Daily WHUFC News -

Westley – The Liverpool game is massive
WHUFc.com

Having beaten Newcastle United with a resounding 4-1 away win on Friday,
Academy director Terry Westley believes the Development Squad are in perfect
shape for Wednesday's semi-final with Liverpool. In preparation for the
mouth-watering tie with the Reds, Westley, who described the semi-final as
"the biggest game" of his West Ham career, said he is hoping for a huge
claret and blue turnout to inspire the young Hammers to victory. Speaking
ahead of the tie, Westley said: "We're playing for the opportunity to win a
cup final at the Boleyn Ground, in the final season; it's a mouth-watering
prospect and a real incentive. "We have a lot to thank both Chairman and
Karren Brady for their support, the decision is to make it free entry is a
bold move, but we want to get as many people to Rush Green as possible and
allow them to see the work we're doing. Whatever the result on Wednesday, we
can promise a good game and a great occasion.
"Getting a crowd in on Wednesday night is paramount because our players
need to get used to playing in front of big crowds is very important, but
they also need to feel the edge of a semi-final and a good atmosphere will
help generate that."

In the run up to the crunch match, Westley's charges have been in superb
form, losing just one game in the last 15 matches. In that time, they have
won ten of those matches, and their free-flowing style of possession based
football has seen them score an impressive 31 goals. Westley continued:
"Usually our focus is on improving players, individually and collectively,
but Wednesday's game is different, we want to win, Wednesday has that edge.
"I think we can beat anybody on our day. Against Newcastle, we really passed
the ball well and were in complete control of the game. "Our performance
was as good as anything we've done, it was fantastic. We managed the game
ever so well, and it could have been more then 4-1. "Hopefully we'll put in
a similar level of performance. I just hope we don't get overawed by the
occasion, but that is one of the challenges we will have to deal with."

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Carroll - We can do even better
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll thinks West Ham United can perform even better against
Manchester United in their forthcoming FA Cup replay to reach the
semi-finals. The Hammers took the lead in the quarter-final through Dimitri
Payet at Old Trafford on Sunday but were eventually held to a 1-1 draw after
Anthony Martial equalised. And Carroll can't wait for the Boleyn Ground's
last ever FA Cup tie which gives Slaven Bilic's side a chance to reach the
semi-finals for the first time since 2006. He said: "It's going to be great.
All the lads are looking forward to it. The way we played [on Sunday] was
fantastic and it can be better at our place. "I don't think there are many
teams that come away from Old Trafford and are disappointed with a draw but
we were. "We are disappointed but we just have to take them to our place."

The forward's starting opportunities have been limited recently but the
27-year-old got the nod from boss Slaven Bilic against the Red Devils. "It
was great [to start]," he continued. "I've been working hard. I've been
coming off the bench and it's been hard not starting when I want to be but I
was in and I think I got about 80 minutes, so it was great. "[The selection
choice available] is a great problem for the manager to have. We all have to
keep trying and working to our best in training to be part of the starting
XI."

United's French superstar Payet put the visitors in front with a superb
30-yard free-kick, but not to the surprise of Carroll. "I think he has done
four or five free-kicks now and he's just incredible. You always think he's
going to score when he puts the ball down. "After going one up, we felt like
in the end we could have held out. Obviously they went up and put the
pressure on and got the equaliser."

Carroll himself went close with a first half header from an Aaron Cresswell
cross, but was ultimately content with the result. "I was just waiting for
another chance [after the header] but it didn't come. I could have done a
little bit better with it but at the end of the day I'm happy with the
draw."

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Reidy delighted to be back
WHUFc.com

Winston Reid said he was delighted to make his return from injury in the 1-1
draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. The New Zealander had been out for over a
month since the victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup replay back in
February. Now, having recovered, he described how impressed he was with the
manager's attacking approach to the game and is now looking forward to the
replay back at the Boleyn Ground. He said: "The substitutions showed how we
approached the game. We came to attack and to try to score goals,
unfortunately we couldn't, but we got a draw and we will go back to Upton
Park and hopefully do a job there. "We had chances and at the end, Dimitri
had to pull something special out and he got us a goal. "We approached the
game in a positive way but they are also a good side with very good players.
We will take the draw and then take them back to our place and hopefully
finish them off. "I think we have an advantage with it being at home. We
have a good track record at home and that puts us in a really great place
for the return leg. We are confident in ourselves and we have a few players
coming back from injury, working their way back in."
Reid had only trained with his teammates for two days before the game, yet
he added typical solidity at the back before he came off after 62 minutes.
He told whufc.com: "I had a conversation with the manager and we had to see
how I felt. I felt alright and I tried to keep it simple. It is nice to be
back out there and with a week's training behind me, I look forward to
facing Chelsea next weekend. "I think when you get booked after a minute or
so. You have to play carefully and that tempers how you can play. I felt a
bit of cramp, I didn't pull my hamstring though."

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Rio to lead the Legends!
WHUFC.com

Rio Ferdinand will captain his country one more time when England Legends
take on Germany at the Boleyn Ground! The West Ham United Academy product
and Hammers and England great will lead a host of Three Lions stars of days
gone by in a unique Farewell Boleyn fixture on Monday 2 May at 4pm.
Ferdinand, who was capped 81 times by his country between 1997 and 2011,
made his West Ham debut at the age of 17 before being sold to Leeds United
for a then-British record fee in 2000. Tickets for what promises to be an
unforgettable afternoon of football featuring some of the biggest names in
European football history are now on sale to West Ham United Season Ticket
Holders and Members. This landmark fixture will see some of the biggest
names in modern football history take to the same Boleyn Ground pitch that
was the regular stomping ground of 1966 heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and
Martin Peters five decades ago. Among those who have already signed up for
international duty alongside skipper Ferdinand are fellow former Hammers and
England internationals Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Dean Ashton, Trevor
Sinclair and David James.

Joining them in the red shirts made famous 50 years ago will be a host of
latter-day Three Lions heroes boasting hundreds of England caps between
them; Italia 90 hero David Platt, five-time major tournament finalist Sol
Campbell, Paul Scholes - who appeared in two FIFA World Cups, Euro 96
semi-finalists Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler. The
professionals will be supported by a cast of stars from film, music, sport
and television, including lifelong Hammer and assistant manager Ray
Winstone. Winstone and his star-studded England squad will not have it all
their own way, however, as the Germany Legends also possess a fearsome
line-up of international heroes of years gone by.
Die Mannschaft will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich
midfielder Michael Ballack, who will be able to call upon 1990 FIFA World
Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus and defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96
winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and 2002 World Cup centre-half Jens
Nowotny.
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on sale to West
Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Members, with any remaining seats going
on General Sale from 9am on Monday 21 March. Click here to buy! Season
Ticket Holders' Standard Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £10 for
Over-65s and Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s. Non-Season Ticket Holders'
Standard Tickets are priced at £25 for Adults, £15 for Over-65s and
Under-21s and £10 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).

*West Ham fans should also keep a close eye on the Club's website and social
media channels for an once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out their ultimate
football fantasy and spend ten minutes playing on the hallowed turf with the
Legends in front of an international TV audience. More details will follow
soon.

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Date set for final Boleyn Ground game
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Final Farewell to the Boleyn Ground will be the Barclays
Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Tuesday 10 May. The
Hammers were originally due to take on Swansea City in their final home game
at their historic home of 112 years, but the involvement of one of the
Hammers or Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals has pushed
the league meeting with the Red Devils back. Plans for an unforgettable
Farewell Boleyn Ceremony are already at an advanced stage, as the Club is
determined to ensure fans' memories of the Hammers' historic home remain
with them forevermore. The game will kick-off at 7.45pm, but is still
subject to change should Louis van Gaal's team progress to the semi-finals
of the UEFA Europa League. In that instance, the game would move to
Wednesday 11 May. Meanwhile, West Ham's Boleyn Ground league match against
Watford has been rescheduled for Wednesday 20 April, also with a 7.45pm
kick-off.

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

BBC London Sport reporter Nick Godwin is a regular at West Ham United
matches. On Sunday, he watched the Hammers come within seven minutes of
beating Manchester United to reach the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals. Despite
that frustration, Godwin has been hugely impressed by what he has seen from
the Hammers…

I am disappointed for West Ham. I know a draw at Old Trafford is a great
result and it sets up things brilliantly for the replay at Upton Park, but
Manchester United were there for the taking in my opinion.

I really thought in the first half that the home side didn't offer anything
and Emenike should have scored. That said, it's still a great result and
it's going to be an amazing occasion under the lights.

When Payet popped it in, I thought 'they're going to do this' so I'm a bit
disappointed for West Ham fans and for the team and the manager. It's not up
to me, but I walked out of the ground feeling like that.

I didn't see the foul on Randolph at the time, but he did seem to go down.
Then for Payet's penalty claim, I think the referee did well not to give it
but I don't think Payet dived, either. Maybe the referee decided it wasn't
simulation and he simply lost his footing as he was moving at such speed.

Moments like that, the referee has to make a call and there were plenty of
other talking points as well. Manchester United wanted a handball against
Winston Reid, but his arm was not dangling out. His arm had to be there and
the ball hit his body before his arm, so I can see why it wasn't given as a
penalty and don't have any qualms about that decision.

It was a great FA Cup tie.

Talking about Payet's free-kick, my summariser Matt Lockwood said when he
lined it up that 'he's been practising these before the game during the
warm-up'. Matt was struck that he was further out than normal and wondered
why he was striking them from 30 yards, and he took five or six of them.

You know that practice makes perfect, of course, and then he strode up and
curled it into the top corner. It was exquisite. Only two or three players
in the Premier League could have done that.

He is operating at a high level, he can win a game on his own and every time
he plays, he seems to rise to the occasion. Some players might have gone
into their shell, but every time West Ham need him,

Dimitri takes the game by the scruff of the neck or scores the winning goal.
He is very good.

I think it's almost a case of expectations not being able to keep up with
how well the team are doing. If West Ham had lost at Old Trafford, everyone
would have said 'Fair enough, that's the way it goes in an FA Cup
quarter-final there – it's been normal over the last 20 years or so'.

The team are almost ahead of expectations. What a great situation when you
have a group of players and a manager who are willing to rise to those
expectations and say 'We'll keep producing the results to keep you in the
frame to win trophies' – it's brilliant.

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

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The Big Interview - Julian Dicks
WHUFC.com

When it comes to a free-kick masterclass they would not come much better
than seeing Dimitri Payet up against Hammers legend Julian Dicks.

Dicks was among the best free-kick takers of his generation and scored a
number of unstoppable goals from set-plays.

After scoring memorable free-kicks against Bournemouth and Blackburn, Payet
saved his best of the season when he struck a superb effort past David de
Gea into the top corner during the FA Cup quarter-final draw at Manchester
United on Sunday and has also shown he can be the master of taking a
free-kick.

Dicks has nothing but admiration for the way Payet has settled into his new
surroundings and feels he will only grow stronger for the Club.

You were one of the masters of taking free-kicks during your playing days.
How do you compare to Dimitri? Is it down to technique or years or
practising?

JD: "My free-kicks were different to Dimitri's. My ones were about power and
I scored a good one against Nottingham Forest (back in April 1995) which was
better than Dimitri's on Sunday!!

"It is just about technique and timing. But Dimitri practices every day."

You scored some unbelievable goals from set-plays during your career. How
highly did you rate Dimitri's goal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

JD: "Every time we seem to get a free-kick he seems to put it in the back of
the net. It is incredible how many goals he has scored from free-kicks and
they are all in the top corner as well!

"It was a fantastic free-kick that he scored against Manchester United."

Why do you feel Dimitri has settled in so quickly and what makes him stand
out as one of the best players in the Premier League this season?

JD: "For all the ability that Dimitri has got, he works hard for the team as
well which for me makes him stand out even more.

"Apart from his ability his work-rate is really good as well and hopefully
he can keep producing this form. He is a fantastic player, but is a good lad
as well and hopefully it can continue."

Dimitri has already won the Premier League Player of the Year at the London
Football Awards. Do you think he should be a contender for the PFA
Footballer of the Year?

JD: "There are not many people who are above him. Players don't think about
things like that and take it day-to-day and game by game.
"For me he has probably been our player of the season so far."

Slaven said the players were silent in the dressing room after the United
game but there are many teams who come away from Old Trafford disappointed
to have only got a draw. How impressed were you with the performance?

JD: "There was a bit of disappointment in the dressing room and that is a
good thing. Whatever people say about Manchester United they are still a
massive club and still have very good players.

"Over the ninety minutes I thought a draw was a fair result."

You have played in some big games under the lights in east London. How
special is the replay going to be against Manchester United?

JD: "It is going to be the last ever cup tie and I have played against
Manchester United under the lights.

"We drew 2-2 and that was a special night. Playing Spurs under the lights is
special as well but this game to see who makes it through to the semi-finals
is going to be special as well."

One of the biggest games you played in was the 2-2 draw against United at
the Boleyn Ground and that amazing penalty you blasted past Peter
Schmeichel. Do you still have fond memories of that occasion?

JD: "I remember the fans were fantastic and they always have been. I
remember we went 2-0 down and we thought we were going to get our backsides
kicked.

"But Harry brought on (Florin) Raducioiu who scored a great goal. The crowd
got behind us and you start believing.

"Fortunately we got a penalty which I scored. It was one penalty I was not
going to miss!"

There are not many teams who come away from Old Trafford feeling the way the
players did after the game. Does that show you how far the Club have come
this season?

JD: "We are fifth in the table and we cannot fear anybody. We have beaten
the biggest sides.

"We end up disappointed that we have only got a 1-1 draw with Manchester
United at Old Trafford and that tells you the belief in the players so we
fancy playing against anyone."

Should the Club be dreaming about going to Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals
next month?

JD: "We will be the favourites to win the game at the Boleyn Ground so there
will be a bit of pressure there but the players know what to expect and if
they get after Manchester United it is going to be a good game. Why can't we
dream of Wembley?"

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West Ham defender Reid says he will be ready for Chelsea
March 15, 2016
The WestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic made a surprise selection decision on Sunday when
he decided to go with two strikers for the FA Cup clash with Manchester
United at Old Trafford, but the inclusion of Winston Reid at the heart of
the defence from the start was also something of a surprise. The New Zealand
captain had been missing since pulling up with a hamstring injury during the
FA Cup fourth round replay victory over Liverpool at Upton Park. And it
seemed that the Old Trafford game would come just too soon for him as he
only trained for the first time with the rest of the team on Friday. Reid
though was unperturbed and told London 24: "I had a conversation with the
manager about things and at the end of the day he said that we will have to
see how I feel," he said.

"I felt all right out there. I sort of knew what I had to do out there, just
keep it simple and talk with the other guys and make sure we didn't concede,
while letting the other players do their magic." It nearly worked, though
Reid was booked after a couple of minutes of the match which made it even
tougher for him to get a foothold in the game after being out. "I think if
you get booked after a minute or so, it does make things more difficult," he
confessed. "But it was definitely a booking so it is fair enough. "You just
have to play carefully for the rest of the game which tempers how you can
play for the rest of the game." The 27-year-old managed that well, though
there were shouts for a penalty against him when a shot by Ander Herrera was
blocked by the big defender, but it had deflected off his knee and on to his
arm so difficult to see how it could have been given. Reid felt his side
went to Old Trafford with the right attitude, but dismissed the idea that
West Ham were expected to get a result. "We tried to win it and I think the
subs we made showed how we approached the game to try and win it," he said.
"I'm not sure we were expected to get anything at Old Trafford. You still
have to go out and play well and work for it and I thought we did that and
approached the game in a positive way. "They are still a very good team.
United have had a lot of criticism, but they still have very good players."
Reid was forced off after 65 minutes on Sunday, but he said he is confident
that he will be okay for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday. "I felt a cramp in
the area, but I didn't pull the hamstring or anything like that," he said.
"I just got the most out of the game that I could. "It was great to be back
out there and now with a good week's training, hopefully I will be better
for the match at Chelsea." Let's hope so, because without James Collins,
Reid is a vital component of this West Ham defence.

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Souness - Noble deserves England call up
March 15, 2016
The WestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Mark Noble's career long England snub has been grating on West Ham fans for
several seasons, while ex-Hammer Paul Ince recently told the BBC Radio 5
Live it bordered on a 'joke'.
Now former Premier League manager Graeme Souness believes with West Ham
flying high in the league, the time has come for Noble to get his call-up,
with England boss Roy Hodgson surely no longer able to ignore him. Souness
told the Sunday Times: "Noble has high energy, is good enough on the ball
without being eye-catching and is worth a chance with England. "You will get
somewhere between a seven and an eight out of 10 from him every time he
plays. If it's not happening for him, he's still going to give you effort
and help those around him. "I'm sure Noble has a chance of breaking into
England's squad for the Euros. It's not all about flicks and tricks — and
England have a few of those in midfield — you need a blend in there and he'd
complement the flair players they have."

If the 28-year-old does not get a call-up now, then he may it may be too
late. Instead of looking to the future and selecting an injury prone talent
like Jack Wilshere who has promise, a player like Noble who is delivering
now is a far more sensible call. If a tournament call does come his way then
there would surely be nobody who can seriously argue that he does not
deserve the opportunity. Noble has made 36 appearances for the Hammers this
season already and is a cornerstone of their success, in good form and full
of confidence. If England allow it, then he could be a key man for them too.


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Memorial service this weekend
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will be staging a special ceremony this Sunday morning in
memory of those players, club staff and supporters who are no longer with
us.

Ahead of the club's move to Stratford, the service - which will be conducted
by club chaplain Reverend Alan Bolding - is being held at 10.30am this
Sunday morning (20 March) at the Boleyn Ground.

According to the club, the lower tier of the West Stand is going to be open
from 10,00am this Sunday morning for the (non-denominational) service in
memory of those West Ham-supporting friends and family who are no longer
with us.

Rev Bolding told whufc.com: "We know that, for many West Ham supporters,
their visits to the Boleyn Ground have been about much more than football.

"They were a chance to keep up with friends and family each week, a fond
reminder of those dearly departed, and – most happily – an opportunity to
introduce new generations of fans to the traditions we all hold so dear.

"Many of us will be lucky enough to continue those experiences at the club's
new stadium, but we all know at least one person we will be leaving behind,
whether they are one of the legends we supported on the pitch, or the fellow
Hammers, friends or relatives, that we sat beside in the stands.

"I hope that, at our service, we can say to all those departed loved ones:
'This is where my memories of you are strongest, but that is not where they
will stay; they will always travel with me, in my heart, wherever we follow
West Ham; and I know you will be there with me again.'"

The service is expected to last for approximately 90 minutes. Fans wishing
to attend are asked to contact the Ticket Office on +44 (0) 871 529 1966
(bear in mind the club will charge you 10p per minute in addition to your
regular newtwork charges).

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Fans question 'Gates-gate' decision
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Hammers fans have expressed their collective disappointment at the club's
decision to remove the Lyall Gates from the entrance to the Boleyn Ground -
without notifying supporters first.

The iconic gates, which have stood at the entrance to the ground since the
mid-1950s were removed from their regular position on Monday morning ahead
of their short trip to the new club shop at the Olympic Stadium.

However a number of supporters have questioned why the club chose to move
the gates in clandestine fashion - rather than notifying supporters
beforehand.

KUMB Forum moderator DL was one of many to express his disappointment. "I
don't think anyone cares too much that the gates have been taken away as we
all knew that they were going to be removed and put in the club shop," he
said.

"The issue is the way the club have gone about it. I can't be alone in
planning on taking my little boy down to the ground during the Easter
holidays to the ground so he could see it all in the flesh for the first and
last time, and get a few photos for the album.

"The gates would have been a part of that. A bit of notice wouldn't have
gone amiss so that alternative arrangements could have been made. It all
seems a bit underhand."

That view was echoed by fellow KUMB member LeonRivers, who added: " It is
completely thoughtless. One last photo in front of the gates is a great
excuse to get yourself down to the club shop. I'm surprised our marketing
department weren't given the opportunity to cash in!"

And fandabidicksy wrote: "The gates, along with a thousand other memories
gained over our time of going to the ground, are gone. Photos can no longer
be taken where they rightly stood, which is sad. I had a photo taken when I
was a nipper with my scarf over my head and I wanted to replicate it for
historic purposes. "

Explaining the decision to move the gates two months before the end of the
season, a statement on whufc.com said: "While the gates would ideally have
remained in place until the end of the season, construction timelines
dictate that this week's move is necessary to ensure they receive pride of
place in their new home."

KUMB have reached out to the club for further comment.

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Rock star, lawyer and West Ham hero: How manager Slaven Bilic has
transformed the Hammers
KEN DYER Monday 7 March 2016
Evening Standard

When Slaven Bilic left Besiktas at the end of last season, the fans turned
up in their droves at the airport in Istanbul to chant his name and say
their affectionate goodbyes. English football supporters traditionally are a
tad less demonstrative but should he continue to mastermind West Ham's
improvement at the current rate, then thousands of new East End Bilic
converts will be lining up to hoist him on their shoulders all the way to
the club's new home in Stratford this summer. So far, what Bilic is doing
this season has to a certain extent gone under the radar, which perhaps has
been to West Ham's advantage. Claudio Ranieri at Leicester and Mauricio
Pochettino at Tottenham have taken the Premier League managerial centre
stage this term. But in many ways, what the 47-year-old Croatian has
achieved in less than a first full managerial season in English football is
just as remarkable. At least Ranieri had extensive previous experience in
his four seasons at Chelsea, while Pochettino cut his Premier League teeth
at Southampton before moving to north London. For Bilic, though, West Ham
has been his first stop in England as a manager, just as it was in 1996 when
he arrived at Upton Park as a player. Slaven BIlic playing for West Ham in
1996.
Present day West Ham thought they had done enough to persuade former
Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez to succeed Sam Allardyce at the end
of last season, but then Real Madrid came knocking for the Spaniard and they
had to turn to Plan B —Bilic. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and
vice-chairman Karren Brady could never have dreamed that things could have
gone so well in such a short time. West Ham sit proudly in fifth place in
the Premier League, just a point behind Manchester City and Champions League
qualification. On Sunday, Bilic takes his buoyant side to Old Trafford to
face Manchester United with no fear, as they try to reach an FA Cup
semi-final for the first time in a decade. Last Wednesday, he set up his
injury-plagued team sufficiently well to stifle and finally beat
title-chasing Tottenham. On Saturday, captain Mark Noble and his merry men
showed commendable character to come back from 2-0 down to earn a truly
remarkable 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, with all their goals
coming in the last 10 minutes.

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West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph is irked after Bastian Schweinsteiger
block
By Sky Sports HQ
Last Updated: 14/03/16 11:13pm
SSN

West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph concedes his weekend was ruined by
Bastian Schweinsteiger's block. The Manchester United midfielder used his
big game experience to block Randolph from getting across to save Anthony
Martial's equalising goal. Randolph has taken the incident in his stride
though and remains hopeful West Ham can still progress to the semi-final of
the FA Cup following the 1-1 draw. "It was a nice shoulder," Randolph said
of Schweinsteiger nudge. "I didn't have much to do but in these games you
need everyone to be on top form, which they were, but we couldn't hang on to
the 1-0 and go through. "Yeah, it does [ruin your day] because he has not
gone for the ball. He just wants to obstruct me and it worked. I would hope
that my team-mates would do the same and hopefully get away with it."
The replay will be the final cup tie at Upton Park before the Hammers'
summer move to the Olympic Stadium. "If we get the right result it will be a
great way to leave the Boleyn Ground in terms of FA Cup matches," Randolph
said. "The atmosphere will be brilliant, as it was against Liverpool and
Tottenham in the league, so we have a great chance. "We are at home, we will
have the crowd behind us. I don't know if many teams like going there so we
will be up for the fight again."

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Fergie backs Hammers for top four finish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 14, 2016 in News
C and H

LEICESTER CITY will be champions with three games to spare — according to
Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who knows more about winning the Premier League
than anybody else. Ferguson is so impressed with Claudio Ranieri's surprise
contenders that he feels they will have wrapped up the title before visiting
Old Trafford on May 1st, after which Leicester host Everton and then travel
to Chelsea in a tricky climax to their season. Speaking to the Sunday Times,
Ferguson, now a Manchester United director, also expects West Ham to finish
in the top four, with his own club — and Manchester City — missing out.
Leicester's N'Golo Kante, Ferguson believes, is comfortably England's player
of the year. Who are we to argue to Sir Alex whether he knows what the West
Ham way is or not?

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Smalling forms Payet view on what he's HEARD!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Three days on and the great Dimi Payet penalty debate continues with
Manchester United's Chris Smalling offering his predictable opinion on the
matter. It's a very long time since a West Ham player attracted so much
publicity which demonstrates the effect Dimi is having on the League and
Cup. However, there's not many who would disagree we could have done without
all this after a match which we justifiably should have come out of as
winners – given the United equaliser which of course should never have
stood.

It's also of no surprise that neither Louis Van Gaal or Smalling seem
particularly interested in discussing that rather more important matter –
choosing instead the ground which supports their moans and groans the best!
Thank God that in Slaven Bilic we have a manager who refuses to get involved
in such undignified stuff. For the record here's what the central defender
had to say and what's particularly interesting is that he doesn't appear to
have seen the incident. He said: "I've heard (our italics) "there was no
contact and, to be fair, it should have been another yellow card. "There are
many decisions in a game and it's one that didn't go our way." "I think if
they're not going to give a penalty, then it's got to be diving really,
hasn't it? It's frustrating for us and obviously they punished us with a
very good free-kick. "I think, more often than not, if you dive you do get a
yellow card. Obviously on this occasion it didn't happen."

Yes and given that on this occasion you have no idea Mr Smalling given that
apparently you haven't taken the trouble to take a look at the incident, it
may be best to keep it zipped.

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Iron may get a surprise contract offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Joey O'Brien has emerged as a more likely candidate to earn a new permanent
contract in the summer than Alex Song. Despite getting little first team
action, the Irish defender is seen as a decent squad option at wages of
around £15k – £20k than Song at around £50,000. O'Brien was with the squad
that the trip north to Old Trafford on Sunday but thus far this season has
only been involved in the Cup games against Liverpool in the FA Cup apart
from early Europa League qualifying action. However, ClaretandHugh has
learned that the 30 year old could well find himself offered a new deal in
June at around the same money as he is on currently. We were told: "Joey is
still at a decent age and although he's had his share of injuries he is now
recovered and if he can remain fit a deal is a better than evens
possibility. "We are still carefully monitoring Alex Song but he is of
course an awful lot more expensive and we need to be certain on that one."

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Marquee Irons signing? Here's the reality
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham are not likely to be making a marquee signing this summer as is
being speculated across the national and social media. It has been widely
reported that the Hammers are ready to splash out anything up to £25 million
on one player simply because they are moving to a new stadium. But players
at that price usually command anything from between £150,000 to £200,000 a
week in wages so in five words: "It's not going to happen."

David Gold – rejoicing in the influx of signings over the last year, all of
whom have exceeded expectations – made it clear the present signing policy
is set to continue said: "Why would we change things when our policies have
proves so successful." Looking at those players who have arrived and proved
immensely successful we find:

Darren Randolph – Free
Aaron Cresswell – signed for £3.5m rising to £7 million on appearances
Chiek Kouyate – £8 million
Pedro Obiang – £4 million
Diafra Sakho – £3.5 million
Enner Valencia – £12 million
Angelo Ogbonna £8 million
Sam Byram £3.8 million
Dimitri Payet – £10.5 million
Michail Antonio – £7 million

That's a total of just over £60 million on ten players which – if such
things can be averaged – clearly works out at at £6 million each.
Said Gold: Many who start these stories about big money stars are fans so
it's all understandable but the facts show we have developed a very good
scouting system and identify value for money.

"We have absolutely no reason to change direction. Yes, we discuss a lot of
players and one or two sometimes escape into the public domain. Given the
number of players we scout each week that can happen but it doesn't mean we
are doing a deal or even close to it." The figures spent back up fully
Gold's point and it would be no surprise at all if Manu Lanzini doesn't
become the biggest signing of the summer at £8 million.

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West Ham United fan Vinny Ryan dedicates his latest column to the magic of
Dimitri Payet following his FA Cup stunner against Manchester United
Gurdian Series
Vinny Ryan

Supporting West Ham United at the moment is a bit of a whirlwind with games
coming thick and fast and positive talking points coming out of seemingly
every game. Even the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the
FA Cup Quarter final was dominated by the phenomenal free-kick from West Ham
midfielder Dimitri Payet. The last five games have seen West Ham win four
and draw one. The club sits fifth in the Premier League and are confident
going into the FA Cup replay with Manchester United which will see the
winner face Everton at Wembley next month.
In one week West Ham equalled the amount of games one in the entire second
half of their final campaign under Sam Allardyce – three wins from Boxing
Day until the season's end. This hasn't just been an improvement. This has
been an almost unthinkable turn of events and shows you just how quickly
things can change when they are done correctly. In doing so well in the
league West Ham have also played some excellent football disproving the
theory the two are mutually exclusive. The reaction to the wonderful
free-kick from the tremendous Payet at Old Trafford was will live long in
the memory. West Ham fans certainly know how to celebrate a goal and the
overwhelming joy created was something all 9,000 Hammers fans will cherish.
There was a confidence among West Ham supporters going into the FA Cup tie.
Winning three games in a week lent weight to that optimism. There was a
sense of disappointment Slaven Bilic's men were unable to hold out with the
home side scoring with seven minutes left. It shows you how far West Ham
have come when a 1-1 draw at Manchester United leaves you flat. I felt West
Ham were the better side throughout and Payet's summed up a player who has
instilled so much hope and pride back into the club. Payet is a player who
doesn't dominate a match but has maximum impact. He isn't just about the
hype or doing things for the cameras and he doesn't use his skills in
unnecessary areas. He constantly comes up with the goods and I can only
imagine where West Ham would be in the league if he hadn't been injured for
three months. I never thought West Ham would have a shout at gaining a
top-four position but here we are in March, two points off fourth. Whilst it
still seems a difficult task the fact is West Ham are in the running and a
victory at Chelsea on Saturday will only strengthen the hopes and dreams
Bilic has created this season.

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Rio Ferdinand teams up with West Ham and Brighton stars for affordable
housing scheme
RIO FERDINAND has teamed up with Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora to pioneer an
affordable housing scheme in London.
By JAMES CAMBRIDGE
PUBLISHED: 10:53, Tue, Mar 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 11:16, Tue, Mar 15, 2016
Express.co.uk

Rio Ferdinand has joined forces with Mark Noble and Bobby Zamora to build
affordable housing. Ferdinand, who enjoyed an extremely successful career at
Manchester United, won six Premier League titles during his 12 years spent
at Old Trafford. And the former defender is now hoping to turn his hand at
another game - property development, and has teamed up with fellow stars
Noble and Zamora to give the housing market in east London a boost. The
37-year-old began his career at West Ham, rising through the youth ranks
before making 127 Premier League appearances for the Hammers and now has
plans for 1800 new homes in the area. Newham will be the location for the
development after Ferdinand's charity Legacy secured the deal for 1800
properties to be built. The charity scheme is being run in tandem with a
mission to improve the sense of community and prospects for young people in
some of the country's poorest areas.
And as well as providing affordable housing for key workers such as teachers
and nurses, the initiative pledges to build sports facilities with local
football coaches, and new schools on every site developed. "If you have the
right community leaders in place, they become the inspiration if the kids
haven't got that from within their homes," Ferdinand told The Times. It's
understood Legacy will approach other councils with the view to building on
brownfield sites or will develop run-down council estates to carry out the
scheme. McLaren Property, funded by private investors, will offer financial
assistance and councils will then be offered lease agreements.

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Havard Nordtveit confirms that he will leave Borussia Monchengladbach for a
'new adventure' in the Premier League after agreeing free transfer to West
Ham United
Borussia Monchengladbach's Havard Nordtveit is moving to West Ham
Germans are not prolonging the Norwegian's contract which is expiring
Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Atletico Madrid had made approaches
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:00, 15 March 2016 | UPDATED: 00:12, 15 March 2016

West Ham United are expected to formally announce the signing of Havard
Nordtveit after his club Borussia Monchengladbach confirmed the midfielder
is moving to England in the summer. The German outfit issued a statement
saying: 'Havard Nordtveit is leaving Borussia in the summer after five and
half years. 'The Norwegian's contract is expiring at the end of the season,
with Borussia not prolonging it as he goes to England.' Nordtveit, a
25-year-old Norway international followed by saying: 'I'd like to leave it
to my new team to announce, which we've agreed with regards to the current
situation. 'I can say, however, that I'm going back to England. I was there
as a youngster, playing for Arsenal when I was 17, but I never made an
appearance in the Premier League. 'England is the big goal for every
footballer in Norway and I'd like to try it out.' Nordtveit, who has also
played for Haugesund, Salamanca, Lillestrom and Nuremberg, added: 'It was a
really hard decision for me. I know what I have here at Borussia. I love
this club, I've had five and a half wonderful years here and I have friends
in the team and the club. 'However, I'm just 25 years old and I now have the
chance to take my career in a new direction and start a new adventure. 'It
hurts to leave Gladbach but it's not a decision against Borussia, but rather
for something new.'
In a discussion with his club's official website, Nordtveit was asked, 'were
there many clubs interested in you?,' to which he replied: 'Yes, but I left
the discussions to my agent as I wanted to concentrate on playing for
Borussia. 'I was in England for a bit to talk with the manager of my new
club. I'd like to thank Max Eberl, who has fought hard for me and made my
decision very hard. 'I'll still give everything in my remaining games here
so that Borussia can compete in Europe next year. Preferably in the
Champions League, but Europa League qualification would also be a superb
result.' Monchengladbach wanted to extend Nordtveit's deal while Borussia
Dortmund, Schalke and Atletico Madrid had made approaches. He is highly
regarded by Arsene Wenger who had also considered a move but Nordtveit wants
a club where he has greater prospects of playing regularly.

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West Ham's Winston Reid defends Dimitri Payet amid dive accusations in Man
Utd FA Cup draw
WINSTON REID insists his West Ham team-mate Dimitri Payet is not a diver.
By RICHARD TANNER
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Tue, Mar 15, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:15, Tue, Mar 15, 2016
Express.co.uk

Reid and Payet are chasing a first semi-final appearance in the FA Cup for
West Ham since 2006 And he is confident that the in-form Hammers will finish
off Manchester United in their FA Cup replay at Upton Park. United manager
Louis Van Gaal and defender Chris Smalling claimed Payet should have been
booked for diving after tumbling over Marcos Rojo's challenge in a bid to
win a penalty in Sunday's quarter-final at Old Trafford. Referee Martin
Atkinson rejected the penalty claims but did not book Payet who had already
been cautioned for a foul. United reckon Payet should not have been on the
pitch to strike the superb free-kick that put the Hammers in front. But Reid
said: "No, he doesn't dive. He is not a diver. He always tries to stay on
his feet. We can always argue about stuff like that [going down too easily]
but they went down like that in some situations too. "Look, they had some
and we had some but the referee is there to make the calls."
Reid reckons Payet – who has now scored 11 goals since his move from
Marseille last summer – is proving one of the signings of the season. "Of
course he is because you can see his quality in games," he added. "When you
have players like that who can do something different, make a pass or pop up
and score a goal, it's good. "I was on the bench when it went it. It was a
great free-kick. He has done it before but he continues to do those extra
special things, it was a big of magic when we needed it and it was great. He
has done so well for the team this year and I hope it continues in the last
10 games."
Defender Reid saw nothing from Van Gaal's team to worry Slaven Bilic's team
in next moth's replay - the date has yet to be confirmed because of United's
involvement in the Europa League.
He added: "It was quite an even game, there were chances at both end. We
were a little annoyed that they equalised at the end but we will take them
back to Upton Park now and hopefully finish the job off there. "It's our aim
to get to Wembley. We have always taken the competition seriously so
hopefully we can do that."
Meanwhile, Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph says he was obstructed by
Bastian Schweinsteiger for United's equaliser on Sunday. "Yeah, it was a
'nice' shoulder" he said. "He has not gone for the ball, he just wanted to
obstruct me and it worked. I would hope that my team mates would do the same
[at the other end] and hopefully get away with it. "It was too late to raise
it with the referee. He had already looked at the linesman, given the goal
and was already up the pitch. What am I going to do? Run half way up the
pitch and get myself booked? There was no point. "It was going to take
something like that for them to score a goal. I couldn't see them scoring
otherwise. "We were disappointed at the end but that is a good sign – that
you can come away from Old Trafford with a draw and still be disappointed.
The manager said to us that we shouldn't be too down on ourselves because we
still have another chance at home to get to Wembley. "If we get the right
result it will be a great way to leave the Boleyn Ground in terms of FA Cup
matches. The atmosphere will be brilliant as it was against Liverpool and
Tottenham in the league, so we have a great chance. "We can definitely win
it. We are at home, we will have the crowd behind us. I don't know many
teams who like going there so we will be up for the fight again."

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