Daily WHUFC News - 22nd May 2016

Hammers qualify for UEFA Europa League
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have qualified for the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League third
qualifying round, bringing European football to their stunning new Stadium
on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Slaven Bilic's side will kick-off their continental challenge with a
first-leg tie on Thursday 28 July, with the return leg to be played on
Thursday 4 August. The draw to discover the opposition will be made on
Friday 15 July.

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold welcomed the Club's
qualification at the end of a record-breaking Barclays Premier League season
which saw the Hammers finish seventh with an all-time high 62 points

"A place in Europe is just reward for the highest points total achieved by
West Ham United in the Premier League, and a season full of excellent
performances," said the Joint-Chairmen. "We look forward to starting this
exciting new era for the Club as we mean to go on, by competing in Europe."

West Ham will formally open the Club's new 60,000-capacity Stratford Stadium
with an opening ceremony celebration marking the Betway Cup visit of Italian
champions Juventus on Sunday 7 August at 1pm. Tickets for this fixture are
on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members here.

The Joint Chairmen added: "We said farewell to the Boleyn Ground with a
thrilling match and a magnificent atmosphere under the lights. Our game
against Juventus remains the official opening of our iconic new Stadium but
a European qualification game will be the perfect preparation for that."

2016/17 UEFA Europa League draw and round dates:

UEFA Europa League third qualifying round draw: 15 July
UEFA Europa League third qualifying round dates: 28 July and 4 August
UEFA Europa League play-off round draw: 5 August
UEFA Europa League play-off round dates: 18 August and 25 August
UEFA Europa League group stage draw: 26 August

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Delighted Kemp signs new deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting prospect Dan Kemp
has signed a professional contract. The winger has impressed coaches and
teammates alike since joining West Ham from London rivals Chelsea earlier in
the campaign. Having put pen to paper on a three year deal that will see the
youngster turn professional, Kemp said: "It feels amazing to sign a long
term professional contract with such a great club. I'm really looking
forward to working hard and improving as much as possible. "There's been a
lot of hard work and sacrifices along the way but I'm fully aware of staying
focused for the challenges ahead. It's an extremely proud moment for me and
my family, I am always striving to make them proud and keep achieving more
and more."

Since arriving at Rush Green, Kemp has gone from strength to strength, first
impressing for U18s where he scored six times from eleven starts, while also
featuring six times for the Development Squad, scoring once in a 4-1 rout
away at Newcastle United. Kemp continued: "Being involved with the U21s on a
number of occasions has been a great experience and a high point was scoring
on my first competitive start for the U21s at St James Park Newcastle.
"After settling in when I first signed, I have been really pleased with my
form, progress and my goal tally this season. Regular appearances for the
U18s was my aim for this season and I managed to do that. "It's flattering
to be offered such a great long term contract at a young age. It is my
intention to pay back the trust and belief placed in me by working hard, and
hopefully one day becoming a West Ham United first team player."

Now, having committed his future to the Hammers, the 16-year-old is looking
ahead to what could be a very bright future for both himself and the club.
He explained: "The club is moving forward very quickly and I am sure there
will be some very exciting times ahead. It a great time to be a West Ham
United player. "I'm really looking forward to a good pre-season and to
progress through the ranks towards the first team. "Obviously a first team
debut is one of my short term goals, it would be incredible to make my
Premier League debut at the new stadium. I set my goals high for myself but
know that I need to work extremely hard to get there and I will do
everything I possibly can to get to where I want to be."

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New contract for delighted Neufville
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly regarded left-back
Vashon Neufville has signed a three-year contract with the Club. The England
youth international is one of the most talented players to come through the
Academy of Football in recent years. Speaking after signing his new
contract, the 16-year-old said: "I'm very happy to have the pleasure in
signing my first professional contract with West Ham. "I've been working
hard towards this so yes it's a proud moment and hopeful there's many more
to come! "I found out a little while ago and I just couldn't wait to sign
it."

In a widely successful year for the Academy which saw several players make
their first team debuts, before winning the U21 Premier League Cup,
Neufville has similarly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. Already an U18
regular, making 14 appearances, he made the step up to the Development Squad
in the second half of the season where he impressed during eight starts. He
reflected: "I think it's been a good season for me. Some of my highlights
include playing for England in the Euro qualifiers as well as being a part
of the U21 cup games."

Having enjoyed a successful past 12 months, Neufville is equally as positive
about his future with the club. He continued: "It's a great time to be
involved with West Ham. Leaving the Boleyn Ground and going to the new
stadium is really something to look forward too. "Hopefully I can make my
debut at the new stadium as soon as possible."

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Young Hammers progress to quarter-finals
WHUFC.com

A young West Ham side enjoyed a terrific first day at the Hong Kong Sevens
tournament this weekend as they topped their group to reach the semi-finals.
After a goalless draw with Singapore Cricket Club in their opener, the
Hammers took the lead in their next tie against HKFA U21s, but were pegged
back when the local side bagged a penalty. There was victory for those in
Claret and Blue in their final Group D match however, as they came up
against fellow English side Leicester City and were 2-0 winners. Taking time
to settle as a seven-a-side outfit, West Ham drew a blank in their first
encounter, and Lewis Page reflected: "It's tough because we're not used to
this. We had a few chances and we should have put them away, but we kept the
ball well. "We've just got to take our chances in the next two games and go
for it."

The young Hammers were keen to find the back of the net for the first time
in this year's competition in their next fixture though, and took the lead
against HKFA U21s when Alex Pike converted a penalty. However, the full-back
also missed from the spot and their opponents notched from 18-yards
themselves when Yu Pui Hong levelled the game. It finished 1-1, and West
Ham's Noha Sylvestre said: "In the game, I think the best player out there
was Grady Diangana for West Ham. We have to take our chances, be more
clinical and score goals."

It was therefore clear what the Hammers' objective would be in the final
group match against Leicester City, and their persistence duly paid off as
they were 2-0 winners. Pike was again on the scoresheet as he burst through
the Fox's lines to storm into the penalty area and finish calmly with his
weaker foot, giving the Londoners the initiative.

And Diangana, reproducing his form from the last fixture, put the result
beyond doubt as he cut inside onto his left foot before slotting past the
keeper. The result meant West Ham topped Group D, and head into the
quarter-finals on Sunday where they will play Eastern just before 11:30am
Hong Kong time. To stay updated on the Hammers' progress in the tournament,
follow our Twitter account @whufc_official and look out for a day round-up
on our official website.

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Hammers Qualify For Europe
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st May 2016
By: Staff Writer No.3

United are looking at a second consecutive season in the Europa League. The
Irons will enter the competition at the third qualifying round stage with
ties to be played on 28 July and 4 August 2016. Should the team progress
past that stage they would have to negotiate a play-off round on 18 & 25
August before progressing through to the group stage of the competition. In
other news, 10 man Manchester United won the FA Cup, coming from behind to
beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in today's Wembley final.

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West Ham in Europe, Payet scoops award
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Dimitri Payet's wonder free kick against Manchester United in the quarter
finals of the FA Cup at Old Trafford has been named as the FA Cup Goal of
the Season.

Payet's stunning 35-yard free kick - which was also voted by KUMB readers as
their runner-up Goal of the Season - beat off the challenge of seven other
sublime finishes to win the award, as voted for by BBC viewers throughout
the day.

There was further good news for the Hammers today following Manchester
United's 2-1 extra time Wembley win, for it guaranteed the club passage into
the third qualifying round of the Europa League.

That's the same stage at which West Ham were knocked out by Romanian
champions Astra Guirgiu last season.

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Hammers trailing in key US market
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United may be about to move into the Olympic Stadium - but they
still trail most Premier League clubs in the key US market.

A table, released yesterday revealed how West Ham were only the 16th
most-watched Premier League team on the NBC Network in the United States
last season.

The Hammers - whose matches were broadcast live by NBC on 22 occasions -
scored an average of just 353,045 viewers per game across the country, which
has a population of 319 million people.

That was higher than just four other BPL teams - namely Newcastle Utd
(350k), Norwich City (319k), Sunderland (304k) and Crystal Palace (278k).

The top four clubs - Manchester Utd (588k), Manchester City (562k), Chelsea
(510k) and Arsenal (493k) - were all shown live on 32 or more occasions from
a total of 231 live matches broadcast, or 61 per cent of all Premier League
fixtures.

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West Ham qualify for Europa League after Man Utd FA Cup win
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 21/05/16 8:46pm
SSN

West Ham have qualified for next season's UEFA Europa League as a result of
Manchester United's FA Cup triumph. United, who had already qualified for
the Europa League by finishing fifth in the Premier League, defeated Crystal
Palace 2-1 at Wembley to win the FA Cup for a record-equalling 12th time.
The Europa League place on offer to the FA Cup winners has been passed down
to the Hammers, who ended the season in seventh place.
West Ham will enter the competition in the third qualifying round, with the
first leg scheduled to take place on July 28 and the second leg a week later
on August 4. Slaven Bilic's side join United and Southampton as England's
representatives in next season's Europa League. Southampton, who finished
the season in sixth place, will enter the competition at the group stage
along with United. West Ham had missed out on securing European
qualification via the Premier League on the final day of the season, losing
2-1 away at Stoke.

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Man United want £10million West Ham kid Reece Oxford but managerial
uncertainty could scupper bid
22:30, 21 MAY 2016
BY SIMON MULLOCK
United have spent the last month putting together a £10million bid for the
17-year-old defender but might not get him
The Mirror

Manchester United risk missing out on West Ham whizz-kid Reece Oxford
because of the uncertainty over who will be manager at Old Trafford next
season. United have spent the last month putting together a £10million bid
for the brilliant 17-year-old defender. They were expected to make their
move for Oxford as soon as the Premier League season finished, but official
contact with the Hammers has yet to be made. Sunday Mirror Sport understands
that an impasse has developed in recent days as United's executive
vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the American owners agonise over the future of
beleaguered boss Louis van Gaal. Woodward's resolve to allow the Dutchman to
work the final year of his contract next season is being severely tested by
United's failure to qualify for the Champions League. And signing off on new
players has been put on hold. But that has left Oxford in limbo – and West
Ham are now cranking up the pressure on him to sign a new contract to stay
in London. Oxford wants his future sorted before he reports for England
Under-19 duty next week. The Young Lions are travelling to South America for
a double header against Mexico as they step up their preparations for next
month's Euros in Germany. Oxford would welcome the chance to work with Van
Gaal because of the Dutchman's willingness to put his trust in young
players. The Edmonton-born centre-back – who because the youngest player in
West Ham's history when he made his debut against FC Lusitanos last July –
would have a difficult decision to make if United replace Van Gaal with Jose
Mourinho because of the Portuguese's reluctance to give young players a
chance. Oxford believes he is good enough to be a regular Premier League
starter.
Manchester City are also interested – and would match West Ham's asking
price. But City already have Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim
Mangala and will welcome back Jason Denayer from a loan spell with
Galatasaray. That has opened the door for United, but time is running out.

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Exclusive: DS on European qualification
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Sullivan is overjoyed the club has returned to Europe. The co chairman
and chief shareholder – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh this morning
(Sun) – described Europa Cup qualification as "fantastic." David has been
consistent in his belief that all things were possible last season and next
including European football and the arrival in the competition truly is the
icing on the cake of a great season. He said: "I think its fantastic to have
European football two years in a row. We enter at the same round we went out
in last year. "Let's hope we go a lot further this year. It's such a pity we
didn't beat Stoke as we'd have been in the 'league' stage already, two
rounds further than where we enter.
"I think its 19 games up to and including the final from where we are
entering !" Now that's what we call serious optimism – Come on You Irons

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DG makes a Europa League pledge
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has promised the funds will be made available to compete well in
Europe. The co chairman – delighted that Manchester United provided a route
into the Europa League for the Irons – declared: "We will build a squad to
cope with the Premier League and Europe. "We will find the money to ensure
that we have a squad deep enough to cope on all levels. These are great days
for the club and we are looking forward to Europe with great expectation. "I
know there will be some who say we haven't the strength in depth but we will
do what's required to deepen the squad "We also have some very good young
players who may well be used in the early stages and we will do what's
required to help the manager with his requirements. We are grateful to
Manchester United for doing us a favour by winning the FA Cup Final – now
everything is back in our hands."

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Valencia returns to Ecuador
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 21, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Enner Valencia has returned to Ecuador. He was pictured in the building of
the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) working hard in the gym on his
physical fitness in preparation for Copa America Cup. Valencia will
represent Ecuador as they face Brazil on June 4th, Peru on June 8th and
Haiti on 12th June. Enner Valencia says he is pleased to return to Ecuador,
after an intense season in the Premier League with West Ham. Ecuador told
the media "the physical part is fine, it's true that I lost some pace in the
team, but I feel very good."
On his preparations for Copa America cup, the Hammers striker said: "We do
not want to be left behind, we want to join those who have won the cup, we
need to believe that we can achieve, we had a good start in the qualifiers
and that motivates us, "

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Irons may face fixture reshuffle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 22, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham face a possible re-scheduling of early season following last
night's entry into Europe. And the first change may be the date of the
prestige friendly against Juventus – the curtain raiser to life in our new
home. David Gold admitted to Claret and Hugh last night that although the
club hadn't had had time to look closely at the situation "certain
readjustments may have to be made." With the whole club excited at the
prospect of watching us take off on a European schedule he declared: "There
may be one or two little issues as far as fixtures are concerned but none of
them will prove insurmountable. "We will be taking a look at things over the
next few days and make whatever arrangements need to be made."
And this morning he responded to an absurd tweet which read: "Juventus is
now not the 1st game as advertised, Lots will send their tickets back, me
included." The co chairman said: "We made clear that the date for the
opening fixture might change dependent on our qualification for Europe. dg"

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