Daily WHUFC News - 27th April 2016

Parfitt-Williams - If felt amazing
WHUFC.com

Development Squad striker Djair Parfitt-Williams admitted it felt amazing to
score the winner in West Ham's 1-0 Barclays U21 Premier League Cup final
first leg victory. The 19-year-old tapped home the game's only goal in the
last minute of regular time to send the 10,000 inside the Boleyn Ground, for
its final final, into raptures. Parfitt-Williams, returning from injury, is
the Hammers' top goalscorer in the competition and was delighted to add to
his tally with such an important strike. He said: "It felt amazing. It was
the 90th minute and it was 0-0 for the whole game before that so to score in
the last minute, especially at Upton Park with a lot of fans here, felt
amazing. "We created some good chances. I think we could have played a
little bit quicker at times in the first half but in the second half we
started to break them down a little bit more and looked quite dangerous.
"It's a good achievement [to score] but to get this far is about my
teammates and my coaches and everything."

Parfitt-Williams bagged in the previous Cup wins against Exeter, Fulham and
Blackburn and added his fourth with a real poachers' effort in the final
first leg. "I guess I'm in the right place at the right time!" he continued.
"That's what the one was tonight. I was in a good position. "I knew if I
stayed in the middle of the box, Josh [Cullen] would clip it in far post and
I knew Reece [Oxford] or Doneil [Henry] would get it back across. I stayed
in a good position. "We're confident to go anywhere and beat anybody, as we
have such a good team. 1-0 definitely gives us a good mood in training and
we should be confident going into the second leg."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loyal fan Graham granted ticket wish
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will welcome loyal supporter Graham White to celebrate his
birthday at the Club's last-ever fixture at the Boleyn Ground.

Graham, from Canvey Island in Essex, was forced to give up his Season Ticket
after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease – a rare life-shortening
condition that causes progressive damage to parts of the nervous system –
two years ago.

The grandfather applied to attend the Barclays Premier League visit of
Manchester United on Tuesday 10 May through a Members' Ballot, but was
unfortunately unsuccessful.

With his condition potentially preventing Graham from attending matches in
future seasons, his family began a campaign last week to enable him to bid
the Boleyn Ground a personal farewell.

Sue Nash, chairman of South Essex Motor Neurone Disease, posted an appeal on
Facebook on Friday which was shared more than 11,000 times, while others
tweeted Joint-Chairman David Gold, Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and David
Sullivan's sons Jack and Dave.

On Monday, all four contacted the Ticket Office and arrangements were
quickly made through the Hammers accessibility liaison officier Julie
Pidgeon and Graham's wife Pat to enable the birthday boy and one of his
grandsons to attend the match.

"It's absolutely brilliant," said Nash. "We are so grateful to West Ham. It
went crazy. In the first 15 minutes we had 50 shares. We had no idea that it
would go like this.

"People were saying they would carry him if they had to."

In a joint statement, Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and Baroness Brady said it was
fitting that a loyal fan would be celebrating what would potentially be his
last live match at somewhere he truly loved being alongside his fellow
Hammers.

"Everyone at the club has been moved by Graham's loyal support for West Ham
United, and the love shown by his family and friends in contacting us," they
said.

"Since being made aware of Graham's wish to attend the final game at the
Boleyn Ground, we all personally made contact with the Ticket Office to
ensure he could attend the game.

"The board are now looking forward to welcoming Graham and his grandson to
the Boleyn Ground for the club's historic final match against Manchester
United."

Nash, of Leigh-on-Sea, said people had offered to give up their tickets, but
the seat needed to have disabled access because Graham is completely reliant
on his wheelchair.

She continued: "For people to do that is just so heart-warming. Graham is a
quiet and shy man. He's absolutely blown away.

"At the weekend he could not believe that at that stage 10,000 people had
taken the time to do that for him. I have had a thousand personal messages
as well.

"It's given him such a lift that people actually care."

Nash said the campaign had started after their 17-year-old grandsons, James
and Nicholas, offered to take their granddad to the game if they could get a
ticket.

"It's just absolutely phenomenal. It's overwhelming actually. We have had
messages where we have laughed and other ones that have just been so
overwhelming.

"We can't thank the public enough for getting in touch and taking such an
interest."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Martin Samuelsen
WHUFC.com

Exciting young prospect Martin Samuelsen played 90 minutes for the
Development Squad on Monday in their 1-0 U21 Premier League Cup final
victory over Hull City after returning from his loan spell at Peterborough
United.

The Norwegian youth international was a handful for the Tigers throughout,
testing the keeper a number of times and forcing two strong penalty appeals
for the hosts.

The 19-year-old spoke about the young Hammers' display in the first tie,
hopes for the second leg and his experiences in League One…

Martin, it looked like that goal was never going to come!

MS: "No, we had a few chances to score, but we kept going and we were really
happy when we got the goal in the last minute or so. We thought they were
going to sit low and let us play, but when they came out, they did quite the
opposite. They pressed us high and gave us a few problems, but I think we
dealt with them well and we deserved to win."

There was plenty of dribbling from you – were you pleased with the way you
played?

MS: "Yeah, I like dribbling as you can see! But I also like to score goals,
and I didn't [score one], so I'm a bit disappointed. I had a few chances to
score. We should have had two penalties but overall, I'm pleased. If we play
like this in the second leg [against Hull City at the KC Stadium], we should
win."

It was a strange one with the penalty appeals – did you speak to the referee
after the game?

MS: "I spoke to him and he said it looked like the other guy got to the ball
first, but he kicked me in my calf so I've got a dead leg now and no
penalty! We just need to get back to training now and practice more and hope
that next time, the chances go in."

It was good to see Djair Parfitt-Williams score the goal as well, wasn't it?

MS: "Yeah, Djair is just back from injury. He's three or four weeks ahead of
schedule so it was great for him to be out there today. He's an amazing
football player. He's got great skills, can score goals and he'll definitely
be one for the future."

What have you learnt from your time on loan at Peterborough United?

MS: "With Peterborough in League One, I've learnt the tough side of the
game; the physical side, that every game means something. People are
fighting for their lives. It was a good experience for me and I think I'm a
stronger person and better player from it."

Was it great to be back at the Boleyn Ground?

MS: "Yeah, it's nice. I remember playing here in the Europa League at the
beginning of the season so it's good to be back here to get a game before it
is taken down. West Ham is where I want to be. It's a fantastic Club. This
season has been amazing for me, coming from Manchester City, barely playing
games, to where I am now. I can't believe it."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers trio enjoy Boleyn store signing
WHUFC.com

West Ham United supporters turned out in force at the Club's last ever
Official Stadium Store signing at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening to
meet Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang and Enner Valencia

With the opportunity to meet their heroes ahead of the U21's cup final match
against Hull, which the Dev Squad subsequently won 1-0, the stadium store
was heaving with excited Hammers, young and old.

Fans had the opportunity to get official merchandise signed and to pose for
photos with the first team trio.

Speaking after the event, Obiang explained: "It is always amazing to meet
some of our fans. The support for us in the final season at the Boleyn
Ground has been incredible and in my first season at the club, it has been
great to witness.

"It's nice to be able to spend some time with them and so we appreciate them
coming out to see us.

"You could see that with the number of people that came out and supported
that younger players in their cup final. It was nice to see the younger ones
in action and maybe next season some of those playing will be pushing for
places in the first team squad."

Local fan, Bobby, 11 from Hornchurch was delighted to get the opportunity to
meet the trio.

Bobby enthused: "It was brilliant to meet the players, they were so nice and
happy to sign things and to take photos. It's strange to be next to them
because normally, you only see them on the television or on the pitch and
you don't get a chance to be that close to them.

"I will look after the shirt they signed for me and look forward to showing
it off to all my friends."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ogbonna excited to face former club
WHUFC.com

Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna revealed his excitement to welcome former
club Juventus to London for the Club's first game in the new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The defender played for the Italian giants for two seasons before joining
Slaven Bilic's side last summer and was at the new Stadium when the friendly
fixture was announced.

Last season's Champions League finalists clinched the Serie A title for the
fifth consecutive campaign on Monday – their 32nd in total – and will be the
Hammers' first visitors to their new home on Sunday 7 August at 1pm.

Ogbonna, who won two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia while playing for the
Old Lady, cannot wait for the occasion.

He said: "I'm really excited. It's my old team Juventus and everything [here
at the Stadium] looks amazing. The pitch is amazing, I think our support
will be amazing and I'm so excited.

"It will be a massive crowd and it's very important for us to have this new
place waiting for us and I can't wait.

"For us, it's a big game and I hope it will be the first win for us in our
new ground as well!"

The 27-year-old played 55 times for Turin-based Juventus from 2013 to 2015
after he had spent the early years of his career playing in the city for
neighbours Torino having come through their youth ranks.

Capped by Italy at international level, Ogbonna has experience playing
alongside a number of the Juventus squad members, including Gianluigi
Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci.

On welcoming some of his former teammates to to east London, Ogbonna said:
"I'll be looking forward to seeing some old friends, why not!

"Step by step, hopefully we can play a lot of big clubs at the new Stadium
like Juventus very regularly. I wish for this season to end well as it has
been really great.

"We of course have to always look ahead to the next game but the Juventus
one will be massive so we are looking forward to it."

Tickets for the mouth-watering visit of Massimiliano Allegri's star-studded
UEFA Champions League regulars went on sale to 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders
at 12noon yesterday here.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers ahead in Lacazette race?
April 26, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette is back among the goals, after a slow start to
the season. The 24-year-old scored in Lyon's 3-2 win over Toulouse, and has
now scored 18 goals this season in Ligue 1. On Monday, French newspaper
L'Equipe said Tottenham, West Ham, and Atletico Madrid have positioned
themselves to sign the French international in the summer. That comes just a
few days after L'Equipe stated, on Friday, that both the English clubs had
already submitted bids for the player. L'Equipe reckon Lacazette will only
consider switching clubs in the summer if he is promised regular playing
time at his next destination, otherwise he doesn't mind staying for another
season in France.
West Ham could offer Lacazette regular playing time, but it's very unlikely
he'd be the first choice at Tottenham considering Harry Kane's performances,
except if they decide to play him wide, which he is capable of. Then again,
why would you buy a player best known for his main position as a striker,
not regarded as a forward who can slip between both equally well, and play
him on the wing? Lacazette also wouldn't be first choice at Atleti
considering his countryman Antoine Griezmann would be ahead of him there.
Both Tottenham and Atleti have the lure of Champions League football next
season, but West Ham's new ambitious era, good wages, and an almost
guaranteed starting spot may edge them ahead.
Lacazette has proven himself to be a regular goal scorer, and has managed
over 20 goals in each of the last three seasons and has become one of the
hottest striking targets in Europe over the last few transfer windows. The
French media reported that Newcastle United where close to clinching a deal
to sign him earlier this season for £22m.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic & Carroll escape punishment but Vardy cops it
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in News
C and H

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic and striker Andy Carroll will not be charged by
the Football Association over their comments about referee Jon Moss the FA
have confirmed. Bilic has been "reminded of his responsibilities" and
Carroll "warned as to his future conduct" after the duo criticised Moss
following the 2-2 draw with Leicester City on 17 April. Carroll said Moss
tried to "even things up" with the award of a late penalty. Bilic suggested
the referee had been "influenced" by the home crowd. Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy
will miss Leicester City's game at Manchester United after being hit with an
additional one-match ban by the Football Association. Vardy has also been
fined £10,000 after his attempts to avoid an extra suspension were thrown
out by an independent regulatory commission on Monday. Leicester City were
also charged with failing to control their players in their game with West
Ham.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Batshuayi sets his sights high
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 26, 2016 in News
C and H

Long time West Ham target Michy Batshuayi is understood to want Champions
League football should be be allowed to leave Marseille this summer. The
Irons, Spurs, , Juventus and Roma – are tracking the striker who has scored
19 goals in 43 appearances this term. And according to Press Association
Sport if Marseille agree to sell the playerhe will look for clubs involved
in the Champions League. West Ham can offer the prospect of home games at
the Olympic Stadium next season but we are struggling to qualify for
Europe's premier competition being eight points adrift of the top four.
Batshuayi moved to Marseille from Standard Liege in August 2014 and the
22-year-old feels a strong sense of gratitude so will not force a transfer
this summer but Marseille are 16th in Ligue 1, just five points above the
relegation places. According to reports in France, Marseille want the fee to
exceed the £24million they sold Didier Drogba to Chelsea for in 2004.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martin Samuelson stands out
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

Last night, I joined ten thousand fellow Hammers to brave the freezing
weather to cheer on the West Ham Academy boys in the Premier League U21 Cup
first leg at the Boleyn Ground under the famous lights. Premier League class
it was not, but Martin Samuelson stole the show and looked heads and
shoulders above everyone else on the pitch. His tricks and turns were
amazing and I can really see him having a great West Ham career in the
senior team soon. Honourable mentions go to Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen and
Sam Byram, all of which played against Hull City U21's last night. It is was
probably no surprise that the players with experience of playing in front of
big crowds shone out but in general, it was a lacklustre performance from
the development team. To be fair to Hull, they stopped the West Ham
youngsters playing their game plan and the Hammers became more and more
frustrated until Terry Westley made all three substitutions on 65 minutes.
The change paid off and on the 89th minute broke the dead-lock with a goal
from Djair Parfitt–Williams.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic watching winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 26, 2016 in News
C and H

It's no surprise to find Slaven Bilic being linked with another Turkish
player this morning – Gaziantepspor winger Orkan Cinar. The Irons boss is
continually reported to be maintaining a close watch on the Turkish market
but has yet to sign a single player from the country. However, Fanatik is
reporting that the Hammers boss has been alerted to 20 year-old Cinar's
progress and has had the youngster scouted. German-born, the midfielder
arrived at the Turkish club last year from SpVgg Greuther Fürth and has
scored three goals in 29 games. He is a former Wolfsburg junior. Turkish
sources are adamant Bilic wants to add Cinar to his squad for next season
but then they have been 'adamant' over other Turkish players apparently en
route to the Irons.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Question mark over this Hammer's future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham may be ready to consider bids for Pedro Obiang should a "sensible
offer" be made for the midfielder. The £4 million signing from Sampdoria has
struggled to hold down a regular place in the team this season amid regular
rumours that he could be on his way in the summer. Napoli and Palermo
continue to show an interest in the player who was brought into the club
before Slaven Bilic was made manager. Sources close to the player have told
ClaretandHugh that although the player is happy in London he is desperate to
get regular first team football but with the Hammers strengthening this
summer, things could even get harder for him. Obiang has buckled down to the
task of winning a place in the team very professionally after his agent Jose
Miguel Gonzalez commented publicly that he would consider a move if the
right offer came. And an offer which gives the Irons their money back on the
24 year old could well succeed when the transfer window opens.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burke is desperate to play for Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reece Burke was desperate to play for the West Ham development team on
Monday night in the Premier League U21 Cup final first leg at the Boleyn
Ground. The Hammers eventually took the lead in the 90 minute thanks to
Djair Parfitt–Williams.

During a post match press conference West Ham Academy Director, Terry
Westley revealed: "Burke was desperate to play tonight, he came down, he
travelled and trained with us (on) Sunday. They (Bradford) have two games
and they could be play off semi finals and playing at Wembley. To be fair to
Bradford, it was not the time to stick him in the team. He lives 200 yards
away from this stadium, he is a West Ham boy through and through and he
wanted one chance. He warmed up with the team but the risk of playing him
was too great. Bradford are getting 18,000 at home matches, they know what
it is like to try and win every week"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samulsen's future looks set
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hot Hammers prospect Martin Samuelsen is all set for a Championship loan
deal next season.

The club will take the advice of Peterborough United director of football
Barry Fry and loan the player out until the January transfer window.

Samuelsen has made great progress in league One like compatriot Reece Burke
at Bradford City and David Sullivan, David Gold, Slaven Bilic and
Development team chief Terry Westley have been pleased with the teenager's
development.

Fry had told ClaretandHugh that he believed this was the best way forward
several weeks ago and an insider told us this afternoon: "That is very much
the plan.

"Martin needs to man up and be thrown into really competitive football.
Barry was spot on with his assessment and that's the road the club is set to
go down next season.

"He could go out at the start of the season and come back toughened up and
ready for Premier League action even by January."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby Moore to be honoured
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Bobby Moore will be honoured with a blue English Heritage plaque 50 years on
from lifting the World Cup at Wembley.

The plaque will be installed in Waverley Gardens, Barking, will mark the
house where Moore grew up and where he still lived when he made his England
debut in 1962.

Prof Ronald Hutton, chair of the English Heritage Blue Plaques Panel, said:
"Since 1866, these modest but distinctive blue roundels have reminded us of
the people and places that made history. It's a roll-call that underlines
the wide range of talent who over the centuries have made London their
home."

Bobby was born Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore at Barking Hospital (then
known as Upney Hospital) on 12 April 1941, while an air raid was raging
outside. Bobby, an only child, lived with his parents Robert and Doris in
Waverley Gardens, Barking.

He attended Westbury Infants and Junior Schools, and was often seen
practising his soccer skills in Greatfields Park. He was captain of the
Barking Primary Schools football team that won the Crisp Shield, a
London-wide schools tournament.

In 1956 Bobby joined West Ham United's youth squad, and was to remain with
the club until 1974. He played 108 matches for England, 90 as captain. After
leading the victorious England team in 1966, Bobby was voted BBC Sports
Personality of the Year and the following year was appointed OBE.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer loses job after relegation
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former West Ham player, coach and caretaker manager, Kevin Keen has left his
position as Colchester United manager following their relegation from League
One.

The 49-year-old took charge last December, but did not achieve his first
league win until March.The team won only five out of 24 games under Keen and
relegation was confirmed by a defeat at the weekend

"After a meeting with the owner, Robbie Cowling over the future direction of
the club, Kevin Keen has decided to leave," a club statement said. "Kevin
has worked tirelessly to try and turn around the fortunes of the club this
season."

Keen began his career with Wycombe Wanderers before joining West Ham in
1983. He spent seven seasons with the "Hammers" making 219 appearances and
scoring 21 goals. He was twice promoted and twice relegated with the Irons.
He left for Wolves in 1993 after a poor contract offer by the then manager
Billy Bonds.

Keen2Keen rejoined West Ham in July 2002 as under-17 academy coach. He was
later appointed reserve team coach and became first-team coach in October
2006. Following the sacking of manager Alan Pardew in December 2006, he was
very briefly placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs until Alan
Curbishley was appointed two days later when he reverted to his previous
role as reserve team coach. He was formally announced as caretaker manager
on 3rd September 2008 after the resignation of manager Alan Curbishley. Keen
took charge of West Ham for one game only; a 3–2 away defeat to West Brom on
13th September 2008 before handing over the manager's role to Gianfranco
Zola. Keen was appointed again as caretaker-manager of West Ham, for their
last game of the 2010/2011 season, following the sacking of their previous
manager, Avram Grant on 15 May 2011.

After three spells as caretaker manager at West Ham, Keen left the club in
July 2011 to take up the role of first team coach at Liverpool.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers defender was "desperate" to play
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 26, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reece Burke was desperate to play for the West Ham development team on
Monday night in the Premier League U21 Cup final first leg at the Boleyn
Ground.

The Hammers eventually took the lead in the 90 minute thanks to Djair
Parfitt–Williams.

During a post match press conference West Ham Academy Director, Terry
Westley revealed: "Burke was desperate to play tonight, he came down, he
travelled and trained with us (on) Sunday. They (Bradford) have two games
and they could be play off semi finals and playing at Wembley.

"To be fair to Bradford, it was not the time to stick him in the team. He
lives 200 yards away from this stadium, he is a West Ham boy through and
through and he wanted one chance.

"He warmed up with the team but the risk of playing him was too great.
Bradford are getting 18,000 at home matches, they know what it is like to
try and win every week"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com