Daily WHUFC News - 27th September 2016

From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com

There is no question that this has not been the start to the season that we
were looking for but rest assured we are doing everything we can to fix the
situation. The facts are there for everyone to see. We know we are letting
in too many goals and not scoring enough, but be assured we will sort the
problems out. There have been factors which have contributed to the poor
start with injuries to key players and some key decisions which have gone
against us. But we are not going to make excuses and know that Slaven and
his team will be working even harder on the training ground this week to get
things right. We have got to remain positive. These are the same players
that helped us enjoy such a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. We
know this is a difficult time for our supporters at the moment but we want
to thank you personally and wholeheartedly for staying with the Club. We
will turn our season around.
These are tough times but as Mark Noble said over the weekend, this is the
time that the West Ham United family needs to come together. We can't thank
you enough for the impeccable way you pulled together and supported the team
yesterday. Our fans have always shown over the years the amazing support
they have for the team and we have no doubts they will get behind the
players even more over the coming weeks. We stated last week that we would
be putting measures in place to make the London Stadium experience something
everyone can be proud of and we would like to thank all our supporters for
their support in this regard. Supporters can rest assured that we will not
be slowing our efforts despite the match against Southampton being
completely trouble-free, and we will not stop working until everyone feels
they have a Stadium to be proud of – on and off the pitch. We would like to
thank all fans for their incredible support and continued cooperation.

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Noble - We are still together
WHUFC.com

West Ham United captain Mark Noble has no doubts the players will stick
together and knows more than most what is needed to turn the Club's season
around. Despite the disappointing start to the campaign, Noble can see the
quality that has been assembled in the squad and feels it is only a question
of time before they put things right on the pitch. The 29-year-old
midfielder has experienced similar situations in the past and was part of
the team that produced a great escape to beat the drop back in 2007. Noble
feels this is a completely different situation and hopes the players will be
able to silence the critics and climb away from the bottom three, starting
with a victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday. Noble said: "These are times
when you have to stick together. I've been through it many times before — in
worse positions than this and with weaker squads — and we've dug ourselves
out of it. We are still together. "The hard thing is knowing why it's going
wrong. I've played in this league for a lot of years and it just seems like,
at the moment, we can't get a goal that means something.
"Against Southampton we were solid for most of the first half and there was
nothing in the game, then there's a lack of concentration and we're 1-0 down
after probably their first shot.
"We do have a couple of key players missing — we've lost two left-backs in
Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku but we are not making excuses. "It's hard
to take, especially after the results we had last season. You can only say a
certain number of times 'we're waiting for a break or a bit of luck',
because sometimes you make your own luck. We're just not playing well and
need to liven ourselves up. "You have to be like that in this league
because, if you aren't brave, you will pay the ultimate price."

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Josh Cullen – on loan at Bradford – helped the Bantams record a 0-0 draw
with Bolton in League One
Lewis Page played for Coventry City but they were beaten 2-1 by Gillingham
Josh Pask was on the bench for the Gills

Only two Hammers were in loan action this weekend in the Football League,
with Josh Cullen and Lewis Page both starting and playing the full 90
minutes in League One for their respective sides.

Cullen – on loan at Bradford City – helped the Bantams record an impressive
goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers' Macron Stadium, against the manager who
brought him to Yorkshire last season; Phil Parkinson.

With just a point separating the sides in the play-offs before the action,
the visitors ensured there was to be no change as they battled hard to earn
the draw.

In a match lacking in clear goalscoring opportunities, Zach Clough and James
Henry went closest for the hosts but Bradford remained unmoved to record
their fifth successive league draw.

Meanwhile, Lewis Page's Coventry City were beaten in Kent at the hands of
Gillingham. With Hammer Josh Pask an unused substitute for the hosts, Justin
Edinburgh's men hit back having fallen behind early in the clash.

Former West Ham winger Kyel Reid put City in front after 21 minutes,
volleying low to find the back of the net, but Gillingham responded
immediately, equalising five minutes later through Max Ehmer.

And with less than 20 minutes remaining in the second half, Billy Knott
bagged to give Gillingham the three points and keep Coventry rooted to the
bottom of the League One table.

Elsewhere, the injured Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle did not feature for Wigan
Athletic on Friday as they were beaten 1-0 by Preston North End in the
Championship, while Martin Samuelsen was an unused sub for Blackburn as they
recorded their second league win of the season at Derby County.

Stephen Hendrie did not play for Rovers, who were 2-1 winners at Pride Park.

George Dobson was on the bench for Walsall as they were held 1-1 by
Peterborough United, while Luka Belic and Doneil Henry – on loan at
Motherwell and AC Horsens respectively – also did not feature this weekend.

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#WHUAREYA - Jahmal Hector-Ingram
WHUFC.com

Different footballers enjoy different things on the pitch. A goalkeeper or
defender may take most pleasure from a one-on-one save or a goal-line
clearance. Midfielders may enjoy a crunching tackle or a superb assist.

For strikers, though, they take their enjoyment from one thing only –
scoring goals. According to the Development Squad's Jahmal Hector-Ingram,
anyway.

"Without a doubt, the thing I most enjoy is putting the ball in the back of
the net," he says without hesitation. "After a little break during the
summer, I can't wait to get that feeling back again."

In actual fact, the 17-year-old has already experienced that feeling this
pre-season. The forward got off the mark for the campaign in an away
friendly at Southend United, before following it up with another in the
side's summer trip to the Netherlands.

"Having scored a couple in pre-season already, I've never been more
confident," he continues. "I have to take it step by step, of course, and
see how I do in the next game, but I always believe I am going to score.

"As a footballer, I'm a finisher. I like to dribble, but finishing is my
best attribute. I love to express that when I can on the pitch.

"Last season, I scored two in one game against Arsenal and I was so
confident. I love scoring against them as well, so that stands out in my
memory. I want that feeling again this season."

As well as the game against the Gunners, Hector-Ingram – who has been with
the Hammers since he was six – enjoyed a terrific campaign last year.

The powerful forward, who was part of the Development Squad which won the
U21 Premier League Cup, wants to experience similar highs this term.

"Having that taste of winning a trophy last season, of course I want to have
that feeling again. We have a good young youth team coming up and I feel
like we can win a lot of things in the future.

"I personally want to try and get on loan somewhere, if I'm lucky enough to
do that, and be in and around the first team as much as I can. I want to
stick with the Dev Squad and not head back down to the 18s, too. I just want
to go up and up and see what happens."

And whatever does happen for Jahmal, he'll be sure to keep putting the ball
in the back of the net.

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FT: West Ham United PL2 0-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
WHUFC.com

FULL-TIME: It's ended 0-0 here at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. The
Hammers came out fighting in the second half and dominated chances created
but could not find the winner. Martinez, Makasi and Quina all went close in
the second 45 but it wasn't to be. Thanks for joining us this evening. We'll
be back on Saturday as the Hammers begin their PL Cup defence away at
Leicester City. Good night!

90: 3 added mins here. Still no goals.

89: The Hammers are still probing for that winner but chances are few and
far between. 0-0

85: Free-kick for Brighton again in a dangerous area. Akinola fouls sub
Skapetis, but the free-kick sails over.

80: Wonderful chance for the Hammers. Kemp has been excellent since his
introduction and pings in a delicious. Fellow sub Gordon meets it but it
goes just wide. 0-0

77: Good build-up by the Hammers but Makasi's shot is deflected over! 0-0

72: The game has got very scrappy over the past ten minutes. The Hammers are
trying to move the ball but are coming up against a resilient Brighton. 0-0

68: Free-kick straight at Trott. Well held by the Hammers No1.

67: Quina gives away a free-kick right on the edge of the box. Danger here
for the Hammers. 0-0

64: Sub for the Hammers. Grady Diangana is replaced by Jaanai Gordon. Like
for like swap by the looks of things.

61: Free-kick well hit by Browne but palmed away by Lynch-Sanchez. 0-0

60: Excellent recovery work by Browne earns him a free-kick. A scuffle
ensues but the Hammers players diffuse the situation. Free-kick in a good
position here with the Hammers well on top. 0-0

57: The Hammers are upping the tempo now. First, Quina clatters a long range
free kick onto the post then Makasi fires the ball straight at Lynch-Sanchez
after a wonderful flick from Martinez. 0-0

54: Best chance of the match so far. Moses Makasi squares the ball to
Martine who managed to work himself some room. Somehow Lynch-Sanchez in the
Brighton makes the save! 0-0

52: Open start to this second half. Lots of chances and we're only a few
minutes into it! Stark contrast to the first! 0-0

51: Good chance for Brighton. Collar swings the ball in but Tilley heads
wide!

49: Great chance for Martinez. Sumptuous delivery by Neufville but Martinez
heads just over. Good start to this second half by the Hammers. 0-0.

46: Second half is underway here. One change for the Hammers - as expected
Parfitt-Williams has been replaced by Dan Kemp. Parfitt-Williams was easing
himself back from injury tonight, hence only playing a half. Still 0-0.
COYI!

HALF-TIME: It's goalless between West Ham PL2 and Brighton. The Hammers have
dominated the ball in the first 45 but have created little compared to how
much they've been on the ball. Captain Declan Rice probably had the best
chance but his effort was cleared off the line on 10 minutes. Frustrating
half for Terry Westley and his side. They'll need to find a way to break to
Seagulls down. 0-0

41 mins: Marcus Browne was almost away on another one of his mazy runs. He
was brought down by the defender though - seems the only way you can stop
him when he's running at pace! 0-0

37 mins: Backpass from Akinola unfortunately falls to Ayunga for Brighton
who forces a good save from Trott.

35 mins: Terrific footwork from Diangana. Looks to trick his way inside the
Brighton penalty box but their defence stands firm. The Hammers are going to
have to find a way to break the Seagulls down.

29 mins: The Hammers have dominated possession in the opening half an hour -
I'd love to see the possession stats! Still looking for that elusive first
goal though. 0-0

28 mins: Martinez once again goes close - he fires over from long-range.

21 mins: Martinez was just through on goal but it was great defending Ben
Hall of Brighton who put in a last-ditch tackle just as soon as the Spaniard
was about to oull the trigger! 0-0

15 mins: First chance of the match for Brighton. James Tilley finds himself
in some space but he's well closed down by Akinola who causes the Seagulls
No11 to scuff his shot. Still 0-0.

12 mins: Another great chance for the Hammers. Tunji Akinola towers above
his marker but heads over from close range. So unlucky!

10 mins: Chance from a corner! Loose ball falls to Declan Rice but his
effort is cleared off the line!

8 mins: Referee has given a free-kick to West Ham after a foul on Browne.
That's a result of the Hammers pressure on Brighton when they have the ball.

6 mins: Quina is dominating the ball early on for the Hammers. No chances so
far but the No4 is the one pulling the strings.

2 mins: The Hammers are looking to get on the ball early. They're also
pressing high when Brighton have the ball. Good start!

7pm: We're underway!

6.55pm: The teams have emerged from the dressing room. Kick-off is just
moments away!

6.45pm: We're just 15 minutes away from kick-off here. A reminder of the
team news: Domingos Quina replaces Noha Sylvestre in midfield and Djair
Parfitt-Williams returns from injury to replaces Jaanai Gordon.

6.35pm: The Hammers go into this one on the back of a 2-0 victory away at
Norwich City last Monday. Toni Martinez was once again on the scoresheet
that evening which means he has seven goals in six matches this evening. You
wouldn't bet against the Spaniard bagging another this evening!

It's great to see Parfitt-Williams back tonight. He was of course on the
scoresheet when the Hammers clinched last year's Premier League Cup. He
netted in the first leg at the Boleyn Ground and Terry Westley's men went on
to win the trophy on penalties. Unfortunately the wide man has missed the
early part of the season through injury but he is back tonight and starts!

6.15pm: The Hammers team to face Brighton tonight: Trott; Pike, Rice,
Akinola, Neufville; Makasi, Quina; Parfitt-Williams, Browne, Diangana;
Martinez. Subs: Howes, Sylvestre, Ford, Kemp, Gordon.

6pm: Good evening and welcome to the Chigwell Construction Stadium for
tonight's Premier League 2 encounter between West Ham United and Brighton
and Hove Albion. The Hammers make two changes from the side that beat
Norwich City last weekend with Djair Parfitt-Williams coming in for his
first start of the season and Domingos Quina returning to the side. Kick off
is at 7pm!

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Ladies triumphant in cup shootout
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies 2-2 (AET) Swindon Ladies (West Ham win 4-2 on
penalties)

Aditi Chauhan made a victorious return to the West Ham United Ladies team
after saving three penalties in a nail-biting shootout in the FA Women's
Premier League Plate first round.

The cup tie against Swindon Ladies was a welcome relief from their slow
start to the league campaign, and after just one point from the first five
games, it was a chance to hit a run of form.

There were three changes to the team that lost to Crystal Palace; Aditi
Chauhan and Amy Cooper came in, while Charlotte Gerr made her West Ham
Ladies debut.

West Ham had the better of the early exchanges with Chloe Burr having a shot
saved after being put clean through and Sasha Kelly slicing the ball wide
after a great run.

Bizarrely in the 42nd minute, the referee called for a water break due to
the warm temperatures, and the refreshment seemed to agree with the West Ham
Ladies as directly after it Gerr's close range shot ricocheted off a
defender's shin and into the back of the net.

Swindon Ladies started the second half on the front foot, forcing Chauhan
into action and in the 62nd minute the pressure paid off as Georgia Walters
floated the ball over the keeper's head to make it 1-1.

Swindon continued to cause West Ham problems and took the lead in the 80th
minute, Walters capitalising on a mix-up in the West Ham defence to grab her
second.

The Hammers brought on Jasmine Auguste and Steph Bent for Olivia Sammons and
goalscorer Gerr who had ran herself into the ground.

West Ham Ladies continued to press in search of an equaliser with Locke,
Burr and Wheeler all going close but they had to wait until the last minute
of injury time before Chloe Burr stepped up to bury a 25-yard free-kick into
the bottom corner of the net to send the game into extra time.

With neither team able to break the deadlock in extra time, it was penalties
to decide the tie and time for Aditi to remind everybody why she was voted
Asian Woman Footballer of the Year in 2015, as she saved three of the five
penalties faced.

With Kat Clifton, captain Katie Bottom and Chloe Burr converting their spot
kicks, it was left to Sasha Kelly to step up and beat the keeper to send
West Ham into the next round.

She did so, and after the tie, manager James Marrs said: "We were better in
the first half once we had settled in and they were better in the second
half, so a draw was a fair result in my opinion.

"In extra time, both teams had chances and we obviously snuck through on
penalties.
"I'm so delighted to get our first win and hopefully it gives us some
confidence moving forward. We will be back to training Tuesday and working
hard in preparation for the match against Charlton next week."

West Ham United Ladies: Chaucan, Sammons, Wheeler, Bottom, Mackie, Cooper,
Clifton, Kelly, Burr, Locke, Gerr.

Substitutes: Auguste, Bent

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IS SOCIAL MEDIA TO BLAME?
BY BEN COOPER ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 10:37AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article was written by Katie S (@flump9)

Now we all know that being a West Ham fan is never easy and the current time
is certainly no different. In my twenty-five years of supporting West Ham,
I have seen many low moments and the rare high moment thrown in. However,
just lately I have felt on an unbelievable low about the club and it has
genuinely caused me upset to feel this way. It got me thinking about why I
was feeling so down about everything, part of being a West Ham fan is
dealing with this disappointment and supporting them regardless. Yes, we
aren't playing well, but I'm used to that. Yes, the stadium isn't quite what
I had hoped, but I always knew that it would take time and yes, Bilic isn't
looking quite the same manager as last season, but last season was a shock.
So what is different lately and why do I feel so down?

I honestly believe the negativity I am feeling is largely down to social
media (West Ham need to take some blame of course). Part of me wants to go
back to the old days, checking the scores on Ceefax on page 303, or
travelling back from the game on the train and having a moan about the game
with my Dad. The worst I had to experience back then was my own
disappointment and the odd comment on a Monday morning from the random
Manchester United fan, that had never even been to Old Trafford! Now I
can't help but read the tweets moaning about the players, the manager, the
board and just lately, even our own fans. I am as guilty as anyone for
this, Twitter is a place to vent and air your views, however these tweets
just seem to rile everyone and cause more frustration and negativity.
Social media is great when things are going well, but when things take a
turn for the worse, it can be a very dark place.

I have read comments suggesting that younger fans wouldn't have coped if
they had been supporting West Ham a few years ago. I understand how it may
appear that way, but I have to disagree with that statement. I have seen
many 'older' fans appearing to have meltdowns, but maybe it is the intense
nature of Twitter that is causing it. I had the same disappointment when I
witnessed West Ham losing against Tottenham in 2007, as I did losing to
Watford a few weeks ago (in fact I probably had more disappointment in
2007), but the difference between then and now is, I could sulk for the
evening and try and block it out. Now we sadly have we relive every missed
opportunity, every terrible pass and every shocking piece of defending, to
the point of depressing ourselves even more than we thought possible.



If you have read my previous articles, you will probably be aware on my
views regarding the standing/sitting issues, but I believe the ongoing
issues with standing and sitting have in fact been made worse by social
media. Fans seem to be attacking each other regarding their preference on
how they watch a game. This is a crazy situation and I can't help but think
this hostility towards our own fans has transferred into the London Stadium
and has sadly incited a lot of hatred about the stadium as a whole.

I believe there are countless positives for social media and would like to
think that the positives outweigh the negatives. I love the fact that I can
interact with other fans from around the world and that it brings me closer
to the players etc and lastly, I obviously get the opportunity to write a
few articles, that I wouldn't have ever been able to do without social
media.

I won't deny that we have been playing exceptionally poor lately and it is
depressing me as much as anyone. However, when we have a bad result, let's
try and have a 'brief' moan and move on to the next game, without
scrutinising every part of our club. Let's hope when the final whistle
blows against Southampton, it is a time to show the positives of social
media. I really do hope that our players are tweeting about the fantastic
result and that we are retweeting another video of a fantastic Payet free
kick, an amazing Adrian save, or maybe even an incredible Zaza penalty….okay
maybe I am pushing it too far.

We are all West Ham United so let's stay united. COYI!!

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West Ham in disarray and Slaven Bilic has major surgery to do, says Chris
Sutton
BBC.co.uk

West Ham are in "disarray" and manager Slaven Bilic has "major surgery" to
do to resolve their problems, says BBC pundit Chris Sutton. Speaking after
Sunday's 3-0 loss to Southampton, their fourth straight league defeat,
captain Mark Noble said his side's defending was "laughable". Noble added
things "can't get any worse" for the Hammers, who are 18th. "It's dark days
for them and I can't remember such an abject display," Sutton said on BBC
Radio 5 live. West Ham only managed one shot on target against Southampton,
who were comfortable winners thanks to goals from Charlie Austin, Dusan
Tadic and James Ward-Prowse. Thousands of home supporters left the London
Stadium in the final 10 minutes, with swathes of empty seats visible at the
final whistle.

'Dark days, but Bilic deserves patience'
Sutton, who played in the top flight for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers,
Chelsea, Birmingham City and Aston Villa between 1991 and 2007, does not
think the Hammers should sack Bilic.
"It's been quite frankly embarrassing from West Ham," he said. "It's not a
crisis, but Slaven Bilic has some major surgery to do." Sunday's loss
followed defeats by West Brom, Watford and Manchester City. "They had a big
chance to put it right but they are in disarray," said Sutton. "Can you
blame the fans who left early? They had seen enough. "It's a massive job for
Bilic now. He did enough last season to warrant patience at this stage. But
their next three games - Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Sunderland - he
cannot afford to lose."

The credit is gone - Bilic

Bilic, though, does not believe he or his players can use last season's
exploits - they finished seventh - to deflect criticism from fans. Speaking
about the empty seats at the final whistle, he said: "That's not a good
sign. It hurts me as a manager and it hurts the team. It's my
responsibility, it's my team, I know how it works and I'm not running away.
"These are the same players, and the same manager, as last year and at the
moment everything that was really good last year is bad this season and
everything that was average last season is now way below par. "The season
has only started, it's true, but it's happened for four games now and we
have to change it big time. "I told the players after we lost to West Brom
that there is no need to panic, the credit was there for a lot of them. But
now that credit is gone."

I don't think it could get any worse - Noble

Long-serving Hammers skipper Noble lamented a poor performance, which left
them with three points from their opening six league fixtures. "If I'm
honest it could have been six in the end. Adrian pulled off some good saves
and, on the bright side, I don't think it can get any worse," he said.
"Eleven goals [conceded] in three games is laughable and it's not good
enough. We've got to work hard for each other and look to ourselves."

'Zaza was pathetic'

Sutton claims West Ham's players should not use the London Stadium as an
excuse, reserving particularly scathing criticism for Italy forward Simone
Zaza. "When players like Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet, who were great
last season, perform like that they are in trouble," Sutton said. "Zaza? He
was pathetic. They need to snap out of it and quickly. The big problem is
they are disjointed and concede goals. "The players have a responsibility to
provide the energy, passion and drive to get this crowd up. There might be
teething problems with the stadium but the team on the pitch are not
helping. "We can make excuses about off-the-pitch stuff but the players have
a responsibility to do better."

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West Ham have run out of credit following Southampton loss, says Slaven
Bilic
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 26/09/16 7:50am
SSN

Slaven Bilic has told his under-performing West Ham players they have run
out of "credit" as their worrying start to the new season continued with a
comprehensive home defeat to Southampton. The Hammers were condemned to
their fifth Premier League defeat of the new campaign on Sunday as
Southampton strolled to a 3-0 victory at London Stadium thanks to goals from
Charlie Austin, Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse. Despite adding 13 new
faces to his squad this summer, Bilic's starting line-up is largely the one
which challenged for a place in the top four last season, eventually
finishing in seventh and earning qualification for the Europa League.
However, his side were knocked out of Europe by Romanian champions Astra
Giurgu in August and have since suffered their worst opening to a season
since 2002/03, when they were relegated under then-manager Glenn Roeder.
Bilic said: "We are not the first or the last team who has been in this
situation in the Premier League and most of it is about confidence, but the
club has the same players and the same manager who did good things last
year. "I told the players after we lost to West Brom that there is no need
to panic, the credit was there for a lot of them. But now that credit is
gone." Defeat to the Saints also made it four straight defeats for West Ham,
who have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches and currently sit in
18th spot. West Ham welcome newly-promoted Middlesbrough to London Stadium
on Saturday before the international break.

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Tony Cottee says West Ham's players must take responsibility for defeats
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 26/09/16 12:16pm
SSN

Tony Cottee says West Ham's players must start taking responsibility for the
club's bad start to the season after their 3-0 defeat to Southampton. Slaven
Bilic's men have lost five of their first six top flight games for the first
time in the club's history and have conceded 16 goals in that sequence for
the first time in 49 years. That comes during problems arising from their
move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium, which has seen a number
of crowd issues at the new venue. While Cottee understands the teething
problems, he maintains one area Bilic's players can make a difference is on
the pitch. Asked if the present situation can get any worse for West Ham,
Cottee - who scored 115 goals for the club over two spells - told Sky Sports
Now: "I don't think it can. I was at the game yesterday and I don't think
we've got long enough to discuss what's wrong at the club. "It's pretty much
a full house at the moment. I do feel a little bit sorry for Slaven Bilic -
I think Slaven did a great job last year. "The start they've had is
completely different this year but I do think there comes a time where
players have to stand up and be counted. "Some of the defending yesterday
was absolutely shocking. They never, ever looked like they were going to
score a goal. "With the third goal, why let the player turn? Michail Antonio
let the runner go and you had [Alvaro] Arbeloa and [Angelo] Ogbonna on the
floor. It was just a catalogue of disasters. "The players have got to take
responsibility. You can't keep blaming the manager, you can't keep blaming
the move to the new stadium. It's the players that are on the pitch."
West Ham made 10 summer signings and despite only three leaving, a number of
injuries have added problems as the likes of Andy Carroll and Aaron
Cresswell have been sidelined. Cottee is also yet to be convinced all of the
new additions are right for West Ham and thinks a more home-grown approach
might work better. He added: "I know there have been new players coming in,
some of which I don't think are going to be good enough, but they've got to
get their heads together. "They've got to work out a formation and a system
that suits them and get the right players in. Perhaps they need to get a few
more British players in. "There seems to be a few foreigners at the moment.
Do they really understand what it means to the club? "You saw the fans
yesterday - there was hardly anyone left at the end of the game and it
doesn't look good for the club at the moment."
For many West Ham fans, leaving the Boleyn Ground - their home for 112 years
- was a wrench and some have pointed to that as the main reason for the
difficult start to 2016/17. Cottee, however, thinks that is an excuse and
said: "It's a new challenge for everyone. I actually like the stadium - I
think it's great and I think going forward it is the right move for the
club. "There's no going back. You can't harp on and say 'If only we were at
the Boleyn Ground' - they're not at the Boleyn Ground any more. "They're at
the London Stadium now and we've got to move on but I think what happens is
when visiting teams come to the stadiums, it's a new experience for them.
"They raise their game and in particular with the London Stadium, it's like
going to a cup final venue. It's like going to Wembley or the Principality
Stadium in Cardiff. "Teams will raise their game and that's going to be an
issue. You can point to the new stadium and make excuses and it's about time
the players took responsibility and sorted things out."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brady hails new measures
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th September 2016
By: Staff Writer

Vice chairman Karren Brady says that new security measures implemented ahead
of yesterday's home defeat against Southampton were to be a resounding
success.

Despite the team performing woefully on the pitch, Brady admitted that she
was pleased with the improvement to security and stewarding that had led to
a barrage of complaints from season ticket holders in recent weeks.

"New measures have been put in place over the first few months of the
season, with London Stadium stakeholders working together to eradicate
incidents like the ones seen in the match against Watford," she wrote in a
statement published on the club's website.

"A visibly improved and effective segregation line was introduced ahead of
the match against Accrington Stanley, and will now stay in place permanently
moving forwards. Over 200 additional stewards were present, with increased
levels of football experience employed through additional stewarding
companies.

"Furthermore, a new initiative was put into practice, which will see
stewards posted in regular areas for every game to help build familiarity
between stadium staff and our fans. West Ham United's relocation of season
ticket holders to areas of more like-minded supporters was also evident,
with zero complaints about issues relating to persistent standing.

"We listened to the feedback of our fans and identified areas that needed to
be addressed, including the segregation of supporters and relocation of some
of our fans, but we will not stop there and will continue to make more
improvements every day."

However Brady's claims that "the game ... was completely free of incident"
was contested by a number of supporters who experienced first-hand problems
with some of the stadium's stewards.

Deano_Hammer explained how he was threatened with ejection from the ground -
and accused the steward in question of unnecessarily inflaming the
situation.

"Just before Southampton's first goal a steward demanded I sit down," he
said. "Everyone in my block was standing so I told the steward in question
that no-one seemed to be complaining and that I was not causing anyone any
harm.

"He then threatened to eject me and requested my season ticket. At half time
two stewards approached me and said 'you need to come with us, we want to
have a quick chat'. I knew they wanted to throw me out, so I asked what
grounds they had for doing so. They told me I had used 'threatening and
abusive behaviour'.

"Not only did I miss the last 15 minutes of the first half, but the whole
thing left me feeling deflated. In all the years I've been going to football
I've never been in any trouble. Ever. Yet this could see me banned."

KUMB member Oldun, who has been a regular attendee at home match for nearly
50 years was disappointed to note the behaviour of the officials involved
from an adjacent block.

"I think they are trying to provoke people," he said. "I watched the BML and
there were loads of fans standing. One steward picked out a young bloke
standing on the end of block who had no-one directly behind him - but the
steward would not stop giving the bloke grief."

Meanwhile one supporter who sat in the disabled section was rather surprised
to be scolded by a particularly officious steward during the pre-match
rendition of the club's anthem.

"I was asked to stop waving my crutch in the air when singing Bubbles,"
reported KUMB member Doc H Ball.

"I've taken to using the late great George Melly trick of reciting Dadaist
poetry to the stewards and they look at you like you're either mad of have
some strong dialect they can't figure. Either way they leave you alone.

"I'm hoping to be the first wheelchair evictee. I'll not go quietly."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stick with us, say Sullivan and Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th September 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have issued a message to
supporters in the wake of West Ham's latest defeat.

Slaven Bilic's side were easily beaten 3-0 by Southampton at the Olympic
Stadium yesterday meaning that the Hammers have now conceded 11 goals in
their last three outings.

And amidst reports that Bilic was informed at a meeting earlier today that
he is expected to begin producing positive results with immediate effect,
the duo attempted to reassure fans that the club will emerge from its
current malaise.

"There is no question that this has not been the start to the season that we
were looking for but rest assured we are doing everything we can to fix the
situation," read the joint statement.

"The facts are there for everyone to see. We know we are letting in too many
goals and not scoring enough, but be assured we will sort the problems out.
We are not going to make excuses and know that Slaven and his team will be
working even harder on the training ground this week to get things right.

"We have got to remain positive. We know this is a difficult time for our
supporters at the moment but we want to thank you personally and
wholeheartedly for staying with the club. We will turn our season around."

And with regards to the ongoing issues regarding fans' 'match day
experience', Gold and Sullivan insisted that they would continue to listen
to their concerns.

"We stated last week that we would be putting measures in place to make the
stadium experience something everyone can be proud of," they said.
"Supporters can rest assured that we will not be slowing our efforts and we
will not stop working until everyone feels they have a stadium to be proud
of – on and off the pitch."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham goalkeeper Ruud Boffin scores stunning goal from his own
half
20:52, 26 SEP 2016 UPDATED 20:52, 26 SEP 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
With his side 2-1 down and staring a second consecutive defeat in the face,
Boffin hoofed an 88th minute free-kick into the net from midway inside his
own half
The Mirror

Ruud Boffin, remember him? No, me neither, but he played three times for
West Ham between 2010 and 2012.

The Belgian never quite made the grade with the Hammers - clearly, as he no
longer plays for them - but he's been making waves for his new club,
Eskisehirspor.

Boffin has seemingly found his level with the second tier Turkish outfit and
is now in his fifth season with the club.

And on Sunday, he produced something quite remarkable to rescue a point
against fellow Turkish juggernauts Umraniyespor.

With his side 2-1 down and staring a second consecutive defeat in the face,
Boffin hoofed an 88th minute free-kick upfield from midway inside his own
half.

You can probably guess what happened next but I'll tell you anyway: the ball
flew into the back of the net.

In a manner similar to David Beckham's infamous strike at Wimbledon all
those years ago, the ball didn't even bounce before crossing the line.

Cue elation as the rest of Eskisehirspor's players reacted elatedly and
mobbed their keeper.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham analysis: Shell-shocked Hammers need Slaven Bilic to foster fear
factor at London Stadium
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Slaven Bilic nailed it when he attempted to explain West Ham's latest
capitulation. "The same manager," he said. "Eighty per cent of the same
players and the same crowd as last year but we have to be clear and open,
everything which was really good last year is bad this season. "Everything
that was average last season, because we were not a perfect team, has been
way below par so far."

A frank and straightforward opinion from an admirable, honest man who did so
well in his first season as a Premier League manager — but who now must be
wondering just how it has all gone so "bad" so quickly. Bilic was right:
same manager, same crowd and most of the same players. However, what he
didn't say was different stadium. He knew this season would be a challenge,
moving from the Boleyn Ground — a place captain Mark Noble says gave West
Ham 20 point bonus — to the vast bowl that is the London Stadium. Back at
the Boleyn, the opposition were often intimidated, occasionally scared
witless by the raw, raucous atmosphere created by the home fans. In the
London Stadium, visiting teams are likely to be impressed, invigorated and
finally encouraged by the wide open spaces, big pitch and a team struggling
to come to terms with their new home. It was certainly to Southampton's
liking, though. Against a brittle West Ham team of fragile confidence
following two heavy defeats, manager Claude Puel utilised the full width of
the big pitch with his quick players. Then when Michail Antonio switched off
defensively for a moment just before half-time, the visitors struck through
Charlie Austin. From that moment, what little belief Bilic's players had
evaporated and it could have been far worse than the two more goals
Southampton scored in the second half, through Dusan Tadic and substitute
James Ward-Prowse. So what now for West Ham and Bilic? Fans will remember
the Croatian as a commanding, formidable defender during his playing days.
He needs to show those same characteristics now. His shell-shocked team must
somehow fashion a victory at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday — and then
hope players such as Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell, both sorely missed —
will be fit to return from their knee injuries after the international
break. Bilic must also face the dilemma that is Antonio. So potent in the
opposition box, England's newest recruit is sometimes a liability when his
team are defending. Perhaps playing this powerhouse of a player as an
out-and-out striker could be one solution. Bilic admits things have to
change quickly but acknowledges the credit built by himself and his team
last season is fast running out. "I have told the players that the credit
was there for a lot of them but that credit has gone and we are going to
pick the team purely on what they do in training," he said. "The same with
me."
West Ham's owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, are not the sort to panic
so early in the season but there is added pressure in this, the first season
in their gleaming new headquarters. "I know how things work in football,"
said Bilic. "I am a hard worker, I am doing my best, I believe in myself and
the team around me. I see the players very lively and positive in training —
but it doesn't happen on the pitch. "Who is responsible? It is my team, it
is my responsibility and I am taking it. If you ask me am I low after losing
3-0 and deserving to lose, then yes. If you ask me if I am giving up — I'm
not."
Many of the 56,864 crowd voted with their feet long before the final whistle
and Bilic admitted: "It is frustrating when you compare it to recently when,
against Bournemouth, the fans were celebrating and it was a packed stadium.
That hurts both as a manager and for the team as well. "We can talk about
the fact that the season has only just started but it's happened for four
games — and we have to change it big time. "You can't change all the team,
though. There are not many players who, because of the Europa League and the
League Cup, haven't had minutes on the pitch — but it is not working. "The
guys are training really hard, they are positive, they want to do it and we
are approaching games like that — but it is not happening."
Bilic insists that although confidence is low, the spirit is still there
even though perhaps, that confrontational 'edge' is missing. He said: "Of
course, when things are not going so well you can't expect the atmosphere to
be smashing and blooming but have I noticed any problems in the dressing
room or training? No. "From what I see — and I can see a lot — they are good
with each other, maybe too good." They blew up part of the Boleyn Ground
last week, as part of a blockbuster film called Final Score. In the London
Stadium, however, the loudest noise were the thousands leaving before the
end.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble accuses West Ham of getting 'carried away' with talk of Champions
League football and admits move is 'harder than expected'
Noble also admits moving to a new stadium has been harder than first
expected
Jeremy Wilson, deputy football correspondent
26 SEPTEMBER 2016 • 2:00PM
Evening Standard

Mark Noble has accused people at West Ham United of getting "carried away"
with talk of Champions League football and admitted that moving to the
Olympic Stadium is proving tougher than the players had ever imagined. "To
be honest the move has been harder than we thought it was going to be
because when you were at Upton Park you sort of craved the games there,"
said Noble. "You knew it would sort of guarantee you 20 points a season that
place."

By contrast, West Ham are now on a run of four straight Premier League
defeats and have already suffered chastening losses at the newly named
London Stadium against Watford, Southampton and even in the Europa League
qualifier against Romanian team Astra Giurgiu.

Most worrying of all in the longer-term, however, is how so many supporters
are reacting negatively to the experience of attending matches at their
plush 60,000-capacity stadium. The attempt to enforce a ban on standing
during matches has upset some fans, while the surrounding area and physical
distance from the pitch for much of the fanbase stands in stark contrast to
the far more compact Upton Park.

Many fans left against Southampton on Sunday soon after the team fell two
goals behind in the 62nd minute. Noble is adamant that the new venue can
only be made to feel like home by simply winning football matches. "That is
all you can do - you've got to win games and get the crowd behind you," said
Noble. "Everyone was buzzing off the back of last season and obviously like
this club does all the time, gets carried away and starts talking about
Champions League – but at the minute we are obviously looking just for
points and that's all we need at the minute." Vice-chairman Karren Brady has
said previously that the club's ultimate ambition is to win the Premier
League. "That's what we're here for," she said. "You can have the best
stadium in the world, but if you don't have the best team you haven't done
your job properly." Vice-chairman David Sullivan had said after West Ham's
fast start to last season that Champions League qualification was
"achievable" and that he wanted to "talk up" that possibility.

Noble has already described the team's recent defending as "laughable" and
has now also admitted that confidence is low. With six games of the season
gone, West Ham are down in the bottom three and Noble, who has experienced
relegation, stressed that the team must remain unified. "In this league, you
don't have any choice," he said. "If you don't stick together then you will
pay the ultimate price. Sometimes you make your own luck. We need to liven
ourselves up. "I have played in this league for so many years but it just
seems we can't get a goal that means something. I think we obviously we have
got a couple of key players missing and we've lost our other left-back that
we've got (Arthur Masuaku) and Alvaro hasn't played another game. "These are
the times when you've got to stick together. I've been through it many a
time before. I've been in worse positions than this before, let me tell you,
with worse squads and we've managed to dig ourselves out of it." Manager
Slaven Bilic has said that he takes full responsibility for the current
slump but Noble wants the players to step up.
"I don't know how that [Bilic taking all the responsibility] is," said
Noble. "He sets up his team. He tells us what to do and if we go out there
and lose, the manager always take it, but it's down to us to go out there
and put a performance in. There was nothing in the Southampton game until
their first goal. It was a lack of concentration from us – but it's the
first shot they have again, goes in the back of the net and obviously with
confidence the way it is at the minute that's the last thing you need."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham skipper Mark Noble admits moving to London Stadium has had an
impact on his team's poor form: 'We just aren't playing well... we need to
liven ourselves up'
West Ham moved from Upton Park to London Stadium for this season
But it's coincided with the Hammers suffering a poor run of league form
Captain Mark Noble has admitted the move has had an impact on his team
The latest defeat for Slaven Bilic's side saw them beaten by Southampton
By ADAM CRAFTON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:18, 26 September 2016 | UPDATED: 14:25, 26 September 2016

Mark Noble has admitted West Ham are struggling to convert the London
Stadium into the fortress Upton Park used to be and called on the squad to
'liven up' after Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Southampton. The loss was West Ham's
fourth reverse in succession and Slaven Bilic's side have now made their
worst start to a Premier League season in 14 years. After a dire run, which
has seen West Ham concede 14 goals in four games during defeats by
Manchester City, Watford, West Brom and Southampton, captain Noble admits
confidence is suffering. He also suggested the players are still to settle
in at their new stadium. West Ham have lost five of their opening six games
in a top-flight season for the first time. The defeat to Southampton was
just the second time they have failed to score in a Premier League home game
under Slaven Bilic. 'To be honest the move has been harder than what we
thought it was going to be because when you were at Upton Park you sort of
craved the games there because you knew it would sort of guarantee you 20
points a season. 'It's no excuse, we have got to pick up points.'
Noble, however, refuses to shift the blame in the direction of West Ham
manager Bilic and wants the team to 'liven up' and 'stick together'.
'He sets up his team. He tells us what to do and if we go out there and
lose, the manager always take it, but it's down to us to go out there and
put a performance in,' he said.
'We just aren't playing well at the minute and we need to liven ourselves
up. 'These are the times when you've got to stick together. I've been
through it many a time before. I've been in worse positions than this
before, let me tell you, with worse squads and we've managed to dig
ourselves out of it. 'In this league, you don't have any choice. If you
don't stick together and you aren't great then you will pay the ultimate
price.'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM OFFERED CHANCE TO SIGN FREE-AGENT KEVIN CONSTANT
MICHAEL OLIVER
readWestham

Struggling with injuries at left-back, West Ham have been offered the chance
to sign free agent defender Kevin Constant, report the Mirror. West Ham lost
first-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell to a long-term knee injury following
a challenge suffered in a pre-season friendly against Karlsruher in July.
The club not that they hope to welcome him back after the October
international break – around three weeks time. With no first-team stand-in,
the Hammers dipped into the transfer market and signed 22-year-old Arthur
Masuaku from Olympiakos in a £6.2m deal. After an indifferent start to his
Hammers career, the Frenchman went down with a knee injury against
Accrington Stanley and has been ruled out for at least six weeks.
In the 3-0 home defeat to Southampton, the Hammers played Alvaro Arbeloa at
left-back to fill the void, but could take a look at available free agents
to add cover in the short-term.
Constant, 29, is a free agent after being released by Bologna in the summer
and has been training with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice to maintain fitness levels
while he looks for a club.
The former AC Milan and Genoa left-back has had his representatives reach
out to West Ham but it remains to be seen if the Hammers will pursue him.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jon Moss isn't respected by players... the fact he cautioned five West Ham
men at London Stadium showed he doesn't know how to control a game
Jon Moss booked five West Ham players in their defeat by Southampton
That was despite the game being relatively straightforward to manage
Moss is the sort of referee who isn't respected by the best players
West Ham and Southampton disputed most of the decisions he made
By GRAHAM POLL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 25 September 2016 | UPDATED: 22:50, 25 September 2016

Jon Moss appears to be a referee players don't respect. In a relatively
straightforward game the Wearside referee struggled to maintain control with
virtually every decision being disputed and challenged. The fact Moss
cautioned seven players, five of them from West Ham, in a game without a
nasty tackle showed how he failed to manage the match. Even when he got
decisions correct, waving aside Simone Zaza's appeal for a penalty after
diving being a case in point, the players appeared incredulous. To be fair
to the players there were times when it was hard to fathom what was a foul
and what wasn't according to Moss. To counter that there was so much
exaggeration of the slightest of contacts - Dusan Tadic and Dimitri Payet
were two of the guilty players - that Moss' job was almost impossible. West
Ham players went to ground looking for penalties at every opportunity and
unfortunately when they finally deserved one, for a handball by Ryan
Bertrand, Moss was unsighted. When players respect referees they accept that
good referees can miss incidents; when they don't they just think the
referee is a bad one.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham captain Mark Noble launches scathing attack on club: It can't get
any worse
express.co.uk
WEST HAM skipper Mark Noble launched into an astonishing attack on his team
yesterday, labelling their performances "laughable" after another dismal
display at the London Stadium saw them lose their fourth league game in a
row.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 07:30, Mon, Sep 26, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:40, Mon, Sep 26, 2016

The Hammers are locked in the bottom three with just three points to their
name after their worst start to a season since 2002, when they were
relegated from the top flight. Manager Slaven Bilic insisted after a
shambolic display that he would not be walking away from the mounting
problems at his club, after an excellent Southampton ripped his team apart
with goals from Charlie Austin, Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse, leaving
West Ham having conceded 14 goals in their last four league games. Noble
said: "Eleven goals conceded in three league games before this game was
laughable – and it's not good enough. If I'm honest it could have been six.
"We could have kept playing all night and wouldn't have scored. Our
goalkeeper pulled off some good saves – I don't think it can get any worse.
"I have been in this position a lot of times at this club. We've got to work
hard for each other and look to ourselves. We can't blame each other. "It's
not good enough but luckily enough it's early in the season and we've got
time to turn it round." Bilic's team – who finished seventh last season –
now face crucial games in the next month against Middlesbrough, Crystal
Palace and Sunderland where they must pick up points or find themselves
facing a grim relegation struggle. Bilic said: "It is my responsibility, I'm
not running away. I don't want to point fingers. "One player can make a
mistake, but this is four games, it is a team mistake, all of us. These are
the same manager, players and crowd as last year. "Everything that was
really good last year is bad. Everything that was average is way below par
this season. It's happened for four games now and we have to change it big
time. "Of course I am asking myself questions. I asking myself questions
when we are winning. I'm a hard worker, doing my best, I believe in my team
around me, I see players very committed in training. It doesn't happen on
the pitch, then who is responsible? It's my team, my responsibility, I'm
taking it. "Of course I am low. We lost a game 3-0 that we deserved to lose.
If you ask me 'Am I giving up?' I am not." Saints manager Claude Puel, whose
team have now won four games in a row, said: "We scored some beautiful
goals."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic warns his squad their 'credit is gone' as excuses
run out after torrid start to the season
West Ham suffered another miserable defeat against Southampton
The Hammers have now lost five of their opening six matches this season
Slaven Bilic's side have made their worst start to a campaign since 2002
By ANDY SIMS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 07:45, 26 September 2016 | UPDATED: 07:45, 26 September 2016

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic warned his under-performing players they have run
out of credit following their nightmare start to the season. Despite
bringing in 11 new signings this summer, Bilic's first-choice team is still
largely the one which challenged for a top-four finish last term, eventually
settling for seventh to qualify for the Europa League. However, they were
knocked out of that by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgu and have since suffered
their worst opening to a campaign since 2002, when they were relegated.
Sunday's 3-0 collapse at home to Southampton made it four straight defeats,
in which they have conceded a total of 14 goals, and left them in the bottom
three. Bilic said: 'We are not the first or the last team who has been in
this situation in the Premier League and most of it is about confidence, but
the club has the same players and the same manager who did good things last
year. 'I told the players after we lost to West Brom that there is no need
to panic, the credit was there for a lot of them. But now that credit is
gone.' To rub West Ham's noses in it, the man who set Saints on their way to
a fourth consecutive win was Charlie Austin, who Hammers co-owner David
Sullivan once claimed he did not try to sign because of his injury record.
Austin did not look like a player who has no ligaments in his knee - as
Sullivan once questioned - when he tucked in Ryan Bertrand's cut-back five
minutes before half-time. The striker then set up Dusan Tadic to hit the
second just after the hour mark and substitute James Ward-Prowse added the
third in stoppage time. West Ham have lost five of their opening six games
in a top-flight season for the first time. It was just the second time they
have failed to score in a Premier League home game under Slaven Bilic.
Austin has now scored five goals in his last four matches, and with
Tottenham's Harry Kane out injured there is talk of an England call-up for
the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia in a fortnight,
especially given Sam Allardyce's assistant Sammy Lee was in the stands at
the London Stadium. Saints manager Claude Puel said: 'I hope Charlie can get
the selection. 'It's important for me and for the team that he scored with
his first chance. This is a striker with confidence.'

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