Daily WHUFC News - 6th April 2016

Manning delighted with last minute winner
WHUFC.com

Reflecting on Idris Kanu's last gasp winner which saw the Development Squad leapfrog Stoke City, Academy coach Liam Manning said his side deserved the victory. The young Hammers put in a terrific performance against the Potters, yet it looked as though they would have to settle for a point before 16-year-old substitute Idris Kanu confidently despatched his penalty past Shay Given to seal a 1-0 win. Speaking after the game, Manning said: "I thought we were terrific tonight to be fair. We kept our concentration against a difficult team, who were very organised but we kept our discipline well and they really stuck to what we asked of them. As a result, they got the result they deserved in the end. "When we look at the stats tomorrow, I think the stats will back our belief that we controlled the game, we had a huge amount of possession but it was nice to see us in good habits during a difficult game. Sometimes you can force things or take too many touches but we kept our discipline and dominated start to end really."

In just his second ever appearance for the Development Squad, young striker Kanu volunteered himself for the pressure spot kick having only been on the field a matter of minutes. Manning continued to praise the youngster's confidence: "Idris showed great character to take the penalty, especially against Shay Given, a goalkeeper who has had a terrific career. It says a lot about the lad's character that as an U16 he took the penalty and took that responsibility."

The victory has seriously strengthened the Hammer's claim for a play-off spot, now lying fourth in the table with a final game away at Aston Villa, Manning is targeting a successful end to the season. He continued: "It has been a good season, in the cup and the league. We now go to Aston Villa next Monday and hopefully get the job done then focus on the cup final. "We can take massive amounts of confidence from a result like this and it brings the group together. We work hard together every day and it's nice to the results there for all to see."

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Antonio - Concede free-kicks and be punished!
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio says Dimitri Payet will continue to 'punish' teams if they keep conceding free-kicks to West Ham United around their own penalty area. The No30 watched in awe as Payet scored yet another stunning set piece against Crystal Palace on Saturday, sending a wickedly dipping effort over a seven-man wall and past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey via the underside of the crossbar. Antonio, who also saw the Frenchman bag direct-free kicks at Bournemouth, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United, as well as a 37-yard effort for France last week, says Payet has a natural ability to score from any dead-ball situation. "He doesn't really practice them, to be honest!" Antonio smiled. "I'd say that he just saves them for games - that kind of thing! You can see in the games that he has got it in the bag all the time. "He did it away with France against Russia and he did it again on Saturday, so it's just one of those things that you can't give us free-kicks because he will punish you!"

Antonio himself continues to punish opponents too, albeit from his new and unaccustomed position at right-back. The 26-year-old was involved at both ends of the pitch in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Palace, sending over the cross that led to Manuel Lanzini's equaliser, while also being embroiled in a game-long duel with lively Eagles wingers Bacary Sako and Yannick Bolasie.
"They have got players like Sako and Bolasie so it was a real challenge for me on Saturday, definitely," he revealed. "They're all decent, strong and have skill and it was a challenge for.
"I was pleased to be involved in another goal, with my cross to the back stick being headed down by Sakho for Manu to score."

While Payet's outstanding goal caught the eye, it was the controversial sending-off of Cheikhou Kouyate midway through the second half that was the major talking point. West Ham were leading 2-1 at the time, but the ten men were unable to hold out, conceding an equaliser to Palace substitute Dwight Gayle and losing ground in the place for a top-four finish in the process. However, with third-place Arsenal to visit east London on Saturday lunchtime, Antonio says West Ham still have a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League in their sights.
"There was definitely a sense of frustration because we went out there to get the three points and it was disappointing that we didn't manage to get them," he explained. "It's just part and parcel of football [going down to ten men] and we just didn't manage to dig in and keep it at 2-1. We just need to concentrate on the next game and get the three points there. "It was just one of those things that Cheik got sent-off, but we we're just going to keep our heads up because we still got a point and we're still moving forward and will get the three points from the next game. "We could definitely have put the game to bed as we had quite a few opportunities in the first half which we didn't take and we got punished. "Going down to ten men was just one of those moments where we sat back and tried to hold onto our lead, which we didn't manage to do. We've got Arsenal at home next week and we'll look to push on. "Drawing on Saturday definitely does not end our hopes of finishing in the top four. It's just one of those things that we have to concentrate on ourselves, doing what we can do and making sure we get points where we can."

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The Big Interview - Dimitri Payet (Part One)
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is loving life at West Ham United and is now producing the best football of his career. The French superstar has become a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground this season and has been one of the the star performers in his first year in the Premier League. Payet has shown his quality throughout the season and is now regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the world after scoring another wonder goal against Crystal Palace last weekend. In Part One of our exclusive interview with West Ham TV, Payet talks about his memorable free-kicks over the last few months and reveals the strong character which has made him the player he is today.

Only one place to start. The West Ham fans were once again treated to another piece of magical skill when you scored a superb free-kick against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Can you quite believe you are scoring these amazing set-pieces at the moment?

DP: "I am enjoying a very good period at the moment in terms of free-kicks. I am full of confidence and that allows me to try out these new things. "The ball seems to be going in at the moment which is great for all of us."

Against Bournemouth, Blackburn, Manchester United and for France against Russia last week you put the ball to the left of the keeper but against Crystal Palace you decided to put the ball in the opposite corner. What made you decide to do that?

DP: "I was quite lucky against Palace as I did have one free-kick earlier in the game then went over but I saw that the keeper had moved slightly over to the other side so when I had another free-kick I decided to slightly change it and that was a good choice."

We have a video from a supporter behind the goal which shows how the ball dipped and curled into the top corner. How did you manage to do that?

DP: "I didn't specifically hit it trying to get that effect on the ball, but I did hit the ball very hard and knew if the keeper had moved over to the other side he would not have time to get back. "But I must say I was surprised by how the ball travelled and usually I can tell when I hit the ball if it is going to go in and I can sometimes celebrate before hand, but with this one I thought it was initially going over but it then dropped in."

We have seen plenty of your celebrations following the Palace goal and you have posted one on your Instagram account. Why did that goal mean so much to you?

DP: "I was very happy with the goal. It has been a while since I last scored at home and I really wanted to celebrate with the fans. "It also put us into a 2-1 lead and that is why I wanted to celebrate with the home supporters."

Out of the free-kicks you have scored this season do you have a favourite this season?

DP: "Well my favourite goal would have to be for France against Russia as it was particularly special because it was my birthday and it was also the furthest out on the pitch. "The trajectory of the ball was similar to the one I scored against Manchester United and I think it was a beautiful goal."

Do you practise free-kicks?

DP: "I worked very hard on taking them earlier in the season up until the Bournemouth game when I scored. "Since that game I have not been practising as I have been happy with the way I am hitting the ball so I am carrying on with that technique and now I just take a few before each game when I am warming up."

When you were growing up on the island of Reunion how often did you use to play with the ball and were you out playing football every day after school?

DP: "It wasn't just after school. I was also playing football at school as well and any chance I would get to play at the break time we would get a ball and play with friends. "Before school if possible we play as well. Sometimes we would get told off for playing too much!"

You have talked about being laid back. How much is that from your upbringing and being brought up on an island?

DP: "We have the beach and La Reunion is an island. The sun shines all year round which makes life fantastic and makes the people quite cool.
"Everyone enjoys life over there. We have a very strong character and a very strong feeling of motivation for people to achieve what they want to achieve."

That strong feeling that you talk about, with what happened to you when you moved to France at the start of your career, do you think that made you the player and person that you are today?

DP: "Of course having a strong character has helped me. For me I find it very hard to swallow failure and that is why I have worked so hard to get over the moments of failure I have had. "That is something I have done throughout my career and will be something I will continue to do."

When you played at Lille and Marseille and were featuring alongside players such as Hazard and Ayew, do you feel that has made you the player that you are today?

DP: "Well of course those players have helped me and I have been helped by the top players at all the clubs I have played for. "When you are playing with such good players it does make things easier but I also feel that you can learn new things at all ages and at all times from the younger and older players. "That is what football is all about - getting the best out of everyone and working hard."

You are playing at the top of your game and are one of the best players in the Premier League at the moment. Do you feel you are showing your maturity and producing your best form?

DP: "I would say that I have been consistent and I have carried on my form from Marseille last season. "My maturity has helped me see things differently at the age of 29 and this has been the best season of my career so far."

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Brooking and Bonds to be honoured
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will honour two of the Club's greatest-ever players at Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Arsenal.

Brooking and Bonds will lead the celebrations as the Hammers mark the 1970s at a match themed as part of the historic Farewell Boleyn season.

The two legends will be joined by their families and a host of stars from the decade which saw West Ham win a second FA Cup, reach the European Cup Winners' Cup final for a second time and play some truly irresistible football.

Fellow 1975 FA Cup winners Alan Taylor, Kevin Lock and Bobby Gould will be in attendance, as will Hammer of the Year winners Phil Parkes and Alvin Martin.

Midfielder and future manager Alan Curbishley, striker Derek Hales and defender Mick McGiven will also be in attendance, while Academy of Football graduates Trevor Hartley and Bobby Howe are both flying in from their homes in the United States to pay a personal farewell to the Boleyn Ground.

The presence of Brooking and Bonds, who recently combined as honorary joint-managers at Mark Noble's Testimonial match, is sure to excite West Ham supporters of all ages.

England midfielder and inspirational captain combined to play 1,442 first-team matches in Claret and Blue, with the duo both playing a starring role as West Ham lifted the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980.

Capped 49 times by England, Academy graduate Brooking was voted Hammer of the Year five times during a storied 18-year career in a West Ham shirt, highlighted by his winning goal in the 1980 FA Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley.

He later returned to the Club as a caretaker-manager in the 2000s, having previously enjoyed a successful media career, and has since filled administrative roles with the Football Association and Sport England.

Brooking was presented with the Club's second-ever Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 - the year after long-time teammate and friend Bonds was awarded the same accolade.

An-action midfielder or full-back, Bonds arrived from Charlton Athletic as a 20-year-old in 1967 - the same year in which Brooking made his debut - and went on to become the Club's all-time record appearance-maker with 799.

An immense physical specimen, Bonds kept himself in amazing condition throughout a 21-year career with the Hammers, which culminated in a final appearance against Southampton at the age of 41 in April 1988.

After being made an MBE, Bonds managed West Ham for four seasons, winning promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the Club's history in 1993.

Both men are rightly held in the highest possible esteem by West Ham fans and Saturday's visit of Arsenal - the team they tasted victory against at Wembley 36 years ago - will give everyone associated with the Club a chance to personally thank them for their unforgettable contribution to Hammers and Boleyn Ground history.

*Share your memories, photos and stories about Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds on Twitter using the hashtag #BnB.

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Dev Squad striker joins Ipswich on trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Jordan Brown has joined Championship club Ipswich Town on trial with view to a permanent contract. The 19-year-old striker, who joined West Ham in the summer of 2013 after snubbing a new contract offer from Arsenal is understood to have been told he has no future at West Ham. And TWTD report that he has joined the Tractor Boys on trial, ahead of hopefully securing a fixed-term contract. Brown - who has spent the last year with Terry Westley's Development Squad having graduated from the Under 18s - featured for Ipswich's Under 21s as an unnamed trialist in the club's 2-1 win at 2016 Johnstone's Paint Trophy winners Barnsley on Monday night. Ironically perhaps, his only hat-trick for the Hammers this season came in a Development Squad victory against Ipswich last November (which you may see below).

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Whoops! So happy to be wrong
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Paul Walker

Well you could have knocked me down with a feather. The FA have overturned Cheikhou Kouyate's red card and I could not be happier. In fact I cannot think of a time I have ever been so pleased to be wrong! There are some explanations many top referees - Mark Clattenburg for one - will need after our midfielder won his appeal against the dismissal that cost us victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. But for now, just celebrate that for once the much-maligned FA have come down in our favour over something. It's about time.

I knew when I opened my mouth on Monday to dare to suggest that the red card fitted into FA regulations, and I couldn't see any grounds for an appeal, that I would get it in the neck. Referees, though, will want to see the fine print of this decision. I also knew that I would upset 99.9 per cent of the West Ham nation with my piece. I was not surprised, though, that many people who commented only read what they wanted to read from my article. I did not in any way suggest there was a comparison between Kouyate's challenge and James McCarthy's wicked assault on Dimitri Payet back in November. I only pointed out that the connection, fleetingly, was that both challenges had an element of two feet off the ground. That, although ignored by the referee for the Everton game, is the trigger for a red card. Sky's Dermot Gallagher went as far as to say that the connection between Kouyate and Dwight Gayle was a red card, adding that is what top referees are taught as soon as they get anywhere near the top flight. But that we have been successful in our appeal is probably due to the fact that when Kouyate got to Gayle, one of his feet was firmly on the ground and there were no studs showing. I couldn't be more pleased for him. He has been magnificent this season, the heart and engine room of our side, and as close to Payet for Hammer of the Year as it is possible to get. He'll just have to start taking ridiculously-tough free kicks to get himself ahead.

And it was about time we had some luck. Everything has gone against us of late. And don't forget now that we have overturned four red cards in 14 months. Something for the FA and referees panel to think about there. We now can say, of course, that the (non) penalty conceded at Chelsea cost us two points. And the week later, Kouyate's red card cost us a goal - scored less than ten minutes after - and two more points lost. Just look where we would be with those four points to our name. And look where we would be if Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final equaliser had been ruled out, as it should have been! If these misfortunes do not fire up our team for the next three games - against Arsenal, the Man Utd replay and then Leicester - then nothing will. It should be an incentive, a siege mentality really, to give us the end of season this club deserves. Welcome back Cheikhou, It's like you had never been away. So great to be wrong, isn't it? So can I come back from Australia now?!

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Kouyate red card overturned
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th April 2016
By: Staff Writer

Cheikhou Kouyate's dismissal against Crystal Palace has been rescinded by the Football Association. West Ham's combative midfielder was sent off midway through the second half of West Ham's Premier League encounter with the Eagles on Saturday, with Slaven Bilic's side leading 2-1. But the FA announced this afternoon that having reviewed the decision, Mark Clattenburg's ruling was to be overturned. "An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Tuesday 5 April 2016] upheld a wrongful dismissal claim in relation to West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate," read a statement on the FA's website. "The player, who was dismissed for serious foul play during the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday [2 April 2016], will therefore not serve any suspension."
It is the second time in recent weeks that Kouyate has had a red card overturned upon appeal, following his dismissal against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup back in February. The midfielder, who was set to miss the next three matches - against Arsenal, Manchester United (FA Cup replay) and Leicester City - is now available for selection once again.

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West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has red card overturned
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 05/04/16 2:48pm
SSN

The controversial red card issued to West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace has been overturned by the FA. The club's appeal of wrongful dismissal was upheld so Kouyate will not serve a three-match suspension and will be available for Saturday's London derby against Arsenal. Kouyate was given a straight red card by Mark Clattenburg in the 67th minute of Saturday's game for a sliding challenge on Palace forward Dwight Gayle. West Ham were leading 2-1 at the time but Gayle equalised for Palace eight minutes later and the Hammers dropped two valuable points in their quest for a top-four finish. After the game, West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "Disappointing decision by Mark Clattenburg to red card Kouyate which we will be appealing. We must give referees more TV replay help."

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Rio Ferdinand to captain England legends in Germany clash to mark 50th anniversary of 1966 World Cup
16:59, 5 APR 2016 UPDATED 17:02, 5 APR 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The old rivals will meet at Upton Park on May 2, 50 years after the famous final, with some familiar faces from football, film and television taking part
The Mirror

Rio Ferdinand is set to captain an England legends side against Germany at Upton Park next month. The old rivals will meet at West Ham's ground on May 2 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final. And Ferdinand , who won 81 caps for his country, will lead out a star-studded line up for the mouth-watering clash. The likes of Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell and Robbie Fowler will all pull on the Three Lions strip again.
Germany meanwhile will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack. Former West Ham players Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham, David James and Trevor Sinclair will also return to Upton Park. A host of celebrities are also set to take part, including lifelong Hammer Ray Winstone, who will be England's assistant boss. Tickets for the match are priced at £20 for adults, £10 for those over the age of 65 or under 21, and £5 for Under 16s - with season-ticket holders taking priority before a general sale period. West Ham are in action on home soil five days later as they face Swansea in their penultimate fixture at Upton Park. Manchester United are set to be the last ever visitors to the famous stadium on May 10.

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Diafra Sakho goes AWOL
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Diafra Sakho has pulled out of a planned event at the club store in Lakeside at 2.30pm this afternoon for reasons unknown. The club were forced the post a tweet on their official twitter account after the event had already started saying:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances Diafra Sakho is unable to attend today's Lakeside Store appearance. The Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused. Sam Byram currently meeting fans at the Store "

Hammers supporters questioned what the unforeseen circumstances could be with that would cause the Hammers striker to go AWOL today but theories on social media ranged from suffering a fresh injury, crashing his silver Lamborghini supercar again like he did in January or that he had been arrested again like last year.

All of those theories are pure speculation by the fans of course, so let's hope there is an innocent answer like he just forgot and it doesn't affect his chances of making the squad against Arsenal on Saturday.

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Martinez nears West Ham announcement
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Antonio Martinez is nearing his announcement as the latest signing for West Ham. The 18-year-old starlet from Valencia, who has scored 100 goals in the last four seasons can be seen here at West Ham posing with a young fan.

The news should come as little surprise after West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan confirmed as much to Claret and Hugh five days ago. Speaking exclusively to the site he told us "Yes, I can confirm he will sign in the next 7 days. There is a large fee if the player is success and a small one of he's not. He's one for the future. Hopefully he can be on the fringes of the first team within a year."

Reports from Spain claim the Hammers will pay an initial fee of up to one million Euros which could rise to 3 million Euros on certain performance factors which corresponds closely to what we have been told. Martinez has starred in Valencia's youth teams for the past few years, but it is said he has grown tired over his lack of first-team opportunities. The contract is thought to include a sell on clause.

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Kouyate relief but Irons wonder what's going on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Top West Ham insiders were left relieved but puzzled when Cheik Kouyate's sending off against Crystal Palace was turned over by the Football Association this afternoon (Tues).

The immediate reaction from on of our top insider was "Thank God for that but you have to wonder what's going on don't you?

"We have now had three red cards rescinded on appeal - two for Cheik and another for the skipper Mark Noble when sent off against Liverpool.

"When you appeal three times and win every one it tells us something doesn't it and it's not great."

Another well placed source said: " It was Mark Clattenburg who was responsible for the soft sending off of Dwight Gayle in the Hammers 3-1 in at Selhurst Park last October. It's a bit thought provoking that there's another one at Upton Park isn't it?"

Some believed that the FA may take the view that Cheik was becoming a serial 'offender' following his second appearance before an FA appeal panel since February.

But our best source said: " Justice was done and we are pleased. It was never a red card and the decision to show red was universally criticised."

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Further details of new OS wrap revealed
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 4, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Detailed planning permission and diagrams for the new Olympic Stadium wrap have now been published by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The planning documentation reveals the wrap may not be completed until 1st August this year, just days before West Ham kick off their new Premier League season.

The new naming rights sponsor of the stadium will have prominent placing of their brand around the wrap but West Ham's new crest and club colours will be heavily incorporated too in the design using the London Olympic 2012 shard pattern which is also utilised in the stadium's seating. The new design is mostly a fabric wrap with external lighting illuminating two-thirds of it. It has one giant TV screen which is a massive 83 metres long and 12 metres high which will take up 10% of the stadium wrap circumstance. The West side of the stadium will have no external lighting and one part of the stadium will have no wrap what so ever. The fabric panels have a life span of five years so will need to be replaced frequently during the Hammer's 99 year rental agreement with E20 Stadium LLP.

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The price of Payet revealed!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Any club wanting to get Dimi Payet out of West Ham will need to find a MINIMUM fee of £50 million a year whilst offering the player £200,000 a week over four years. Although the suggestion that Real Madrid and Barcelona could be locked in a tug of war for Dimi this summer has only been raised by the unreliable Brentwood Gazette today, the story prompted CandH to get a realistic assessment of the player's worth to the Irons from club contacts and sources.
Payet signed a new deal worth around £125k a week just a few weeks ago but that hasn't stopped widespread speculation that a mega money club could move in this summer on the back of his amazing season at the Boleyn. However,we can reveal with complete authority that the Hammers have received no inquiries for him and we were told: "He is central to the manager's plans in every respect. He's the difference to staying up, reaching the European positions and playing the football we all want here." Having said all that nobody inside West Ham is kidding themselves that a hugely unwelcome bid could be made and they won't look both ways by using the well worn double talk - "he's not for sale" in the same breath as saying "every player has his price."
And although he is 29 years old, there is a general agreement that any offer would need to be at or in excess of £50 million whilst the player would want £10 million a year (£200k) a week to make it worth his while to move on, We were told: "They are the sort of figures involved but £50 million is a minimum - he is far more valuable to us than he probably would be t another club. We will make it as impossible as we can for any club to entertain our figures but there has been no interest and we don't want any"
Such MINIMUM figures would bring the deal for any other buying club to around £90 million for a 29 year old with no sell-on value of significance at the end of it. Anything other than a Champions League success would be unlikely to merit such an outlay and the Irons are confident that they have clinched a deal with Dimi which will keep him here until the end of his career.

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West Ham appeal Cheikhou Kouyate red card: Midfielder could face Arsenal
GIUSEPPE MURO
Evening Standard

West Ham have appealed Cheikhou Kouyate's red card against Crystal Palace, meaning the midfielder could be available to face Arsenal on Saturday. Kouyate was shown a straight red card by referee Mark Clattenburg for a challenge on Dwight Gayle and faces a three-match ban. But West Ham have now lodged an appeal with the FA, which could overturn the suspension and make him available to face Arsenal. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic initially said he would not appeal against the decision and said he was "fed up" with incorrect calls against his players. West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "Disappointing decision by Mark Clattenburg to red card Kouyate, which we will be appealing. We must give referees more TV replay help."
Palace manager Alan Pardew also suggested after the 2-2 draw that Clattenburg might have it wrong. Bilic did not even feel the challenge was worthy of a yellow card. He said: "Will we appeal? I am fed up with appealing. But make no mistake, I am very disappointed. This is the fourth time that this has happened."

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West Ham's Chiekhou Kouyate wrongful dismissal upheld
www.thefa.com
By FA Staff
05 Apr 2016

An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Tuesday 5 April 2016] upheld a wrongful dismissal claim in relation to West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate. The player, who was dismissed for serious foul play during the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday [2 April 2016], will therefore not serve any suspension.

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Idris Kanu comments on Twitter after netting dramatic winner for West Ham under-21s
HITC
Dan Coombs

West Ham youngster Idris Kanu scored a winner for the under-21 side last night. West Ham youngster Idris Kanu scored a winner for the under-21 side last night, just five minutes after coming off the bench. Kanu is just 16-years-old, and stepped up to convert a penalty in injury time against Stoke City - netting past a player who is 39, experienced goalkeeper Shay Given.
The striker had only come on as an 85th minute substitute, on for recent addition Sam Ford, with the game goalless. Kanu sent a message on Twitter after the game expressing his delight at the strike. It was just the second appearance Kanu has made for the under-21s this season, and this goal should certainly earn him a few more. The teenager showed real composure in a big moment, illustrating that the trust placed in him to take the penalty in the first place was correct. He still a raw prospect who remains a way off the first team, but Kanu is a name to watch over the next few seasons, who could potentially turn out at the Olympic Stadium in the future.

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Dimitri Payet: From Reunion to West Ham United
Football EveryDay
By Alex Morgan on April 4, 2016

Dimitri Payet grew up on the small, isolated island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean - an island over five hundred miles off the coast of Madagascar and around 1,5000 miles from mainland Africa, and just thirty square miles in size. Nevertheless, Reunion hosts a thriving football community and its own professional football league with four teams. The league is under the watch of the French Football Federation and has produced seven Ligue 1 players.

Before Payet was ever bamboozling Premier League opponents or whipping in incredible free-kicks from long distance, he was a young boy practicing his technique and free-kicks in Reunion. At the age of just twelve years old, he traveled halfway around the world to play in France for Ligue 2 club Le Havre's famed academy.

Yet at such a tender age, he had trouble adapting to a different culture and was devastated when he was let go by the club at the age of sixteen, told he was too small and not good enough for Le Havre's senior team. He returned to Reunion, many thousands of miles away, and his dreams were crushed. "I thought the dream was over," Payet said in an interview with The Guardian. "I had spent four years at Le Havre and when they told me I wasn't good enough for the second division, it hit me hard. I didn't even want to hear talk about me ever going back to France. I was quite traumatised by the experience and the decision not to keep me. I just wanted to stay on my island and play football there." "I don't blame Le Havre. Back then I wasn't an easy person to handle. I was always one of the first to mess around. So there were a lot of reasons why my adventure stopped at that point."

The island was his home, where he could isolate himself from the rest of the world and focus on his football. He played for local side AS Excelsior, one of the best clubs on the island. At the age of just sixteen, he was a starter, and the experience toughened him up. He learned how to take hits and physically grew into his own. Mentally, however, he was still weary to return to Europe with an offer from Nantes in 2005. He was still a teenager. "When a second chance came along I argued about it with my dad and my uncle Jean-Marc and they convinced me I should try my luck again," he said. "And they were right. I accepted for my dad, in particular, because football is his passion and he never got the opportunity to go beyond Réunion. Having that idea in my head helped me stay strong in Nantes."

At Nantes, he was a part of a documentary, L'Académie du Foot, documenting the rise of their academy team. He was soft-spoken, modest in his ability, but still had the tendency to flare up in heated moments. Still, nobody quite knew how to mature Payet into a professional footballer and his hot-headedness didn't help. "That documentary is important to me today because it reminds me what I was like 10 years ago and shows how far hard work has taken me in that time," said Payet.

Quickly, though, Payet emerged as the jewel of the academy. In the fourth episode of the show, Payet was called up to the senior team and made his professional debut against Bordeaux. "Just do what you're capable of doing," said Nantes manager Serge Le Dizet. "That's what you came for, isn't it? So play. If you come on, go past people, probe, help us push [them] backwards."

Mentally, Payet had to forget about second guessing himself. Only then did he blossom into the footballer he is today. After impressing at Nantes, he was picked up by Saint-Etienne and fully broke into the first team. In 129 appearances over the course of three years at the French club, he scored nineteen goals. He then moved to Lille, where he spent two years from 2011, then transferred to Marseille in 2013, where he worked under Marcelo Bielsa. He worked under Marcelo Beisla, who helped him mature into the footballer he is today. "Bielsa made me become more mature and more consistent," Payet told L'Equipe. "He taught me to know when to play simple and when to try to provoke something. He put some order in my game. I still have his advice in my head and it'll serve me until the end of my career. "We were doing an attack against defense drill at training," the player remembered. "I was a bit in and out, then towards the end more out. Just as the hour was up, I made a good move, the only one of the session for me. Jan [van Winkel] congratulated me. This is when Marcelo blew his top: 'Why are you congratulating him? All he's done is mess about since the start!' I was left out of the squad for the next match."

He spent two further years at Marseille and developed a good relationship with Bielsa. He played seventy-two matches and scored fifteen goals in two seasons at the club. Payet's exit last summer was forced by Marseille's economic woes and despite interest from Juventus, he moved to West Ham United with the advice of former teammate Joe Cole. "It wasn't a difficult decision at all," he told the Independent. "If I was four or five years older I might have considered it but I still think I have some great years ahead of me and am eager to keep improving and keep pushing West Ham higher."

Having never played professionally outside of France, he was underrated and under-appreciated in the Premier League. Yet that has changed eight months and a plethora of fantastic free-kick goals later. No man in the Premier League is currently better on a set piece than Payet and his latest goal against Crystal Palace was out of this world. At the age of twenty-nine, he is in the form of his life and leading West Ham's charge for a Champions League position. "I have enjoyed the responsibility and feel that it motivates me," he told Four Four Two. "It helps me to perform consistently. When I was injured the team did suffer but many other attacking players were missing as well. He told the Guardian: "I still try to treat football as a game even if there are now other considerations at stake, especially economic ones. I try to put on a show while being effective because the spectators come to be entertained by beautiful play."

Finally, the world of football recognizes his impressive talents and he is now vying for a place in France's Euro 2016 squad. On form alone, he should be a sure bet to make Didier Deschamps' squad and was called up to France's latest international friendlies.

Yet he still feels somewhat disconnected from the national team. "I do not understand what is expected of me, and I've said so," he said, per Goal.com. "But not to be named in the France squad does not prevent me from living. Even if I think about it, I'm not kneeling before my TV waiting on the list. I'm in a dream in England today. If the national team makes me unhappy, I don't want it."

It's France's loss, though. Having taken Payet under his wing, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is reaping the rewards as West Ham climb ever higher in the table, modeling their rise on that of Leicester City.

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West Ham footballers hope to create affordable housing in Barking and Dagenham
07:00 05 April 2016 Janine Rasiah
Barking & Dagenham Post

They're known for their prowess on the pitch but three West Ham legends are now looking to iron out an affordable housing deal. Mark Noble, Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora are considering extending Legacy Foundation - their housing initiative which creates community, sporting and youth facilities alongside developments -to Barking and Dagenham. The trio met with council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell to discuss their plans. "As a West Ham fan it was great to meet these Hammer heroes and I look forward to working with them in the future to see how we can provide more affordable housing in the borough with Legacy," Cllr Rodwell said. "I am keen to team up with Mark, Rio and Bobby to make sure east London doesn't end up a playground for the rich." In a statement, Noble, Zamora and Ferdinand said: "It is clear that Barking and Dagenham share the same aspirations as Legacy. "We all care passionately about changing the face of communities living in local council housing." Legacy will work alongside development partner McLaren to create new communities across the country. The footballers have also spoken to the council in neighbouring Newham.

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Are West Ham making a mistake letting Song, Emenike and Moses leave?
London 24
07:15 05 April 2016 Dylan Smart

West Ham trio Alex Song, Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses will reportedly not be offered permanent deals at the club. Is it the right decision by the Hammers? We take a look.

1 Alex Song - Yes
The Cameroon international enjoyed a good start to his West Ham career when he first joined last season. The holding midfielder put in several impressive performances and was a regular fixture in Sam Allardyce's side. The permanent deal to take Song to East London from Barcelona was scrapped, as the former Arsenal man sustained an ankle injury, casting doubt at West Ham's hierarchy over his fitness. However the Hammers showed some faith in Song and decided to sign him again on loan for the current season, only for him to spend the first three months out injured again. Since then things haven't looked up for 2012-13 La Liga winner, as he appears to fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic, with the midfielder only managing eight starts and four substitute appearance over the season. Mark Noble's and Cheikhou Kouyate's superb partnership in the centre of the park has rendered Song surplus to requirements, combined with his injury woes, it will be no surprise to see him leave come the end of the season.

Emmanuel Emenike - Yes
The Nigerian forward signed on a 6-month loan deal from Fenerbahce in January after spending time on loan at United Arab Emirates club Al Ain. Most likely signed to provide depth following the departure of Nikica Jelavic, Emenike has only managed two goals since his arrival, both coming in the 5-1 rout against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. West Ham have plans to spend big on a new striker for next season, so it's clear to see why the former Spartak Moscow player's services are no longer required.

Victor Moses - No
Joining the club on loan last summer, Moses has spent his third successive season away from Chelsea on temporary deals, all at different clubs. The pacey winger enjoyed a good start to life at the Boleyn, starting 11 successive matches and netting against Manchester City. However, similarly to Song, injuries hampered his progress at the club, as he picked up a hamstring problem in December which kept him out for six weeks. Whilst the forward has missed a lot of action, in his past two seasons at Liverpool and Stoke he remained fit for the majority of both seasons, as well as impressing particularly at Stoke. With Chelsea boasting attacking options through the likes of Pedro, Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard, the chances of Moses' future being at Stamford Bridge are slim. At a modest 25 years of age, and with proven ability and a likely reduced price tag, a fully fit Moses may have been a useful addition to West Ham ahead of their debut season at the Olympic Stadium.

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West Ham appeal decision to show red card to Cheikhou Kouyate against Crystal Palace
West Ham have appealed against Cheikhou Kouyate's weekend red card
Midfielder Kouyate was shown the red following a tackle on Dwight Gayle
A furious Slaven Bilic was not planning on appealing against the decision
But, an appeal has since been lodged and he could play against Arsenal
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:56, 4 April 2016 | UPDATED: 23:56, 4 April 2016

West Ham have appealed against Cheikhou Kouyate's red card - meaning the midfielder could be available for their crunch match against Arsenal on Saturday. Kouyate was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle, who went on to score the equaliser against 10-man West Ham which dented their chances of Champions League qualification. A furious Slaven Bilic was not planning on appealing against the decision because he said he is 'fed up' with incorrect calls against his players. The Croatian did not even feel the challenge was worthy of a yellow card. Rival manager Alan Pardew also suggested that referee Mark Clattenburg might have got the decision wrong. But West Ham have now lodged an appeal with the Football Association, which could overturn the one-match ban and make him available for their next game. West Ham successfully appealed against a Kouyate red card in their FA Cup win against Blackburn Rovers in February. The Palace draw meant West Ham dropped out of fifth place after Manchester United defeated Everton on Sunday to move two points ahead of them. Manchester City and Arsenal also recorded wins, leaving Bilic's side three points behind fourth and seven away from third, as they aim to bring European football to the Olympic Stadium when they move in this summer.

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