Daily WHUFC News - 5th March 2016

Preview - Everton
WHUFC.com

The background

Saturday's encounter with Everton represents Slaven Bilic's first return to Goodison Park since becoming West Ham United manager.

While there's certainly plenty of personal history for the gaffer, he'll certainly putting it to one side come Saturday afternoon.

His Hammers are in good form of late, following their deserved victory over Tottenham in mid-week, the Irons are five games unbeaten in all competitions.

A win could take the visitors to the heady heights of fourth in the Premier League table.

Standing in their way is Everton, who by their typically optimistic standards have had an indifferent league campaign.

Currently 11th in the table with 38 points, they have won their last two games convincingly.

The history

Despite Adrian's FA Cup penalty shoot-out heroics last season, the Toffees have tended to shade the most recent encounters.

Of the last ten matches, the Merseysiders have come away victorious on five occasions, with four draws and a defeat.

In fact, the last time the Hammers won outright, in 90 minutes was back in April 2007, thanks to a Bobby Zamora goal.

Earlier this season, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn. Manuel Lanzini's strike was cancelled out by the perennial thorn-in-the-side Romelu Lukaku.

In a total of 133 meetings, Everton have won 67 to West Ham's 36.

The match

Team news

West Ham United

James Collins is the latest player to join the injury list after suffering a hamstring injury during the win over Spurs.

Sam Byram serves the second game of a two-match ban after picking up his tenth booking of the season in last Saturday's game against Sunderland.

The right back joins fellow defenders James Tomkins, Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid on the sidelines.
Having returned to action off the bench, Diafra Sakho is in contention to start as is Andy Carroll.

Everton

Similarly, Everton are struggling for numbers.

Saturday's absentees are Tom Cleverley (illness), Tony Hibbert (Knee) and Leighton Baines (Ankle).

Brian Oviedo, Darron Gibson (knock) and Muhamed Besic (hamstring) face a race against time to return to fitness.


Everton have won their last two games

Match info

- Saturday's match referee is Anthony Taylor. The Hammers have won one of their three games with Taylor at the helm; the 2-0 win over Newcastle United. However, Everton are yet to win at all, losing at home to Manchester City and Swansea City. In 128 top-flight matches, he has awarded 23 red cards and 436 yellows. Andy Madley is the fourth official.

- Everton are unbeaten in 15 league meetings since a 1-0 away defeat in April 2007 (W10, D5).

- Everton have only won four of their last 16 league matches at Goodison Park (W4, D4, L8).

- They are the division's joint second-highest scorers going into the weekend fixtures, with 49 goals in 27 matches.

- Romelu Lukaku has 17 Premier League goals this season, equalling his career-best return in 2012-13.

- The Hammers have taken 20 points from their last 10 games, a record bettered only by Tottenham (22 points).

- Mark Noble could make his 250th Premier League appearance for West Ham. He would be the first player to do so.

- Michail Antonio's ten goals in all competitions this season (for West Ham and Nottingham Forest) have all come at home.

Ticketing, coverage, travel and other info

- Tickets for Saturday's game have SOLD OUT. However, they may become available online <http://www.whufcboxoffice.com/> as Season Ticket Holders relist.

- Saturday is set to be an overcast day, with chances of rain before and after the game. Temperature is predicted to be a cool 6C (43F).

- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you follow the action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Live Match Centre will have live audio commentary and text updates, alongside in-running stats and pictures. You can get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #EVEWHU.

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Payet wins Player of the Year award
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet's outstanding form for West Ham United has been recognised with a prestigious honour at the 2016 London Football Awards. Payet picked up the Premier League Player of the Year award at a ceremony in Battersea, following a hugely impressive opening eight months to his career in English football. The No.27 beat off competition from Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, Watford's Odion Ighalo, Chelsea's Willian Borges da Silva and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal to land the prize. The Frenchman has caught the eye with his goalscoring ability and creative vision which have seen him become a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground this season.

Payet was thrilled to pick up the trophy and said: "It is of course an honour and a great joy for me to receive this award after only one season here.
"It's the first time in my career that I have received a personal award like this. Last year, I won Best Passer in Ligue 1, but this is the first time I have been named best player. "Being recognised like this after only one season here is particularly special, especially when I saw the nominations for this award. They are all great players and vital to each of their clubs, so that gives even more value to this award. "I hope that this can be start of lots of trophies, especially for the team, because the team is always the most important. I would like to thank my sponsors, the club, the staff and above all the manager."

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Slaven Speaks - Everton
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Hammers' journey to Goodison Park tomorrow, Slaven Bilic faced the press.

During the briefing, the gaffer fielded questions on Dimitri Payet, Mark Noble and the all important team news...

Following the announcement that Dimitri Payet has been awarded London Player of the Year, how strong a contender is he to win the PFA Player of the Year?

"First of all I would like to congratulate him for this award, it is a nice award both for him and for the team. He won it ahead of some really great players from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Crystal Palace so it is great for him and for us that he gets this recognition. He is a player that has made such a strong impact in a short time, he is a goal scorer and he excites fans with the way he plays and so he is definitely one of the contenders. If he was awarded it in London, then he has surely got a chance."

Why do you think he is still not included in the French national squad?

"He is a great player, but it is down to the manager to pick his players. But if they already got five or six players like Dimitri in their squad then they are going to win the Euros easily. He could play in any team in the world."

And for Mark Noble, is a call up deserved ahead of the summer?

"It is hard to comment from the outside, but Mark is having a fantastic season and I haven't seen many midfielders playing as well and being as consistent as he is. He is a leader who is playing fantastically. I feel that he and Creswell should both be selected for the squad."

What effect has the Spurs game had on the squad?

"We haven't really been able to properly enjoy it as the games come round so quickly. Straight after the Spurs game we had to switch our focus to the game tomorrow against Everton."

Why did you say that a top four finish was unrealistic?

"It was unrealistic before the season as nobody would have bet on us to be there before the season, it is more realistic now being one point behind with ten games to go. We are looking above us, but equally there are teams queuing up just a few points behind us too."

What is the latest team news ahead of the trip to Everton?

"James Collins won't be available which is a big loss to us as he has been marvellous both on and off the pitch this season. It is his hamstring, so unless something positive happens, he will be out for the next three games (Everton, Manchester United and Chelsea) but it looks like he could be back after the international break in time for the last games of the season.

"There were some knocks and stiffness after the Spurs game but everyone in the squad from Wednesday night apart from Ginge should be available. Victor Moses and Enner Valencia should be back for the cup game against United and Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien could make it too. James Tomkins should be fit for the Chelsea match."

With several defenders injured, how confident are you ahead of tomorrow's game?

"On paper Everton are amazing and can be one of the best teams in the league on the pitch. They have everything and we will need to be at our best ahead of the game tomorrow. After beating Blackburn in the cup, the two teams I wanted to avoid were Chelsea and Everton.

"Lukaku is a dangerous player and is one of the best strikers in the world. He has scored six goals in six games against us. But I am confident that the players I have available to me will be able to cope with him."

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Chadwell Chatter - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com

I think we could have had a couple more on Wednesday!

From the get go we went out and attacked them and did to them what they've done to plenty of teams this season. It was a great goal and we held it all the way until the end.

We worked on the tactics all week and obviously it paid off. We knew exactly how they were playing, how to break them down and exactly what they were going to do to us. It's worked and we got the three points.

We just had to stop them attacking. We knew how dangerous they were on the counter attack. From our corner, you could have seven Spurs players sprinting to get in our box. We had to defend well and basically turn it around and do the same to them.

There's a lot of talk of Europe about at the minute, but we've just got to concentrate on playing the way we've been playing. We focus on each game as it comes and don't concentrate too much on who's ahead or who's behind. We look at the teams coming up, the next game and focus on that.

It's obviously the business part of the season now. When everyone's fit we've got a massive squad and it's a great squad, and it's great to have the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho back.

It's the best West Ham squad since I've been here. The depth that we've got is fantastic in every position and it's great competition for all the lads.

When you see everyone fit and everyone's on the training pitch together, we've got some team, we've got a great team and it can only get better.

It's great to fight for your position. Everybody, from Daz [Darren Randolph], he's a fantastic keeper, you can see when he's played in the cup. He's great, it goes all the way through the squad.

Hopefully I can stay injury free now, carry on the run until the end of the season and start afresh at the beginning of the next.

Come on you Irons,
Andy

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Former Player Blog - Jimmy Walker
WHUFC.com

Goalkeeper and fans' favourite Jimmy Walker made 20 first-team appearances between 2004-06, including the 2005 Championship Play-Off final...

Hello everyone,

What a fantastic night!

When you talk about leaving it all out on the pitch, every one of the West Ham lads left everything they had out there.

Sometimes it wasn't pretty but it doesn't need to be when you win a massive game like that one-nil. It's my favourite result in football too, so it's really good.

I love coming back to West Ham. I had a fantastic time here and every player who has played here loved it, so it's just great to come back and see them doing so well at the minute.

I looked at the table after the game and getting another three points and they're right up there with a right good chance of doing something special.

From the first minute against Spurs, they were on the front foot. They had set up a little bit different, which I hadn't seen before and they got right in their faces and didn't give Spurs time to settle.

Spurs had been fantastic. They are right up the top and they could win it and that would be great to see for them, but I think West Ham really stopped them playing from the first minute.

I think they looked comfy, really. Spurs had a couple of half-chances near the end, but you expect that. I think overall Spurs are disappointed with their performance but you've got to give credit to the Hammers for the front-foot performance and setting up the way they did.

Michail Antonio did fantastic, got Man of the Match and rightly so. His energy levels were superb.

I am coaching at Gillingham and there is some good talent down there in the Football League. I'm in League One and you see some players in there who could really do well and go to the Premier League and it's great to see.

When you serve your apprenticeship there it makes you appreciate it more later in your career. I certainly did. It's a long hard road to get to here and when I did, I loved every minute of it. I appreciated being here and everyone I speak to among the young players, I tell them that.

Getting back to the here and now, we're sixth in the Premier League and in the FA Cup quarter-finals and I think West Ham are on the verge of something really special.

What a season to do it in, too! With everything that's going on, it's going to be heart-wrenching to leave the Boleyn Ground but the Club is moving onto massive things and what a way to send it off!

It's been great so far, so with another push, who knows where West Ham could end up?

Jimmy

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First and Last - Manuel Lanzini
WHUFC.com

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

FIRSTS

What was the first football trophy you won?
The first major trophy I won was the 2012 Carioca – the State Championship of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil – when I was playing for Fluminense.

Can you remember your first goal in professional football?
Of course, everyone remembers their first goal! It was during my debut for Fluminense against Sao Paolo so it was a very important goal! It came in September 2011 and I latched onto a loose ball inside the box and smashed it into the top right-hand corner!

Who was your first footballing hero?
Pablo Aimar, he was and still is a huge hero for me. He was an Argentina international attacking midfielder who came through at River Plate like me, then went on to play for Valencia and Benfica in Europe.

What was the first nickname you were given in football?
It's always been 'Manu', ever since I was a small boy.

What your first position when you started playing football?
I've always been an attacker, sometimes I played as a striker, but usually on the wings. I like to have the ball and be the playmaker.

LASTS

What was the last sporting event you paid to watch?
Just last week I went to watch Barcelona play Arsenal at the Emirates, it was a fantastic match.

What was the last concert you went to?
I recently went to see David Gilmour, who was a member of Pink Floyd, play a show at Camden.

Who is the last player you'd take fashion advice from?
I would've said Mauro Zarate, some of his stuff was awful. But of the players here now, I think Enner Valencia, he's not very fashionable!

Whose was the last shirt you collected after a game?
My good friend Ramiro Funes Mori at Everton, we have known each other for a long time as we played together at River Plate. I haven't played against him but I also swapped a shirt with Leo Messi recently.

When did you last laugh on the pitch and what was the reason?
During training Cheikhou Kouyate always makes me laugh, he's crazy! It's slightly different, but some of the things Neymar can do on the pitch also makes me laugh, he's that good.

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Hammers net community award
WHUFC.com

West Ham United scooped the Community Project of the Year award at the 2016 London Football Awards on Thursday.

The West Ham United Foundation earned the prestigious title for hosting the Moore Family Foundation, the Club's Principal Charity, established in memory of the late, great Bobby Moore in October 2014.

Presented by England manager Roy Hodgson, the award for the Hammers' much-celebrated outreach work in east London, Essex and beyond capped a successful night for the Club, with the mercurial Dimitri Payet named Premier League player of the year.

Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "This is fantastic recognition of the life-changing work the Club is doing in our community. Bobby was a local boy and we take enormous pride in supporting local people.

"The Moore Family Foundation, our Principal Club Charity, is a brilliant example of football legacy in action, with thousands of students benefitting from this ambitious, forward-thinking project.

"We started this back in 2014 to honour Bobby's memory in the way we at West Ham know best. To reach out to the local people who need us most. And the 16,000 Year 6 pupils who will engage with the programme is but a fraction of our community footprint, with in excess of 2,000,000 opportunities created for young people and adults to date.

"Our patron Roberta, together with our own magnificent Foundation, has done an exceptional job and we are excited for the future of the Moore Family Foundation."

Thursday's award is further evidence of the Club's prominent standing in the community sphere, after Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore earlier insisted that West Ham schemes were leading the way in English football.

One such scheme, the innovative Moore Family Foundation, aims to provide life-changing opportunities for 16,000 Year Six students in Newham, Barking & Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Thurrock.

The programme is already making a significant impact in upward of 40 schools across the local boroughs and has seen attainment levels rise by 64 per cent.

The Moore Family Foundation is one programme among an-ever growing portfolio of key Foundation community projects, with particular focus on education, health, football development, employability and mentoring, community sports and cohesion.

And the Foundation's influence is set to extend yet further as the Club embark on its momentous move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, a unique opportunity to engage with an even broader community.

Moore Family Foundation Patron Roberta, who developed the project alongside the West Ham United Foundation, added:

"We're absolutely thrilled to bits to win this award and receive the recognition for the fantastic work of the Foundation.

"We were keen to make sure we were impacting so many lives within the area that dad grew up and spent most of his playing career.

"We've come an incredibly long way in such a short space of time and I'm sure we're making dad incredibly proud.

"Everybody here at West Ham has been 100 per cent encouraging of the programme and behind it, and we couldn't have done it without them.

"For me, knowing that my children and Poppy, my late brother Dean's daughter, can be involved in a programme that is also engaging other young people is really important. It's a way of connecting them with my father."

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Lanzini relishing return to action
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini is delighted to be back in action for the Hammers following the thigh injury he suffered against Liverpool in January.

The Argentine who has made sixteen appearances this season is now looking forward to the final ten games of his first season in the Premier League.

Lanzini said: "It is great to be back on the pitch and I am pleased that the manager has put his faith in me once again to put me back into the team following my injury.

"I love being back on the pitch, and the minutes that I have been getting, along with the confidence the boss has shown in me are helping me get back to where I was before the injury."

Saturday's match at Everton will see Lanzini take to the pitch with Ramiro Funes Mori, his childhood friend and former River Plate teammate. Both players are in their first season in the Premier League and are adapting to life in England.

Lanzini told whufc.com: "We have known each other since we were both kids and even though he is a little bit older than me; we played together in the youth setup at River and later in the first team together. So there is of course an established friendship between us.

"I am delighted to be in England, the staff and players at the club have made the transition easy and comfortable here and have helped me feel at home and that helps on the pitch. I think I speak for both of us, as Funes Mori has had a good first season with Everton, scoring a couple of goals and playing well."

The Spurs' game on Wednesday night saw Lanzini get a further 84 minutes under his belt and he was delighted with the team performance.

He said: "Tactically, we were organised and we got it spot on. We followed what the manager asked of us and in truth against a strong team like Tottenham that is what is needed to be able to take home the three points."

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

It has been another memorable week for the club and what a result against Tottenham on Wednesday night.

You could not ask for more than winning and we won in style. We were outstanding and in the first half we just overrun Spurs. I am sure they will be the first to admit that was the case.

I cannot pick out individuals, it was a special team effort and the players were up for the game. They knew how important it was for the fans.

I have to say a special word about the supporters who were superb once again. We have had a fabulous season but the fans have stood by us when things have not been so good.

It was a special night against Tottenham and I sure we will remember this for years to come.

It was the last ever game against our rivals at the Boleyn Ground and I am sure we will have many big derbies in the future when we move to the new Stadium, but it was a great night and I am proud of all the players.

It was fantastic to see Michail Antonio get on the scoresheet once again and he was outstanding.

That has been the hallmark of our season – players who have come in have performed above our expectation.

We brought Antonio in from the Championship and he is a Premier League. You only have to look at the energy that he shows in every game running up and down the pitch, his work-rate and skill.

People ask about where we can finish but we need to keep winning games. You have got to win the games that you are not expected to win.

We are going away to Everton on Saturday and that is going to be tough. But there is no reason we cannot go up there and get something.

Can we win? Yes we can. We are good enough and have good players.

It was good to see Andy Carroll come on in the second half and great to see Diafra Sakho back in action. Our players are back and at our best we are hard to beat.

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Noble - We are full of confidence
WHUFC.com

West Ham United captain Mark Noble is happy for the other teams in the Premier League to take all the headlines and hopes they can cause a major surprise at the end of the season.

The Hammers moved just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a memorable victory over London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Slaven Bilic's side have suffered just two defeats in their last 20 games and are full of confidence following consecutive league victories over Sunderland and Spurs.

Noble says he welcomes the likes of Leicester and Tottenham taking all the attention at the top of the table and hopes they can maintain their winning streak and push for a European spot come the end of the season.

Noble said: "Tottenham and Leicester are both having amazing seasons and we are going under the radar.

"That is the way we like it. We will keep grinding away and working hard and we are going to enjoy the Tottenham victory.

"We have got another tough away day when we face Everton on Saturday but we obviously go into the game with a lot of confidence."

Noble has special praise for Michail Antonio who made it four goals in his last four matches at the Boleyn Ground and feels he is becoming one of the big stars in the Premier League this season.

Noble added: "Michail is a threat and he is a Premier League goalscorer. His confidence is through the roof at the moment and that is how we want to keep it.

"That was not a bad way for us to finish our last ever game against Spurs at the Boleyn Ground.

"We played really well on Wednesday night and defended so well. We obviously got a couple of injuries along the way.

"But I thought the lads dug in brilliant and Antonio has come up with another goal and it was a great header from a corner. We are slowly pushing up the table."

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

talkSPORT presenter and lifelong Hammer Ian 'Moose' Abrahams lauds his beloved West Ham United…

I thought it was a terrific performance on Wednesday night.

Mark Noble was inspirational and produced a superb performance for a captain. Aaron Cresswell was also great and what a signing Michail Antonio is proving to be with another goal!

People are right about how good Dimitri Payet and others have been this season, but I think Cheikhou Kouyate goes under the radar and he is an unsung hero.

He has been one of our best players since he joined us in summer 2014 and he was terrific against Tottenham. I thought he also helped Reece Oxford when he came on, too.

West Ham's Achilles heel in the past has been holding onto leads and that's two home games running now that have finished 1-0.

The one thing I have noticed from Spurs all season is that their full-backs love to get forward and they didn't have the opportunity to do that at all on Wednesday. Their first shot on goal was in the second half when Ben Davies put it wide from 25 yards out.

I thought it was the perfect performance, to be honest.

For me, Slaven Bilic has come into this Club, bought quality players and somebody is always to step up to the plate.

Tactically, he gets it right most weeks and for me this is a stellar season to end our time at the Boleyn Ground.



My colleague Mark Saggers predicted the Hammers to be relegated!

My talkSPORT colleague Mark Saggers, who was commentating with me on Wednesday night, said at the start of the season that we'd go down and he's been apologising to me in recent weeks!

Having said that, I said Leicester would go down and they might be champions, so everyone gets things wrong from time to time!

The important thing is we are now into March and we're in the FA Cup quarter-finals and are sixth in the league and only a point behind Manchester City in fourth.

I have to say it's now looking eminently possible that not only the FA Cup but a Champions League spot are there to be challenged for over the last ten or so games of the season.

Let's just enjoy the last two months of the season, because as a West Ham fan this is not territory I've been in since 1986!

Safe trip to everyone going to Everton on Saturday and Come on you Irons!

Moose
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United


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Everton v West Ham United
SAT, 05 MAR 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Goodison Park
BBC.co.uk

TEAM NEWS

Everton's Leighton Baines is due to see a specialist about pain in his ankle but he is available to face West Ham. Bryan Oviedo and Tom Cleverley are doubts because of injury and illness respectively, while Muhamed Besic and Darron Gibson could return.

West Ham's James Collins is likely to miss the next three matches because of a hamstring problem. Fellow defenders Winston Reid, James Tomkins, Joey O'Brien and Sam Byram are also unavailable.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Alistair Mann: "The final season at Upton Park was always likely to create strong emotions, with a sense that perhaps it could lead to a very special campaign. "Two wins away from an FA Cup final, West Ham's excellent recent league form has now even propelled them into genuine Champions League contention. "That said, the next
two league games - away at Everton and Chelsea - will ably demonstrate how realistic their top-four challenge will be. "Weekend hosts Everton were many experts' pre-season tip for a top-four challenge themselves but, unusually, it has been their poor home record that has let them down. "Traditionally, West Ham have been Everton's favourite opponents; if the visitors can remain unscathed from this trip it will be a significant statement."

Twitter:@alistairmann01

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "This is going to be the first home game [since billionaire Farhad Moshiri bought a 49.9% stake in the club] and I'm sure Mr Moshiri will be around with our fans very soon, and everyone will get to know him. "This is a really exciting time for us, one of the most significant moments off the field that has happened for Everton and a really important time for our future. "What is important is we haven't lost anything in terms of the soul of our club."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

West Ham's season keeps getting better and better and I think they are as fit, strong and athletic as any team in the league. Everton, in contrast, are stuck in mid-table at the moment but they can still climb the table too, and that would certainly help attract players if they look to spend big in the summer.

Prediction: 1-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Everton are unbeaten in 15 league meetings since a 1-0 away defeat in April 2007 (W10, D5).
They have won 22 games against West Ham in the Premier League, more than versus any other opponent.
Everton

Everton have only won four of their last 16 league matches at Goodison Park (W4, D4, L8).
However, Roberto Martinez's side have won three of their four most recent league games, scoring three goals in each of those victories.
They are the division's joint second-highest scorers going into the weekend fixtures, with 49 goals in 27 matches.
Aaron Lennon has scored in four of his last six league appearances. He has never lost a Premier League game that he's scored in, with 27 wins and four draws.
Romelu Lukaku has 17 Premier League goals this season, equalling his career-best return in 2012-13.
West Ham

The Hammers have taken 20 points from their last 10 games, a record bettered only by Tottenham (22 points).
However, their only Premier League away win in the last nine attempts came against Bournemouth in January (W1, D4, L4).
The Hammers won a Premier League fixture on Merseyside for only the third time in 39 attempts at Anfield earlier this season (D10, L26).
Mark Noble could make his 250th Premier League appearance for West Ham. He would be the first player to do so.
Michail Antonio's 10 goals in all competitions this season (for West Ham and Nottingham Forest) have all come at home.

SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by Professor Ian McHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.

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Payet named London Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet has been named as Premier League Player of the Year in the 2016 London Football Awards. West Ham's French winger beat off stroing competition from the likes of Mesuit Ozil (Arsenal) and Harry Kane (Tottenham) - for the second successive evening - at the ceremony which is taking place at Battersea Evolution tonight. There was further good news as Roberta Moore collected the award for Community Project of the Year on behalf of the Bobby Moore Family Foundation Project. The remaining awards are for Football League Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Goalkeper of the Year - which West Ham United's Adrian has been nominated for.

The evening's other awards have gone to the following:

Manager of the Year: Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)
Women's Player of the Year: Eniola Aluko (Chelsea)
Community Project of the Year: Bobby Moore Family Foundation Project
Outstanding Contribution to London Football: John Terry (Chelsea)

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Bilic criticises Hodgson over Noble exclusion
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic admits he cannot understand why Mark Noble is yet to receive a call-up by England. The West Ham United manager told the media this morning that both Noble and Cresswell should have been selected to represent their country by now - despite not wishing to crticise current England manager Roy Hodgson.

"I was the manager of a really good international team for six years and people would say this and that," said Bilic. "Ok, you don't mind it - but I don't want it to look like I'm giving instructions to national team managers. "But, Mark Noble is having a fantastic season. I said a few weeks ago that I haven't seen many midfielders having a better season, being as consistent at such a high level. Also he is a leader, he is the captain of our team - and he is playing fantastically and "A few weeks/a couple of months ago I said both he and Aaron Cresswell should be mentioned - and not only in the papers - because they deserve it. By now Mark should be in - and Cresswell, of course."

Bilic also laughed off a question asking whether he believes Dimitri Payet - who was crowned London Premier League Player of the Year last night at the London Football Awards - should be in the French squad for this summer's European Championships. "He is a great player," said Bilic. "I don't really want to talk about the French team because they have a manager and he's got his players. "All that I can say is that if they have four, five or six players in those positions who are better option than Dimitri then they're going to win the Euros, easily. My opinion is that he can play in any team in the world."

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Hammers riding high in 'top six' table
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Viewers of last weekend's Match of the Day programme may have spotted a table that compared the results of the Premier League's top five clubs against each other.

West Ham, currently in sixth spot, were naturally not included in the summary. However a KUMB study has revealed that adding West Ham to the equation makes a considerable difference to the results.

Taking into account the league results between Leicester City, Tottenham, Arsenal, Man City, Man Utd and West Ham Utd only, the Hammers sit a very comfortable second having collected 11 points from their eight matches with the teams around them.

Indeed, only Arsenal - with 13 points - have a higher tally currently, but they have played a game more. At the other end of the table are Manchester City, who are yet to secure a single win against a team in the top six this season.


Top Six vs Top Six: Results

1. Leicester City

Leicester City 1-1 Tottenham
Leicester City 2-5 Arsenal
Leicester City 1-1 Man Utd
Leicester City 0-0 Man City
Leicester City 0-2 Tottenham

West Ham Utd 1-2 Leicester City
Tottenham 2-2 Leicester City
Man City 1-3 Leicester City
Arsenal 2-1 Leicester City

To play:

1 May: Man Utd v Leicester


2. Tottenham

Tottenham 4-1 Man City
Tottenham 4-1 West Ham Utd
Tottenham 0-1 Leicester City

Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham
Leicester City 1-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
Man City 1-2 Tottenham
West Ham Utd 1-0 Tottenham

To play:

5 March: Tottenham v Arsenal
10 April Tottenham v Man Utd


3. Arsenal

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham Utd
Arsenal 3-0 Man Utd
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-1 Man City
Arsenal 2-1 Leicester City

Leicester City 2-5 Arsenal
Man Utd 3-2 Arsenal

To play:

5 March: Tottenham v Arsenal
9 April: West Ham Utd v Arsenal
7 May: Man City v Arsenal


4. Man City

Man City 1-2 West Ham Utd
Man City 1-3 Leicester City
Man City 1-2 Tottenham

Tottenham 4-1 Man City
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Arsenal 2-1 Man City
Leicester City 0-0 Man City
West Ham Utd 2-2 Man City

To play:

20 March: Man City v Man Utd
7 May: Man City v Arsenal


5. Man Utd

Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham
Man Utd 3-2 Arsenal
Man Utd 0-0 Man City
Man Utd 0-0 West Ham Utd

Arsenal 3-0 Man Utd
Leicester City 1-1 Man Utd

20 March: Man City v Man Utd
10 April Tottenham v Man Utd
1 May: Man Utd v Leicester
TBC: West Ham Utd v Man Utd


6. West Ham Utd

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham Utd
Man City 1-2 West Ham Utd
Tottenham 4-1 West Ham Utd
Man Utd 0-0 West Ham Utd

West Ham Utd 1-2 Leicester City
West Ham Utd 2-2 Man City
West Ham Utd 1-0 Tottenham

To play:

9 April: West Ham Utd v Arsenal
17 April: Leicester City v West Ham Utd
TBC: West Ham Utd v Man Utd


Top Six vs Top Six: Current Table

1. Arsenal Pld 7 W4 D1 L2 Pts 13
2. West Ham Utd Pld 7 W3 D2 L2 Pts 11
3. Tottenham Pld 8 W3 D2 L3 Pts 11
4. Leicester City Pld 9 W2 D4 L3 Pts 10
5. Man Utd P6 W2 D3 L1 Pts 7
6. Man City Pld 8 W0 D3 L5 Pts 3

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Exclusive - ExWHUEmployee - Devastated Collins ruled out for 4-6 weeks!
March 3, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

After what Slaven Bilic described as the club's best win in his time as Manager, fears emerged last night that one of the most pivotal rocks in his team this season has now joined Winston Reid, James Tomkins and Joey O'Brien on the sidelines with a mid-long term hamstring injury.

James Collins couldn't continue after 66 minutes and was replaced by Reece Oxford with the 17 year old making his first appearance this season at the back after impressing in the opening game of the season at Arsenal as a defensive midfielder.

Collins will have a scan later today to determine the exact extent of the injury but fears it could be another 4-6 weeks before he is able to play again in what many consider as his best season ever for the Irons and he is absolutely devastated.

James has started West Ham's last 13 league games at centre-half and in that run the club have only lost 2 of those games and only conceded 10 goals and are in the best position they've ever been at this point in the season since the Premier League started in 1994.

Collins' injury just further enhances the job that Slaven Bilic has done at the club this season because he now joins a potential list of 6 defenders that may not be available for the trip to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday as Angelo Ogbonna suffered what looked like a foot/ankle injury last night as well.

The club may well have to rely on a back 4/5 from Kouyate, Cresswell, Antonio, Oxford and Doneil Henry.


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Everton v West Ham preview: Leighton Baines set to be fit despite ankle problem
By Simeon Gholam
Last Updated: 04/03/16 12:54pm
SSN

Everton could have a problem at left-back with Leighton Baines set to see a specialist about pain in his ankle, while Bryan Oviedo is being assessed after a knock. Roberto Martinez still expects Baines to be available, but the England defender hasn't started a game since the end of January.
The Toffees are targeting back-to-back wins in the Premier League for just the second time this season, having seen off Aston Villa in midweek.

West Ham, meanwhile, have won both their games this week by 1-0, with Michail Antonio netting both winners, and could go as high as fourth in the table if results go their way this weekend.

Team news

Oviedo is being assessed after sustaining a knock in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Aston Villa, and he could be replaced at left-back by Baines despite his own injury problem.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley, who missed that match due to illness, will also be assessed ahead of the game, while Muhamed Besic and Darron Gibson could make their returns to action.

West Ham defender James Collins is set to miss the next three matches with a hamstring problem, starting with Saturday. Collins underwent a scan on the injury sustained in the 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday and while the results have yet to be confirmed, he is unlikely to appear again until after the next international break.

Apart from Collins, all the players present in the squad for Spurs will be travelling to Goodison with Victor Moses, Winston Reid (hamstring), Joey O'Brien (hamstring), James Tomkins (calf), Enner Valencia (ankle) and Sam Bryam (suspended) still out.

Opta stats

Romelu Lukaku has scored in all seven appearances for Everton against West Ham in all competitions.

Everton have won 10 and lost none of the last 15 Premier League matches against West Ham.

Everton have scored in every single match in that 15-game run while the Hammers have only failed to score in three of the matches.

The Toffees have beaten the Hammers 22 times in the Premier League, more often than they have defeated any other opponent.

Everton have won just four of their last 16 Premier League matches at Goodison Park (W4 D4 L8).

West Ham have won just one of their last nine Premier League away matches (W1 D4 L4).

Lukaku has now scored 17 Premier League goals this season, equalling his best ever tally in 2012/13 (at West Bromwich Albion).

Aaron Lennon has found the net in four of his last six Premier League games and has never lost a Premier League game that he's scored in (31 games, 27 wins, four draws).

Merson's prediction

West Ham have now put themselves in with a shout of the top four. Two weeks ago you would have been thinking that West Ham and Everton have both got the FA Cup to play for, which would have made this game at Goodison Park a 'make sure no one gets injured' job.

But now West Ham have got a chance of getting in the top four, and so this has become a massive game for them. Everton have got Chelsea in the cup next weekend, but I think they are are a good team and at home they can beat anybody, even a strong side going well like West Ham.

Paul predicts: 2-1 (Sky Bet Odds 7/1)

Betting

Everton are 8/11 with Sky Bet ahead of their weekend clash with West Ham, who should be full of confidence after beating London rivals Spurs in midweek and can be backed at 19/5 for another surprise success. The Toffees have been involved in several high-scoring games this term and it's 7/4 four or more goals are scored at Goodison Park.

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Dimitri Payet and Mauricio Pochettino land London awards
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 04/03/16 8:40am
SSN

West Ham's Dimitri Payet was named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards on Thursday night. The France midfielder, signed in the summer from Marseille, beat off competition from Tottenham's Harry Kane, Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, Chelsea's Willian and Watford's Odion Ighalo to land the award.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was named Manager of the Year, ahead of Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, Slaven Bilic of West Ham and Watford's Quique Sanchez Flores. Spurs' 19-year-old midfielder Dele Alli, who has established himself as an England international in his first season in the top flight, was named Young Player of the Year, with Arsenal's Petr Cech Goalkeeper of the Year and Fulham striker Moussa Dembele Football League Player of the Year.
Chelsea captain John Terry was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to London Football award, while Chelsea's Eni Aluko was named the Women's Player of the Year. The awards were judged by a panel of former players, journalists and representatives of sporting bodies.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes Champions League is realistic aim
By Jonathon Moar
Last Updated: 04/03/16 12:30pm
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes a Champions League place is now a realistic target for his team. Bilic said earlier this week he thought the top four may be beyond his side but their 1-0 win over Tottenham, coupled with Manchester City's 3-0 defeat at Liverpool, saw them close to within one point of fourth-placed City. Speaking at a news conference ahead of Saturday's visit to Everton, the Croat said: "It is realistic now. We are one point behind with 10 games to go so we have a chance. It is tight but we are looking above us."
Eight points separate West Ham in sixth and Everton in 11th, and Bilic stressed his attention will not be diverted from the sides around him in the Premier League table. "We are also looking below us because there are teams who are queuing up," he said. "There is no gap. It is not big between us and ninth or 10th in the table." Michail Antonio's early strike gave the Hammers a 1-0 win over London rivals and title challengers Tottenham on Wednesday but Bilic insists there is no time to dwell on the positive result. "It was a great win on Wednesday but we can't enjoy it," he added. "Not even for a few days, because we have a game tomorrow. We've put that game to bed and we're concentrating on Everton, but it will give us more confidence."

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James Collins to miss at least three West Ham games
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 03/03/16 11:57am
SSN

James Collins will not play for West Ham until next month after injuring his hamstring during Wednesday's win over Tottenham. The centre-half was replaced during the second half, leaving the Hammers to finish the game with a back three featuring teenager Reece Oxford, a hobbling Angelo Ogbonna and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. Collins will not be fit for a club return until after the next round of international friendlies, according to manager Slaven Bilic, who is now without at least six defenders for Saturday's trip to Goodison Park. "It's his hamstring and it's not a couple of days," Bilic said. "We will wait until it settles down and assess it. The first information is that we should be happy if he only misses three games.
"After three games there is an international break, Easter and all that. But it's a big blow for us, the whole season he has been magnificent."

West Ham vice-chairman David Gold tweeted an update on Ogbonna's condition on Thursday, saying: "His foot was covered in a ice pack after the game but he said he would be OK." But Bilic is definitely without Winston Reid, James Tomkins, Joey O'Brien, Carl Jenkinson and Sam Byram this weekend.
And Collins, whose participation in Wales' friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine later this month must now be under threat, will also miss the FA Cup tie at Manchester United and a Premier League trip to Chelsea.

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Reece Oxford set to play against Everton as West Ham's injury crisis deepens with James Collins blow
11:25, 3 MAR 2016 UPDATED 11:25, 3 MAR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Collins sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Tottenham and will be out for the next month - opening the door for 17-year-old Oxford to come in
The Mirror

Reece Oxford is set to be called up by Slaven Bilic for Saturday's trip to Everton as West Ham battle an injury nightmare The Irons have had the gloss taken off their superb win over Spurs on Wednesday night with the news that defender James Collins is out for four to five weeks. West Ham moved to within a point of the Champions League places with their stunning win to end their London rivals' six-match winning streak. But Collins suffered a hamstring injury. West Ham are awaiting scans but are already resigned to losing him until next month. It is a big blow as 32-year-old Collins, who rejected a move to relegated QPR last year, has been one of West Ham's best players this season.
The Hammers are also already without Winston Reid who is not expected back for a fortnight. James Tomkins is also another ten days away with a calf injury. And Angelo Ogbonna, their only fit centre-half, left Upton Park last night with his foot in an ice-pack. It is not thought to be serious and either midfielder Cheikou Kouyate or Alex Song would drop into defence if need be. But Bilic is likely to opt for teenager Oxford, still just 17, for the trip to Goodison Park.

Hammers co-owner David Gold tweeted: "Ogbonna's foot was covered in an ice pack after the game but he said he would be OK, James Collins, it looks like a hamstring, Antonio ran himself into the ground but is OK great goal."

West Ham also have problems at right-back where Sam Byram is suspended for the next two games. Winger Michail Antonio - the match winner against Spurs - will continue to deputise.

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West Ham star Dimitri Payet beats Arsenal's Mesut Ozil to win London Player of the Year
23:30, 3 MAR 2016 UPDATED 07:42, 4 MAR 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Payet, who only joined the Hammers last summer, has scored seven goals and provided six assists in the top flight since his move from Marseille
the Mirror

West Ham sensation Dimitri Payet has beaten Arsenal 's Mesut Ozil to be crowned London Premier League player of the Year. Payet, who only joined the Hammers last summer, has scored seven goals and provided six assists in the top flight since his move from Marseille. His scintillating performances helped him to pip Ozil, Willian, Harry Kane and Odion Ighalo to the coveted prize for 2015/16 at the annual London Football Awards. Payet's fine form was rewarded with a new contract last month, penning a deal until 2021 worth £125,000-a-week.

Ozil, meanwhile, is still on course for breaking the all-time assists record in a single Premier League season. He is closing in on Thierry Henry's total of 20. But his performances were not enough to convince the judging panel. Elsewhere, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was presented with a the Manager of the Year gong, ahead of Arsene Wenger, Slaven Bilic and Quique Sanchez Flores.

Pochettino has led an unexpected title charge from Spurs this year as his side sit just three points off table-toppers Leicester with 10 games remaining. The Women's Player of the Year was claimed by Eniola Aluko of Chelsea, who triumphed over Katie Chapman, Fran Kirby, Casey Stoney and Leah Williamson.

Chelsea captain John Terry , who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, was also given an honorary award during the evening.
The 35-year-old was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to London Football award after serving with Chelsea and England since 1998. Terry's future in the game remains undecided but reports last week insisted that he was ready to snub a big money move from the Chinese Super League in favour of playing in the MLS or Qatar. The former England captain has been out of action for the past three weeks with injury problems but is poised to return when Chelsea host Stoke this weekend.

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Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce to give court evidence in champagne hamper trial alongside his former West Ham stars
13:22, 4 MAR 2016 UPDATED 13:24, 4 MAR 2016
BY JOHN SHAMMAS
The Mirror

Football manager Sam Allardyce and his former West Ham stars are set to give evidence against a man accused of being involved in a champagne hamper scam. The Sunderland boss - affectionately known as 'Big Sam' - will be joined by footballers Andy Carroll, James Tomkins and Aaron Cresswell.
It is alleged that they were duped by businessman Stephen Ackerman out of more the £7,000 at the West Ham training ground. Ackerman, 47, has denied 13 counts of fraud by misrepresentation. Because the stars are set to give evidence in the trial, Judge David Radford criticised the court listing office for fixing a date for the trial at the beginning of next season when West Ham may be involved in qualifying games for the Europa League.
The alleged con artist is accused of offering Harrods and Fortnum & Mason hampers at massively-cut prices to the stars and other staff in November 2014.

Ackerman, of Loughton, Essex, received £2,500 from striker Andy Carroll, and former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce parted with £270, it is claimed.
Other alleged victims include defender Aaron Cresswell, who paid £180, head of performance Jamie Osman, who paid £90, and full-back Joey O'Brien, who paid £1,200. Wearing a dark blue suit and burgundy tie, Ackerman spoke only to confirm his name. He then denied each charge against him.
In a plea and case management hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court today, Judge David Radford said: "I do not think days at the start of next season is going to be at all welcome."

Asking whether all of the alleged victims would be required as witnesses, Sheryl Nwosu, defending, said: "Yes, sir." Judge Radford said: "I'm surprised that the person who fixed the first dates has not had the nous to work out that this is not a usual case.

James Tomkins of West Ham United is bandaged after a clash of headsIn court: James Tomkins of West Ham United is bandaged after a clash of heads in action for the east London side "It involves professional footballers, and in fixing a date, the football season and the European Championships in the summer will need to be taken into account. "There will undoubtedly be a public interest and season ticket-holders might be affected. "Someone who reviews these cases should have the nous to realise. "It may be that we will have to list it for after the European Championships."

Babatunde Alabi, prosecuting, told the court that he was "not a football fan" and admitted: "I don't know when the European Championships are."
The court set a provisional date for a four-day trial as July 18.

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Update on Collins, Tomkins, Moses and Valencia
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic briefed the press this morning in his pre-match conference ahead of Everton away. Bilic has indicated James Collins and James Tomkins should return for the Chelsea game on the 19th March while Victor Moses and Enner Valencia should be fit one week earlier for the FA Cup game at Old Trafford against Manchester United. "First of all I have to congratulate Dimitri on his award last night. It's great for him and it's great for us. It was a great win on Wednesday, but we can't enjoy it, not even for a few days, because we have a game tomorrow. "We've put that game to bed and we're concentrating on Everton. It will give us even more confidence of course. James got injured on Wednesday and that is a big blow because he has been marvellous. "It's not one week or a few days, but it looks like he will miss three games. "Victor Moses and Valencia should definitely be back for the Cup game against Man Utd. "James Tomkins will be fit for the Chelsea game."

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Bilic delighted with Antonio improvement
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2016 in News
C and H

Slaven Bilic has used his weekly London Evening Standard column to heap praise on Michail Antonio.

"I have been delighted with Michail Antonio, who scored the winning goal against Spurs, since he came into the team. He has improved a lot since he came here."

"He is a quick learner but when you look at his history — he started out at Tooting & Mitchum — he had no other options than to learn. I didn't know him before he came here but I have learned his story since. Success was not served up on a plate for him. He had to fight, not only physically but by thinking and learning. It's much harder to go the route he has, through the leagues and many teams, but when you arrive in the Premier League it must be priceless. You've done it by yourself, no one gave you anything. There is that famous saying: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. But the road to the top can be hard and painful."

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Bilic's "realistic" Ibrahimovic explanation
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2016 in News
C and H

Slaven Bilic has reacted for the first time to suggestions that the Hammers have made moves to attract Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the club.

He explained that whilst the Irons are an ambitious club they are not yet at the level to be considered by such players.

Writing in his London Evening Standard column he said: "I see we have been linked next season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Yes, we are ambitious and we are determined to progress. To be realistic, though, we are not yet a club who those kind of players would consider."

"Okay, nothing is impossible, but Ibrahimovic? If you had ten people sitting in a pub picking their best players in world football, you would have eight or nine who would say Messi or Ronaldo.

Nobody would be surprised if perhaps one person then named the Swedish striker with Bilic commenting: "Are you mad?" because he is in that category."

Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan, Paris St Germain — and everywhere he has been, the club have won the league in his first season there.

I was nearly his coach once, though, because his mother is Croatian and, although he had already played for Sweden Under-21s, he was very close to playing for my country when I was the national coach."

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Dimi Payet dedicates award to family
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimitri Payet took to social media to say his thank you for picking up the 2016 London Player of the Year award last night:

"I am very honoured and proud to receive this trophy tonight. I would like to thank all those who selected me. When I look at the list of nominees they are all excellent players from excellent clubs. It makes this trophy even more special. I would like to say thank you to my club West Ham and all those who work there every day. My coach Slaven Bilic as well as all the team. Without them I wouldn't be here. Of course a special thank you to all hammer supporters. Finally, I would like to dedicate this trophy to my wife, present tonight as well as our 3 gorgeous sons, my parents and all those close to us in good and more difficult times. Thank You to all of you!!! "

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Irons gambles the best in club history
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has revealed that every deal the Irons did last summer were an amazing gamble that came up on every front.

The chairman is still gobsmacked that although there were doubts attached to many of the deals the club carried through, they have all come up big time.

He said: "Every one of them has succeeded – we have enjoyed some incredible luck to back our judgements."

He explained that the manager himself was being discussed as someone with no Premier League experience yet his appointment has turned out to be one of the best the club has ever made.

He said: "I can't speak highly enough of Slaven because everything that has happened here this season is down to him yet it's true that many had doubts.

"Then of course there was Dimi Payet whose record of assists and goals was amazing, there was a doubt because that was the French League so there were question marks. Again it came off amazingly well and again we won out big time with that signing.

"Back home we went in for Michail Antonio at £7 million but he was a Championship player and there were some doubts until deadline day but he has proved himself an amazing buy.

"Lanzini was playing in the desert, we scouted him, brought him on loan with the firm contract deal attached and look how it's turned out.

Then of course there was Pedro Obiang and Angelo Ogbonna who are both proving themselves to be excellent signings

It's been a brilliant window – probably the best in our history. It's been so exciting. And what is also great is that we have a dressing room of gentlemen. It's a great place to be."

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Gold makes a European pledge
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold is ready for the club to step up to the financial plate if the club make it into Europe at the end of this memorable season.

The Hammers have roared back into top six contention with real style and both the Champions and Europa League look realistic ambitions for a club on a massive move forward.

And the co-chairman – who was mocked earlier in the season when claiming the top clubs would be looking over their shoulders at the Irons is very much having the last laugh.

Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "Are we ready for Europe if that's our destiny? Yes we are or we will be. You have to cope with growth in business and you have to do the same with success in this game.

"If that's where we are going to end up at the end of this incredible season we will go out and get the players we need to maintain a European challenge."

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Where on earth would we be without the injuries?
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2016 in News
C and H

However you look at it, West Ham's achievement in holding down sixth place and staring Europe in the eye has been one hell of a success story.

But how much better might it have been in terms of luck, then and now, had we not suffered key injuries and of course it hasn't got a great deal better over the last couple of weeks or so.

Cast your mind back just a few short weeks to the injury absence of Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll, Dimi Payet and Manu Lanzini.

winston-reid-west-ham-united_3009997During Payet's absence in particular we had five draws in a row! Is there anybody ready to argue we wouldn't have collected another two or three wins and four to six more points on JUST those five games had such influential players been available

Those one pointers came against West Brom Man United, Stoke, Swansea and Villa so it's a hard one not to argue isn't it ?

Ok we don't live in a world of 'might have beens' and it is what it is but just as were missing those ATTACKING guys back then, now, despite being hit by key injuries to our top defenders, we go on picking up points – notably against Spurs.

It's frustrating, annoying and disturbing but just as we coped back then, I expect us to do so again but let's pay another enormous tribute to the manager, players and those who put this great squad together and the resilience within it.

No Reid, no Collins, no Tomkins, no Byram (suspended of course) again this weekend but we'll cope. However, where on earth would we be with just a little more luck.

COYI

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Spurs victory marred by trouble
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham's victory over Spurs was marred by ugly scenes prior to the game.

Footage has been published of fans throwing missiles including glass bottles as Spurs fans made their way to the Boleyn Ground along Green Street from Upton Park underground station.

The police kept a cordon of 20 metres or so between rival fans using dozens of officers, horses and police dogs.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that there were three arrests – one on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and two for affray and assault on police.

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