Daily WHUFC News - 29th April 2016

First and Last - Adrian
WHUFC.com

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

FIRSTS

What was the first car you ever owned?

"Before my first car I had a motorbike called a Gilera and I remember using
it because I used it to attend training when I was 17. Later when I got my
driving license I got a Citroen Xsara which belonged to my mum. She bought a
new one and let me have her car."

What was the first CD you bought?

"It was a flamenco group called El Barrio. They were important singers and a
typical flamenco group."

Who would be the first West Ham player you would vote off the X Factor?

"I would definitely say myself because I am a terrible singer. But if I had
to choose one of my team-mates I would have to say Manuel Lanzini because he
is just as bad as me!"

What was the first concert you went to in England?

"I went to see Beyonce in London at the O2 Arena. She was amazing and it was
a great concert."

When was the first time you knew you would make it as a professional player?

"I remember the moment and it was when I started training with the
first-team squad at Real Betis. I had been playing for the Under-21 side for
a few years and I was the third goalkeeper in the squad. But the first time
I went to train with the senior squad I knew that was the moment."

LASTS

Who is the last teammate you would want to be stuck in a lift with?

"I don't have anyone I dislike but before left in January would have been
Mauro Zarate with his bad jokes and sometimes bad stomach!"

When was the last time you saved a penalty?

"Against Watford at home, just last week – from Troy Deeney. That added to
my count, as I've now saved five in the Premier League since I joined the
Hammers!"

What was the last meal you cooked?

"Every time I go into the kitchen my wife tells me to go back and watch TV.
She is an unbelievable chef. If I do cook it is simple things like a pizza."

What was the last book you read?

"It was a book about being father of your first baby [as I have just
welcomed baby Enzo into the world]. There are lots of questions just for the
father. There are a lot of easy questions but when you are having your first
child you don't know too much about it and it was very interesting because I
am learning many things."

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Slaven Speaks - WBA
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was asked about refereeing decisions, the top-six race and
Aaron Cresswell's future

According to a national newspaper report, if 'bad refereeing decisions'
hadn't happened this season, your side would be second in the table…

"What can I say? On one hand it's nice to know we should or could have been
second in the table, but OK, here we are. The most important thing is that
we are playing good and we're very motivated for the last four games."

Do bad and good decisions even themselves out over the course of a season?

"According to that table, no they don't! I don't think they do, but it's
part of the game to be fair, and you will see that it's not only England –
it's everywhere. I read that Barcelona should have been awarded a penalty
and the referee said he'd made a mistake – it happens, and it's part of the
game unfortunately."

Is top four still your aim?

"Top four will be very hard for us. Mathematically, it's still there, but we
didn't approach that subject in that matter ten weeks ago or eight weeks
ago. We are still looking at it the same way, in that let's play against
West Brom and win that game and see where that will take us."

So, is the top six now a minimum?

"Yeah, it is a target. It's been a target for quite a while now. It wasn't a
target at the beginning. With four games to go, we have a gap, but we can't
afford not to win game or lose games. The top six is the one we're looking
for now. It will be hard, as we have four tough games – and Liverpool and
Southampton are playing well and picking up points – but we're on a good run
and we're fully motivated. If we continue to play how we have been, we have
a good chance.

If Manchester United win the FA Cup, there could be a safety net of another
Europa League place…

"Of course I would like to see them win it, because it would give us a bit
of a cushion. The good thing is that everything is in our hands, though. I'd
rather we did it ourselves that wait a week after the end of the season and
be a Man United fan!"

People will say West Brom will be on the beach, but they proved against
Spurs that wasn't the case.

"No, that's not the case. Teams are playing for pride, fans and themselves.
Once I played in Germany, and we had to win the last game to get to Europe.
We played a team that had been relegated in February or March and they beat
us 5-1! West Brom with Tony Pulis and the English mentality; we're expecting
them to play at their maximum. They are safe. West Brom it looks like
they've never been in trouble. That shows they have a good team and a great
manager."

Are there any new injuries in your squad?

"No, we have a full squad. We have done for a good period now. OK, one or
two were injured, but it's a big boost for us. The pitch is full of players
when we train, which is really good. I have to praise the players and also
the medical team who have done an excellent job."

Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a few big clubs – what's your view on
his situation?

"He's having a great season. Last year, he was Hammer of the Year. First of
all, he's a great professional and it's a privilege to have those kind of
players. He has improved a lot. On the ball, with his crosses and technique
he was always good and he is almost like a playmaker on the left side, but
defensively, he has improved tremendously and he has become a great player
and a great full-back. Of course, that attracts interest of so many clubs,
but I spoke to him, and first of all he's under contract, and secondly, he
is really happy here and he loves it here. He can't wait for the new season.
He is going to stay with us for a long time, hopefully."

Reece Burke won the Bradford City Player of the Year – is he someone you'll
look at for next season to play a part with the first team?

"I like Reece. He already played some friendlies and in Europe for us. He's
a very clever player. It was and still is part of the plan for a few to go
on loan, minimum one year, maybe two, for them to improve, and them to come
back with a clear situation. To say, you will play a part for West Ham and
be an important player for the squad. After that, we will decide if he's
going to do another year, and that has to be at least the Championship, or
he's going to stay with us. He will stay with us only if he has a good
chance to play."

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Former Player Memories
WHUFC.com

Former Hammers defender Christian Dailly made 191 appearances in Claret and
Blue over seven seasons for the Club, becoming a fans' favourite in the
process. He spoke to West Ham TV about playing every minute of the 2001/02
campaign and that goal against Ipswich in the 2004 play-off semi-final…

To be honest, every time I played a game [at the Boleyn Ground], it was a
privilege and a pleasure, when I think back. The Ipswich game is probably
the loudest night I've ever experienced in football and a few other people
also said that to me.

Other than that match, there were so many other great times as well. When I
look back, the whole thing was just a brilliant experience.

The Ipswich goal was a painful memory, though! I've looked back at it now
and again, and it was obviously worth it. The only thing was, I wish I could
have celebrated it a bit, that was the only thing, but I just couldn't! But
still, they were great memories.

I think all the games in general were always great. Some of the great
players you're playing against, and the great teams, mean there are
fantastic memories. The year we finished seventh in the Premier League,
playing every game, we had a fantastic home record, and hardly conceded a
goal. It was just a brilliant season.

We a very unusual number of big characters at one Club too, but the Club
seemed to attract that type. It was great to be part of that and one of
them.

It's brilliant to see the team doing so well now. I obviously keep a close
eye on the Hammers' results, and it's exciting. I think the crowd obviously
always want everyone to give their all for the Club, but you also want teams
to be exciting.

At times [in football] it has been a bit too boring. I understand it's a
results-based business, but I don't personally like that. There's a demand
on clubs like West Ham to have an exciting blend. You want to win the games
but you want to have the right types.

There are a few teams this year who have the right types in there that allow
other players to play. It's made it exciting to watch and West Ham have been
really exciting to watch this year.

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...

Hello everybody,

I am pleased to report that we have no injuries for the moment ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion.

Since my last update a week ago, we have won an important home match against
Watford and, from a medical point of view, we came through the game with no
serious injury concerns other than the usual bumps and bruises.

Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the Watford game. The
players then returned to training on Saturday and we have preparing for West
Brom.

On Monday evening, I joined many of the first-team players at the Barclays
U21 Premier League Cup final first leg at the Boleyn Ground, where we beat
Hull City 1-0. Let's hope we can complete the job at the KC Stadium next
week.

It was good for Sam Byram and Reece Oxford to get back in the match rhythm
by playing the full 90 minutes, and also encouraging to see Doneil Henry and
Stephen Hendrie in action.

We have four important matches to come over the next two-and-a-half weeks
and hopefully we can keep all players available.

That's all for now and, as we say in my home country of Belgium, no news is
often good news!

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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ExWHUEmployee Exclusive Column: Juventus to open New Stadium, Lacazette keen
on Hammers, Sakho back in frame
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee

So it has been announced we will play Juventus in the opening game of the
season. This is a great tie for us to open the stadium with. As someone who
has Italian blood I have always had a soft spot for Italian football. When I
grew up it was on channel four and I used to watch it religiously. Whilst I
would say AC Milan are my Italian team, it is still very exciting to see
another Italian great. It is no secret that Barcelona, Madrid and Munich
were all contacted but Juventus were the most enthusiastic and I cannot wait
to see this fixture.

There has been a lot of grumblings over the price of this fixture. The price
however includes the opening ceremony and again this is set to be pretty
spectacular. There is a real determination from the club to go out of The
Boleyn in style but yet enter a new era at the Olympic Stadium
spectacularly.

The Manchester United game is so close now and I cannot really believe it. I
am going to miss the stadium so much. I was lucky in my youth that I
regularly got to go to games and then go on the pitch after matches and that
excitement I had as a kid doing this is very hard to replace. The ground
holds such special memories for us all. Sky have recognised this and are
intending to do a whole day of hourly reports from the stadium on the last
day hosted by Jim White (the notorious yellow tie wearing transfer deadline
reporter), Tony Cottee and Tony Gale.

You will soon be able to buy your seat from the ground and I will certainly
be buying mine plus enter the auction for so many items that will go on sale
and will give you a piece of football history. I get sad thinking about our
move but when you see the Olympic Stadium and the conversion that is going
on you will see that it is the right move. The new stadium looks spectacular
and all the facilities that it has will make the transition worthwhile.

The club really want to have top quality players to play in the stadium and
already extensive work has gone in to finding us a new forward. We had
already lodged a number of bids and it is clear that Lazacette and Batshuayi
lead the way for the top targets.

The one problem we have is that with Euro 2016 in the summer both clubs may
hope their players"star" in the tournament and therefore raise their
transfer value.It is thought at this point that Lazacette has expressed a
strong interest in moving here. We have also made very strong moves for an
Argentinian forward (no it is not Tevez!) We have been linked with a number
of big name "injury" prone players. The club is determined to not go down
this route and they showed this stance by the fact that they closely
monitored Lanzini's recovery from injury before committing to buying
him.Therefore the continuous linking of Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal and
even more ludicrously (given how many centre backs we have) Vermaelen of
Barcelona are far fetched. These players do not represent value for money
and we would not risk it on injured players.We have looked at a number of
wingers too. These have been reported in our previous columns and we are
exploring the options of an experienced right back. We have been looking at
Europe and domestically and have identified a couple of targets here too.

It is good that Sakho is back playing with the squad and I actually thought
him and Carroll were superb against Watford. Sakho was made to apologise to
the whole of the squad on the training ground after the Arsenal"injury" and
this was accepted by the team. Sakho has been having some off field
difficulties and the club have taken this into consideration. I do not
expect to see Alex Song playing for the club again however. He will leave in
the summer with a number of clubs keen to sign him, although none of the
stature of his parent club, Barcelona. Victor Moses will go but the club are
determined to keep hold of Obiang. He has become a little frustrated by his
lack of regular first team action and has spoken with Bilic about this. It
is felt however that with Europe potentially on the horizon he would be
perfect for those games. Valencia is another who we would consider an offer
for,as I discussed in my column last week, there is interest from China,
Italy and Spain for the player. A few fringe players will also leave in the
summer; most notably Joey O'Brien, Elliot Lee, Jordan Brown, Mavilla and
Nasha. Reece Burke finds himself in a tricky situation.It is clear at the
moment with the four first team centre backs that we have and Reece Oxford
also emerging that he has a tough battle to get to the first team. After
winning Bradford's player of the season this year he is now attracting
interest from other clubs. We intend to loan him to a championship club and
we would like that club to be Bradford (if they get promoted). Reece is a
diehard West Ham fan and doesn't want to leave but is evaluating his next
move. The club hope he will go on loan for another year or so and then be
fighting for a first team place here.We will continue to search for top
young players to bring here.I was delighted to exclusively bring the news of
the signing of Domingos Quina in the week from Chelsea and there are two
more players that could be heading to the youth team before the end of the
season. These are two very talented individuals. Speaking of talented
youngster Samuelsen is back with us from his spell with Peterborough and
hoping to make the bench in the forthcoming fixtures as well as leading us
to victory in the cup final against Hull.

The site is moving forward rapidly and you are now reading our first ever
fanzine. Please make sure you continue to check this out and contact myself
for advertising both in this and on the website or offering other
contributions should you wish. We will have a special edition available for
the Manchester United game. Thank you to all the writers who have
contributed and I haven't been able to thank personally yet. Remember our
App is available to download and to follow us on snapchat, Facebook and
YouTube. We have a new website round the corner and another "unique" new
feature coming soon. I will be at the WBA game so I look forward to seeing
some of you up there and follow all the action on our Snap Chat.

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Barca interested in Lacazette?
April 28, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer

According to today's edition of L'Equipe, Barcelona are now interested in
acquiring Lacazette from Lyon. It's explained that Barcelona know they need
to buy someone as support to their their world class trio of forwards.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are thought to need more rest than they
currently get, and Luis Enrique is short of options. The manager wanted to
sign Nolito from Celta Vigo during the winter transfer window, but
Barcelona's tricky finances at the time scuppered it. Eric Abidal is said
to be important in any potential deal taking Lacazette to Barcelona, with
close links to everyone involved. The problem for Barcelona (apart from the
rather obvious point of Lyon wanting a big fee and Barcelona not wanting to
pay one) is said to be playing time, with Lacazette not keen on a supporting
role. At the end of their article, L'Equipe say: 'The Hammers have also
returned to the fray in recent days.'
L'Equipe had previously reported last week that West Ham had submitted a bid
for the Lyon Hitman. Coincidentally some Spanish media sources had stated
last week that West Ham where also interested in the Celta Vigo star,
Nolito.

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Bilic aiming for top six and Europe
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic has admitted that his aim for the remainder of this season is
to finish in the top six of the Premier League - and hopefully qualify for
Europe.

Bilic - whose team need just two points from their remaining four matches to
better West Ham United's record tally of 57 points from a 38-game season -
is hoping to become the first Irons boss to finish in the top six since
Harry Redknapp's 1988/99 squad finished fifth.

"Yes, it is a target - and it's been our target for quite a while now," he
said during a media briefing.

"It wasn't a target at the beginning of the season, but with four games to
go we have a little gap. We can't afford not to win game or lose games but
top six is what we're looking for now.

"It's going to be hard as we have four really tough games and both Liverpool
and Southampton are playing well and picking up points. But, we're unbeaten
in the Premier League for a while, on a good run and we are fully motivated.


"We're good and if we continue to play well in our last games, we have a
good chance."

West Ham will qualify for a Europe League spot should they end the season in
the top six. However a Manchester United win in next month's FA Cup Final
would result in an additional Euopean spot becoming available, due to the
Reds being on the verge of qualifying for Europe via their league position.

Bilic admitted that he would be backing Louis Van Gaal's side in next
month's Wembley showpiece as a result - even though he hopes to have
everything wrapped up by that point.

"I would like to see them win it because it would give us a bit of a
cushion," he added, when questioned on the subject.

"The good thing though is that everything is in our hands - and I would
rather we did it ourselves that have to wait until a week after the season
and wear red scarves and flags and be Man United fans!

"I don't want to talk about it like it's happened already, let's try to do
it first. That's all I can promise. It is in our hands but there's four
games to go and it can very easily slip out of our hands. But, it would be
great."

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West Ham host Show Racism the Red Card School Competition Awards
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 28/04/16 2:30pm
SSN

West Ham's Boleyn Ground played host to the 16th annual Show Racism the Red
Card (SRtRC) School Competition Awards Ceremony on Thursday. West Ham
full-back Sam Byram, former player Leroy Rosenior and joint-chairman David
Gold attended the ceremony, as well as PFA deputy chief executive Bobby
Barnes and Chelsea Ladies and England forward Gemma Davison. Run with
support from a number of organisations including the FA, PFA and the
National Union of Teachers, the School Competition Awards form part of Show
Racism the Red Card's 20th anniversary celebrations. Awards including
football shirts and prizes donated by football clubs and other organisations
were collected on the day by young people from all over the country, who
were selected as competition winners. Show Racism the Red Card chief
executive, Ged Grebby said: "We are thrilled that West Ham has agreed to
host the School Competition awards. This is a special year for both of the
organisations, it being SRtRC's 20th anniversary and West Ham United's final
year at their historic Boleyn Ground, ahead of their move to the Olympic
Stadium. "The competition sees thousands of young people take part annually
and it is a hard job for the judges to pick the winners from so many great
entries. This year there were some wonderfully original entries and we would
like to thank all of the teachers for promoting the competition in their
schools. "SRtRC would also like to congratulate all the winners of the 2016
School Competition on their achievement. This event is a fantastic example
of the hard work and commitment of thousands of young people and the
enthusiasm the SRtRC campaign inspires."
Funke Awoderu, equality manager at the Football Association said: ''The FA
is once again delighted to be sponsoring the Show Racism the Red Card School
Competition. The campaign provides a terrific platform for young people to
get involved in a creative and meaningful way.'' PFA chief executive Gordon
Taylor added: ''The PFA would like to congratulate all the entrants of the
Show Racism the Red Card Schools Competition. We are always delighted to
support the campaign in their vital work delivering key message around
diversity and inclusion using football and players as the delivery tool.''

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Slaven Bilic confident Aaron Cresswell will stay at West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 28/04/16 1:40pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic says Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and expects the
defender to remain at the club. Cresswell, who joined West Ham from Ipswich
Town in 2014, has recently been linked with a summer move away from the
Hammers, with Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly among the clubs
interested. The 26-year-old has four years left on his contract, with the
option of a further two years, and Bilic is confident he will be able to
call upon him next season at the Olympic Stadium. "Aaron Cresswell is
having a great season. He was Hammer of the Year last year, he's a great
professional and he's always available. He's great," he said. "He had a
great season last season, on the ball and with his crossing and technique.
He is almost a playmaker from defence. "Aaron improved defensively and is
almost a complete player now. He naturally became of interest to so many
good clubs. "I spoke to him. First, he is under contract and second, and
more importantly, he is really happy here and can't wait for the future."
Cresswell is likely to make his 44th appearance of the season on Saturday
when West Ham face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. West Ham are on
course to secure a place in Europe for next season and win over the Baggies
would see them leapfrog Manchester United into fifth spot. But Bilic is
taking nothing for granted and is expecting a tough encounter against Tony
Pulis' side, who are almost certain to be playing Premier League football
next season after passing the 40-point mark. "West Brom are not on the
beach. They are playing for pride, for their fans, for themselves," he
added. "Once, in Germany, we played the last game to go to Europe against a
team who had been relegated and they beat us 5-1!
"Make no mistake, especially with Tony Pulis in charge and the English
mentality, we are expecting they will play at their maximum. "They scored
44-45 per cent of their goals from the set pieces and they have a lot of
clean sheets and energy in transition. "They get four players in the box and
deliver quality. They are a good team and of course they are safe. They've
never been in trouble."

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Rio Ferdinand to play alongside brother Anton in England vs Germany
'legends' game at Upton Park
21:01, 28 APR 2016 UPDATED 21:01, 28 APR 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
The pair join a host of other big names as the two sides do battle on May 2
to mark the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions' World Cup win
The Mirror

Anton Ferdinand has become the latest name to join the star-studded line up
for the England vs Germany 'legends' game at Upton Park on May 2.
The former West Ham centre-half joins brother Rio in the England squad for
the match which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions'
World Cup win. Ferdinand, who still plays professionally in the Championship
with Reading, will line up alongside names such as Teddy Sheringham, David
James, Sol Campbell, Trevor Sinclair and Peter Bearsley. David Haye, Damien
Lewis, Mark Strong and Lee Mack are some of the celebrities that will also
take part in the match at the Boleyn Ground. Ray Winstone will lead the
Three Lions, who come up against a Germany side with no shortage of quality.
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will play, as will ex-Bayer
Leverkusen stars Oliver Neuville and Thomas Hitzlsperger. The match marks a
return to the East End for Ferdinand who played over 200 competitive games
for the club between 2003 and 2008.
Kick-off is at 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
Tickets are available by calling call 0871 091 1811 or visiting
www.whufcboxoffice.com .

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West Ham would be second were it not for errors by officials, claims former
referee's assistant
JAMES BENGE Wednesday 27 April 20166 comments
Evening Standard

West Ham would be second in the league were it not for refereeing errors,
according to a report by former assistant Glenn Turner. Recent weeks have
seen Slaven Bilic's side come out on the wrong side of a host of
controversial decisions from officials, including a goal from Manuel Lanzini
against Arsenal wrongly ruled offside and a last-minute penalty given
against Andy Carroll in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. After the 3-3 draw
with Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground earlier this month Bilic suggested his
side would be third if they had had the rub of the green but research from
you-are-the-ref.com claims that the Hammers should be even higher in the
table. Keith Hackett, a former top flight referee and head of Professional
Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), believes the intimidating confines of
Upton Park are pressuring referees into making the wrong calls: "I think
what might come into play is the fact that it's a pretty vociferous crowd.
"West Ham followers, they make the referee at times feel uncomfortable by
the very nature of their reaction to decisions, right or wrong. "However
the referee needs to focus and maintain concentration and I think some of
the decision makers when you look across the stats, need a kick up the rear!
I question whether there's a level of accountability that operates for
referees that are making major errors, they're still getting major
appointments."

This season has seen what you-are-the-ref.com believes to 84 key decisions
made incorrectly during the 333 Premier League matches prior to last
weekend's fixtures. These include incorrectly allowing or disallowing a
goal, awarding a penalty or failing to do so and failing to make the right
decision in a potential red card incident. Jon Moss, the referee at the
centre of Leicester's controversial clash with West Ham, was adjudged the
worst performing referee in the Premier League and Hackett is concerned
that too many of the league's top officials are struggling when the
spotlight is on them. He said: "I used to talk regularly with our referees
(when chief of PGMOL) and say to them 'we don't want a single error this
weekend' and we used to occasionally get one but our overall average was 1
in 10 games compared to now which is 1 in 4. "Some referees aren't capable
of managing big events. We all know that when Howard Webb, Mark Halsey
leaving prematurely, all these situations, they lost Phil Dowd, Lee Probert
and the quality hasn't been replaced."

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Exclusive: Galey bares his Boleyn soul
C and H

Tony Gale is preparing himself for one of the most emotional nights of his
life. He will be doubling up as one of the Hammers favourites during a
parade of the legends along with carrying out his Sky duties where he has
become a well respected analyst. And in an exclusive interview with
ClaretandHugh the former central defender said: "It's going to be one of the
most emotional nights ever – there won't be a dry eye in the house.
tgale"Over the last couple of weeks the absolute reality of the situation
has dawned on everybody and it's a hard one isn't it. Yes, I'm for the move
to the Olympic Stadium. It's an absolute must if we are going to compete at
the top with the big boys. "None of us a are silly. We all understand it but
unfortunately emotions and memories get in the way and the ida of leaving
the Boleyn is really pretty unbelievable."
He feels for those who have lived their lives in the area and are born and
bred and regrets the passing of "community" saying: "Some are now
millionaires and others are on the dole but when they return to the ground
they are what they have always been – Boleyn boys and girls. "After a
wonderful season we can leave with a flourish but it's still gong to be the
toghest all in the world for so many. I love that place heart and soul. I
had ten years at the club and lo ve the place. "The final night against
Manchester United is going to be hard, very hard – we will all have tears
flowing. That's for sure."

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No injuries so here's the team we want to see
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C abd H

Slaven Bilic is this week in a position for the first time in ages to pick
his first team. Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has
reported that "we have no injuries for the moment ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture at West Bromwich Albion." And barring any
accidents in training that means the boss will be able to show his hand at
West Brom where we can expect an attacking formation as the Irons continue
to mount their assault on Europe.
Vandenbroucke said: "Since my last update a week ago, we have won an
important home match against Watford and, from a medical point of view, we
came through the game with no serious injury concerns other than the usual
bumps and bruises.Everybody took two days off to rest immediately after the
Watford game. The players then returned to training on Saturday and we have
preparing for West Brom."
So the guessing game on Slav's selection start and here's the team we would
like to see:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Payet,
Carroll, Sakho

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Hammers on Cresswell rumour
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Speculation that Liverpool are keen to sign Aaron Cresswell this summer have
been killed off by West Ham. Rumours have been circulating for some time
that the Reds see the scouser as a summer target but short of an "absolutely
astronomical bid" there is zero interest inside Upton Park. Cresswell only
recently signed a new deal which sees him locked into a Hammers contract
until 2120 with another two year option both ways at the end of that. Kop
manager Jurgen Klopp has been impressed with the left back in the matches
between the two sides but the Hammers are totally disnitested in a bid. An
insider told ClaretandHugh: "We've read the stories but as both chaormn have
said on several occasions, we are no longer a selling club. "There is no
chance of Aaron moving anywhere. it would have to be an absolutely
astronomical bid for us to even look ."
Meanhile Cresswell himself is very happy at the club telling the London
Evening Standard: "It's going to be fantastic next season – once it's all
kitted out, I can't wait to see it," he told the London Evening Standard.
West Ham fans feel that Cresswell has been unlucky not to stake a claim for
a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016.

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Hammers waiting game on striker targets
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in Fans Forum, News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham will move in seriously on their striker targets once the season
comes to an end. Although the club has identified four serious players they
are unable to process any moves whilst the season is is still underway. We
understand that Christian Benteke = although unlikely – has not been 100 per
cent discarded. And both Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuay are strongly
fancied although a source close to the club added that there are three other
names on the short list which has been whittled down from 12 over recent
weeks. We were told that fans need not expect any serious developments until
the season comes to an end. ClaretandHugh was told by a senior club insider:
"We know the supporters are desperate for news and obviously we have plans
in place but nothing will happen until the end of the season. Agents and
clubs quite understandably don't want to lower the form of players by
putting thoughts of transfers into their heads. "

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Police advice ahead of Hawthorns clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Midlands Police have posted advice to West Ham Supporters on social
media ahead of West Ham's match with West Brom on Saturday afternoon. The
Force's Football Unit have posted advice for those travelling and attending
the match. "West Bromwich Albion v West Ham, 25,000 are expected with West
Ham having sold their full allocation of 2,700, have a good day." "Coaches
and minibuses can park for free in Middlemore Road, plenty of car parks
along Birmingham Road for private vehicles" "If your travelling by train to
the the match it is best to drink in Birmingham town centre and then on the
Heavy rail or Metro to the Hawthorns stadium" "If your going for a drink
near the ground away supporters are welcome at the Royal Oak Holyhead Rd
,which is the nearest pub to the ground." "You can also get a drink at the
Fan Zone or inside the stadium ,have a safe journey and see you there."
"Than You"

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Pulis gives his Hammers opinion
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Tony Pulis has told Slaven Bilic he is the success story of the season. The
West Brom boss pits his wits against Super Slav at the Hawthorns on Saturday
knowing he's in for one of the toughest battles of the season. Speaking
exclusively to CandH he said: "What a team West Ham have become under Slaven
– who apart from being a great manager – is a terrific man. He has real
quality – a very good person indeed. "He has produced exactly the right mix
at the club – great players playing terrific football in front of a crowd
who obviously think the world of him. "If I'm honest I really didn't expect
him to be so successful in his first season – his has been a fantastic
achievement."
Pulis claims that the squad assembled is quite extraordinary with Dimi Payet
taking the club to a different level declaring: "It was a fantastic summer
for them and he has been one of the players of the season. "Mind you Michail
Antonio has been brilliant and represents a real handful to us or anyone
else. This is going to be an incredibly difficult game for us – they have
become a great team."

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An evening with Alvin Martin
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammer, Alvin Martin, will be hosting a live TV screening of West Ham
v Manchester United on Tuesday 10th May at Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket,
London.

The event is designed for Hammers who have been unable to purchase a final
ticket for the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground.

Alvin will host a Q&A session and pose with fans for photographs and sign
autographs.

Although invited to the last game at the Boleyn Ground by the club, Alvin
told Claret and Hugh, this afternoon that his last ever game at the Boleyn
was earlier this month during the recent 3-3 draw with Arsenal. Asked for
his favourite Boleyn Ground memory he chose the first time he stepped out to
a packed Boleyn ground against Coventry describing as a 'Wonderful feeling'
Alvin added "This is the best squad since 1986, Bilic is the real deal and I
said it WHEN he was appointed!"

Venue:
VIP LOUNGE
Rileys Sports Bar, Haymarket, London
Date: Tuesday 10 May 2016
Drinks Reception: 6pm / Buffet: 6.45pm
Kick off: 7.45pm
Cash Bar
ONLY £60.00 per person !!!
includes signed photograph & buffet
(Limited to 100 tickets only)
Sponsorship / Groups / Individual Tickets

To book contact us at info@eclipsesports.co.uk

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Actually, this is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season…
By James Jones - Apr 28, 2016 0
WestHamWorld.co.uk

Earlier this week we published an article that questioned whether the
decision to play our last ever game at the Boleyn Ground on a weeknight
rather than a weekend was the biggest injustice to our season – you can read
that here. But we think we may have found an ever bigger injustice to what
is already a historic season, but could have also been the club's most
successful in its history. We all know how much we've been robbed of
refereeing decisions over the past few months. The penalty that never was at
Old Trafford, the penalty that should've been a free-kick at Chelsea,
Kouyate's red card for a fair tackle against Palace, Lanzini's offside goal
against Arsenal that was onside… the list goes on and on and on and on. It
has cost us points. Points that perhaps wouldn't have meant a great deal had
we been competing in mid-table. Instead, these incompetent decisions from
referees this season may have in-fact cost us a place in the Champions
League next season. We're currently eight points off fourth place with four
games to play, but had referees done their jobs properly we'd actually be
second and eight points clear of fifth – just one win away from
mathematically securing our place in the biggest club competition in the
world. Instead, we're now hoping teams above us drop points while we cling
on to a place in the top six. Have a look at the league table below – this
really is the biggest injustice to West Ham's historic season. And how much
has it cost us in potential income?

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Slaven Bilic insists Aaron Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay for
'a long time' despite interest from Liverpool
West Ham United news: Click here for all the latest from Upton Park
Aaron Cresswell has become a key player for West Ham this season
The full back's performances have attracted interest from Liverpool
But Slaven Bilic has said Cresswell is happy at West Ham and will stay
Bilic sees the 26-year-old defender having a long career with the Hammers
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:17, 28 April 2016 | UPDATED: 12:30, 28 April 2016

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic defiantly insists Aaron Cresswell will not be
going anywhere this summer despite interest from Liverpool. The Hammers
manager acknowledged the defender's 'great season' had inevitably attracted
interest from higher-profile clubs but insisted Cresswell is 'really happy'
at Upton Park. Speaking ahead of Saturday's visit to West Bromwich Albion,
which could see his side take another step towards a Europa League place,
Bilic said: 'He is having a great season. 'Last year he was Hammer of the
Year and, first of all, he is a great professional and it is great to have
him and those kind of players. He's played every game this season, he's
maybe missed one. He is great. 'He has improved a lot and he has had a great
season on the ball, with his crosses and with his skill and technique. He's
almost a playmaker on the left side of the defence but defensively he has
improved tremendously. 'So he has become a great full-back and a complete
footballer. So he naturally gets the interest of so many big clubs, bigger
clubs - though I don't agree they're bigger clubs. 'I spoke to him. First
he is under contract. Second, more important than the length of the
contract, is that he is really happy here, he loves it here and he can't
wait for the new season. Those clubs can try to talk to him but I spoke to
him a couple of times, he is very happy and he is going to stay with us for
a long time.' Cresswell, 26, was signed from Ipswich Town for £3.75m in 2014
and has developed into an indispensable part of the Hammers squad. He has
missed just one Premier League match this season, playing 43 games across
all competitions. West Ham are currently sixth in the Premier League and on
course for Europa League football. They have home matches against Swansea
and Manchester United after their visit to The Hawthorns and conclude their
season at Stoke. On their top six ambitions, Bilic added: 'It is a target
and it has been a target for quite a while now. We have a bit of a gap but
we can't afford to lose games. 'The top six is where we are looking for now.
It's going to be hard, we have Liverpool and Southampton there [in seventh
and eighth]. 'But we are unbeaten in a long time, we have had a good run and
we are fully motivated. If we continue to play like we play, we have a good
chance.' Bilic also praised youngster Reece Burke, who was named Bradford
City's Player of the Season after impressing during his loan spell with the
League One club. The Croatian manager raised the prospect of 21-year-old
Burke becoming part of the Hammers squad next season or potentially going on
loan to a Championship side. He said: 'I like Reece, he already played in
some friendlies and in Europe for us. He is a very clever player and has a
great stature. He is very smart and I like him a lot. 'It is part of the
plan for him and them - we have a few promising players - to go on loan for
a minimum of two seasons. After one season or two seasons, to come back with
a clear situation - either be an important member of the squad or go
somewhere else. 'If he's going to do another year, it has to be at least
Championship or if he stays with us, we'll see if he has got a good chance
to play and not only to train.'

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