Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2016

Hammers beat Karlsruher - Report & highlights
West Ham United 3-0 Karlsruher SC
Pre-season match
WHUFC.com

West Ham United saw off German side Karlsruher on Saturday to end the
build-up to their UEFA Europa League campaign on a high. Andy Carroll,
Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher were all on target as the Hammers ran
in three unanaswered goals on a sweltering afternoon in Kapfenberg, Austria.
It was a performance full of promise from Slaven Bilic's men, who attacked
with force and looked a threat throughout. The only sour point was a late
injury suffered by Aaron Cresswell and the Hammers will now wait to see how
that settles down. Carroll partnered Enner Valencia up front to make his
first appearance of the tour and he did not have to wait long to leave his
mark, heading the Hammers in front with just nine minutes played. It was a
well-worked goal too, started by Feghouli who cleverly found space between
the lines to receive a pass from Cheikhou Kouyate.
He saw Enner Valencia peeling off his man and fed the ball into the
Ecuadorian to stand up a cross to the back post where Carroll did the rest.
With 15 minutes on the clock Tim Fahrenholz was not far away from a leveller
when he sent a 25-yard free-kick just over the angle of post and bar, and
two minutes later the Hammers went further ahead. Feghouli has been a real
livewire throughout pre-season and he showed his threat again, collecting
the ball 22 yards from goal, seeing the goalkeeper out of position and
drilling low into the net. Midway through the half, wingers Gokhan Tore and
Feghouli combined with some lovely interplay to leave the German side having
to defend desperately to fend off the latter's burst into the box. Then,
with 28 minutes played, Valencia again noticed an opportunity with Dirk
Orlishausen out of position, but could not hit the target from fully 40
yards. Darren Randolph showed good hands to clutch a Dennis Kempe free-kick
to his chest, but it was the Hammers who ended the first period strongly and
Michail Antonio, who got forward well from right back throughout, saw his
dangerous left-footed shot deflect behind.
The Hammers always looked capable of unpicking the Karlsruher defence and
Valencia almost took advantage of some hesitancy at the back after half time
when he got in between the centre back and goalkeeper to reach a lofted
ball, but prodded just wide of Rene Vollath's post. At the other end, Darren
Randolph made comfortable diving stops from Gaetan Krebs and Nick Depuy, but
he was not overly tested and it was the Hammers who added further gloss to
the scoreline late on. Fletcher was introduced from the bench with 75
minutes played and just five minutes later he touched home from Cresswell's
dangerous low cross. Five minutes from time Cresswell had to be substituted
following a tackle on him which provoked anger from the Hammers players on
the pitch and focus will now turn to Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie in
Slovenia on Thursday.

West Ham United: Randolph, Antonio, Nordtveit, Reid (Rice 85), Cresswell
(Makasi 85), Feghouli (Martinez 85), Noble, Kouyate, Tore (Byram 64),
Valencia (Fletcher 75), Carroll (Obiang 64)
Subs: Page, Cullen, Quina, Samuelsen, Martinez

Goals: Carroll 9, Feghouli 17, Fletcher 80

Booked: Valencia

Karlsruher SC: Orlishausen, Stoli, Kom, Hoffer, Diamantakos, Yamada, Barry,
Sallahi, Valentini, Rolim, Hoffman
Subs: Voilath, Srtitzel, Gessl, Kempe, Kinsombi, Torres, Promel, Krebs,
Thoelke, Fahrenholz, Bader, Depuy, Sverko, Maiga

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Bilic - It was a good test
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was pleased to see his team run in three unanswered goals in a
competitive pre-season victory over Karlsruher SC on Saturday. Andy Carroll,
Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher were all on target as the Hammers
concluded their warm-up games before their UEFA Europa League campaign gets
underway in style. It was not all good news for the Hammers, however. Aaron
Cresswell limped off after being on the receiving end of a poor challenge
from Karlsruher's Grischa Promel late on and Bilic will have to wait and see
if the left-back's injury is a serious one. The boss said: "It was a good
test for us, in a good atmosphere against a good team who play in the second
Bundesliga. "They are starting on the first weekend in August, so already
they have been in pre-season for a long time. "It was a good game, and we
expected that to be fair. We expected to have hard legs in the games we have
played so far, and we expected to be a little fresher for this one "We were,
and we played some quality football. We played as a team, we were compact,
we saw some great things and it was a good result. "The only downside of
this game is that we have to see what is [wrong] with Cresswell. He got
injured and it didn't look that good. We will have to assess it."

Andy Carroll played his first game of the tour and waited just nine minutes
to hit the back of the net. Bilic was delighted with his, and new boy
Sofiane Feghouli's contributions. He added: "It's not about Andy's goals
only, it's about his workrate, his linking play and his quality has never
been in doubt. This summer, as we saw in America and now Austria, he has
been training hard and doing something [pre-season] that he hasn't done in a
long time. "Hopefully he is going to stay fit and if he stays fit then I am
the happiest man. Sofiane is already showing what he is all about. We knew
when we were signing him that he is a special kind of player. "He's good in
the dressing room, a very honest player and we're going to benefit as a Club
a lot from him."

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Young Hammers beaten despite late fight-back
WHUFC.com

Southend United – West Ham United Development Squad
Pre-Season Friendly
Burroughs Park
Saturday 23 July, 2016

The Development Squad succumbed to League One outfit Southend United on
Saturday as they were beaten 3-2 by the Shrimpers in their third pre-season
outing.

A Stephen McLaughlin brace came after David Mooney's opener to secure the
win for Phil Brown's men, but Anthony Scully and Jahmal Hector-Ingram
ensured the Irons put up a fight in the second half.

As the 1,000-strong crowd basked in the sunshine at the home of Great
Wakering Rovers, the Hammers lined up without a number of their young stars
who were away in Austria with Slaven Bilic's first team.

In an even first half, it was the Shrimpers – with a full-strength starting
XI – who converted their opportunities as they took the lead half-an-hour
into the clash.

McLaughlin's cross from the left-hand-side was bent into the penalty area
and former Leyton Orient forward Mooney was able to nod the ball into Nathan
Trott's top corner.

Trott had previously been tested on a number of occasions, and his flying
save to deny Mooney a second one minute after the goal was the pick of his
superb stops.

Previously, Grady Diangana has come closest for the Hammers, as he cut
inside from a short corner kick but could only fire into the side netting.

The League One side doubled their advantage ten minutes after the opener,
with McLaughlin again heavily involved.

Full-back Jason Demetriou charged down the right flank and whipped in
another centre which, beyond the reach of Alex Pike, midfielder McLaughlin
was able to convert with a diving header.

After the break, substitute keeper Sam Howes was instantly worked, as he
made a superb double stop to deny McLaughlin and forward Simon Cox.

He could do nothing about United's third six minutes into the second period
however, as star man McLaughlin collected a long ball and fired under the
stopper.

The Hammers probed and eventually got a reward for their tireless efforts.

Luka Belic - a second half substitute - was fouled inside the penalty area
twelve minutes from time, and midfielder Anthony Scully coolly slotted into
the left-hand-corner.

And in the 83rd minute, West Ham set-up a grand stand finish, as
Hector-Ingram tapped home after Joe Powell had crashed against the woodwork.

Despite the late pressure, the third tier side held on to record the
victory, but Westley's men will take confidence from their late fight-back
heading into their pre-season week in the Netherlands.

Southend United: Ted Smith, Jason Demetriou, Ben Coker (John White 45), Adam
Thompson (Adam Barrett 45), Trialist (Trialist 45), Luke O'Neil (Jermaine
McGlashan 62), David Mooney (Trialist 69), Simon Cox (Jason Williams 69),
Stephen McLaughlin, Will Atkinson (Michael Timlin 62), Ryan Leonard (Jack
Bridge 62)

Unused subs: Mark Oxley, Trialist, Jason Williams

Goals: Mooney 30', McLaughlin 40', McLaughlin 51'

Development Squad: Nathan Trott (Sam Howes 45), Alex Pike, Jake Eggleton
(Noha Sylvestre 45), Diego Poyet (Kristjian Belic 73), Josh Pask, Mason
Barrett (Rosaire Longelo 55), Dan Kemp (Joe Powell 62), Alfie Lewis (Anthony
Scully 45), Sam Ford (Luka Belic 45), Jaanai Gordon (Hector-Ingram 45),
Grady Diangana (Conor Coventry 76)

Unused subs: Tunji Akinola

Goals: Anthony Scully 78' (pen), Jahmal Hector-Ingram 83'

Attendance: 1,078

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From the Terraces – Hammers in Austria
WHUFC.com

The support for West Ham United stretches across the globe and that has been
shown once again on their tour to Austria, where fans from as far afield as
Indonesia and Turkey have gathered to watch their team train and play in
pre-season matches.

One local-based supporter who jumped at the chance to take in a training
session this week was Austrian Hammer Aline Anzengruber, who had an extra
special gift for the manager.

After presenting a framed Thames Ironworks bond certificate to the boss, we
caught up with her to find out the story.

Aline said: "I searched for an extraordinary gift for Slaven Bilic, and I
found this bond certificate for Thames Ironworks on eBay.

"There is a company which sells old bonds and I was lucky enough to find the
bond of Thames Ironworks. It's from the year 1899 and I think it's the
perfect gift for the manager.

"I was absolutely thrilled to be able to present it to Slaven. I'm very
happy to have had the opportunity to be at training and it was very nice to
see all the lads, especially Slaven.

"To be honest, I am a West Ham fan because of Slaven. He is a great guy and
a great manager, the best in my opinion.

"It fits perfectly – the perfect club and the perfect manager, West Ham and
Slaven!

"I will be at the match against Karlsruher and I'm really looking forward to
it."

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Page relishing tour experience
WHUFC.com

Hammers youngster Lewis Page is relishing the opportunity to impress first
team manager Slaven Bilic during pre-season.

The 20-year-old left back has been away with the senior squad ever since
their return to training, first travelling to the United States and then
forming part of the group currently in Austria.

With another game against German side Karlsruher to follow on Saturday, Page
is ready to show what he can do again.

"For me it's great to be here," he explained. "It's with the first team and
I'm at the age now where I'm trying to break through.

"It's nice conditions, I'm enjoying training even though it's been tough and
we're working on getting our match fitness back. We're getting there.

"Hopefully I can get a little bit of pitch time on Saturday. I know Cress is
trying to rack up his minutes as well to get ready for the start of the
season, so I'll take as many minutes as I can and try to impress again."
Last year the Europa League gave me the best experience of my career,
playing in front of a full house at Upton Park
Lewis Page
With a UEFA Europa League qualifying game against NK Domzale coming up
quickly, Page is hoping to build on his experience of last season's
campaign.

He continued: "Last year the Europa League gave me the best experience of my
career, playing in front of a full house at Upton Park.

"Hopefully I can be involved in the squad for this year's games and
experience that again."

That experience could include a run out at the Hammers' new home, and having
played in front of a big crowd on tour in Seattle, Page is keen to do so
again.

He added: "It's been a chance to impress, the first game in Seattle was in a
big stadium in front of 40,000, so it was another experience for me and I'm
hoping for many more.

"It's about being ready because the Premier League is such a tough league
fitness-wise. Physically you have to be tip top, so being here in the heat
is only going to help."

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Martinez ready for action
WHUFC.com

When it comes to scoring goals new signing Toni Martinez has a track record
of finding the back of the net and he cannot wait to make his first
appearance at the new Stadium.

Martinez joined the Hammers from Valencia during the summer and will be
hoping to carry on his impressive goalscoring form after netting more than
100 goals over the past four seasons.

The 19-year-old striker has already got to know his new team-mates following
the pre-season tours to America and Austria and has enjoyed settling into
his new surroundings.
West Ham are now preparing for the Europa League third round qualifying tie
against Slovenian side NK Domzale on Thursday and following the emergence of
a number of youngsters in the competition last season, Martinez hopes he
will get to play some part and impress Slaven Bilic.

Martinez said: "The fans want to see ambition and goals from a striker and
that is what I am looking to offer them.

"I was told that this Club likes to put younger players into the team which
is why I am happy that we are playing in the Europa League and I hope to get
some games under my belt.

"We are blessed that we are moving into such a magnificent new Stadium and I
cannot wait to play there in front of a full crowd.

"I come from a warm country and the weather is a lot different so that has
taken some getting used to!

"But London is a beautiful city and this is a beautiful country so I am very
happy to be here."

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Payet enjoys 'magnificent' Reunion
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet has received a hero's welcome on returning to his home island
of La Reunion.

West Ham United's France international playmaker headed back to the Indian
Ocean territory following his outstanding showing at UEFA Euro 2016.

Payet has recently been appointed as an official ambassador for La Reunion
by a French telecoms operator, featuring in advertising campaigns and making
personal appearances.

On landing at Roland Garros Airport on the island's northern coast on
Wednesday, the smiling No27 was met by a group of 500 supporters who
welcomed him with songs and dances.

After signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans, Payet thanked
his fellow islanders for their support in the native Reunion Creole
language. He later met 100 young footballers – many of them wearing their
favourite's No8 France shirt – during a visit to the town of Sainte-Marie.

"When I arrived in La Reunion a few days ago, I was welcomed by a large
group of fans who were playing a song that honours me," he said in one of a
succession of television interviews. "It was a fantastic welcome home from
them and I think there were more or less 500 people at the airport when I
landed."

"I have just become an ambassador for the island of La Reunion – a role that
consists of representing La Reunion and presenting the beauty of this
magnificent island. During the Euros we were able to put La Reunion on the
map and a lot more people are now aware of the island.

"Where possible with my planning, I will be going to certain events to speak
about the island and promoting the island in England."

Born in the town of Saint-Pierre on the island's south coast, Payet was
raised on La Reunion and began his career with AS Saint-Philippe and JS
Saint-Pierroise before moving to France to play for Le Havre.

He returned home in 2004 to win the Reunion Cup with AS Excelsior before
making it big with Nantes, Saint-Etienne, Lille, Marseille and now West Ham
in Europe.

"That spell with Excelsior is what started my career," he recalled. "I
arrived in the Excelsior team in 2004 where I rubbed shoulders with greats
of Reunion football. These are the players who formed me and made me become
a man, and when I moved from Reunion to Nantes I was much stronger
physically and mentally."

For Payet, returning home is always an emotional experience, particularly
when he witnessed a stand being named in his honour at his old club in
Saint-Philippe.

He will enjoy a well-earned break before returning to training with the
Hammers on Friday 5 August.

"It's good to be home," he continued. "In addition, this is the first time I
have been welcomed like that. It stirs a lot of emotions. I can see what we
did with the team of France at Euro 2016 has not gone unnoticed, especially
for me as a Reunionnais. This island is the ultimate community.

"I want to say a big thank you, because I have been touched by this
reception. I have just been to the stadium where I first played, and they
have now named a stand with my name on it!"

"After my trip, I am due to return to training with West Ham at the start of
August."

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WEST HAM 3-0 KARLSRUHER SC – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 23 JULY 2016 AT 6:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

West Ham won their first pre-season game this afternoon 3-0 in the
Franz-Fekete-Stadion in Austria against their German opponents FC
Karlsruher. Goals from Andy Carroll, Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher
ensured the Hammers won the game at a canter. The Hammers named their
strongest pre-season line-up thus far which included Darren Randolph in
goal. The back four consisted of Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell at
fullback and the returning Winston Reid and Norwegian International Havard
Nordtveit at centreback. Captain Mark Noble anchored the midfield with
Cheikh Kouyate. Sofiane Feghouli started on the right wing with Gokhan Tore
on the left and Enner Valencia partnered Andy Carroll up front. The Irons
started the game on fire and took the lead in the 9th minute when Carroll
powered a header into the net after Valencia found him at the back post with
a perfect cross. Two minutes later and the Hammers almost doubled their
lead as Antonio battled his way past Sallahi but his effort was blocked by
the keeper's legs. The Hammers eventually doubled their lead in the 17th
minute with Sofiane Feghouli's first goal for the club. Sofiane beat the
diving keeper from 22 yards with a decent strike. Four minutes later and
superb interlinking play between Feghouli and Tore nearly resulted in the
Algerian getting in on goal but the Germans managed to clear the danger.
Karlsruher rarely threatened despite the fact they had three free kicks
within 25 yards of Randolph's goal in the first half but none of the efforts
even came close to troubling the Irishman. The German side made many changes
at the break but never really troubled the West Ham backline with the
excellent Reid and sturdy Nordtveit. The third goal came in the 80th minute
with Ashley Fletcher notching his 2nd of pre-season when he connected from
close range from Cresswell's cross. Unfortunately that was Aaron's last real
touch before he was on the wrong end of a terrible two footed tackle.
Thankfully he was able to get up onto his own feet after a couple of minutes
and walk off the pitch. Hopefully he hasn't suffered any injury The referee
actually ended the game in the 88th minute as tempers rose after the
challenge.
I think that this is exactly what Slaven wanted to see from the club's final
pre-season game before their Europa League campaign starts next Thursday.
Good finishing from Carroll who got a 60 minute shift in. Excellent
interplay between Feghouli and Tore, dominance in midfield from Noble and
Kouyate and solid at the back between Reid and Nordtveit. Hopefully though
Cresswell is okay as that is one position the Hammers can ill afford to lose
their best player for any length of time. The squad will now remain in
Austria to prepare for their away leg against NK Domzale next Thursday in
Slovenia.

Match Ratings
Randolph 7
Antonio 7
Cresswell 7
Reid 8
Nordtveit 7
Noble 7
Kouyate 7
Tore 7
Feghouli 8
Valencia 7
Carroll 8
Subs
Fletcher 7
Byram 6
Quina 6
Martinez 6
Rice 6
Obiang 7
Cullen 6
Makasi 6

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER UPDATE
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 23 JULY 2016 AT 1:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

We are looking at other targets due to concerns on whether Bacca will agree
to join or not and the web is being stretched further as our quest goes on
for another forward. Bacca is still thinking over the offer from the Irons
however reports have emerged this morning that Bacca's agent is talking to
Napoli as it seems Gonzalo Higuain's move to Juventus is edging closer.

We are considering going back in for an old target in Loic Remy. Whilst he
is not the first choice target and his future is unclear he is a player that
DS has fancied for a while. If Remy is considered he would not be the
marquee signing that most expect this Summer. More than likely a
replacement for Ener Valencia if he is sold.

The club are still confident of signing Calleri subject to him obtaining an
Italian passport and hope that Bacca may change his stance although this
doesn't look that likely at the moment! There are a number of forwards being
considered: Gomez, the German international was considered but it is
believed the club thought he is too similar to Andy Carroll and his wage
demands were excessive. Reports are also emerging this morning that he has
agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund.

Wissam Ben Yedder is also being considered (although a loan deal maybe
preferred for him as there are concerns about his physical attributes and
him adapting to the Premier League) and other targets that have been
mentioned in my columns including Zaza, are also of interest.

It seems should we resort to a forward that has proven himself in the
Premiership, Loic Remy is now ahead of Benteke and Bony in the running.
Again, there is a real domino affect likely to happen with forward signings
across Europe as players continue to move on a daily basis.

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Pre-season round-up: West Ham and Everton win, as Hull start the post-Steve
Bruce era with victory also
20:28, 23 JUL 2016 UPDATED 20:28, 23 JUL 2016
BY KIT MANN
Andy Carroll found the net for the Hammers, Ross Barkley did likewise for
the Toffees and £15million Jordon Ibe did the same for his new side
The Mirror

West Ham cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC in the final
game of their pre-season tour of Austria. Andy Carroll opened the scoring
before new boys Ashley Fletcher and Sofiane Feghouli got their names on the
scoresheet. The Premier League club fielded a strong starting line-up
against the team from Germany's second tier as they continued their
preparations for next week's Europa League tie against Slovenian side NK
Domzale. An injury to left-back Aaron Cresswell was the only blight on an
otherwise productive afternoon for the Hammers.

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