looking forward to the next few weeks. It is a great time to be a Hammer
with all we wished for actually happening! So many past seasons have seen us
looking at the fixture list with eight games to go, searching eagerly for
any matches we might hopefully get some points from to avoid relegation. Can
we win the Cup? Can we finish top four? Can we dream of both? A lot will
depend on our fantastic home form continuing. Five of our eight remaining PL
games are at home.

League games against Palace and Watford will be difficult, no game in the
Premier League is easy, but we will be playing them when both teams are a
little out of form and perhaps with one eye on the Cup? Leicester away is a
game I really think we can get something from and Arsenal in the PL and
Manchester United in the Cup are the other tantalising fixtures during this
hectic period and both are potential blockbusters. We have shown no fear on
our travels to the Emirates and Old Trafford this season so I see no reason
why we should fear them at Upton Park. Respect them certainly, but not fear.
With so much happening it could be easy to forget that this season will draw
to a close very quickly from here on in. The regulars will have their Boleyn
farewell and a new dawn will begin in August. Whilst we have not won
anything yet, I truly believe this is one of the most exciting times to be a
Hammer?

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Liverpool and West Ham told to pay £10m for Chelsea ace
LIVERPOOL and West Ham will battle it out for Chelsea defender Nathan Ake
this summer.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 21:00, Wed, Mar 23, 2016 | UPDATED: 21:08, Wed, Mar 23, 2016
Express.co.uk

Chelsea would demand £10m fee for Nathan Ake. That is according to The
Telegraph, who claim Chelsea would demand £10million for the 21-year-old,
who is currently on loan at Premier League side Watford. Ake has impressed
in 23 appearances for the Hornets, who are also thought to be keen on
keeping the promising Netherlands Under-21 star on a permanent basis. The
Blues are yet to make their mind up on whether they want to keep Ake, but
are unwilling to let him join a Premier League rival on the cheap. Chelsea's
£10m asking price may be too high for Watford, but not for the likes of
Liverpool and West Ham - who are both in the market for a left-back this
summer. However, Ake recently revealed his intentions to return to Stamford
Bridge at the end of the season. "Of course, I would like to return to
Chelsea," he told KNVB website on his future plans. "But it is important for
a player of my age to get regular playing time. Things have been going
pretty well this season. I am getting plenty of game time and I really feel
like I am improving as a player. "Let's see how the season ends with Watford
and then we can start thinking about the future."

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