Daily WHUFC News - 1st April 2016

Payet - It's a good omen for things to come
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet marked his return to the French squad in spectacular fashion
over the international break with an incredible 35-yard free-kick goal
against Russia. He had only been on the pitch two minutes at the Stade de
France, and after curling in his side's third, he also set-up the fourth in
a 4-2 win, playing in Kingsley Coman who did the rest. The terrific
substitute appearance came days after he put in an impressive display over
90 minutes in a 3-2 away win over the Netherlands. The midfielder spoke to
the media after Tuesday night's game.

Dimitri, do you think that you have finished convincing Didier Deschamps
that you deserve a place in the squad?

"I don't know. It's up to the manager to decide. I tried, like I do in all
matches, to bring something to the game. My impact was positive and so I am
happy."

With these two victories, do you feel that you have succeeded?

"I don't know if I would say that. In any case, my aim was to try to play as
well with the national side as I have been with West Ham. I managed to
attack these games with confidence and I played well in both games, both in
important situations. It's a great return, to score and to set one up.
Making a difference is always what counts in football. It's a good omen for
what's to come."

Tell us a bit about your free-kick, just after coming off the bench.

"The free-kick was my first touch, and I have had a little taste of success.
I am savouring it."

You gave yourself a nice birthday present too, didn't you?!

"Having a game on your birthday is something that doesn't happen very often.
My family were at the game tonight and that makes me even happier. We will
celebrate it together."

How will you be feeing while waiting for the UEFA Euro 2018 squad
announcement?

"I will be pretty chilled, in the same way I have been since the start of
this season. I just try to do my best for my club. Today, that work paid
off. These two games have gone, and we will relish that and then my work
with my club starts again. So, we won't have too long to reflect on these
games."

You're walking on water this year! Do you agree?

"Of course, it has been a great season so far. In England, I have been put
in the best conditions for me to be able to flourish on the pitch. I want to
pay tribute to my teammates, this squad and my supporters who show me a lot
of love."

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Slaven Speaks - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com

Ahead of the Hammers' clash with Crystal Palace at the weekend, boss Slaven
Bilic held his weekly press conference.

The gaffer gave some injury updates and had his say on players returning
after the international break.....

What is the latest team news following the international break?

With the break, on the one hand, we didn't want it. We wanted to continue
our form, but we have also played many games, so it was not bad for us. We
rested a bit, then trained hard, before having another rest. Some players
went to play international games, and now we are mostly back together, but
not everyone. That's why this Crystal Palace game might be coming a little
too soon. I'm not happy because we will not have all of us on the pitch for
training still. James Tomkins is back, and the only players who are out are
James Collins and Sam Byram. They are progressing really well, but they
won't be in the frame for the Palace game. Some players are still flying
back tomorrow, like Victor Moses, but Payet is back from France. It's not
ideal, but we want to immediately get back into the shape that we were in
before the break.

Are clubs who have international players penalised by the breaks?

In some way, yes. You want your players to have a rest sometimes, but you
also want them to gain confidence and quality and add a new dimension when
they play for international teams, and you should be happy when they do.

How good for the club is it that Payet has played so well for France?

It's good for him and it's good for us. He was very confident before but he
will be more confident now. By the way, he didn't go on holiday. He was
training with top quality players and a quality coach. His situation
regarding France, I think it's changed a lot. Now, he has had two really
good games.

Is there any truth to the speculation linking with you new signings?

With Toni Martinez at Valencia, we are quite close. Terry Westley with the
U21s does a great job, and if we finish [the deal], we will have one of the
brightest young players from Valencia. All the other rumours are all
speculation at the moment.

How are you feeling about playing Palace given their bad form in 2016?

They are the best example of why Premier League managers are wary of good
form. 2016 has been great for Palace in the FA Cup as they are through to
the semis, but in the league they haven't won in 13 (games). Their
confidence has gone down and you start to lose matches without knowing the
reason why it is happening. Then it continues and you are in trouble. They
have been unlucky in their last couple of home games, especially against
Liverpool. It's still a very dangerous game for us. They have a very solid
team, have pace up front, so it will be difficult for us, of course. I don't
think Palace have to change the way they play, with their counter-attacking,
but they just need to start converting their chances.

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Hammers team up with Ticketmaster
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Ticketmaster, a Live Nation
Entertainment Company, has been appointed the Club's ticketing partner in
advance of the Hammers' historic move to the former Olympic Stadium. As
the world's leading ticketing agency with vast experience of major sporting
events, Ticketmaster will be at the heart of West Ham's day-to-day ticketing
operation, working together with the Club to provide best-in-class products
and service excellence to supporters at the Hammers' new home. This latest
partnership announcement, which offers the Hammers a complete package
encompassing the very best in ticketing technology, is further evidence of
the Club's commitment to transforming the supporter experience on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "The move to the new
Stadium presents us with a unique opportunity to offer a spectacular
supporter experience and today's announcement is a significant step in that
direction. "Our supporters can look forward to vastly-improved service
across the board and so we are delighted to be working with an organisation
of Ticketmaster's repute at this exciting time in West Ham United history."


Supporters should note that Ticketmaster will only handle ticketing
transactions relating to the new Stadium. All transactions for Boleyn
Ground tickets will remain with the Club's existing provider. Supporters,
therefore, do not need to take any immediate action and will be directed
accordingly in the coming weeks. Adam Newsam, Managing Director
Ticketmaster Sport, said: "West Ham United is undoubtedly one of the most
dynamic fan-focused football clubs with an extremely passionate supporter
base. "It's a hugely exciting time for the Club and we are honoured to be in
partnership with them at the heart of the day-to-day operations in providing
a fantastic service to fans, and filling every seat come match days."

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Bonds hails 'best-ever' Hammers
WHUFC.com

Club legend Billy Bonds MBE tells journalist Hugh Southon the current West
Ham United squad is the strongest he can recall in his long association with
the Club...

Billy Bonds has named the current Irons squad as the strongest he can
remember in his personal West Ham history. The Club's living legend said:
"We may have had better individual players like Mooro, Brooking, Dev, Hurst,
Peters and all the rest but I don't believe there has been a better and
stronger squad. "Take any of the players I've mentioned out of the Hammers
team and we struggled but not these days. This is a fabulous squad. "People
talk about the team of '86 but that one suffered very few injuries, whereas
the manager [Slaven Bilic] has had to cope with any amount of them this
season and they have all come through. Make no mistake this is a great
squad. The best I can remember."

Bonds explained that he could have had no idea how good this season would
become at the outset because he knew nothing about Dimi Payet, or Manu
Lanzini for example. Honest Bill always tells it as it is and how he sees it
- he talks as he played - directly and with total honesty. He believes their
contribution of Payet and Lanzini has been quite amazing although adds
quickly: "Every other member of the squad has stepped up brilliantly. Look
at James Collins. I love that bloke. You get what it says on the tin. He
defends his box, tackles with no compromise and clears into Row Z if he
needs to. I love the way he plays."

With eight games to play in the Barclays Premier League, Bonds, who received
a rapturous reception ahead of Monday's Mark Noble Testimonial, is aiming
high. He added: "I genuinely believe we can now finish in the top four. We
are good enough with this terrific squad and I see no reason not to believe
we can't reach the Champions League places. You have to congratulate the
manager and owners on where they have taken us this season."

Looking a little further into the future, Bonds is also pleased we are
moving on to the Olympic Stadium and the incredible demand for tickets
declaring: "I don't suffer from emotionalism. Football is n a totally
different place these days and we need to generate money and attract big
payers. The Olympic Stadium will do that. "It's been a done deal for a long
time - we are all used to the idea and I'm looking forward to it. I really
do believe this club is going places."

Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace will be themed for the Club's many
overseas fans and Supporters' Clubs, and the two-time FA Cup-winning captain
has always appreciated the Claret and Blue Army's loyal and vociferous
following. He concluded: "They are utterly incredible. There's none like
them anywhere - very very special. "That we should have taken 9,000 to Old
Trafford shows what they are all about -West Ham fans are the best in the
world for me. "Those who have a problem with the move need to remember the
game is entirely different now and we have to get the best facilities and
best players as a result that we can. "I am entirely unemotional about
leaving the Boleyn. It's been wonderful and I've had fabulous times there
but we move on to bigger and better things. The Club is going places ."

This interview first appeared on ClaretandHugh.

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U21 Cup final date set
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that the dates for the Development
Squad's Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final with Hull City have been
confirmed. The final, which will be the final U21 game ever played at the
Boleyn Ground, will see Terry Westley's Hammers host the Tigers in the first
leg on Monday 25 April, kick off 7pm. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan urged
supporters to take advantage of another opportunity to witness a historic
fixture in Boleyn Ground history. "This is a chance for fans to support the
Club's youngsters in an U21 Cup final - a massive night at the Boleyn Ground
- for a tiny admission fee," said the Joint-Chairman. "With tickets for the
remaining first-team matches in such high demand, this match represents an
ideal opportunity to say their goodbyes to the stadium before we leave for
Stratford this summer. "The team has done brilliantly to get to the final,
so please come along and give them your support as we would love them to
finish the season with a trophy!"

The Hammers will then make the journey north for the second leg at Hull's KC
Stadium on Wednesday 4 May, with kick-off at 7pm. Having beaten Exeter City,
Fulham and Blackburn Rovers in the previous rounds, the young Hammers
overcame a strong Liverpool side after extra time in an enthralling 3-2
semi-final win at Rush Green. Ticket information for this unique and
historic final will be announced shortly on whufc.com.

*This coming Monday 4 April, the Hammers face Stoke City in their final
league game of the season. With a top-four finish and a Play-Off place at
stake, kick-off at Rush Green Stadium is at 7pm. Admission is FREE for all
fans.

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Chadwell Chatter - Manuel Lanzini
WHUFC.com

Lanzini has been working hard in training ahead of the Palace game

Hola!

I believe the international break has come at a good time and now we are all
raring to get back playing. It has given us an opportunity to recharge and
refocus, and now we're hungry again to carry on and succeed.

This Saturday we face Crystal Palace, it's another game, a London derby, at
the Boleyn Ground so naturally I can't wait! Obviously, Palace haven't been
having the greatest run of results recently, but that can happen to any team
and we know Palace are a very dangerous side. They are very quick, and like
to attack so we have to be aware of that. They switch the ball very quickly
so we will have to be alert to deal with their qualities.

I've heard a lot of people talk about whether they'd prefer to win the FA
Cup or qualify for the Champions League? I say both, why not?! That's how
strong I believe our squad is. We have to believe we can do it; we have been
optimistic all season and look where we are. We're in the latter stages of
the FA Cup and close to the Champions League spots so we have to go for it.

We are very happy with our progress so far, but we have to keep our focus,
we haven't achieved anything yet. Each remaining game is huge, and we will
fight, as we have been, to try and win every game.

I'm often been asked what the secrets to my game is, the main thing is to
make sure you are in the right position when you receive the ball. The
second most important thing is to know what you're going to do with the ball
before you receive it; that is a very important.

Overall, during my time at West Ham, I think my game has improved. I am much
better defensively, tactically and all round a better player.

Of course, I am very happy to have signed for West Ham on a permanent deal,
I feel happy, proud and excited.

I am very grateful to my teammates, coaching staff and the club for all
their help so far in welcoming me and helping me to adapt to a new team and
a new city.

There is a lot to look forward to!

Manu

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Former Player Blog - David James
WHUFC.com

Former West Ham goalkeeper David James made 102 appearances for the Hammers
over three seasons with the Club. He thinks Slaven Bilic is the main reason
for the side's excellent form…

Hello everyone,

I played in Mark Noble's Testimonial on Monday which was great fun and a
fantastic day. Mark deserved the occasion as he's been a terrific player for
the Club for a long time now.

West Ham are having an excellent season, and I think Slaven Bilic has
commanded the ship tremendously well. I personally think that at the
beginning of the season, with the Europa Leauge games being played, the
decision to stick to his guns regarding the team selection, was the correct
call.

Many would have excused him for not doing so, given the result, but look how
the season has panned out since – it's proved to be a great decision and the
Club could now potentially finish in a Champions League place.

As a player, I would have seen that decision as the manager being honest and
trustworthy and basically it was the catapult for the trust that you need
going forward.

That's shown with West Ham this season, performance-wise. Player-wise, there
have been some tremendous individuals; Payet and Antonio, amongst others,
have all done very well, but you need your manager to be the guy that you
respect and trust and I think all the players trust and respect him. That's
why West Ham are having such a good season.

They're exciting times for the Club, absolutely. I was a little bit wary of
the decision to move to the new Stadium when it was announced, given West
Ham's up and down performances in the Premier League previously, and
arguably, there was no guarantee that West Ham would be in the Premier
League going into the move.

But this season has been the best one ever, and it is an exciting time. The
plans to change the venue to make it very 'West Ham United' are great and
the fact that so many West Ham fans are on side with it is also brilliant.

It obviously helps that the team are playing well, but it would appear to be
a great decision in the main. You know – European football at the Olympic
Park – that's what dreams are made of, aren't they?

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Martinez set to join Hammers?
March 31, 2016
TheWestHamway.co.uk
BKHammer

Slaven Bilic has confirmed this morning during his weekly press conference
that a deal to sign Toni Martinez from Valencia is close. Our own Jack
Sullivan has also confirmed this morning via twitter that the club expect to
sign the young Spaniard within the next 7 days, stating that he is one for
the future with a lot of the fee linked to success. It is also reported by
Valencia based website Super Deporte that the player would sign a four year
contract, with Valencia having a first refusal option and they will also
pocket 20% of any future sale. According to Super Deporte the player is set
to travel to London today to complete his medical, after which West Ham are
expected to confirm the signing. Yesterday, the 18-year-old confirmed
negotiations are underway between West Ham and Valencia, after he left the
training ground. Martinez said: "They are negotiating and the truth is that
I know little of the negotiations."

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Tomkins returns - but still no Collins
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st March 2016
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins is back in the reckoning for West Ham's Premier League clash
with Crystal Palace this weekend - although namesake and fellow central
defender James Collins will miss out.

Basildon-born Tomkins, who celebrated his 27th birthday earlier this week
has recovered from his recent injury problems to stake a claim for a place
in this weekend's 18-man match day squad.

The news was confirmed by Slaven Bilic this morning during his pre-match
press conference. "Tomkins is back." he said. "The only players who are out
are Ginger Collins and Sam Byram.

"They are both still injured although they're progressing really well, but
they're not going to be in the frame for the Crystal Palace game. We'll also
have to see how the players coming back tomorrow [from international duty]
are.

"That's Cheikhou Kouyate, Victor Moses and Enner Valencia. They've had long
flights and long trips. Payet is also back, but from France only. It's not
ideal but we'll have to get back into the shape we were before the
international break immediately."

The Hammers boss also bemoaned the fact that this weekend's clash with
Palace is taking place on Saturday rather than Sunday, which would have
allowed him and his players an extra 24 hours to recover from their midweek
exploits.

"On the one hand we didn't want the break because we had that momentum," he
explained. "We wanted to games to continue as we wer buzzing. But on the
other hand as we've played so many games, it wasn't bad for us.

"Although our players have returned from international games we are still
not back - and that's why this game against Palace has come too soon. I'm
not happy as we'll have training today and not all of us will be on the
pitch.

"Some of the guys are coming back [to training] tomorrow, which is reason
why this game coming on Saturday is a little worrying."

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Martinez deal close, confirms Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that West Ham are close to securing the capture
of Valencia youngster Toni Martinez.

As exclusively revealed on the KUMB Forum earlier this week, West Ham are
set to land thje youngster on a deal worth in the region of £2.5million - a
move confirmed by the Hammers boss during his pre-match press conference
this morning.

"With Martinez, we are quite close," he said. "Terry Westley from the Under
21s has done a tremendous job there and we are close to getting one of the
brightest talents from Valencia."

News of West Ham's interest in the 18-year-old striker has also been
referred to by Jack Sullivan, despite brother David denying earlier this
week that the club was close to securing a move for Martinez.

"We expect to sign Toni Martinez in the next seven days," he tweeted this
morning. "He's one for the future, with a lot of the fee linked to success."

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The Chris Scull column
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st March 2016
By: Chris Scull

In spite of having no Premier League action, last week still proved a hell
of a week to be a West Ham fan. On to Mark Noble's testimonial; firstly, the
man.

I'm so glad his testimonial came at a time when he is genuinely playing the
football of his career. His rise to this incredible form he's in, has
happened exactly in tandem with the wider fortunes of the team.

For me, this created a more meaningful and emotional atmosphere yesterday -
like the club and Mark, had really genuinely earned the day. As for the day
itself, was so great to see so many old faces back in the claret and blue.

Although, it struck me that I'd clearly forgotten a few things, including;
how short Julian Dicks is, how big Trevor Sinclair's backside is, how agile
Ashton is for 'a big man' and how much Paolo liked a short corner.

Also, great to see Carlton 'firing' again - although quite a few Celtic fans
watching on BT Sport hilariously didn't seem to agree!

The coverage of the whole day also sounded great; it makes you wonder how
many other clubs could have pulled a day like that off, in front of a
sold-out stadium. Not many at all I'm betting - even more reason to feel
proud about being a Hammer this season.

I think as well, that the game came at the perfect time for us. Will
hopefully be a morale booster for fans and players alike, as we go into a
month and a half which could define this season for a generation.

The Podcast

Our guest this week was Graham Gooch. As listeners have already pointed out,
the man has an incredible and almost encyclopaedic knowledge of West Ham
that really came across!

I'd seen quite a few interviews with 'Goochie' and knew he liked to play a
'straight bat' (if you will) - so was hoping we'd be able to crack him and
possibly even get a few laughs along the way; which we succeeded with when
he pointed out that both him and Alan Devonshire dominated the '80s
moustache scene with their enviable 'porn star' tache-dos.

It's a great episode and well worth checking out if you can, and as always
any feedback you've got, ping us an email to: podcast@kumb.com

We've got a week off this week, what with the international break, but are
back next week.

By then our sponsors 888sport.com have promised us an exclusive bet with
boosted odds just for listeners, in order to wring their last little bit of
sponsorship out of us - it's likely to be linked to us finishing in the top
six. Will give you a nudge if and when it happens!

The Rest of Life

As I mentioned in my last blog a couple of weeks ago, I got invited to a
Pancreatic Cancer charity event hosted by Suggs, as a mate of a mate is his
nephew.

While on the dance floor, I looked around to see Heather Mills strutting her
stuff; but that wasn't even the most remarkable thing about my surroundings
by a long shot. Also stalking the dance floor's perimeter, suited and
booted, were David O'Leary and Pat Rice.

A lovely moment.

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Ex Hammer backs Ibra move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 31st March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Ian Wright believes West Ham would be a perfect fit for Swedish superstar
Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Representatives of the The 34-year-old striker have been
in contact with West Ham in recent weeks regarding a potential move. And
Wright, who came to West Ham at the age of 35 back in 1998 believes the
Swedish international could be the next Paolo Di Canio. "I think it would be
great for a player of that calibre," Wright told The Sun. "Zlatan could go
to West Ham and revolutionise it, with a blast like Di Canio gave them.
"They love that kind of player. With Payet and the other players around him,
a player like Zlatan could really blast West Ham up to that next level.
"West Ham are in London, they're moving to the Olympic Stadium and if they
are challenging for the top four they will be an attractive club to go to.
"Could you imagine the younger players being able to see someone like Zlatan
at the club? It'd be better for him to go to West Ham than any of the top
four."

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Slaven Bilic concerned by West Ham stars' international miles
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 31/03/16 2:57pm
SSN

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits he is worried by this weekend's game
against Crystal Palace having had so many of his players away on
international duty. The Hammers, who are just one point outside the Premier
League's top four, saw seven members of their squad involved during the
international break following the 2-2 draw against Chelsea on March 19.
Palace are without a league victory since mid-December and, despite being
heavy favourites for the London derby, Bilic believes his squad's lack of
preparation could be a major factor at Upton Park.
"This international break, on one hand we didn't want it because we had that
momentum and we want things to continue and keep coming because we were
buzzing," he said. "On the other hand, because we played many games it was
not bad for us, we rest a bit and we train hard and after that we rested
again. "Some players went to play international games, we are still not back
totally and that is why this game against Crystal Palace is coming too soon.
"I'm not happy because we will not be all on the pitch, some of the guys are
coming back tomorrow, this game on Saturday is worrying. "Some players are
coming back tomorrow - Cheikhou Kouyate, Victor Moses and Enner Valencia had
a long trip, Dimitri Payet is back from France, it is not ideal but we will
have to get back immediately into the shape that we were before the
international break."

Despite his concerns, Bilic, who managed his native Croatia for six years,
says he is always happy to see his players go off and represent their
country. "You don't have your players until a couple of days before a game -
but I always welcome when my players are called for international duty," he
said. "It gives them another dimension, it gives them confidence and they
are more quality players than players not being called up.
"There are some pluses and some minuses, of course you would like your
players to always be with you but if they are good players and you want them
to improve and gain confidence and quality then you should be happy when
they play for their country."

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Paolo Di Canio: West Ham's Dimitri Payet best signing of the year
Last Updated: 31/03/16 2:52pm
SSN

Paolo Di Canio believes West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet is one of the best
signings in the Premier League this year. Di Canio, who played at the club
for four-and-a-half seasons between 1999 and 2003, believes 29-year-old
Payet has already shown he has a bright future in English football. Payet, a
£10.7million signing from Marseille last summer, is already a firm favourite
with Hammers fans after a highly impressive first season in the Premier
League. During his time at West Ham, Di Canio scored 47 Premier League
goals in his 118 appearances for the Hammers - and Payet is already on track
to match that record, with 11 goals in 30 appearances so far. "Payet is a
fantastic footballer. He can be a cracker for a few years to come," Di Canio
said. "He works hard for the team, off the ball as well as on it. "Look at
the top footballers, the ones who play for Arsenal or Manchester City, and
they are not doing it like Payet. That proves that he is a very talented
player. You have to thank his team-mates who have helped him for sure.' "As
an individual, Payet is one of the best signings this year in the Premier
League. Just look at his numbers this season and they will show you that."
Di Canio was also quick to praise manager Slaven Bilic's contribution to
turning the club around, believing the Croatian has created the best team
West Ham fans have seen for years. In addition to signing Payet, West Ham
are currently lying fifth in the league with a quarter-final FA Cup replay
with Manchester United to follow on April 13. "You see that the club's
mentality, the methodology and the philosophy has changed completely," he
said. "There is a brain and mentality and work ethic, which is all thanks to
Bilic. This club can now look forward to the future."

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Stoke eye Saido Berahino summer transfer but West Brom star is also being
eyed by two Champions League contenders
16:49, 31 MAR 2016 UPDATED 16:52, 31 MAR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The Potters face competition from higher up the table for 22-year-old
striker they tried and failed to get in January and remain very keen to sign
The Mirror

Mark Hughes will renew Stoke's £20million interest for West Brom hot-shot
Saido Berahino. Manager Hughes saw a £20m-plus bid for Berahino turned down
in January, and now the Potters have made fresh moves to land the former
England Under-21 striker this summer. Stoke, who sit eighth in the table and
could yet qualify for Europe, have major spending power and 22-year-old
Berahino is set to be sold this summer with just one year left on his
contract. The Potters are making it clear they will be back this summer as
West Brom brace themselves for some big bids.
Champions League-bound Tottenham are also long-standing Berahino admirers
and will be keen to get their man as they look to sign competition/help for
their England striker Harry Kane. Spurs and West Brom were involved in a
bitter transfer saga over Berahino earlier in the season but have now made
peace and a deal to take him to White Hart Lane could still happen.
West Ham are also watching developments as they look to bring in a major
striker this summer before what could be a surprise Champions League
campaign, and have asked to be kept informed. The Hammers have targeted
Marseille's Michy Batshuayi and Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony and
stated publicly that they want Liverpool misfit Christian Benteke , but know
they need to keep their options open.

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Slaven Bilic admits he is worried ahead of West Ham's clash with "dangerous"
Crystal Palace
12:05, 31 MAR 2016 UPDATED 12:07, 31 MAR 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Bilic admits his preparations for the clash have been disrupted by the
international break - claiming the encounter is coming "too soon"
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has admitted he is worried Saturday's "dangerous" visit of
Crystal Palace is "too soon" after the international break. West Ham are up
to fifth place in the Premier League and into the FA Cup semi-finals after
an unbeaten run of eight matches stretching back to the start of February.
But the former Croatia manager admitted his preparations for the London
derby will be disrupted with some players – like Victor Moses and Antonio
Valencia - not returning from national service until tomorrow. Bilic
admitted: "This international break on one hand we didn't want it because we
had that momentum and we want things to continue and keep coming because we
were buzzing. "On the other hand, because we played many games it was not
bad for us, we rest a bit and we train hard and after tat we rested again.
"Some players went to play international games, we are still not back
totally and that is why this game against Crystal Palace is coming too soon.
"I'm not happy because will not be all on the pitch, some of the guys are
coming back tomorrow, this game on Saturday is worrying. "There are some
pluses and some minuses, of course you would like your players to always be
with you but if they are good players and you want them to improve and gain
confidence and quality then you should be happy when they play for their
country."

Saturday's opponents Palace are fellow FA Cup semi-finalists but have now
gone 13 Premier League games without a win as they slip closer to the drop
zone. "They are the best example of what the Premier League is all about
and why every Premier League manager is a bit wary when you talk about good
form," Bilic added. "2016 has been great for them in the FA Cup but in the
league they haven't won in 13 games – on Boxing Day they were there with us
and even above us. I watched a lot of their games, they have got a few
injuries and then they lost a couple of games and they were a bit unlucky.
"Then the confidence goes out and you lose a bit without knowing the reason
why and it continues and then you are in trouble.
"They take only their last couple of home game against Leicester and
Liverpool you can easily say they were unlucky in both of them, especially
against Liverpool. "In almost all of the 13 games they didn't win they could
have and probably should have, it is a dangerous game for us, they have a
good team and pace up front. They play simple football."

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West Ham to sign teenage striker Toni Martinez in £750,000 deal from
Valencia
23:11, 30 MAR 2016 UPDATED 23:19, 30 MAR 2016
BY ED MALYON
The teenager, 18, will sign for an initial fee of just £750,000 but in a
complex deal involving a 20% sell-on clause for the Spanish giants
The Mirror

West Ham will this week confirm the signing of Valencia youngster Toni
Martinez. The teenager will sign for an initial fee of just £750,000 but in
a complex deal involving a 20% sell-on clause for the Spanish giants and a
raft of bonuses and clauses. 18-year-old Martinez has scored over 100 goals
in Valencia's youth ranks but has had his head turned by West Ham's interest
and will earn over five times as much in London as he did in Spain. The
Mestalla club have included in the deal an option to have first refusal on
the starlet should they match any future offer accepted by West Ham to sell
the young striker. Meanwhile, Wilfried Bony is on West Ham 's transfer
hit-list this summer. Manchester City misfit Bony is ready to leave the
Etihad after becoming frustrated at being second fiddle to Sergio Aguero and
wants more regular games. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is desperate to
strengthen his strike force and Bony is on their shortlist as potential
signings. Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi is their No1 target with
Liverpool's Christian Benteke and Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette also on their
shortlist. West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has even admitted they would
be interested in Zlatan Ibrahimovic .

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Bonzo honoured at the Olympic Stadium
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham legend Billy Bonds has been honoured at the Olympic Stadium with
his shirt is the first to go up at the stadium as the 'WestHamification' of
their new home continues. WHUFC.com revealed yesterday "On Wednesday, the
construction team set about installing a prototype model of the shirt, this
one in honour of West Ham's all-time record appearance holder, the legendary
Billy Bonds." "The imposing shirt measures some four metres across and
preparatory work is to continue throughout Wednesday. It is then expected to
be lifted into place on Thursday, ahead of a comprehensive 48-hour window of
testing." BMTwo of the stands at the stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
will be named after Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking mimicking stand
names already at the Boleyn Ground. Bonds also missed out when the
hospitality suites were named the BM6 Lounge, the Arnold Hills, the Royal
East, the Forge Lounge, the Great Briton, the Academy bar and the Boleyn
Bar However the club is keen to make up for past misdemeanors of their 799
record appearance hero. Last month the club revealed Legends stones are set
to take centre stage in the new Champions Place outside the new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Long-serving legends Billy Bonds and Sir
Trevor Brooking, who boast a remarkable nine Hammer of the Year accolades
between them, will rightfully be celebrated in Champions Place too , he club
revealed.

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Payet would not be banned from UK
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

A misinformed piece in the Daily Mirror has suggested Dimitri Payet would
not be able to play for West Ham if the UK were no longer part of the
European Union.

The article by Joe Mewis says: "Britain goes to the polls on June 23 and a
Brexit vote could radically change the face of the Premier League. Anthony
Martial, Dimitri Payet and N'Golo Kante would not have been able to play in
the Premier League this season, if the UK had not been part of the EU."

"A Brexit could mean that more than 400 players would lose the right to play
in the UK, according to a study from the BBC .Under current employment
rules, any player with an EU passport is free to play in the UK without
restriction, while those from outside Europe must meet specific Home Office
criteria which depends on how many international appearances they have made
and where their county sits in the FIFA rankings."

"That would mean West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet and Leicester midfielder
N'Golo Kante would not have met the criteria, as they were yet to make their
international debuts when they arrived in the Premier League this summer.
Payet and Kante both made their France debuts during the international
break, but a player from a top 10 nation must have played in 30% of their
games over a two-year period in order to qualify for a work permit."

West Ham season ticket holder, George Bucci contacted Claret and Hugh to
point out that Payet has 17 international caps in total for France, 15 of
which were gained before he joined the Hammers last summer.

He was called up for the senior national team for the first time by Laurent
Blanc for the Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Romania and Luxembourg
and made his debut in the former on 9th October 2010, coming on as a
substitute for Karim Benzema in the 86th minute and assisted Yoann
Gourcuff's goal to make it 2–0.Three days later, he came on for the last 30
minutes against Luxembourg and again assisted Gourcuff for a goal.

Work permit rules for the Premier League say the player's country must be at
or above 70th place in the official FIFA world rankings when averaged over
the two years preceding the date of the application. France currently rank
24th in the world but were ranked 7th in 2014.

Although it is true that Payet has not played 60% of his country's
competitive matches during the two years preceding the date of the
application he would almost definitely be permitted on the exceptional
talent criteria. He played 10 international matches between 2014-2015 with
another two this year.

The suggestion that the Premier League together with the UK Border Agency
would expel 400 players from the Premier League after a potential break with
Europe is frankly ludicrous and just scaremongering.

You can safely vote which vote in the BrExit election in June which ever way
you want knowing it won't remotely affect on Dimitri Payet's ability to play
for West Ham.

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Dimitri Payet can be a cracker for a few years to come at West Ham, says
former Upton Park favourite Paolo Di Canio
Dimitri Payet has made a huge impression at West Ham since his arrival
Midfielder Payet signed for £10.7million from Marseille in the summer
Paolo Di Canio made more than 100 appearances for the Hammers
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:33, 30 March 2016 | UPDATED: 23:41, 30 March 2016

Paolo Di Canio has backed Dimitri Payet to become a cult hero like him at
West Ham. The Italian made himself a fan favourite at Upton Cap for his
madcap, memorable and, at times, magical moments spanning four years and
more than 100 games for the club. From the outrageous scissor kick against
Wimbledon to catching the ball after Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard
dislocated his knee with an open goal in front of him, Di Canio is fondly
remembered at West Ham and beyond. He believes that Payet, a £10.7million
signing from Marseille in the summer who only signed a new five-year deal in
February, is on course to replicate his own regard there. 'He can be a
cracker for a few years to come,' Di Canio said. 'He is a fantastic
footballer. He has fantastic quality. He works hard for the team, for the
squad, off-the-ball as well as on it. He can change a game. Not like many
others in this league at this moment. 'Look at the top footballers, and you
see what they have done at Arsenal or Manchester City. That proves that he
is a very talented player. You have to thank his team-mates who have helped
him for sure.'
Payet has already scored 11 goals in 30 appearances despite missing two
months of the season through injury. It is not only his goalscoring but his
ability on the ball and to play in a team-mate with one split-second pass
which is endearing him to the West Ham fans as they chase Champions League
football and the FA Cup. Di Canio added: 'As an individual, he is one of the
best signings this year in the Premier League. It's easy to say when you
look at the numbers. The numbers are right and the way he plays for the
team.'

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Tottenham rocked as West Ham make summer enquiry for star midfielder
WEST HAM have set their sights on Levante midfielder Victor Camarasa.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 07:41, Thu, Mar 31, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:05, Thu, Mar 31, 2016
Express.co.uk

West Ham want Levante star Victor Camarasa. That is according to Spanish
publication AS, who claim the Hammers have already enquired about the Spain
Under-21 international ahead of the summer. Sky Sports claim Premier League
rivals Tottenham have also expressed an interest in the 21-year-old, along
with Atletico Madrid. Both Spurs and Atletico have reportedly been keeping
tabs on Camarasa this season, but West Ham are reportedly hoping to get
their first. Levante are thought to be resigned to the fact they'll lose
Camarasa when the window reopens as they sit rockbottom of La Liga -
regardless of what league they're in next season. AS report they're unlikely
to sell their prize asset for anything below his £9.5million buy-out clause
if they stay up, but will be forced to negotiate his fee if they go down.
Camarasa has been a bright spark in a disappointing campaign for Levante so
far, scoring two goals with three assists to his name in 28 appearances.

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