Daily WHUFC News - 26th May 2016

First and Last - Reece Oxford
WHUFC.com

As West Ham United's final season at the Boleyn Ground draws to a close, we've asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as well as some firsts. Reece Oxford goes under the spotlight…

FIRSTS

What was the first CD you bought?

The first CD I bought was probably Drake – 'Sooner than Later'. He has had so many songs that I don't actually remember the time I bought it but it must have been a few years ago.

Tell us about the first goal you scored for West Ham United?

It was for the Under-13s. I was playing as a striker back then and I scored a scrappy goal against Charlton. I got moved about a bit that year and played up front for half the season.

Who would be the first teammate you would call up for a quiz?

If we are talking about intelligence I would have to say Joey O'Brien as he knows his stuff.

Who would be the first person you would vote off the X Factor and why?

Cheikhou Kouyate. He is not a good singer but he might actually get through because he is very funny.

LASTS

What was the last concert you went to?

I went to see Stormzy, who is a rap artist.

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

I would have to say Elliot Lee. He would just moan and moan and would drive me crazy.

Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?

I would not take any fashion advice from Angelo Ogbonna. I am more tight-fitted and he is more baggy-fitted!

What is the last book you read?

Rio Ferdinand's autobiography. I really enjoyed it because it was about his life in football and all his ups and downs. He used to be a striker and then moved to centre-half so I can relate to him a lot and of course we both come through the Academy at West Ham so I would love to follow in his footsteps.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini named in provisional Olympic squad
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini has been named in Argentina's provisional 30-man squad for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The West Ham United attacking midfielder enjoyed an outstanding debut season in Claret and Blue and could now pull on his country's famous blue and white striped shirt in Brazil in August. Argentina coach Gerardo Martino will name his final squad of 18 players on 14 July, with Lanzini being tipped to be among them. The two-times Olympic champions will be seeking to add to the titles they won in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. This time around, Argentina have been drawn in Group D will tackle Portugal in Rio on 4 August, Algeria in the same location on 7 August and Honduras in Brasilia on 10 August. Should La Celeste advance, the final will be held at the legendary Estadio Maracana in Rio on 20 August.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign young forward Quina
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of outstanding young Portuguese forward Domingos Quina. The exciting former Benfica schoolboy will report to the Hammers in July, having recently been crowned a UEFA European U17 champion, with West Ham beating some of Europe's leading sides to the 16-year-old's signature. Quina, who was born in the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau before moving to Portugal as a child, will arrive on an initial two-year scholarship, subject to international clearance, and has agreed terms to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in November. Academy Director and Head of Player Coaching and Development Terry Westley said the Club had pulled off a major coup in securing Quina's services.

"Attracting a player of Domingos's quality and potential to the Club is recognition of the stature with which the West Ham United Academy is held," Westley began. "Domingos spent a month training with us before heading to the European Championship finals and he has seen what we are all about, the way we work and the pathway and plans we put in place for our young players. "Domingos is an exciting young player and he has seen that we can help him to develop and make the most of his many talents at West Ham United. He wants to come on our journey the same as the likes of Martin Samuelsen, Reece Oxford and Reece Burke see their futures here. "Slaven Bilic personally met with Domingos during the time he spent training with us and his interest in the player and the discussion they had undoubtedly helped to persuade him that West Ham was the right place to continue his development. "This is a big signing for the Academy and for West Ham United."

Quina has long been considered one of Portuguese football's brightest prospects – an opinion confirmed by his outstanding displays at the recent European U17 Championship finals in Azerbaijan. There, the young forward featured in all six matches, scoring in the group-stage victory over Scotland before starting his country's victory over Spain in the final. Prior to that, Quina put in a virtuoso performance showcasing his attacking skills in a 7-3 victory over England U17s at the FA International Tournament in October 2015. "Domingos has just won the European U17 Championship and is some talent," Academy Manager Westley continued. "Having seen him train with us for four weeks, I cannot wait for him to arrive back and see what he can do. "For me, he has the same qualities as a Manuel Lanzini, in that he likes to come deep and receive the ball and then run with it, while he also possesses the quality to run in behind – he is both a goal-scorer and a goal-creator. "As I said, this is a potentially massive signing for West Ham United."

Quina becomes the second forward to join West Ham ahead of the 2016/17 season, following 18-year-old Toni Martinez, who has arrived from Spanish side Valencia. Meanwhile, a host of players have agreed new long-term contracts with the Club, with Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Anthony Scully, Vashon Neufville, Moses Makasi, Dan Kemp, Tunji Akinola, Joe Powell and Grady Diangana all pledging their futures to the Hammers in recent days.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble - This is a season I will never forget
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble will never forget leading his side in the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and says it was an honour to captain the team in such a memorable campaign. Noble was handed the armband last summer and showed his leadership qualities straight away as he helped the players record famous away wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the early part of the season. The 29-year-old produced some of the best football of his career as the Hammers continued to challenge in the top half of the table and secured a European place for the second consecutive season.

Noble, who also celebrated a memorable Testimonial was thrilled to play his part in a record breaking season for Slaven Bilic's side and hopes they will continue to challenge the big teams when they make a historic move into the new Stadium during the summer. Noble said: "There has been a lot to celebrate from last season – not just the way we played and the results we had, but we have set records with the most points, the most goals, away wins and have set a lot of records. "That is down to team spirit and I have a great bunch of players around me. To lead this team in the final season at the Boleyn Ground with the results we have enjoyed has been phenomenal. "It is definitely a season that I will never forget."

Noble feels West Ham and the rest of the Premier League will take a lot of encouragement from Leicester winning the title last season and says it will have a big impact on the rest of Europe. Noble added: "I don't think it gives hope to teams just in England, but the whole of Europe. "There are teams who would never have believed what Leicester have done, but they fully deserved it and have not done it by being lucky. "They have earned it and given everyone hope – not just West Ham, the Premier League but the whole of Europe."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bo66y to return to Barking
WHUFC.com

West Ham United fans can pay tribute to the Club's greatest player at a special charity screening of Bo66y – The Movie in his home borough of Barking.

The film, which was produced by lifelong Hammer and broadcaster Matt Lorenzo, has received rave reviews and attracted a host of football's biggest names to a gala premiere at Wembley Stadium.

Now, east London-based supporters have a unique opportunity to attend a screening of Bo66y – a biopic featuring amazing archive footage and tributes from those who knew the late West Ham and England captain best – at The Broadway Theatre in Barking on 2 June at 7pm.

All proceeds from the event will go to The Moore Family Foundation.
Attending the screening will be Bobby's daughter Roberta and producer Lorenzo, whose father Peter was a close friend of the legendary centre-half.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: "Bobby was a Barking boy as well as an England and West Ham legend. This screening kick starts our celebrations of the 50th anniversary of England's World Cup win.

"That's why we have made our One Borough Community Day on the 30 July a 1966 World Cup special, because Bobby was from Barking, Sir Alf Ramsey was from Dagenham and Martin Peters lived in the borough.

"So just as Hammers fans can claim West Ham won the World Cup – Barking and Dagenham can say we helped raise the Jules Rimet Trophy too!"

Tickets for the special screening of Bo66y – The Movie cost £20.

To book your seat at this very special event now, please call 020 8507 5607.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia's Ecuador take on USA
WHUFC.com

West Ham forward Enner Valencia could feature for Ecuador tomorrow as they take on the USA in a Copa America warm-up match.

The South Americans will face the tournament's hosts in Texas in a friendly at 1am UK time in a hope to build momentum prior to the opening stages in the States.

The Yellows will go up against Brazil, Haiti and Peru in Group B of the competition which is the first to be held outside South America.

And Valencia is confident his side can progress from the group stages with the correct preparation in place.

He said: "I had a short time with my family after the season with West Ham finished and then we started preparing for the Copa America.

"We are in a group with a massive team in Brazil, but we have a very good chance to get through to the next stage because Ecuador is doing very well in qualification for the 2018 World Cup.

"We also have Peru and Haiti in our group and we hope to have a very good Copa America. It will be played in the United States, too, where I scored against England, so I am looking forward to it very much!"

Ecuador kick-off their campaign against five-time World Cup winners Brazil in California on 4 June, before heading to Arizona to take on Peru four days later. Their final group stage game against Haiti is in New Jersey on 12 June.

Valencia was on the scoresheet in his last international outing, bagging the opener in a 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw with Paraguay back in March.

His nation is currently joint-top of the South American qualification standings, with only Uruguay keeping apace at the summit with 13 points.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini, potential Olympian
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has been named in Argentina's provisional 35-man squad for this summer's Olympic Games. And whilst that's good news for the 22-year-old playmaker, it's not so positive for Hammers boss Slaven Bilic who could potentially lose the talented youngster until 20 August, when the final takes place in Rio de Janeiro. Argentina have been included in Group D of the competition alongside Hondurus, Algeria and Portugal. Group matches commence on 4 August - the same date West Ham are due to play the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. The Hammers midfielder is one of two Premier League-based players to receive their first call-up, along with Everton's Ramiro Funes Mori.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samuelsen gets the nod
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Martin Samuelsen has been called up for the full Norway squad to face Portugal in a friendly. West Ham United's exciting young attacking midfielder has been called up for the first time and could make his full debut against the Portuguese on Sunday afternoon. Although he made just two appearances for Slaven Bilic's first team - both in the qualifying stages of the Europea League last summer - the 19-year-old was a huge success on loan at League One Peterborough, for whom he featured on 20 occasions between November and April. Samuelsen is just one of several potential debutants included in Per-Mathias Høgmo's new-look squad. Hibs defender Niklas Gunnarsson is also poised to make his first start, as the likes of Veton Berisha (Greuther Fürth) and Iver Fossum (Hannover). The Norwegians also face Iceland on June 1 and Belgium on June 5. They failed to qualify for this summer's European Championships after losing a two-legged play-off against Hungary 3-1 on aggregate.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Campaigners urge West Ham to cancel RailHawks clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

One of the two venues West Ham are planning to visit in the US this summer has been boycotted by a number of major international stars already this year. Earlier this month West Ham announced they would be facing NASL outfit Carolina RailHawks at the WakeMed Soccer Park in North Carolina. However that news did not go down too well with the local LGBT community who have urged the club to cancel their trip as a result of the introduction of a controversial piece of legislation known as 'House Bill 2'. The bill, commonly referred to as HB2 states that transgender people in the state of North Carolina must use public toilets "according to the gender denoted on their birth certificate", as opposed to their current gender. And that, stated Winq Publishing Editor and long-term Hammers fan Darren Styles equates to "a vindictive piece of transphobic evil" - before he called upon the club to cancel their trip. "I'd like to think West Ham's arrival in North Carolina is hapless and circumstantial, even if it is careless," Styles wrote in a article for Wing. "It's not like there haven't been daily updates on the story on the BBC website for weeks now. "Having met the Chairmen and owners of the club, I'm as sure as I can be this is by accident rather than design. They care more for their brand than to end up as unwitting patsies for a bitter North Carolina State Governor with too much time on his hands and poison between his ears. "Sadly our attempts to make contact with the club are currently breaking no ice. The club's media department responded to our enquiry and offer of information by saying they'd come back to us "within 28 days" - which suggests an order of priorities in accord with most of football when faced with LGBT issues, but isn't OK. Or close to good enough."

According to the article in Wing, "Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Demi Lovato and the Cirque de Soleil have all cancelled major events in the State" as a result of the legislation, whilst the NBA and NCAA (basketball and athletic associations) have also refused to sanction events in the state. "For sure, this game shouldn't happen," continued Stryles, "at least until sense is restored and the law a thing of the past. In my professional capacity, as the Editor of a gay lifestyle magazine and a supporter of LGBT rights, I call for it to be postponed.
"But as a lifelong West Ham fan, this just got personal, too. I implore the club to think again, and set aside this regrettable fixture in light of events. No good can come of it, and gay fans like me will feel betrayed if you see it through."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Inter reject West Ham approach
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

Inter are understood to have told West Ham that striker Mauro Icardi is not for sale. The 23-year-old Argentine international was the subject of an enquiry from the Hammers this week, according to Corriere dello Sport. However the Serie A side are reported to have told West Ham that Icardi - who scored 16 times in 32 starts for I Nerazzurri last season - is not for sale. The 5'11" goalscorer, who moved to Inter from Sampdoria three seasons ago is also understood to have informed Hammers representatives that he is not currently keen on a move to the Premier League. And that has scuppered any hopes West Ham United - who turned to Icardi after baulking at the asking price for Alexandre Lacazette and Michy Batshuayi - had of triggering a £28million release clause in his contract. Icardi, who holds an Italian passport has been named in Argentina's provisional squad for this summer's Olympics in Rio, along with West Ham's Manuel Lanzini.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool join race for £10million-rated West Ham starlet Reece Oxford
16:28, 25 MAY 2016 UPDATED 18:10, 25 MAY 2016
BY SIMON MULLOCK
The Merseysiders failed with an ambitious attempt to snatch the 17-year-old away from the Hammers last summer
The Mirror

Liverpool have joined the race to sign West Ham's teenage talent Reece Oxford. The Merseysiders failed with an ambitious attempt to snatch the 17-year-old away from the Hammers last summer before he had even made his senior debut. But they are back in the hunt after being made aware that Oxford is available for around £10million after rejecting West Ham's offer of a new contract. The Reds face stiff competition from both Manchester clubs. But Jurgen Klopp is hoping that his reputation for putting his trust in young players will persuade Oxford to opt for Anfield.
Oxford's versatility - he can play centre-back or as a defensive midfielder - is a big plus for Klopp as he looks to strengthen his Liverpool squad. The player is looking to get his future sorted before he reports for England Under-19 duty next week. Aidy Boothroyd's young Lions are embarking on a two-game trip to Mexico as they prepare for next month's junior Euros in Germany. Oxford, who became West Ham's youngest-ever player when he made his debut last July when he made his debut against FC Lusitanos in the Europa League, has two years left on his current deal.
He is widely regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in the English game and West Ham's asking price has not put off the three north-west giants.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It looks over but Irons sweat on change of heart
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Go French Football have confirmed the reason Alexandre Lacazette had turned down a move to the Hammers because of their absence fom the Champons League. ClaretandHugh revealed several days ago this was the reason although Hammers insiders continue to hope even now there could be a late change of heart. However it nw looks a srong odds on bet that the player will be on his way to Paris St Germain whom we are told have been chasing him and holding talks through intermediaries since January. The Hammers meanwhile are playing their cards close to their chest after Slaven Bilic ordered a clampdown on leaks and one source said: " That maybe for precisely that reason or because there is little progress on the striker front. "There was a lot stacked on the Lacazette deal but all that appears to have hapened is that the price has been hiked up on behalf of Lyon. Previous target Michy Batshuayi is now off the radar with the Hammers having colled on the player who would beavailable at around 40 million euros.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus striker back on transfer list
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Reports in Italy suggest Juventus striker Simone Zaza is back on West Ham's latest transfer target again this summer. He joined Massimiliano Allegri's side last summer from Sassuolo in an €18 million deal, hitting the back of the net five times in Serie A action. If true, West Ham aren't alone in showing interest to the frontman, who they've been linked with over the past twelve months, however, Premier League rivals Southampton are also mulling over a move for the 24-year-old it is claimed. After making just five starts in league competition for the Old Lady last season, the player's future is in peril and might be allowed to depart the Juventus Stadium if the right offer is made. In the January transfer window, the club's ITK Boleyn Insider wrote at the time: "My understanding is that Zaza is a player the club greatly admire and they tried to sign him last summer. He scored again on Wednesday night and the Club might try something again this month."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Black Lion hopes fans will still come to historic pub
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

The Black Lion pub in Plaistow hopes fans will still make the East End pub part of their pre or post match ritual when West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium in August. The famous pub was once the regular drinking establishment of Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst. Hurst recently said "My most cherished memory was drinking at the Black Lion pub after the game. We didn't need any encouragement after a game to have a drink. Like any players in those days. "You couldn't see players today going to the Black Lion and having a drink today. Or any players these days going to the pub. The relationship between the players and the fans has changed dramatically, like everything else in football. Harry Redknapp also used to frequent the drinking hole in the old days
Harry said "After a game all of us would make our way to the Black Lion pub in Plaistow, not too far from the ground. The pub is still there but I bet not too many professional footballers use the place any more, as nice as it is.We'd have a couple of beers, music would be playing and we'd be chatting about football to journalists or anyone else who'd listen."

The Boleyn Tavern will be running a £120 per year membership scheme to transport supporters to to Olympic Stadium but the Black Lion landlord, Tom Friel won't be following suite. He told Claret and Hugh Exclusively "I have looked at all options, the feeling I got from my football fan customers is that most would like to still use the Black Lion but rather than try and run a coach service (and get them to stump up £120) the number 241 bus from opposite the Black Lion takes just 5-6 minutes to Stratford station and 10-12 minutes to the Olympic stadium, there are bus lanes 90% of the way! That will be much quicker and less expensive than the 'Boleyn' option . I hope this is of help to you and the West Ham fans that want to experience the good beer, good food and friendly atmosphere of the Black Lion , with thanks , Tom Friel of the Black Lion"

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ribman moves to Stratford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham season ticket holder Mark Gevaux, better known as the Rib Man for his succulent baby-back pork-rib meat stuffed into floury buns and topped with a lava-like splodge of his own hot sauce has moved to Stratford ahead of West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium. Nicknamed the "godfather of street food", Gevaux spent three seasons serving his famous ribs to West Ham fans from a pop Ribs2up table outside the Boleyn Tavern on the corner of Green street and Barking road. He describes his slow cooked pork as the best ribs in London and he also has a stall in Brick Lane. Speaking to Claret and Hugh Mark revealed "I have moved into Truman's brewery on fish island – its right behind the Olympic Stadium and we will be doing memberships – that's on top of me trying to get into the stadium" Ribs3The Ribman has already met with Olympic Stadium American caterers, Delaware North in the hope his famous ribs can be served inside the Stadium nest season but he is not leaving anything to chance by moving half a mile away from the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Details of the new Ribman & Truman membership scheme will announced soon he told us.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons scouts on the prowl
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham will be sending scouts to Euro 2016 but are unlikely to be clinchng any deals ahead of the competition in France. Despite plenty of hopeful speculation that we will be completing deals over the next two or three weeks, the Irons are struggling to get land initial targets. And de factor director of football David Sullivan is not a man who will be held to ransom on prices with value for month the key issue in all deals. We were told this morning that the European Finals would be allowed to pass and though no doubt there will be negotiations with agents, deals are very unlikely to be concluded. Our souce said: "We will obviously have scouts in place keeping an eye open at possible targets but we are relaxed about the situation. There's plenty of time."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign Chelsea midfielder
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

a-domingos-arsenal-football_3438684West Ham has confirmed the signing of Chelsea youth attacking midfielder, Domingos Quina.

The official site says the exciting former Benfica schoolboy will report to the Hammers in July, having recently been crowned a UEFA European U17 champion, with West Ham beating some of Europe's leading sides to the 16-year-old's signature.

QuinaThe 16-year-old midfielder signed after being persuaded that he had a better chance of progressing through to the first team in West Ham's set-up. Spurs, Liverpool, Manchester City and United were all said to chasing Quina, who turned down the chance to stay at Chelsea as he believed his progress would be limited.

Born in Guinea Bissau, Quina was brought up in Portugal and left Benfica for Chelsea as a 13-year-old. The skilful attacking midfielder, Quina is regarded as one of Portugal's best prospects, has starred for their Under 17s and is tipped to become a regular full international in the future. The move represents a coup for West Ham and puts the Academy back on the map as the destination for promising talent.

Quina will arrive on an initial two-year scholarship, subject to international clearance, and has agreed terms to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in November.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Hammers co-chairman David Gold rubbishes Michail Antonio to Middlesbrough rumours
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, May 25, 2016

West Ham chairman David Gold has told Middlesbrough to 'dream on' if they want to sign Michail Antonio this summer. Boro finished second in the Championship last season and will return to the Premier League for the first time in seven years this August. The club have now set about formulating a list of transfer targets for the upcoming summer transfer window to bolster their squad for the new season. Antonio is reportedly high on Middlesbrough's shortlist after manager Aitor Karanka sent scouts to watch him in action last month. But Gold has now poured cold water on the rumour by tweeting his surprise at Boro's belief that they can sign the 26-year-old. Gold tweeted: "Evening Standard – Newly promoted Middlesbrough have reportedly identified Michail Antonio as a key target this summer. (Dream on. dg)."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM SEEKS POT OF GOLD, BUT NO RAINBOW IN NORTH CAROLINA
By Iain Dale 25 May 2016 at 08:49
WTID
Guest Post by Darren Styles

Springsteen boycotts, Obama sues, but the Premier League's West Ham United follow the money? to North Carolina anyway… Darren Styles, Winq Publishing Editor, a life-long fan, isn't impressed.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. So goes the adage. Another suggests all that glitters is not gold. As Premier League West Ham United? may shortly find out – having agreed to play a pre-season friendly football (soccer) match in North Carolina on 12th July.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to grow our brand in a developing market," the club coos. "There's such a strong grass roots game in North Carolina, and it's a place where – off the back of a great season – we can come and enjoy absolutely first-rate facilities and quality opponents in the Carolina RailHawks."

The speaker, in a live radio interview with a North Carolina radio station, is West Ham United's Commercial Director, Felicity Barnard. You can hear her enthusiasm for the opening of a new market, you can imagine the projections for a replica kit sales uplift, you can take for granted the glee of the new residents of the Olympic Stadium ?at their foresight of adding the word 'London' to the club badge ahead of the move to Stratford. North Carolina residents having heard of London. Probably.

As someone who first visited West Ham's just-defunct Boleyn Ground in 1973, and who has been – variously – a season-ticket holder and/or box holder since, I know exactly where Green Street, E13, is. But then I'm not the target audience in North Carolina. Or, for that matter, in North Korea. Where, Felicity failed to mention, even they haven't just imposed draconian and discriminatory anti-LGBT laws. Because, for all the world's wrestling with a problem like North Korea, it's in North Carolina that LGBT life has recently moved significantly backwards.

Oh Carolina.?

It's not gone well. As a result of what North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has done to remove protections from, and legislate against, LGBT rights, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Demi Lovato and the Cirque de Soleil have all cancelled major events in the State, and the National Basketball Association (the NBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have said they'll not sanction a single sporting contest there until the law is reversed. Apple, PayPal, Deutsche Bank and the Bank of America are boycotting too.

And now the President is coming for North Carolina. It seems passing a law that deliberately invalidates several anti-discrimination measures designed to protect gay and transgender people hasn't played well in the Oval Office. The law suit from the capital vs North Carolina is in.

"What this law does is inflict further indignity on a population that has suffered far more than its fair share," says Attorney General Loretta Lynch. "But we see you, we stand with you, and we will do everything we can to protect you. [This piece of] State legislation puts North Carolina in direct conflict with federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity, and state-sanctioned discrimination never works and never looks good in hindsight."

Oh Carolina. You should have invited Millwall, not West Ham. They are the team that sings "nobody likes us, and we don't care." A much better fit.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com