Daily WHUFC News - 31st March 2016

International round-up
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's birthday boy Dimitri Payet scored another terrific
free-kick on Tuesday night, though this time wearing the blue of France, as
his side beat Russia 4-2. The midfielder, celebrating his 29th birthday,
entered the field of play at the Stade de France during the second half with
Les Blues 2-1 up. Two minutes later, he was on the scoresheet, curling an
unstoppable effort into the top-left corner from a dead-ball. And though
Russia pulled one back, Payet helped restore the hosts' two-goal advantage
as he set-up Kingsley Coman for their fourth. It caps a superb week for
Payet in which manager Didier Deschamps has been full of praise for the
playmaker.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Darren Randolph was a first half substitute as he
replaced an injured Rob Elliot in the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 draw with
Slovakia. After falling behind, Randolph's side took the lead through two
penalties, scored by Shane Long and James McClean, however a Paul McShane
own goal levelled the game.

Victor Moses played but could not help Nigeria to a result against Egypt, as
they fell 1-0 in African Cup of Nations qualifying.

There was a win for Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal in qualifying, however, as
they were 2-1 winners over Niger.

Later on Tuesday evening, Enner Valencia's Ecuador side take on Colombia in
their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Finally, young Hammers goalkeeper Sam Howes was an unused substitute as
England U19s beat Spain 2-0 away from home.

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The Big Interview - Adrian
WHUFc.com

Adrian had an eventful time at Mark Noble's Testimonial match on Easter
Monday. The West Ham United goalkeeper was beaten by a Craig Bellamy
wonder-strike, ran the length of the pitch to put the Hammers 2-1 up, then
returned to fire a spot-kick high over the crossbar in a penalty shootout.
With the fun and games of the Testimonial now behind him and his teammates,
Adrian went on to tell West Ham TV that attention has now turned to
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Crystal Palace and the challenge
for a place in the top four.

Adrian, what a fantastic day for the Club on Monday!

"Yes, it was a fantastic Testimonial. In fact, it was the first Testimonial
that I have played in. It was amazing, because all the fans and the players
were involved in an emotional game. I think the occasion was really, really
good."

There were some good goals, but none more so that yours, running 100 metres
with the ball before scoring!

"Yes, you have to be a little bit funny with the players and I think the
fans enjoyed the game! They let me score, too! I thought when I was in the
middle of the pitch 'Is anyone going to tackle me?' but all I was trying to
do was make a little fun and I think it worked!"

Your strike was too much for David James...!

"Yes, probably! It was good for me!"

Then we had the penalty shootout and the gloves came off but this time,
unlike against Everton, we had the wrong result!

"This time I didn't have a great result but I did it just to give a little
emotion to the penalty shootout and also I'd scored one goal before, so I
was probably not concentrating a little bit!"

Normally it is you that is saving the penalties, but this time it was Mark
Noble's friend Robert Hatton who took centre-stage, saving three!

"I was impressed, of course, and I told him 'You must have been training all
the week before to save three penalties!' It's good for him because it's a
good sensation to save a penalty at Upton Park. At the end of the day, I
think it was a great day."

It was nice to have a little break, including a trip home to Seville for you
and your family, but now we have to concentrate on the Barclays Premier
League and Saturday's home game with Crystal Palace?

"Yes, we have a great game on Saturday here again. We are in a great
position and we have a chance to win the three points here again at home and
we need to give 120 per cent like we did before the international break. I
think we are playing well and showing a good performance and are in a great
moment."

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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford looks at the Hammers players in international
action...

Last week Mark Noble's England exclusion made all the headlines after what
has been the best season of his career so far, but the skipper was in action
in his star-studded testimonial on Monday, which he certainly wouldn't have
traded for a cap. For others, they were more fortunate, and were pulling on
their national team jerseys over the long Easter weekend, hoping to maintain
their impressive club form, but remain injury-free as we approach the most
important eight games in the history of our club. Dimitri Payet finally
earned a recall to the France side after what has been a magnificent first
season in the Premier League in claret and blue, and he did not disappoint.
The magic number 27 was handed a start on his return to international
action, forcing Dutch 'keeper Jasper Cillessen into a good save in the
opening few minutes. Payet remained at the centre of the action throughout,
clipping the outside of the post later on, before setting up Paul Pogba, but
the Juventus man missed his header. Payet was hugely influential in what
turned out to be France's winning goal late on, as he played through
Manchester United's Anthony Martial, who set Blaise Matuidi free and he
coolly finished past Cillessen. He then went one better on Tuesday, coming
off the bench and almost immediately scoring yet another stunning free-kick
as France defeated Russia 4-2 in Paris. Hammers fans won't be surprised at
how well their midfield maestro performed, but it is great to see a player
who was overlooked for a year finally show what he can do, and he will
surely play a huge role in France's EURO campaign this summer.

Darren Randolph kept yet another clean sheet in action for the Republic of
Ireland in their friendly against Switzerland. Just a few months ago, he was
the hero as his side beat Germany, with the West Ham man keeping a clean
sheet and getting the assist with a phenomenal long ball. Against
Switzerland he was again on top form, making four decent saves in a game
dominated by the visitors on paper.

Enner Valencia might not be preparing for the EUROs, but his Ecuador side
were in action against Paraguay and he found the back of the net for the
14th time in his country's colours. Valencia might be struggling for goals
and fitness in claret and blue, but he expertly buried a rebound after a
shot cannoned back off the crossbar and fell to the Hammers' number 11. He
was in action again on Tuesday against Colombia, and will be hoping that his
performances could help him force his way back into Slaven Bilic's side.

Much of the past week's news might have focused on how Noble, Aaron
Cresswell and Michail Antonio missed out on deserved England caps, but
Payet, Randolph and Valencia were stand-out performers in their games. As we
approach a crucial time in the club's history and a hugely important eight
games, international friendlies can make or break our side, depending on
whether our men get injured or maintain top form. Luckily for the Hammers
who travelled over land and sea this past week, they impressed their
national managers, and perhaps once we have the FA Cup in our trophy case
and a European place secured, these players can look forward to a successful
summer of international football. For more West Ham fan views or to join the
conversation visit www.90min.com

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Sunday Mirror football reporter and West Ham United fan Steve Stammers looks
back at a memorable career for Mark Noble at the Boleyn Ground.

ON the face of it, the question was a simple one. "Any memory of an
outstanding performance from Mark Noble," was the request. One problem – I
don't have one.

Before I incur the wrath of a sizeable number of the population of Canning
Town, my response was intended to be a compliment. There is one quality
which every manager wants and craves and that is consistency. Mark Noble is
the embodiment of that quality.

Not explosive like Dimitri Payet or Paolo Di Canio. Not a man who can change
the course of a game with a burst of speed. Not a towering penalty box
presence like Andy Carroll. Not a lightning-quick winger in the mould of
Victor Moses. But what he does give is a level of performance that can never
be questioned.

Noble epitomises what is needed from the modern midfield player. He is
committed in the challenge, can control the ball with a more than decent
touch and has a pass in him. And his passion is there for all to see – and
not only by the opposition.

Last season, Noble thought his close friend James Tomkins fell short and let
him know in no uncertain terms. But there was no hangover, no ill-feeling.
Indeed, Noble laughed it off during the game. "He is my neighbour," said
Noble. "And I might go round and egg his house!"

But Noble has no time for jokes on the field. If a team-mate is in trouble
and surrounded by adversaries, you can be sure Noble will be there to ensure
his mate does not stand alone. If confronted, he will never take a step
backwards.

Noble isn't the type to look for trouble but he won't hide from it either.
He plays in the minefield area of the pitch. There is more action, more
tackles, more head-on challenges in that zone than in any other. In the
helter-skelter world of English football, it is no place for the
faint-hearted. And Mark Noble has not been hard to find.

He can create as well as destroy. He has nerves of steel when it comes to
taking penalties. If he misses one, he won't blink if asked to take another
on another day. If there is one honour which is missing from his CV it is
that he has – to date – not played a full international for England.

A stunning omission for someone who represented his country at all ages up
to the Under-21 team.

A glance at some of the names who have earned that considerable accolade
makes Noble's absence from the full squad even more surprising. But Noble is
a phlegmatic type of character.

He will not let that affect his drive or ambition to bring Champions League
football to the Olympic Stadium when West Ham move to the new ground next
season.

And so much credit for Noble's philosophy and approach must go to his
father. He wanted his son to enjoy his football in his early teens.

So when West Ham suggested that Noble junior miss school matches to
concentrate on his Academy work at the Club, Noble senior put his foot down.
"He wants to play with his mates and that is what he will do," he said.
Noble did just that – and was still signed on.

That is how highly West Ham rated him – and their judgement has been proved
right. On 358 occasions to be precise.

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Payet - It's a good omen for things to come
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet marked his return to the French squad in spectacular fashion
over the international break with an incredible 35-yard free-kick goal
against Russia.

He had only been on the pitch two minutes at the Stade de France, and after
curling in his side's third, he also set-up the fourth in a 4-2 win, playing
in Kingsley Coman who did the rest.

The terrific substitute appearance came days after he put in an impressive
display over 90 minutes in a 3-2 away win over the Netherlands.

The midfielder spoke to the media after Tuesday night's game.

Dimitri, do you think that you have finished convincing Didier Deschamps
that you deserve a place in the squad?

"I don't know. It's up to the manager to decide. I tried, like I do in all
matches, to bring something to the game. My impact was positive and so I am
happy."

With these two victories, do you feel that you have succeeded?

"I don't know if I would say that. In any case, my aim was to try to play as
well with the national side as I have been with West Ham. I managed to
attack these games with confidence and I played well in both games, both in
important situations. It's a great return, to score and to set one up.
Making a difference is always what counts in football. It's a good omen for
what's to come."

Tell us a bit about your free-kick, just after coming off the bench.

"The free-kick was my first touch, and I have had a little taste of success.
I am savouring it."

You gave yourself a nice birthday present too, didn't you?!

"Having a game on your birthday is something that doesn't happen very often.
My family were at the game tonight and that makes me even happier. We will
celebrate it together."

How will you be feeing while waiting for the UEFA Euro 2018 squad
announcement?

"I will be pretty chilled, in the same way I have been since the start of
this season. I just try to do my best for my club. Today, that work paid
off. These two games have gone, and we will relish that and then my work
with my club starts again. So, we won't have too long to reflect on these
games."

You're walking on water this year! Do you agree?

"Of course, it has been a great season so far. In England, I have been put
in the best conditions for me to be able to flourish on the pitch. I want to
pay tribute to my teammates, this squad and my supporters who show me a lot
of love."

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View on the Visitors - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com

Croydon Advertiser's Sports and Crystal Palace reporter Mark Ritson lifts
the lid on Saturday's opponents

Crystal Palace are still looking for their first League win of 2016, what's
behind the loss of form?

"No one quite knows. It's been a strange run since the start of the year,
but they have shown they can beat three Premier League sides on their way to
the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They just need that bit of luck, but it
has been an unbalanced squad, too, with injuries to key players and no
momentum."

Saying that, an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, how important is that
game?

"It's a massive game – and opportunity – to play at Wembley, reach the final
and win the competition. Some fans have suggested the run has papered huge
cracks under Alan Pardew who, I might add, is under no pressure from the
Palace board of directors despite thirteen 13 games without a league win.
Palace can definitely beat Watford and reach the final – and I think they
will."

Today sees two famously difficult teams to predict go head-to-head– what are
you expecting?

"Attacking, free-flowing football. On their day, Palace can spring an attack
with pace, power and trickery. But West Ham now have similar players in the
shape of Michail Antonio and Dimtri Payet.
"The latter is my player of the season, personally. The break may have come
at a good time for Palace, but they are facing a very, very good Hammers
side going for the top four. The Eagles really need to have a blinder of a
game to come away with something."

Which Palace players have been in good form lately, who should we look out
for?

"Wilfried Zaha has been sensational since January. I really think he would
offer England something different out wide at this summer's European
Championships. He takes players on; he's fearless and can create a chance
out of nothing. Scott Dann at the back is a big, big threat from set-pieces,
while Yohan Cabaye's control and possession in the middle of the park stands
out."

This is Palace's final game at the Boleyn – does any particular game or goal
stick out?

"Last season's 3-1 win for Palace was impressive at the Boleyn and I also
witnessed the 1-0 win two seasons ago. From that 3-1 win, Scott Dann's
thumping header from a corner stands out. And of course, there's the
Championship play-off final from 2004 which I am sure sticks out for the
majority of Palace fans, too."

What is your prediction for Saturday's score?

"Palace must pick up at least a point, but West Ham are high in confidence
and want a top four finish. It will be a tough game for the Eagles, but I'll
be brave and go for a 2-2 draw."

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New Stadium progress report
WHUFc.com

It's all systems go over at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
as the countdown to kick-off continues.

Back in December, whufc.com exclusively revealed a glimpse of the new claret
and blue detail around the Hammers' new concourse, complete with Bobby
Moore's iconic shirt.

On Wednesday, the construction team set about installing a prototype model
of the shirt, this one in honour of West Ham's all-time record appearance
holder, the legendary Billy Bonds.

The imposing shirt measures some four metres across and preparatory work is
to continue throughout Wednesday. It is then expected to be lifted into
place on Thursday, ahead of a comprehensive 48-hour window of testing.

As has been the Club's commitment to supporters from the very outset, West
Ham will honour its most famous names throughout the iconic arena, and Bonds
will be one of a handful of Hammers heroes to adorn a shirt on the
concourse.

Together with significant West Ham branding inside and out, the Hammers' new
Stadium will look and feel like the unmistakable home of West Ham United.


Elsewhere, the Club's brand new Ticket Office and Stadium Megastore are
rapidly beginning to take shape.

The former will boast a total of some 25 ticket windows, 20 of which are
stationed at the main Ticket Office – twice as many as the current Betway
Stand Ticket Office at the Boleyn Ground. The remaining five will be housed
in a secondary Ticket Office at the north of the Stadium.

Meanwhile, following the recent installation of the John Lyall Gates, the
Hammers' new retail space is also undergoing its West Ham transformation.


The new Stadium Store, which boasts a stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee
house, is nearly three times the size of its Boleyn Ground equivalent and so
tens of thousands of supporters will enjoy significantly quicker service
every matchday.

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Ferdinand - West Ham will always be in my heart
WHUFC.com

Rio Ferdinand insists West Ham United will always hold a special place in
his heart and he is looking forward to seeing the Hammers make their big
move into the new Stadium during the summer.

Ferdinand made an emotional return to east London this week as he made his
first appearance on the Boleyn Ground pitch for a number of years to
celebrate a memorable day for Mark Noble's Testimonial.

The former England star will never forget his progression through the Club's
Academy as a teenager and making his professional debut for the Hammers as a
17-year-old against Sheffield Wednesday.

Ferdinand went on to make 158 appearances during an impressive
four-year-spell and always keeps a close eye on how the Hammers are
performing.

With the Hammers preparing for a historic move at the end of the season, the
former Manchester United defender says he cannot wait to see how the Club
will perform when they play in the new 60,000 stadium next season.

Ferdinand said: "It was great to be back on the pitch again. This stadium
holds great memories for me and this club will always be in my heart. I
cannot wait to go to the new Stadium now.

"The Boleyn Ground is fantastic and I am an Academy product and it will
always be in my system.

"But you have to understand that time is moving on and you have to move with
those times."

Ferdinand was thrilled to play his part in a memorable day for Mark Noble
this week and says he deserves all the attention after being such an
important player for the Hammers over the last 12 years.

With Noble hoping to cap an impressive season by steering West Ham to the FA
Cup Final this season, Ferdinand will have mixed loyalties when his two
former clubs go head-to-head in the big quarter final replay at the Boleyn
Ground on April 13.

Ferdinand added: "It used to be quite simple before because Manchester
United were always going for trophies and I would always want them to win
when I got there.

"But now the two clubs are fighting for the same position so I will probably
have to sit on the fence a little bit!"

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est Ham plot Wilfried Bony transfer swoop as Manchester City striker seeks
regular football
19:30, 30 MAR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The Manchester City misfit is ready to leave the Etihad after becoming
frustrated at being second fiddle to Sergio Aguero and wants more regular
games
The Mirror

Wilfried Bony is on West Ham's transfer hit-list this summer. Manchester
City misfit Bony is ready to leave the Etihad after becoming frustrated at
being second fiddle to Sergio Aguero and wants more regular games. West Ham
boss Slaven Bilic is desperate to strengthen his strike force and Bony is on
their shortlist as potential signings. Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi is
their No1 target with Liverpool's Christian Benteke and Lyon's Alexandre
Lacazette also on their shortlist. West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has
even admitted they would be interested in Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But they face
major competition for Batshuayi, Lacazette wants Champions League football
and Ibrahimovic seems destined for one of the top four clubs. That leaves
Bony as a serious alternative as West Ham also tried to sign him before he
moved to Swansea. The Ivory Coast star's move to City in January of last
year has not been a huge success while Benteke could also leave Liverpool
after admitting he would not have joined if he had known he would not be
first choice.

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Serious doubt on Martinez deal as Neville is sacked
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Spanish radio station Taronja is reporting that a deal to sign Valencia
starlet Antonio Martinez is now agreed with West Ham. The news follows
similar reports from Spanish media yesterday. The reports suggested the
Hammers would pay an initial 1 million Euros which could rise to 3 million
Euros on certain performance factors . Martinez has starred in Valencia's
youth teams for the past few years, scoring over 100 goals in four seasons,
but it is said he has grown tired over his lack of first-team opportunities.

In the same hour, Valencia have announced they have sacked their manager,
Gary Neville. The former Manchester United and England defender Gary has
been given the boot after less than four months in charge of the Spanish
club. Valencia has won just three of their 16 league games under the former
television pundit, and 10 of 28 games overall.

However the news of Marinez will become a Hammer is now in serious doubt
this afternoon after the West Ham chairman's son David Sullivan junior
tweeted "Contrary to reports we have not signed or bided for Martinez at
Valencia" after earlier posting "What's all this about Toni Martinez ? First
I've heard of it ? I'll ask dad in a minute"

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Kouyate a Palace doubt
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 30, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Cheik Kouyate appears to be a major doubt for the weekend match against
Palace. The all-action midfielder missed Senegal's 2-1 win over Niger last
night with reports claiming he had bronchitis and a slight fever. It will be
a blow to the Hammers, but should he miss the squad depth is such that it
will cope presumably through Pedro Obiang being drafted in alongside Mark
Noble. However, there's an outside chance Cheik could make it and will be
assessed by the medical staff when he returns to the club The manager could
give us a big clue to Alex Song's future should the Barcelona loanee be
absent from the team again with the current thinking being that he will be
returning to the Catalan giants at the end of the season. James Tomkins
looks likely to take over in the the right back spot with Michail Antonio
returning to his right sided attacking role.

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Dimitri Payet was excellent as France won their friendlies with Holland and
Russia... surely Didier Deschamps will be taking the West Ham star to Euro
2016?
Dimitri Payet performed well in France's friendlies with Holland and Russia
West Ham star curled home a brilliant 37-yard free-kick on Tuesday night
It followed a dynamic performance in 3-2 win over Dutch in Amsterdam
Didier Deschamps can no longer ignore Payet's Euro 2016 claim
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:05, 30 March 2016 | UPDATED: 14:32, 30 March 2016

West Ham fans have been singing about him all season. 'We've got Payet,
Dimitri Payet!' begins the oft-heard refrain at the Boleyn Ground. 'I just
don't think you understand. He's Super Slaven's man, he's better than
Zidane. We've got Dimitri Payet!' Payet might have to go some to become
better than the great Zizou, but after this week, there's no question that
France manager Didier Deschamps now understands his natural class and
limitless potential. It had been a long wait for the playmaker, who had last
pulled the blue of his country during a pretty miserable 1-0 friendly loss
to Albania in June last year. But following a sensational debut season in
the Premier League with the Hammers, Deschamps just couldn't ignore the
former Marseille man any more. After nine months and six matches away, Payet
was clearly determined to make up for lost time and two outstanding
performances against Holland and Russia this week have propelled him back
into the reckoning. Payet basically was given two auditions by Deschamps for
France's squad for their home European Championship this summer - and he
passed with flying colours. Even given the ridiculous depth of talent in the
French squad, surely Deschamps can no longer ignore his claim for a place in
the 23.

Against Holland in Amsterdam on Friday night, Payet caused endless problems
with his rapid and direct running at the Dutch defence, playing an integral
role in a 3-2 win. And if that wasn't enough of a statement, Payet produced
something truly spectacular in Paris on Tuesday evening. When France won a
free-kick 37 yards from goal, there wasn't even a second thought in Payet's
mind. Striking wickedly swerving shot clocked at 63mph, the ball crashed
into the net 1.2 seconds later. It was almost a carbon copy of the pearler
that beat David de Gea in West Ham's FA Cup draw with Manchester United
earlier this month. On his 29th birthday, Payet proved once and for all that
he is deserving of a place in the France team. The free-kick surely
confirmed his place in the Euro 2016 squad. Having put forward a strong case
for inclusion, Payet said: 'Its up for the coach to judge. I have tried, as
I do in every game, to contribute something. 'It was a positive performance,
I am pleased with it.' And Deschamps is paying attention. After the win
against Holland, the national coach said: 'He is confirming his good form. I
will need him.' That 'good form' has produced 11 goals and 11 assists for
his club this season, the X-Factor in a West Ham side unexpectedly
challenging for a Champions League place in the season's final stretch. And
having proven he can do it in the Premier League, surely Payet will now be
granted the opportunity to show his myriad qualities at a major tournament.

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West Ham on verge of signing Valencia prodigy Antonio Martinez
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, March 30, 2016

West Ham are on the verge of completing a move for Valencia prodigy Antonio
Martinez, claim reports in Spain. The Hammers are understood to be have been
pestering the Spanish club about signing the 18-year-old since January and a
deal now appears to be nearing completion. According to AS, West Ham will
pay Valencia around £2.3m for the Spain youth international, who is expected
to start his career in London with the club's under-21s squad. With Valencia
languishing in mid-table, Martinez is understood to be keen on joining up
with the Hammers, who are on the cusp of securing European football next
year. A striker and winger, Martinez has played 17 games for Valencia's
youth side this season, scoring two goals and registering three assists.

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