Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic believes the performances of the likes of Leicester City and his own team this season are indicative of a shift in power in the Barclays Premier League. With Leicester leading the way, and the Hammers only a point outside the top four, the traditional big boys are in danger of having their usual dominance usurped. Bilic explained that the increasing financial power of the chasing pack goes some way to explaining that. He said: "Let's say Man City and Chelsea want to buy a striker. They can buy, I don't know, Benzema, but they have Aguero. There's no big space for them to improve. "For the clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Brom. Maybe two years they would have to sell to get Rondon, but now they can get Rondon. "Next year, if you are clever with more investment you can keep those players. Crystal Palace can keep Cabaye and buy another one. So those teams have bigger room to improve. "That's why I think this is a hopefully a permanent shift."
Focusing on Saturday's comeback against Everton, Bilic said his team always believed they could get back in it. He added: "When it was 1-0 and even 2-0, the fact we were the better team over the 90 minutes allowed us to tell the players 'don't be slow, but don't lose your composure'. "On breaks with Lukaku and Barkley of course they can cause us problems, but if your remember Payet had a shot in the first minutes that he normally scores and that was the pattern that with a few passes we could make dangerous situations. "We were a little bit too sexy in the first half, but not clinical. We felt that we had that, and the players knew that they were better and they kept at it."
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Lanzini delighted with Hammers form
WHUFC.com
It has been a great return to first team action for Manuel Lanzini, with the side winning three matches in a week. He was in fine spirits after the victory at Goodison Park where he played a key role in turning the game around. The Hammers slipped to a 2-0 deficit yet late goals from Michail Antonio, Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet turned the game around in dramatic fashion. Lanzini said: "We knew before coming here that it was going to be a difficult game, facing a tough side with some great players who are playing well. "I am not sure if we really deserved to be 2-0 down, but I am delighted that we were able to turn it around and to take home the three points. "The turning point was the penalty, because if we had fallen three behind, it would have been almost impossible to get back into the game. We knew we needed one chance to be able to at least draw the game, and luckily for us, Adrian saved the penalty which offered us that chance."
The playmaker insisted that the players kept faith even though they were still trailing by two goals with 15 minutes to go. He added: "It was always going to be difficult to get back into the game, but in football these things can always happen. They were so organised and we struggled to break them down. We tried a bit of everything, from out wide, through the middle, switching the play and we couldn't get through. We are pleased that we finally managed it and took home the three points."
The squad will now begin to prepare for Sunday's FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Argentine told whufc.com: "First of all, I think we need to rest and recover. It has been a tough week with three games, but thankfully we have made it through with nine points. "Then it is time to switch our attention to Manchester United, which is going to be another complicated game. However, we all know that we can achieve our objectives by beating United and progressing to the next stage of the competition."
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Hammers to run ballot process for final three fixtures
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to announce details of how Academy Members will be able to apply for tickets for our final three Barclays Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground.
There has been overwhelming demand for tickets in this historic season for the Hammers, with the upcoming fixture for Crystal Palace selling out to Academy Members, several days before tickets were due to go on general sale.
Due to the expected rush to purchase tickets for any of our final three Boleyn Ground fixtures, the Club is opening a ballot process exclusively for Academy Members, to fairly allocate tickets for the visits of Arsenal, Swansea City and Manchester United.
The first ballot for the Arsenal fixture is open now, and will close at 5pm Tuesday 22 March. The lead client on successful applications will be notified by email.
If you are an existing Academy Member, you will receive an email with the link to the ballot form. Or alternatively you can download one here.
Each fixture will undergo a separate ballot process, with a different form for all three games. The forms can be accessed on whufc.com and will be emailed to Academy Members when each future ballot opens.
It is not too late to become a Member either. So to give yourself a chance of being there as history is made, join now! Call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966* or visit whufcboxoffice.com to purchase Academy or Youth Academy Membership. Full details on membership can be found here.
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge
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Hammers support Enterprise team ahead of final
WHUFC.com
Development Squad duo Alex Pike and Jake Eggleton visited the West Ham United Foundation's Premier League Enterprise team at the Boleyn Ground ahead of the much anticipated final this week.
Students from Stepney Green Maths, Computing and Science College will be representing the Club at the Premier League Enterprise Challenge Final in central London on Wednesday 9 March and the Hammers pair were keen to see how their presentation was coming along.
With 29 school groups representing Premier League and Football League clubs up and down the country, the Hammers will go head-to-head in pitching their ideas to a panel of judges from the world of sport and business.
The group presented their ideas to the players who offered them feedback on where they might look to improve. Pike, who scored the last ever U21 goal at the Boleyn against Arsenal late last year, was impressed with the wannabe entrepreneur's innovative ideas.
He said: "It was really good. It was nice to see the kid's presentation; they've clearly got some good ideas and a lot of work has obviously been put into it. For us to be able to come down and give them a bit of our time is great, I really enjoyed it and had a good time.
"It's always good to support worthy causes, and in the West Ham United Foundation and Sport's Relief, they're both very two very important charities that do a lot of good work."
The Premier League Enterprise challenge has the power to change lives and none more so than for the tournament's former winners from 2014. Having come through the project with the WHU Foundation, they are now acting as mentors for this year's challengers.
2014 Enterprise Challenge winner Sayed Ashrabul said of the group's preparation: "They've really put the hard work in and have been really creative! I think having the players down today was a real confidence boost for them which they can take into the final.
"The Premier League Enterprise programme has opened so many doors for me that would not have been possible prior to being involved. I keep reminding the guys that they too can achieve great things off the back of this!"
The business and skills based challenge is run by the Premier League and Sport Relief, and this year tasked pupils with working on a strategy to help encourage fans to spend more time at stadiums on matchdays. The final is set to take place at Altitude 360 on Wednesday 9 March.
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Former Player Blog – Kevin Lock
WHUFC.com
Plaistow-born 1975 FA Cup winner Kevin Lock made 165 West Ham United appearances between 1972 and 1977…
I have spoken to a lot of fellow fans recently and and this is the most excited I have been about West Ham for at least the last ten years! I just think there is a whole buzz and vibe around the Club! I go to home matches regularly with my grandson and it's just a great feeling going along to games at the Boleyn Ground expecting to see a good, entertaining performance. I am really excited about the end of this season and what the future holds for my Club. It's not just the football itself but the whole character of the Club seems to have changed under Slaven Bilic. He has instilled that never-say-die attitude in the team and they literally never give up, no matter how the game is going for them. That comeback at Norwich City instilled even more belief in the players and they have carried that on through the FA Cup replay win over Liverpool and the three Premier League wins last week. The encouraging thing for me is that West Ham have not just relied on one player this season. While Dimitri Payet has come in and created and scored goals, we seem to have had someone ready to step up in every game. One player who I really like is Cheikhou Kouyate – I think he is one of the best and most valuable members of the team, and he is certainly underrated for me. He is strong, gets to the ball quickly and uses it well. Like I said, though, it is not just Dimitri or Cheikhou who has done well this season, but all the players in the squad. We've got an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to this weekend at Manchester United and I am backing the boys to go there and win, such is my belief in what they can achieve this season. I remember back in 1975 when we won it, we were all in a steakhouse down opposite Upton Park station listening to the semi-final draw, and we were in the hat with Birmingham City, Fulham and Ipswich Town. We were in mid-table, while Ipswich were flying at the top of the old Division One and we really didn't want to draw them, but we did. We held them nil-nil in the first game and then beat them 2-1 in the replay at Stamford Bridge, with Alan Taylor getting both goals. What I am saying is that, while we might not be favourites to go to Old Trafford and win, if you have the belief and talent in your squad then you can do it. After the win over Liverpool and the brilliant win at Blackburn, this team believes it can beat anyone in the FA Cup and, like in 1975, I have this feeling that our name is on the trophy. If we can win, it means we will have European football at our new Stadium and my grandson Jack and I cannot wait to be there to see it, as we hope to be Season Ticket Holders at the new Stadium.
I was obsessed with West Ham when I was a kid and I can see Jack has the same feelings for the Club as I do. He went to his first game at the age of eight and is 14 now and is a massive fan. We watched the Liverpool FA Cup replay together on TV and he was chanting and singing along with the fans as if we were at the ground! I just want to get these Season Tickets for him because he is taking on the family's support for West Ham to the next generation. West Ham is in our blood and there's nothing we can do about it. I want him to experience this Club for the rest of his life.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Joint-Chairman - Our fans are entitled to dream
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold believes the players will be relishing the chance to take on Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final on Sunday and feels this is a special time for the east London Club. The Hammers produced a memorable comeback to come from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park and keep alive their hopes of securing a European place at the end of the season. The victory moved Slaven Bilic's side back up to fifth in the table and are now just three points behind Arsenal in third place. Three consecutive victories over Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton in the space of week has provided the perfect confidence boost ahead of a big game at Old Trafford this weekend. And with the historic move to the new Stadium taking place during the summer, Mr Gold can only see exciting times ahead for everyone connected with the Club.
Mr Gold said: "We are now going to Manchester United with our tails up and with a bit of luck we will have some more senior players to come back into the squad. "We are entitled to dream (about the Champions League). Now it is looking more of a possibility. "We are playing superbly well and we are knocking on the door. We were facing two difficult games against Tottenham and Everton and to get six points makes it more of a dream.
"It is hard to believe that we have achieved the three victories but we have and everyone is so excited. The fans are absolutely over the moon.
"We are lucky that West Ham United has the most famous year in the club's history. We are leaving our beloved Boleyn Ground and that will be very sad and emotional. "But at the same time we are moving into the new Stadium which is absolutely thrilling. What a year this is for West Ham United. "Our fans are entitled to dream now and we have won the right to dream. I honestly cannot remember the last time we came back from two goals down to win a game and it is rare in football, let alone at West Ham. "You look at Everton on paper and they have a fantastic group of players. Lukaku is one of the best centre-forwards in the Premier League and up against a 17-year-old man in Reece Oxford, I thought he did very well coming up against a world class centre-forward. "To come from 2-0 down and battle back like that shows the character of our team. We have had bad luck losing three of our central defenders and having to play a right back as a winger, so we had a makeshift defence but they all did fantastic."
Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the new signings have settled in this season and have played such a big role in the Club's success.
What more can be said about Dimitri Payet after he stole the headlines once again with the winning goal while Michail Antonio continued his rich vein of form in front of goal. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini have also showed their quality and played their role in a fantastic comeback against the Merseyside Club. Mr Gold added: "The players that we brought in have all excelled our expectations – we thought Lanzini would be good but he has been very good. "We thought Payet was good but he has turned out to be brilliant. Another great success has been Michail Antonio who arrived from Nottingham Forest last summer and has been sensational. "Ogbonna and Obiang have also done very well. All of the new players have come together and helped make this a special season."
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's dramatic win at Everton…
Not one person at Goodison Park would have expected the outcome of Saturday's result. Our long-standing problem with beating Everton stretches back almost nine years and having gone two goals down and watching as Romelu Lukaku stepped up to take a penalty, it appeared to be game over.
In the past week, Slaven Bilic's side have shown great versatility and desire; beating Sunderland in an ugly game of football, taking three points against Spurs who are chasing the title, and now coming from two goals down against Everton.
Adrian has a thing for saving penalties, especially against Everton where he became the hero in the FA Cup last year. Lukaku's spot kick wasn't great, but justice was done as the foul came outside the 18 yard box anyway.
Before the turning point, the Belgian striker had already done what he does best against West Ham. The ball was fed into his feet and he turned quickly, shrugging off young Reece Oxford, before firing into the far corner. It was his eighth goal in eight appearances against the Hammers, and he was instrumental in the second goal too.
Again, the ball came to his feet, but this time he flicked it on for Aaron Lennon to run onto and slot home. These two goals came either side of Kevin Mirallas' dismissal, the first booking for a blatant dive on the edge of our penalty area, the second for a dangerous challenge on Aaron Cresswell.
Credit to the Toffees, you couldn't tell that they were a man down until the penalty was saved and Bilic's men were shocked into gear.
Mark Noble, who is now surely as close as ever to an England call-up, whipped a cross in and Michail Antonio headed in yet another goal.
Just three minutes later, it was Dimitri Payet's turn to send in a perfect ball, this time for Diafra Sakho to head home. Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Emmanuel Emenike have all showed signs of greatness, but it sure is good to have Sakho back fit.
At 2-2, you would have expected Bilic to shut up shop and take a well-earned point, but this is Super Slav we're talking about here, and we went for the jugular. A couple of questionable Everton substitutions certainly helped, as Gareth Barry replaced Lukaku when the home crowd were hoping for a late winner.
The moment of magic came as Cresswell played a long, accurate ball up to Carroll, who nodded onto Sakho, with the Senegalese striker flicking it on once more with a lovely back heel, and Payet pounced to poke home, nutmegging the goalkeeper in the process.
It was the first time we have come back from a two goal deficit to win since Paolo Di Canio inspired a 5-4 victory over Bradford City in 2000, so it was fitting that the man who has come closest to matching him in claret and blue scored the winning goal.
Thanks to a Manchester United slip-up, we will now remain fifth for at least two weeks, with our game next weekend at Old Trafford for the FA Cup Quarter Final, and if we play the way we have against top sides this season, we could be at Wembley in a few weeks.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive: Feeder club deal to be announced? Top targets on radar?
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
My word the Everton game was something special. I don't think I have ever experienced emotions like that. When they were awarded the penalty, I really thought to myself let's just leave and beat the traffic, something I don't usually do, but I was gutted at the thought of us losing this game and it spoiling my weekend in Liverpool. Little did I know what was just around the corner. The feeling when the third goal went in was something special and something that I would never forget. I will always remember the feeling of walking out into the streets with all the other fans and singing "We've got Payet!!" My voice still hasn't recovered yet and I think I am still drunk.
The club is exploring the options of getting another feeder club where we can buy players from abroad and get them work permits at this club. We have looked at a number of clubs from smaller leagues and have a club in mind. This club is one of the best clubs in its league and will enable us to loan players there too. They currently have a few decent players playing for them and it will be really beneficial to both clubs. I know the club involved, as will you when it is revealed, but for now until the deal is confirmed the club want the name to remain quiet. Although one thing I will say is, according to my google analytics of where my website viewers come from, many of you will be delighted at the prospect. I will reveal soon though but remember where you heard it first as others will start to guess now. Investing in other clubs and leagues is certainly something that we wish to explore further and have done much research on.
I have hinted at many players appearances affecting their contract situation before; a number of players are close to triggering new deals some of which are very significant. As I have mentioned before Lanzini is close to completing his terms and there could be another very important contract signed soon (more to be revealed in an exclusive this week from us)!
We have some extremely exciting names on our radar. When I see the list I think "no way" "not possible" to the point I dare not put them out there because I will get called all sorts, like I did when I announced Ibrahimovic. All I can say is that it is extremely exciting hearing about these names and knowing that they are not just fantasy and that we have put the wheels in motion. We have looked at Bony and Benteke as has been reported in the Telegraph today but these are just some of the many options being explored.
Although previously I have been told he isn't on the radar, it is worth noting that Oxlade Chamberlain changed agents recently to Will Salthouse who is the agent for Cresswell, Randolph and Antonio. I still don't think this deal will happen but sometimes the agents of certain players are significant. For example Payet has the same agent (Mark/Willie McKay) as Michy Batshuayi. Remember I have spoken many times of our desire to raid that club.
Terry Westley is also working very hard on our youth prospects. He is looking at signing youngsters from a number of clubs for them to develop here. The latest player plays for Reading. We want to take the best youngsters from elsewhere and turn them into Premier League stars as well as improving our own scouting network. It is fair to say the potential players emerging from the youth team is our most exciting group yet.
We should have Reid, Valencia, O'Brien and Moses back for the Manchester United game and Tomkins to follow for the Chelsea match. This would leave only Collins being injured and he could be back within two weeks. If we can keep players fit, which is unlikely, we could have our full team back for the crucial end of season run in. Just think how well we could have done if they all had stayed fit. I do not fear Manchester United and now that Mata is suspended we have even more of a chance. Follow my day on snapchat as I am again going to the match.
There has been strong rumours coming from inside the club that Roy could pull off a major surprise and name at least one West Ham player in his next England squad! The three candidates are obvious but I will not believe it till I see it but it could (doubtful) mean that Noble's testimonial would have to be moved.
I honestly love being a West Ham fan. I know this isn't the most "exclusive" thing to talk about in my column but everything is going so well for us. The new stadium looks brilliant, the rights and deals with companies bring us on further, players want to play for us both at youth and senior level, we have chairmen that love the club and are exploring options to make us bigger and better, we have a great manager, fantastic players and we are really going places.
Don't forget the ladies match tomorrow where they are trying to break the attendance record for a ladies league match, make sure you get a programme and read why I support the ladies game so much!
Please have a look round the new look site. Some of the tabs do not work at the moment as they need articles but we are getting there and the speed has much improved. We also have a news reporter running the site and twitter account during the day so you will hear the breaking news first. If you miss the news then the daily news rounds it all up for you anyway. It was recently mentioned in feedback to the site that people want to see all our news in order rather than searching for it, we have added a tab called latest articles. You will not miss an article now as all will be posted there!
The future is bright, the future is claret and blue!
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Monday musings: Poetic justice
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Last November a dreadful challenge by Everton's James McCarthy sidelined West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the remainder of 2015.
So it was poetic justice when the brilliant Frenchman popped up inside the Toffees' six-yard box during Saturday's return meeting between the two clubs to score the winning goal, as West Ham recorded their first win on the Blue side of Stanley Park since December 2005.
And what an incredible win it was for Slaven Bilic's side, who were two goals behind with less than fifteen minutes of normal time remaining before staging a remarkable comeback to steal all three points, courtesy of Payet's last-minute winner.
Having fallen behind to strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon, Adrian made a brilliant save from a (Lukaku) penalty to prevent West Ham from going 3-0 down - at which point the travelling fans must have been wondering whether the early start had been worth it!
However their patience and endeavour was ultimately rewarded as West Ham staged an epic comeback. Michail Antonio, prolific of late scored United's first on 78 minutes, the returning Diafra Sakho levelled the game three minutes later - and Payet – who else? - grabbed the winner, just as added-on time commenced.
The victory - West Ham's third in a week, following the wins against Sunderland and Tottenham - lifted Bilic's side back above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, thus keeping alive the Irons' hopes of ending what is already a memorable campaign in a European position.
But which competition that will be in remains to be seen, with the Hammers now presenting a very real threat to those clubs hoping to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Just three points separate West Ham and second-placed Arsenal, who drew at Spurs on Saturday and whilst Bilic won't dare speak of it, a spot in Europe's premier competition is certainly within reach. Unlikely still - but who thought Leicester City would be title favourites in March!?
However all thoughts of Premier League success will be set aside for the next week or so as attention returns to the FA Cup, where a tantalising quarter final tie at Old Trafford awaits.
West Ham have enjoyed mixed FA Cup fortunes against Manchester United in recent seasons. Few present on the day will forget Paolo Di Canio's winning goal in a 2001, fourth round meeting; few who witnessed the Gary Breen-inspired 6-0 defeat two years later will wish to remember it!
More recently, in a 2013 third round tie, the Hammers were seconds away from securing a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground when Robin Van Persie grabbed a last-minute equaliser, taking the tie back to Old Trafford for a replay - which the hosts won 1-0.
But this is a very different West Ham team right now - and one that has every chance of turning the tables and securing a place in this year's FA Cup semi finals.
*An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
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Seeing is believing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
I suppose I wanted to see it with my own eyes, the phenomenon that is Slaven Bilic, the manager who is turning West Ham into a Champions League club.
Say that last summer, even a few months ago and you could hear them laughing all the way from Stamford Bridge to White Hart Lane. Say it now, and nobody laughs.
Now the one or two people who read my nonsense will know by now that in a previous life I spent a fair amount of time talking to football managers.
I can go back to Bill Shankly, Matt Busby, our own much-loved John Lyall, right through to Fergie, Rafa and Jose. And a lovely fella called Howard Kendall.
Many I have known have been con-men, liars, cheats, criminals, self-centred egotists or just incompetent. And those were the better ones. (For legal reasons, none of those mentioned above come into any of these categories..just making that clear!)
So I tend not to go with the hype, the media outlets who write stuff just to please owners or chairmen. I have also restrained myself from sounding off that we are now potential champions, world beaters or just the best West Ham side ever.
Many of us over the past 50 years or so of watching the Irons have seen far too many false dawns and burst bubbles to allow ourselves to build ourselves up for more heartbreak.
But I have seen the future of rock n' roll…and Slaven will appreciate that remark, because he will know all about Bruce Springsteen. I am at last tempted to allow myself to suggest that Bilic is the future of West Ham.
The fact that a 66 year-old pensioner (me) could be seen singing the Payet song while sitting in a horrendous M6 traffic jam on Saturday says it all.
I had not been able to sing it until them…I think you will understand shortly. A few weeks back an old friend who works brilliantly in the Everton media department rang me and said did I want to see Saturday's game at Goodison Park.
I did ask him whether he was just trying to punish me by forcing me to sit and watch more Romelu Lukaku goals and the customary defeat at Goodison. But it was a free ticket, as well as a free car park pass plus some free food…so it had to be done.
So there I was back in the Everton press room for the first time in six years, meeting old colleagues and trying not to think about the expected defeat to follow.
By the end I was watching my fellow Hammers fans in wild celebrations in the away section as our team, led by Dimitri, was deservedly milked the acclaim. I was sitting on my hands, tight=lipped and trying not to laugh.
I had seen something special. Two defeats in 20 games now, and we have a team who do not accept defeat. Those last 12 minutes will live with us all for a very long time.
And it was no fluke. I recall also watching plenty of Manchester United games when they staged amazing comebacks in the dying minutes of Fergie time. They were not flukes either.
Never giving in, you can win the Champions League like that. We all remember that amazing night in Barcelona, with Man United having been outplayed by Bayern Munich for almost 90 minutes. But Man U, despite all the other reasons that I hate them, can be applauded for never giving in.
This was Slaven's team. He has installed a new mentality into our club. And I wanted to see him in the flesh handle a big press conference. Just to see how he operated. I was impressed, to say the least, and coming from an old hack who has sat through thousands of these tedious after-match affairs, that says something.
Slav has a presence. He is 6ft 3in, walks with a stoop but still dominates the room. He also starts the conference himself with a resume of what happens. Fergie and Arsene Wenger do that, it gives them control over the line of questioning, it is on their terms.
Bilic shows such desire, ,steely determination, almost tunnel vision. It is an impressive performance. He does not sit there and await the loaded line of questioning. You can feel his intensity and belief, That is what rubs off on his players.
Footballers play for whatever manager is thrown their way. The hardened ones, like Mark Noble, have seen it all. They do their best, because those are the requirements of the job. But when players see a manager they respect instantly because of his reputation as a player and leader of men, they take notice.
Here is something to clutch onto. Something that could lead them to trophies, to a higher level. And Bilic offers that. He did it for six years with Croatia, and that is the key to him.
He rubbed shoulders them with the best managers, best players, but not in a demanding club atmosphere. Everybody at the very top of the European game knows him.
My lad, astute sometimes, reckons we have got a hungry young manager who has done his apprentice in the job at a very high level. It gives him a head start. You only have to look at the guy at Norwich to see the point.
It bothers me that our owners spent so much time looking elsewhere..at managers at a supposed higher level who just used us to enhance their own contracts with current employers.
I wanted Bilic from the start. He was the perfect fit. A hungry, confident coach who had done brilliantly at Besiktas, as he says a cult club very similar to the Irons, living in the shadows of giant clubs in their own city.
Bilic knew he needed to show he could manage in a top league, and the Premier League was always his aim. And boy has he proved himself. His tactics against Spurs were spot on, never letting their full backs into the game.
He changed the system against Everton, and that is no reflection on young Reece Oxford, who was a yard the wrong side of Lukaku for his customary goal. He won't make that mistake again. He was substituted because against ten men and only one striker--with Kevin Mirallas sent-off---you don't need three centre backs.
And he spelt out exactly how to overcome Everton with that remark about not needing so much sexy football around the box. He kept throwing on strikers, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho while making sure Michail Antonio was left out there.
Then came the barrage of demanding, pinpoint accurate crosses. First Noble, then Payet. Plus that sheer will to win, to not give it up. Bilic said he impressed on the team at the break how the game was still there for them.
Bilic talks with such force of conviction it is almost hypnotic. I believed him by the end of the conference so just think what sort of influence he has on players, this manager who kisses and cuddles his players.
Did you notice him hug and kiss Sakho on the cheek as he came on against Spurs after three months out. Managers here just don't do that.
He also talked about the togetherness of his squad, and how he sat them down some while ago and pointed out that they had a strong, defiant, organised defensive shield, so why couldn't they go on a run and win matches and reach for the moon.
And it all came right against at Everton side who many feel we owe them something. The long list of Lukaku goals, the failure to beat them anywhere for 11 years. The dreadful James McCarthy tackle on Payet, those Leighton Baines free-kicks.
And then there is Roberto Martinez. Sometimes some managers should just keep it buttoned. But he has such an ego he cannot resist, can he. I can imagine the pre-match presser when he was goaded into defending McCarthy again, and arrogantly suggesting that West Ham were wrong, he is such a nice boy.
Noble, complete with two black eyes, doesn't think so. He was giving McCarthy a piece of his mind about Everton's tackling while our physic was putting Arron Cresswell back together after Mirallas' stupid lunge after being booked. And Alan Shearer reckoned his was diving for the first one, and he should know being a striker of such repute.
Martinez has already made him look stupid by suggesting that 'he didn't' really want Sam Byram anyway.' So why did the kid have a medical at Goodison Park?
But he left his best for Payet. Of course Martinez turned down the chance of signing the Frenchman because he already had Ross Barkley. So there we had Payet creating the equaliser and scoring the winner. Payback for that McCarthy tackle in spades. Nice one Roberto!
And on Payet and Manuel Lanzini. We have two players with courage who will carry the ball knowing they will get kicked to bits. But knowing that by driving at players they will win free-kicks, and players will get sent-off.
We are approaching a point when this could be maybe the best season of our lives, there are just a few candidates….1964, 1965 and 1986 to my mind. Nothing else comes close for me.
And we go to Manchester United on Sunday believing we can win. Bilic had to be reminded who our next league game was against…Chelsea came the answer from the press officer. And Bilic just shrugged.
Not a flinch of acceptance, not a frown. Bring 'em on. We may not win these two games that will rather cruelly define our season. But we have a manager who never takes a backward step, who has a team rock solid with him. And a fan base in near disbelief.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Hammers plotting move for Reading youngster?
March 7, 2016
TheWstHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Arsenal and West Ham are the latest clubs to show an interest in young Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl, and may look to sign him in the summer, according to the Transfermarketweb.
The 20-year-old is available to be snapped up on a free transfer in the summer, with any club who wishes to sign him only due to pay the necessary compensation.
Kuhl is a holding midfield player who is set to have a bright future, with many at Reading fully expecting him to move on and make the leap to the Premier League given his ability.
He broke in to the team last season with a string of appearances and impressed fans and coaches alike, however this season he has struggled to break into the team, spending time on loan with Dundee United, and he may well see a move to Arsenal or West Ham as just too good to turn down.
Kuhl has been capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level, and is obviously seen by Arsene Wenger as another young player who he can bring on and develop, adding to his long list of developed youngsters during his time with the Gunners.
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Referee Analysis: Anthony Taylor
March 6, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell
After a great win at the Boleyn against Spurs midweek, we go to Goodison Park to play an Everton team which West Ham hadn't beaten there in 10 games. The referee appointed for this game was Anthony Taylor. I wrote about Taylor for IronViews back in September vs Newcastle and I thought he was excellent in that game.
In the first half, Taylor had his work cut out. The first caution of the game was to Everton midfielder Kevin Mirallas for a dive. Mirallas was goal side of Pedro Obiang and in a good position when he went down, under no pressure from the West Ham midfielder. Taylor was spot on to issue a caution to Mirallas for Unsporting Behaviour. Within 34 minutes, Everton were down to 10-men and this was due to a second bookable offence for Kevin Mirallas. The Everton midfielder caught West Ham left back Aaron Cresswell with nasty late challenge which gave Taylor no option but to send him off. I saw a tweet asking me my thoughts on the West Ham players surrounding the referee at this point. This is something that the FA look at and they look at whether 3 or more players have surrounded the referee in a confrontational manner. When the incident happened, West Ham Captain Mark Noble, Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet where around the referee. However, you also had 3 or 4 Everton players doing the exactly the same; they were trying to build a defence to not get Mirallas sent off. I don't believe that either the West Ham or Everton players were confrontational towards Taylor so there shouldn't be any action from the FA.
In the second half, there wasn't much improvement from Taylor. On 68 minutes, Taylor awarded a penalty after an apparent trip inside the area by West Ham midfielder Alex Song and I very much disagree with this decision. Firstly, Muhamed Bešić was tripped by Alex Song in the build up to this incident which was just inside the D outside the penalty area. The Everton midfielder skipped past the initial contact and made his way towards the penalty area. Song then challenged Bešić and the Everton man ensured that he stumbled inside the West Ham penalty area. Initial contact from Song was just outside the penalty area and the contact was made on Bešić left leg which was planted on the line of the penalty area. The motion of the trip ensured Bešić stumbled inside the penalty area. The law states that a penalty should be given if the foul has taken place inside the penalty area, and in this instance this was not the case. This incident is very much like when the ball is deemed in or out of play. The whole ball has to be over the line to be deemed out of play and it's the same principle to award a penalty. The incident has to happen inside the penalty area, not on the line, and on first contact rather than where the player ends after contact is made. There where a couple of penalty shouts in the second half. Another was when Bešić left an outward arm after he turned his back on a Dimitri Payet cross. Although it did strike his arm, he was relatively close to the West Ham man and Bešić didn't know that once he turned his back, the ball was going to strike his outward right arm. I have seen penalties for this type of handball given this season, but felt it would have been quite harsh. The next appeal was from the Everton fans for a handball by Cheikhou Kouyaté. Bešić was involved again after the Everton midfielder had a shot on goal which appeared to hit Kouyaté on the upper arm. I think the referee could have given this as a penalty but decided not too. Kouyaté was 12 yards from the initial shot and would of had enough time to move his arm away from the ball. It did look like Kouyaté completely misjudged it. It was technically a penalty but it would have been harsh and there was no obvious intent to control with his arm.
Overall, I felt that Taylor wasn't great in this game. He got the majority of the major decisions right but when they are potentially game changers, you need to be 100% that your decision is correct. Taylor also missed a potential penalty on Angelo Ogbonna but that wasn't meant to be. I saw that Roberto Martínez labelled Taylor as 'picky' on Match of The Day, and you could say that. However, you can't say that cheating deserves just a free kick and a talking too because when it's early in the game, players needs to be punished when their being unsporting within the game. A note on West Ham; what a great win this was and this shows great fight by a West Ham side which has a completely different mindset under Slaven Bilic. I saw a stat on MOTD that this comeback was the first time West Ham have come back from two goals down to win a Premier League game since February 2000, an astonishing stat.
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Premier League: Who can stop Leicester in title run-in?
BBC.co.uk
Leicester's charge towards the Premier League title is still rolling along nicely, with the downturn of form anticipated by many yet to materialise. The Foxes are five points clear at the summit after picking up seven from their past three games. But not only are Claudio Ranieri's men still winning points - their nearest rivals are continuing to drop them. Tottenham and Arsenal took points off each other after Saturday's 2-2 draw in the north London derby. Fourth-placed Manchester City did, however, revive their title hopes after three straight league defeats with a 4-0 thumping of Aston Villa. Fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United, two points behind the Hammers, also still have an outside chance.
Here's the lowdown on each of the top six's run-in
Leicester
Played 29, 60 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: Never
Leicester fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Leicester have five home games in their final nine-game run-in, and were unbeaten in the reverse fixtures, picking up 23 points from the nine games. A repeat haul would see the Foxes end the campaign with 83 points - enough to win the league on seven occasions in the Premier League era, but not since Manchester United won with 80 points in 2011.
Scores in reverse games: beat Newcastle 3-0, beat Crystal Palace 1-0, drew with Southampton 2-2, beat Sunderland 4-2, beat West Ham 2-1, beat Swansea 3-0, drew with Manchester United 1-1, beat Everton 3-2, beat Chelsea 2-1.
Recent form: In a word, excellent. The Foxes have lost just once in their last 10 games, a narrow defeat at fellow challengers Arsenal, and taken 21 points from a possible 30.
Key games: May. It's the month for crowning champions but the Foxes may hope that they can have it done before a very tough final three games. Ranieri's side go to Old Trafford on 1 May, a ground where they have won just once in the Premier League, before hosting Everton and ending the season at defending champions Chelsea. A guard of honour from one champion to another?
Tottenham
Played 29, 55 points, goal difference +27
Last won the league title: 1961
Tottenham fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Spurs picked up just 13 points from the nine games against the remaining sides they have to face - and a repeat performance would see them finish the season with just 68 points - only four more than they managed last season when finishing fifth. Too many draws may hurt Spurs. They could only take a point from Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Chelsea and lost to Manchester United and Newcastle. They do have a superior goal difference to Leicester though.
Scores in reverse games: Beat Aston Villa 3-1, beat Bournemouth 5-1, drew with Liverpool 0-0, lost 1-0 to Manchester United, drew 2-2 with Stoke, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Chelsea, beat Southampton 2-0, lost 2-1 to Newcastle.
Recent form: Clinical. Spurs drew eight of their opening 15 league games but have cut that habit out of late, winning six of their last 10 games and losing just twice. Dropping points to rivals may hurt them though. A 1-0 defeat to Leicester and a 2-2 draw against Arsenal have stemmed their flow of points at crucial times.
Key games: Trips to Anfield (2 April) and Stamford Bridge (2 May) look massive. Spurs have only won twice at Anfield in the Premier League, losing the last three, and have never won at Stamford Bridge since 1992.
In fact their last league win at the home of Chelsea came in February 1990, when Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker scored the winner. Newcastle away on the last day may not be the easiest place to travel to, either...
Arsenal
Played 29, 52 points, goal difference +16
Last won the league title: 2004
Arsenal's fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: The Gunners picked up a respectable 19 points from these nine fixtures, though defeats to West Brom and West Ham could prove decisive come May. A further 19 points in the run-in would see Arsene Wenger's side finish on 71 points, four points fewer than their total last season. When they last won the league, going unbeaten 12 years ago, the Gunners collected 90 points.
Scores in reverse games: Lost 2-1 to West Brom, beat Everton 2-1, beat Watford 3-0, lost 2-0 to West Ham, beat Crystal Palace 2-1, beat Sunderland 3-1, drew 1-1 with Norwich, beat Manchester City 2-1, beat Aston Villa 2-0.
Recent form: Not good enough. Arsenal have won only three of their last 10 games, a run that has seen them slump from leaders in the New Year to third place. Defeats to Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester United have been damaging, though at least the Gunners managed to claim a point with 10 men at rivals Spurs.
Key games: Trips to Manchester City, West Ham and Everton all look difficult but perhaps the inconvenient truth for Arsenal is that their key games have been and gone. It is not irretrievable to win the league from here but Wenger will have to rely on favours and slip-ups from other sides.
Manchester City
Played 28, 50 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: 2014
Manchester City fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Manchester City have a game in hand on their title rivals, with a trip to Newcastle yet to be slotted into a congested diary. In the 10 games against sides they still have to play again, Manuel Pellegrini's side collected 22 points, losing to Stoke and Arsenal. A further 22 points would see Pellegrini end his reign as City boss on 72 points. Would that be enough for a top-four finish, never mind a title?
Scores in reverse games: Beat Norwich 2-1, drew 0-0 with Manchester United, beat Bournemouth 5-1, beat West Brom 3-0, beat Chelsea 3-0, lost 2-0 to Stoke, beat Southampton 3-1, lost 2-1 to Arsenal, beat Swansea 2-1, beat Newcastle 6-1.
Recent form: Disappointing. A 4-0 win over Aston Villa stopped a run of three successive league defeats but City have won just four of their last 10 games. They were last on the top of the table after beating Swansea in mid-December but have collected just 18 points from a possible 36 since.
Key games: The Manchester derby on 20 March stands out, but it is looking like both sides involved are playing for a place in the top four now, at best. Six of the final 10 games are on the road, with a trip to resurgent Chelsea on 16 April and an as-yet scheduled journey to face struggling Newcastle also looking tough.
West Ham
Played 29, points 49, goal difference +12
Last won the league title: Never
West Ham
Results in reverse fixtures: West Ham fans and the producers of Match of the Day will hope not to see three goalless draws in the run-in - a sequence of results the Hammers picked up back-to-back against Swansea, Stoke and Manchester United in December. But that was when Slaven Bilic was without Dimitri Payet, who is back firing now.
The Hammers collected 13 points from nine games in their remaining fixtures - a repeat would see them end on 62 points. A repeat of that and Leicester would only need one more win to finish above the Hammers...
Scores in reverse games: Beat Chelsea 2-1, beat Crystal Palace 3-1, beat Arsenal 2-0, lost 2-1 to Leicester, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Swansea, drew 0-0 with Stoke, lost 2-0 to Watford, drew 0-0 with Manchester United.
Recent form: Dimitri Payet made his first start after an ankle injury at Bournemouth on 12 January. The Hammers have won five of nine league games since, losing just twice. Bilic's side have won their last three games to propel them into Champions League contention. But a title challenge? They would surely need to win all of their games from here...
Key games: Back-to-back games with title challengers Arsenal and Leicester in April could shape the Hammers' top-four push, while an FA Cup run means they still have games with Watford and Manchester United to reschedule.
Manchester United
Played 29, 47 points, goal difference +10
Last won the league title: 2013
Manchester United
Results in reverse fixtures: Does anyone believe that Manchester United are genuine title challengers? Even if Louis van Gaal's side were to win all remaining nine games they would only end up with 74 points - which would represent their third-worst haul in the Premier League era. Their worst totals, of 64 points and 70 points, have both come in the last two seasons. David Moyes' record-low haul of 64 points may come under threat yet. United would need 18 points from their final nine games to overhaul that mark. In the corresponding nine games United took 13 points, and drew four times, three of which were goalless.
Scores in reverse games: Drew 0-0 with Manchester City, beat Everton 3-0, beat Tottenham 1-0, beat Aston Villa 1-0, drew 1-1 with Leicester, lost 2-1 to Norwich, lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace, drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Key games: United face Liverpool home and away in the Europa League and West Ham in the FA Cup quarter final before their next Premier League game against rivals Manchester City on 20 March. United are only currently three points outside the top four but with winning the Europa League now carrying automatic Champions League qualification, that competition is arguably of great importance for Van Gaal.
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That's your lot - final Boleyn tickets go to a ballot
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
Academy members are being given the opportunity to purchase tickets for the final three home game of the season - by virtue of a ballot process.
West Ham United revealed today that any supporters without automatic access (ie Bondholders, season ticket holders and existing corporate clients) with be able to apply for tickets to West Ham's last three games at the Boleyn Ground in three seperate ballots.
The first of those - for the London derby with Arsenal on 9 April - opened today and will run until 5pm on Tuesday, 22 Match. The application form may be downloaded from here.
Dates of the two remaining ballots are yet to be announced. The club are still welcoming applications from potential Academy members who will be entered into the ballots if they complete their membership (cost £40) before each one ends.
West Ham United have not revealed how many members will be potentially involved in the process. Tickets are only available in the Boleyn Ground's Upper tiers - that's the Bobby Moore Upper, East Stand Upper & West Stand Upper.
This is a good thing, right?
* Fans won't have to pay 13p per minute on the club's extortionate premium rate phone line to wait for a representative to answer their call
* Everyone who enters the ballot should have an equal chance of securing a ticket
This is a bad thing, right?
* It's going to costs you £40 to apply (plus the cost of phone calls) for membership - and there's no guarantee that you'll get a ticket
* It'll cost you a mere £25 to become a Swansea City member and guarantee a ticket - albeit in the away end - for our penultimate home match
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WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A FANTASTIC STORY? IS IT ALL ABOUT THE CHARACTER?
By Benjamin Cronin 7 Mar 2016 at 17:50
WTID
This season could be an epic, for some it's a fantasy but one things for certain, thus far, it wouldn't be described as a tragedy. While we may not be a central figure in Leicester's fabled battle of David vs Goliath, Slaven Bilic and West Ham United are in the process of masterminding something that may well be regarded as the stuff of legend in the near future. The remainder of the plot is still unwritten and there will undoubtedly be the twists and turns that make any great novel but this Premier League season is a book that no Hammers fan wants to put down.
The previous instalment of what could have been a metaphorical literary masterpiece didn't have the greatest of endings. It all started so well but under the command of someone who many saw as our antagonist, everything crumbled away at the end. Enter stage right, our deus ex machina, Slaven Bilic. His first season in charge started in the same fairytale fashion as before, yet as time has gone on and the number of remaining fixtures dwindles, belief and spirit amongst players and fans alike is higher than ever before. Those top four aspirations are gathering momentum and the wider footballing community is only now starting to recognise our genuine chances.
In amongst all the action and drama we've witnessed over the past 29 league fixtures, one thing stands out that I've rarely experienced in my 25 years of supporting West Ham. Character. Resilience. Determination. A 'never-say-die attitude'. Call it what you want, it's something that has had a huge bearing on our current points tally and position in the league table. It would appear the days of watching West Ham go one down and struggle for the remainder of the game are long gone. Now, no deficit seems too big to overturn. No challenge too tough to conquer. There's been a shift within the club that means our players believe they can win any game, right up until the final whistle. This isn't to say players didn't try before. It could be that they now realise there's no limit to what they can achieve or produce on the football pitch. I'll be honest, I really don't know what's happened. It's just clear to see that something has changed.
Whilst I'd love to revel in Saturday afternoon's result a bit longer and with many of you happy to read another opinion on that magnificent comeback I'm sure, I'm going to delve a little deeper into the success that this weekend's result was just another example of instead. What hasn't been said about our historic 3-2 victory already? The long awaited breaking of an incredibly frustrating hoodoo. The first victory earned after falling two goals behind since defeating Bradford just over sixteen years ago. An outstanding performance from every player that stepped foot onto that pitch. It really was a day that will live long in the memory. I suppose the question everyone's asking now is, how far can we actually go?
The notion of this new found ability to get a result out of games in which we are in a losing position is most evident when analysing the statistics. We have now managed to gain a total of twelve points from a losing position so far this season, joint second with Leicester City in a 'comeback league table', bettered only by Tottenham Hotspur. The pessimists amongst us may see going behind and having to come back as being a problem but when you consider that Spurs and Leicester are the only two sides in the Premier League to lose fewer games than ourselves, I don't think there's much room for criticism.
Comparing those figures to last season, it's obvious that a vast improvement has been made. Under Sam Allardyce, we managed to amass nine points from losing positions throughout the entirety of the 14/15 campaign. With the majority of those ending up as 1-1 draws after going a goal behind, the claim of a new mentality within the squad is actually a proven fact. Another point to reflect on that perhaps exemplifies this resilience is our ability to see out a game and maintain our level of performance right until the very end. A brief scan of last season's fixtures shows a considerable amount of late goals conceded that turned wins into draws and draws into defeats (two draws turning into losses and one win turning into a draw is just three examples from our last eight games of that particular season).
With the mistakes and lapses in concentration from last season eliminated, we've barely had to suffer the heartache of conceding late goals this season. Instead, we're the beneficiaries of the last gasp winner (this weekend and the FA Cup tie against Liverpool still fresh in everyone's memory I'm sure). It's hard to pinpoint one particular factor that has enabled us to enjoy such great success this season. The reason for that is simple, there isn't one. It's a combination of everything Bilic has implemented falling into place and the confidence that has come about as a result of that. Every player is stepping up to the mark, everyone has the hunger and desire required to be part of a successful team, with no one left hiding in the shadows. We've shown we can take the game to our opponents and catch them on the break when they try to take it to us. We're solid at the back and incredibly tough to breakdown whilst possessing skill, pace, end product and clinical finishing in the final third.
Much has been made of our expectations coming into this season. Were Bilic actually constructing a narrative, he may have wished to title it 'Be Careful What You Wish For: A Wish Come True'. Instead, he's crafted a work of art that's still awaiting a title (or a cup if we're speaking in literal terms). We know the protagonists have come to the fore; Payet, Antonio, Noble, Lanzini, Adrian, Kouyate, I've honestly had to stop myself writing out the whole squad. The pages will keep on turning as this incredible story goes on and not knowing what will happen next is all part of the thrill. It seems the better we play, the more important the next games become. Rather than seeing upcoming fixtures against teams near us in the table as a challenge, it feels like everyone sees them as an opportunity.
I honestly don't think it's ever felt so good to be a Hammer. I'm not going to tell people to not get carried away because that's all part of the fun. Regardless of what happens from here, this season has been one of my greatest as a fan. I've thoroughly enjoyed what we've seen so far and I hope, I believe, there's still more to come.
COYI!
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Deadly Diafra's back so here's my final points tally
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sak's back and in my world that means anything is possible. Yes of course we have Payet and I really do understand but with the club's Number One striker up front even the main man becomes a far better player. This has been repeated several times but after his goalscoring return against Everton at the weekend let's remind ourselves of one simple fact. With Diafra runnning the channels and dragging players out of position – a gift that only he possesses among our strikers – Dimi and Lanzini run into more and more space and create serious havoc. I remember Palace defender Damien Delaney saying the same after our Selhurst Park victory erly on claiming that he was a seriously difficult player to keep under control.
With Sak up front, Reidy back at the heart of defence and Payet pulling the strings I really do see United having their work seriously cut out at the weekend. And after that – despite the "oh dear they have a tough run-in brigade" creasing their brows I believe we can go into virtually every match as favourites. I really am that confident. Why wouldn't I be – it's the way supporters of big and successful clubs carry on and we've beaten most of thebig boys anyway…why suffer an inferiority complex now. So here's how I see us performing over the remaining league games with my points tally at the bottom. If it turns out as I expect, then the aforementioned Diafra Sakho will have hd everything to do with it.
Chelsea ( away) 1 point
Palace (home) 3 points
Arsenal (home) 3 points
Leicester (away) 1 point (they won't do a treble over us!)
Manchester U (home) 3 points
WBA (away) 1 point
Swansea (home) 3 points
Stoke ( away) 1 point
Watford (home) 3 points
FINAL POINTS TALLY 68
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Irons heading for huge financial jackpot
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
If West Ham were to finish in the top four this season it could be worth another £35 million to the club.. Finishing fourth position in the Premier League would earn the Hammers an extra £10 million in merit payments after taking £11m for their twelfth place finish last season.
That would jump massively to £21m for fourth place and £22.2m if we could manage third place. However, the really serious money would be made qualifying for UEFA Champions League football with prize money significantly increasing this season. Each club reaching the group stages gets a 12 million Euro bonus, a rise of 40% on last season. Every group win would earn 1.5m Euros while a draw gets 500,000 Euros. On top of this clubs get a share of the TV rights money called the 'Market Pool' worth 482 million Euros spilt by the 32 clubs depending on how much each country paid for their rights. This meant last season, Manchester City earned 45.9m Euros from the Champions League, Chelsea got 39.2m, Arsenal 36.3m and Liverpool 33.6m. Liverpool failed to qualify from the Champions League group stage losing three games, drawing two and winning one game. Despite this poor performance they still earned £26m from the Champions League and this was before the prize money increased. If West Ham qualified to group stage they could expect to earn a minimum of £25m without winning a game or progressing to the final 16. Progress to the last 16 and a minimum of £35m extra awaits us. Dreaming I know! but beat Barcelona in the final of the Champions League next season and we could earn another £75m!
West Ham are currently in fifth place on 49 points in the Premier League table just 1 point away from fourth place Manchester City and 3 points away from third-place Arsenal on 52 points.
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Poll says Everton penalty should have been re-taken
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Premier League referee, Graham Poll says Everton's penalty against Adrian should have been re-taken because he moved off his line twice before the ball was kicked but he admits this law is often overlooked in the Premier League. He did admit that Kevin Mirallas deserved to be sent off for his two yellow cards.
Writing for the Daily Mail, poll said "Referee Anthony Taylor was absolutely correct to dismiss Kevin Mirallas for two cautionable offences but how Everton didn't get a second chance to convert their penalty was beyond belief."
"There are quite a few laws which seem to be ignored at the top level and keepers coming off the goalline before a penalty kick is taken is one of them. "
However, Poll conveniently failed to mention whether it should have been a penalty in the first place with TV replays showing the incident happened just outside the six yard box. So maybe justice was restored anyway.
Since his debut, Adrian has saved twice as many penalties as any other goalkeeper in the Premier League (4).
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Irons win at Everton changed EVERYTHING!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Mirror's Darren Lewis always gives the Irons the credit they deserve. We witnessed that last week when he made the Irons v Spurs game all about us rather than follow the others who decided to report on "what's gone wrong with Spurs." We are delighted he has given ClaretandHugh this exclusive blog in which he declares: "Even those within Upton Park can dare to dream."
By Darren Lewis
JUST ONE thing should please West Ham fans even more than that stunning win at Everton on Saturday. Not the return to the scoresheet of talismanic striker Diafra Sakho after more than three months out with injury. Nor the brilliance of keeper Adrian for that game-changing save to keep out Romelu Lukaku's penalty with Everton 2-0 up and rampant. Or even the scintillating form of winger Michail Antonio, who now has five in eight – including key goals in his each of his last three League games. What should delight the West Ham faithful is the fact that so few people outside the Irons' fanbase are talking about the club in relation to the Champions League.
Glance through Twitter, listen to the radio or watch the TV. It is all Manchester City this, United that – even chat about Liverpool or Chelsea's chances of succeeding with a late run. West Ham right now are the team that isn't there. Even though they have been in and around the European places for months. Even though they have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Liverpool this season. Even though they sit fifth in the Premier League, a point behind fourth-placed City and just three behind Arsenal in third. City may have a game in hand but Manuel Pellegrini's impressive squad have shown themselves to be inconsistent. They have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.
United sit two points behind West Ham in sixth and were beaten at West Brom yesterday. They have won just one of their last eight away games. Yet their top-four credentials are seen to be greater than West Ham's: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35681004.
Liverpool's win at Crystal Palace left them six points off the Champions League places. Yet they too are shorter odds than West Ham. It is easy to see why. Both sides have a higher calibre of player and managers perceived as being equal to the task. Slaven Bilic won't mind that as he quietly (too quietly for a few dictaphones in press conferences) goes about his business. It is he, however, who could yet provide a fitting climax to what has been – and still is – an incredible season.
Don't get me wrong, the Irons need to do better themselves on the road if they are to make the most of this golden opportunity to open the Olympic Stadium with Champions League football next season. Yet considering they have won just three of their last 12 on the road and have struggled with crippling injuries this season they have done superbly well to have put themselves in this position. Saturday's win at Goodison was even more impressive as Bilic had had just one fit senior centre-half, Angelo Ogbonna, available to him.
It was the first time in 16 years that West Ham had recovered from two goals down to win a Premier League game. They previously did it in February 2000 with a 5-4 win over Bradford City.
James Tomkins is expected back for next weekend's FA Cup tie at Manchester United. Even more significantly, Winston Reid should return for West Ham's next league game, away to Chelsea on March 19.
Even allowing for the (big) loss of James Collins – out for a month – the returning centre-halves give the club added cause for optimism going into perhaps their biggest end of season home straight in Premier League history.
They enter it with inspirational Dimitri Payet on fire, Andy Carroll hungry to make up for lost time, Antonio on a hot-streak and skipper Mark Noble fuelled with that sense of injustice after Roy Hodgson's frankly ludicrous claim that Jack Wilshere could yet go to the Euros despite not having played all season.
Cheikou Kouyate is a player that would walk into any team in the top flight bar none. Aaron Cresswell hasn't had the credit he deserves while Enner Valencia and Victor Moses should be back at Old Trafford next weekend.
The squad built by Bilic, owner David Sullivan and fixer Tony Henry has survived test after test this season. They coped for two months with Payet. They battled on for three without Sakho. They hung in there when Valencia and Moses were both ruled out for lengthy periods.
Keeper Darren Randolph did superbly when Adrian was suspended. And during that mid-season run of eight games without a win they fought to escape with a share of the points on six occasions. They wouldn't have done last season. They were not good enough back then.
Yes, West Ham still have tough games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to come. Yet they beat the champions at home earlier this season. They stunned Arsene Wenger's men on the opening weekend and they held United to a goalless draw in December.
They will relish those fixtures. Not fear them.
Up until this point few fans have been willing to believe that the club could be planning for anything other than a Europa League campaign – at a push.
Everton, however, changed all that.
There is still nervous apprehension as the season enters squeaky bum time. But with so many pundits seemingly oblivious to West Ham's position in the Premier League table, the pressure remains off the club for the time being.
It means that even those within Upton Park can dare to dream.
Because in this incredible season of outrageous fantasy, West Ham are more than capable of providing the last big shock.
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Adrian's spot kick homework pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian's penalty save against Romelu Lukaku was the pivotal moment of a game which saw the Irons stage a remarkable comeback on Saturday.
And whilst it was a very poor spot kick, Adrian had put in the homework which ensured he kept the big fella at bay and helped build the platform for a magificent three points.
Speaking the London24.com the Spaniard said: "Lukaku is one of the best penalty takers but sometimes I have seen him try to wait until the last moment and when the keeper goes down he chips it over him.
"I just stayed in the middle and waited until the last moment and finally I managed to save it. Yes, it was the most important situation in the game because we were 2-0 down and if they score the third one, it would have been over.
"When I saved the penalty I really believed that we could get back, even from 2-0 down.
"I think we played well, we kept the ball and created a lot of chances and after the penalty, the team changed their mentality and we went directly at them. We deserved it in the end."
Adrin added: "The top of the table is so tight. If you lose two games in a row you can lose your position, but we have got maximum points from our last three games and I think we are in a good position in the league and we also have the FA Cup."
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OS running track is ripped up
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Olympic Stadium running track is being ripped up to make way for a new running track.
The London 2012 track is being replaced with a brand new blue surface, laid in time for the two world championships taking place at the former Olympic Stadium.
Londoner Olympic hurdler Perri Shakes-Drayton and Paralympic and reigning world champion Richard Whitehead, who won gold over 200m at the Paralympic Games, were invited to remove the final pieces of the Olympic Stadium track including the famous finish line.
The new track will be laid in late spring in time for a range of events this summer including the London Anniversary Games in July. As well as laying a new seven figure state of the art athletics running track work has started to lay a brand new Desso grassmaster grass pitch which is also likely to cost a seven figure sum to install. Both the new pitch and the running track will be funded by Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
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West Ham Ladies break attendance record
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies have sold more than treble their record attendance in tickets purchased already for tomorrow night at the Boleyn Ground lights.
Tickets can still be bought at https://sales.webticketmanager.com/default.aspx?companyid=1307
£5 adults and £1 child. We need as much support as possible, the Premier League South record is by Brighton (3,256) that they achieved this season at the Amex
Geo from C&H partners, Hammers Chat, is the programme editor which can be bought on the night for £2 or here http://www.westhamladies.co.uk/club/ClubShop/product_details/6087 and it gets delivered, articles from Jack Sullivan and England footballer Ellen White plus many more!!
There will be eighty supporters in executive boxes and you can still purchase a box but needs to be done ASAP, £350 for a one course meal and the box (10 per box) with bar.
The club have got the bar and food facilities open on the night as normal
Geo will be leading the media side with Gonzo's help, and Hammers Chat are going to be there in numbers so it would be a pleasure to meet as many C&H readers as possible, so come say hi.
The mascot spaces are fully booked and West Ham Ladies thank C&H for their article as it helped.
Hammers Chat are the media team, with me the head of media as we expand.
We can exclusively reveal that Spence Owen of SpencerFC youtube fame will be the stadium announcer for the night. Don't go changing!
West Ham Ladies v Spurs Ladies Boleyn Ground Tuesday, 19.45pm Kick Off
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Blimey Keys give it a rest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Richard Keys has treated the West Ham fans to another dose of Sam creeping on his personal blog. The shamed former Sky Sports presenter – kicked out with his buddy Andy Gray for sexism – just can't bear what's happening at West Ham without time and again dragging his mate into the equation.
Earlier in the season he used his blog to continually remind us that we were in no better a position than when his Dudley-born mate was around.
And even earlier he claimed that we would blow out earlier than other teams because we had started earlier – hasn't happened mate! Quite the opposite. Now – with the Irons two points in advance of the Allardyce total for last season and with 27 still to play for – Keys is giving a history lesson on how all of us including Slav presumably, should be grateful to his mate. He wrote: ""On the subject of West Ham. Let's keep this simple. I say again, I hope Bilic wins the FA Cup. I like his attitude towards the competition AND he's master-minded a terrific season so far.
But – I do wish that a small minded minority of West Ham fans would understand that Bilic wouldn't have the club he's got to manage right now had it not been for Sam Allardyce. You were dead in the water when Allardyce picked the club up. He got you up – kept you up – twice – and left a fantastic platform for Bilic to work from."
All been said a million times before of course and I believe Slaven, David Sullivan and David Gold were among those who said it. For how long are we supposed to be grateful to a man who led us to 12th place with that fantastic platform! Presumably, until Keys has finished getting his nose as brown as possible.
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THE NEW WEST HAM: BOUNCEBACKABILITY, BOLDNESS AND THE BEST 4TH STRIKER IN THE LEAGUE
By HamburgHammer 7 Mar 2016 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Okay, can someone please come out and tell me what the heck is actually going on at West Ham ? I've been following this club since 1996. In that respect I'm still merely a teenage kid, proudly shaving his first stubble on chin and cheeks, at least compared to most of those diehard Hammers who have been cheering on the boys in claret and blue for 30, 40 or 50 odd years.
Still I thought I had a pretty good idea how this club worked, what to expect (the unexpected) and what NOT to expect (trophies, titles, European football, winning at Liverpool away, winning against Everton no matter where, beating lower league opposition in Cup games, winning three league games in a row etc.).
West Ham's loyal fans like a laugh, their humour is quite unique and in our history we needed plenty of it just to cope with what was happening to our club on and off the pitch.
And now this ? Winning convincingly away to Blackburn in the FA Cup where we tend to slip up on any banana skin that cares to present itself in the early rounds.
Winning three league games in a row, first against Sunderland and our previous manager (and still nemesis to plenty of Hammers fans), then against our fiercest London rivals under the lights in our final home game against them in Boleyn history to be followed only a few days later with a win against our proverbial bogey boys from Goodison, the not so sweet but rather thuggish and nasty Toffees from Everton.
If someone had written the script for this game and had sent it to Hollywood, offering to make a sports drama out of this (soaringc movie score from Hans Zimmer and emotional slow-motion shots included) they would have laughed like a drain, shaking their heads violently, declining the kind offer by saying: "Fantasy films are no longer a hit at the box office my dear friend! Pull the other one!"
West Ham just simply are not supposed to win against Everton. Not even with a man advantage for 55 minutes of the game, not when being two goals down with 15 minutes to go. Especially not at Goodison Park. When we drew with Norwich a few weeks ago after being two goals down I was flabberghasted, but pleasantly surprised.
Today, after the turnaround at Everton, I am still in shock actually. I mentioned in the match thread how I was not worried when we were behind, not even at 0:2. After the Norwich game I knew we had it in us to bounce back and earn ourselves a draw. I knew we could get a result, a cherished point against our bogey team.
But winning it at the death in the manner we did, with a beautifully worked goal like this? A fantastic LONG diagonal ball by Cresswell, nicely headed on by Carroll to be followed by a masterstroke of a backheel layoff from Sakho only to be completed by a composed finishing touch from the man whose name escapes me at the moment…what was it again ? I have it on the tip of my tongue………………….BAZINGA!!!
It had to be THAT man again of course: Dimitri Payet, Super Slav's man, better than Zidane and we've got him for another five years! I'm running out of words to express my astonishment, my sense of incredulity, my utter admiration and gratefulness for what Bilic, Payet, Gold, Sullivan and Brady have made possible at West Ham.
No one can predict how the season will pan out for West Ham, of course but the club has already given us so many happy matchday memories this season that they would have been enough to last for four or five season actually as far as the old West Ham is concerned.
Winning against the odds, history books, bogey teams and common sense. Bilic has just done it all, week after week. All in his first season without much time to get used to his surroundings and his new players. Transition season, my a***!
Bilic has taken to the West Ham job like a fish to water.
It all feels completely natural, in double quick time he seems to have moulded the club to his specifications and everyone appears to be singing from the same hymn sheet these days. Whenever we get to see pictures of the team on social media, post-game in the dressing room, the team bus, on the training pitch or wherever, you get the feeling that these chaps really enjoy playing with and for each other. Each of them would gladly run through walls for their manager and teammates.
A proper team, playing football the right way with not a single bad apple in sight.
Which brings me to Emmanuel Emenike who is not a bad apple but merely the latest (loan) addition to the squad. I like him a lot actually. His arrival has coincided with one of our strongest runs of results in our recent history. Which is strange because he was brought into the club as a replacement for China bound Jelavic, as a fourth striker, a safety blanket so to speak who we'd probably not see on the pitch all too often anyway. Injuries to all other strikers though made him a regular starter for us and in my view he's done tremendously well. Which may seem like a strange thing to say, considering he hasn't scored a league goal for us yet.
But after playing in some dodgy Arabian league on loan it is no surprise Emenike may need some more time to adjust to the pace and grit of the Premier League.
Surely he has put himself about. He is quick, strong as an ox and runs his socks off whenever he's out there. He scared the crap out of Tottenham's keeper, charging at him at pace numerous times when we beat them 1:0 in midweek.
He certainly wears defenders down well for other guys to come on after 60 minutes or so and reap the benefits of a shagged out backline. He still is somewhat at odds with a certain offside rule, but I'm sure he'd eventually be able to sort this out as well.
The sad thing is that with Carroll, Sakho and Valencia back in action he will now probably drop back into the 4th striker role he was brought in for in the first place. But what a fourth striker option he is! I'm not sure he will now be able to do enough to win himself a permanent deal (not for the rumoured 8.5 million anyway) in the summer.
On the other hand we know that Bilic will give him every chance to remain a West Ham player if he sees him as a valuable contributor in our team.
This seems to be a transitional season not so much for the new manager and the team but much more so for the fans. I for one sometimes struggle to quite keep up with our ongoing success on and off the field. I never expected West Ham to have a season like this when I joined the fold 20 years ago. It feels great and weird at the same time.
Did we ever have it so good in terms of looking forward to games, regardless of opposition ? You tell me…
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Leicester and West Ham success signals 'permanent shift' at the top of Premier League, says Slaven Bilic
22:30, 6 MAR 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Bilic's West Ham side are in the chase for a Champions League spot following Saturday's dramatic win over Everton
The Mirror
English football has gone stark, raving bonkers. Leicester are five points clear at the top with nine games left and West Ham are now hunting down the Manchester clubs in the race for a Champions League spot. If Hammers can harass Everton into submission like this, then they can surely catch two teams who don't currently deserve to finish in the top four. After watching the Londoners go two goals down to 10-man Everton before producing three stunning goals in the final 12 minutes, there is a bigger question to be asked: are sides like West Ham heralding a permanent Premier League shift? Hammers boss Slaven Bilic thinks so. He believes astute investment allows teams like his to compete on a more level playing field. "I really do believe it is a permanent shift at the top," said Bilic. "The big teams like Manchester City change players but the new players are not better, they are just different. "Chelsea can sell Costa and buy Lewandowski – different, not better. City buy Benzema but they have Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. There is no scope to get better. "But clubs like us with the money now – clubs like Crystal Palace, West Brom, and Leicester – can still improve. "Two years ago West Brom would have had to sell Berahino to afford Rondon. Now they can keep Berahino. So next year with even more investment you can keep those players... and teams likes us have more room to improve."
Bilic claimed West Ham were the better side throughout but Everton battered them for an hour and, despite a stupid red card for Kevin Mirallas, should have been out of sight. Everton took the lead with 11 men when Romelu Lukaku turned and finished brilliantly. Even after Mirallas had been sent off for a second bookable offence, the Mersey men carried more threat and deservedly extended the lead through Aaron Lennon, linking sweetly with Lukaku. When Blues won a penalty on 68 minutes, it seemed all over. But Lukaku's spot kick was criminally tame and West Ham made the most of the let-off by exposing the aerial limitations of Ramiro Funes Mori.
Goals for Michail Antonio, as he leapt above the Blues defender, sub Diafra Sakho, and Dimitri Payet after Andy Carroll had won another header underlined the spirit the visitors have. Everton paid a price for manager Roberto Martinez's refusal to bring on a defensive player to shore things up. Martinez suggested it was a remarkable performance from his side, conveniently forgetting the final 12 minutes. "We are in the Premier League, the most ruthless in world football," said the Spaniard. "Fortunately I have got seven years of experience in this league and I know what it takes."
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Payet accepts Deschamps' decision
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Dimitri Payet has been arguably the signing of the season in the Premier League but he is not expecting a call from Didier Deschamps. France outcast Dimitri Payet said he accepts coach Didier Deschamps' decision to overlook him for the national team, though the West Ham star would love to feature at Euro 2016 according to Canal Plus. Payet has not represented France since June last year and that is not expected to change with the European Championship in his homeland three months away, despite the 28-year-old staking his claim to be the signing of the season in the Premier League. The 15-cap international, who netted a dramatic 90th-minute winner at Everton on Saturday, has been a revelation since joining West Ham from Marseille in the off-season, scoring eight goals and tallying seven assists. However, Payet has no hard feelings toward Deschamps amid his France snub. [It's] not as an injustice," Payet told Canal Plus. "The coach has to make choices. This is the boss, he selects the players he needs. I'm happy in my shoes, I try to be efficient. I will not say I'm happy to be replaced, I like to play and fight for my place.
"In sporting terms, I am in one of the best periods of my career. If I'm at the Euro that is fine, if I am not there, I know I would have given anything and there will be no regrets."
France are scheduled to play two friendlies later this month, away to Netherlands on March 25 and at home to Russia four days later.
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Kevin Nolan: Why I left West Ham for Leyton Orient
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Kevin Nolan has explained why he left West Ham and turned his back on Premier League offers to become Leyton Orient's player-manager. The 33-year-old spent four years at the Hammers and helped the club earn promotion back into the top flight under Sam Allardyce But Slaven Bilic made it clear to Nolan that he would not be guaranteed regular football after the Croatian took over at Upton Park last summer. Nolan had one year remaining on his contract but the veteran midfielder opted to depart as he did not feel a reduced role would be beneficial to him or the club.
"There was no moment of 'oh yeah, that's the final nail in the coffin for me at West Ham.' "Slaven Bilic was first class and I loved working with him," Nolan told the Times. "He said 'I can't guarantee you'll play but you'll always be around my squad.' "I could have picked up my money, but I didn't feel like I was giving what I can to a team. "I played 29 times in the Premier League last season, but I can't give what I give from the substitutes' bench. "There's a drive inside. I needed a challenge, the next step."
Nolan initially linked up with Orient to keep fit and - after rejecting a contract - was offered the player-manager position in January in the wake of Ian Hendon's dismissal. Nolan has guided the League Two outfit to five wins in nine games since he took charge and the east Londoners are currently three points outside the play-off places.
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West Ham will use Dimitri Payet to beat Tottenham to Michy Batshuayi signing
East London club hope Marseille striker's relationship with playmaker will help seal summer move
By Matt Law
2:10PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have identified Batshuayi as their number one summer transfer target, but face competition from Spurs and Juventus for the 22-year-old who has scored 17 goals this season. Despite the fact Tottenham and Juve are already virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season, West Ham, who are still fighting for a top-four place themselves, believe they hold a significant advantage. Payet is close friends with Batshuayi from their season together at Marseille and the midfielder is understood to have started trying to convince his old team-mate to link up with him once again at West Ham. The agent who played a prominent part in bringing Payet to West Ham is also involved in the club's chase of Batshuayi and is hopeful a deal can be done.
West Ham's hopes of landing Batshuayi would be boosted considerably by securing Champions League football for next season, but the club are optimistic that Europa League qualification would be enough to fulfil his immediate ambition. Unlike Spurs, whose first-choice striker will be Harry Kane no matter who they sign, West Ham can guarantee Batshuayi a regular starting place just in front of his friend Payet. Tottenham's long-standing interest in Saido Berahino also places a question mark against how hard they will push for Batshuayi.
Payet has adapted superbly to life in London at West Ham and demonstrated his commitment to the club by signing a new contract that runs until 2021. The 28-year-old believes Batshuayi would be a similarly big success with the Hammers at their new Olympic Stadium next season. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been told he will have around £20million to spend on a new striker at the end of the season and that should be enough to land Batshuayi. Should West Ham miss out on Batshuayi, then they will look at Wilfried Bony and Christian Benteke, both of whom will be allowed to leave Manchester City and Liverpool respectively this summer. Other than identifying strikers, West Ham are also lining up summer moves for two more Marseille players – full-back Benjamin Mendy and winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.
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West Ham plan summer shopping spree for Marseille trio of Michy Batshuayi, Benjamin Mendy and Georges-Kevin N'Koudou
Marseille players wanted by West Ham during summer transfer window
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:32, 7 March 2016 | UPDATED: 13:37, 7 March 2016
West Ham have targeted three players from Marseille ahead of the summer transfer window. Striker Michy Batshuayi remains their prime objective but the Hammers have also held discussions over signing winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and full-back Benjamin Mendy. N'Koudou in particular is a bright talent who started out at Paris St Germain and has been capped by France at Under 21 level.
THE MARSEILLE THREE: STATS
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Age: 22
Nationality: Belgian
Position: Striker
Clubs: Standard Liege, Marseille
Appearances: 63
Goals: 28
GEORGES-KEVIN N'KOUDOU
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Winger
Clubs: Nantes, Marseille
Appearances: 60
Goals: 9
BENJAMIN MENDY
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Full-back
Clubs: Le Havre, Marseille
Appearances: 148
Goals: 3
His contributions have been noted by Liverpool and Manchester United also and, though he only joined from Nantes last summer, Marseille will look at suitable bids. Despite the talent in their ranks, Marseille have had a disappointing season and will look to make changes in the summer.
West Ham have had success recruiting Dimitri Payet from the French side and believe a deal can be done for all three as they plan for their move from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium. Payet has been a revelation during his first season in England, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances so far this term and driving the Hammers towards qualification for European competition. The main threat to their plans is that Tottenham and Juventus have expressed interest in £25million-rated Batshuayi. The Hammers remain in the chase for a Champions League place following their 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday. Payet scored the winning goal after Slaven Bilic's side came from two down with 12 minutes remaining to claim all three Premier League points at Goodison Park.
West Ham are a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with nine games of the campaign remaining.
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Players of the season: How Dimitri Payet became West Ham's wizard
Frenchman is a deserved front runner for PFA Player of the Year after an exceptional season - even if France do not recognise it
Telegraph.co.uk
By JJ Bull
1:44PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have a lot of reasons to be happy at the moment. A new stadium is hoving into view, bringing with it a stack of cash as well as prestige; their manager is beloved by the fans and looks good in a Beanie hat; and they boast an over-performing squad which has the Champions League locked in its sights.
And the jewel set into the heart of that squad is the most precious asset of all - Dimitri Payet. The Frenchman has been a sensation all season, but his performance in helping West Ham come back from a 2-0 deficit for the first time in the Premier League since 2000 to move within a point of the top four demanded a whole new set of superlatives.
His first major contribution to that victory was a whipped cross from wide on the right, the ball curling round a defender and into that bit of the box in which strikers love to lurk. Diafra Sakho obliged and headed home the equaliser. Only Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen have created more chances than Payet this season, despite the midfielder missing nearly three months of the season with an ankle injury.
Nine minutes later Payet completed the comeback himself, reading the path of the ball from a header and popping up in the perfect position to shoot past Joel. "He does things on the pitch that are lifting you out of your seat," says Slaven Bilic about his star player, signed from Marseille for £10.5million in the summer. "He is a goalscorer, a very attractive player. He excites you with the way he is playing. This is what football is all about".
Payet's season has been astonishing. It can take some players an entire year to adjust to the demands of the Premier League but Payet barely broke stride the minute he stepped on an English pitch. One of his first touches for West Ham in the opening game of the season against Arsenal involved chasing a long Mark Noble ball out to the left, controlling at speed and using his head, literally and metaphorically, to keep it in play and cross to the front post.
It was an impressive bit of skill but one necessary to keep the ball alive: Payet doesn't do tricks for the sake of it, everything is done with purpose. Bellerin was beaten and Petr Cech was forced to gather in his six-yard area. Although Arsenal defended the danger this time, Payet had set a marker.
The first imprint he left in the Premier League record books was an assist from that wicked, long free-kick which deceived Petr Cech and resulted in West Ham's opening goal of the season, Kouyate heading into an open net. People even questioned Cech's ability as a goalkeeper after that one, but the whip and curl on Payet's set piece made things very difficult for him - in terms of set-pieces from that part of the pitch, it was perfect. You would do well to name another time that Cech has committed such a high-profile error.
In terms of where the statistics really matter, Payet has assisted seven and scored eight goals this season – more than any other West Ham player in both departments. Bilic has not exactly constructed a one-man team, but without him a top-four finish would surely be inconceivable. After Payet was injured against Everton in October, West Ham won only one of their next seven games, drawing with a dreadful Swansea and an even worse Aston Villa. Not coincidentally, they rediscovered their form immediately after Payet returned to the starting line-up – a 3-1 win away to Bournemouth was entirely inspired by Payet magic – and have now won five of their last nine league games.
Who creates the most chances?
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
Mesut Özil 116 4.4
Dimitri Payet 81 3.9
Kevin De Bruyne 67 3.9
Christian Eriksen 89 3.7
David Silva 54 3.2
Dusan Tadic 53 3.0
Willian 71 2.9
Eden Hazard 56 2.8
Santi Cazorla 37 2.8
Erik Lamela 50 2.7
He creates an average of 3.9 chances per match, second only to Ozil, in a team without the superstars of Arsenal. With Payet in the team Sakho becomes a real threat in the box, likewise Andy Carroll – and even Michail Antonio has been impressive.
It is not because these players are performing out of their skin or even particularly on-form. Payet just makes them better. His ability to find them in the box means that any sort of clever run into the box is usually rewarded with a delivery that can be turned into a goal.
Now that absolutely everyone is aware of what he can do, teams tend to double up on Payet in an attempt to mark him out of the game but he solves that by roaming from his position, usually on the left or just behind the striker, dropping deep and picking up the ball. Opposition players do not know who's supposed to go and tackle him and before they know it, he's already found a team-mate with an incisive through-ball. Only certain players are gifted creative freedom – Payet practically demands it.
His vision for a pass is phenomenal. In his last season at Marseille he created more chances than any other player in Europe, and that includes Lionel Messi. But the best thing about Payet, more than the consistent assists and key contributions he provides, is that he genuinely gets fans out of their seats. Whether it is the brilliant free-kick against Bournemouth, hit with power into the top corner, Or the way he spots the run, charges in ahead of his marker to receive a through-ball at pace and confidently dinks it over the helpless goalkeeper against Crystal Palace, he's just really, really entertaining.
Didier Deschamps doesn't seem to like Payet, perhaps unwilling to chance the player's former reputation as a bit of a trouble-maker upsetting the harmony of his squad, and he seems unlikely to be part of Euro 2016. Payet himself says it is an "injustice" that he continues to be excluded from his national team. "All I can say is that if France have in those positions, four, five maybe even six better options than Dimitri," Slaven Bilic said, "They're going to win the Euros easy. This guy can play in any team in the world."
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