Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2016

Fletcher ready for more chances
WHUFC.com

Ashley Fletcher is hoping to get more opportunities to impress in the coming
weeks and says he is keen to open his account for West Ham in the Premier
League.
Fletcher has certainly made an impact following his move to the Hammers
during the summer and has been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. The
21-year-old arrived at the east London Club with a big pedigree having come
through the ranks at Manchester United and is keen to show he can compete at
the highest level.
Fletcher helped change the game when he appeared as a substitute against
Stoke last weekend as the Hammers opened the scoring two minutes after he
came on, but they failed to hold on and had to settle for a point. West Ham
now face a tricky run of games as they prepare to face Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Fletcher says he is up for the challenge
and hopes to impress once again. Fletcher said: "I didn't expect to be this
involved but every opportunity I get, I try and make an impact on the pitch.
"I am hungry to do more, I am hungry to help this team and I am hungry to
score more goals. Hopefully I will get more opportunities. "The manager told
me to make an impact when I came on against Stoke and I like to think that I
did that. "Obviously Michail is not happy that he was not given the goal and
it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. "It is a tough league and it
will be an interesting couple of weeks, but we need to start picking up
points."
Despite the disappointing defeat against Everton and the late draw against
Stoke, Fletcher has no doubts that his side have the quality to get straight
back on the winning trail when they face Tottenham in the next game. "It has
been the story of our season so far. We play really well and then a lapse of
concentration or something doesn't go for us and we get punished. "But that
is the Premier League and no game is easy in the top flight as we have
found. "We are working hard in training and the results will definitely turn
around soon. "We will be looking to bounce back against Tottenham after the
international break and we have a run of fixtures that we need to start
taking points from."

Fletcher says he is well aware of the importance surrounding the game at
White Hart Lane next Saturday and knows what it will mean to the fans if the
Hammers can celebrate another memorable win in north London. "This is a game
where we want to come away with the three points. As soon as I joined West
Ham I was made aware that Tottenham is one game that the fans look forward
to. "We will be doing everything we can to win and hopefully it will propel
us up the league.
"There will be a lot of good players on show and a lot of English talent so
it will be an exciting game for everyone."

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Randolph helps Ireland to big win
WHUFC.com

Darren Randolph helped Ireland to a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in
Austria
Simone Zaza was also victorious as Italy triumphed in Liechtenstein
Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli both suffered defeats in African
qualifying

West Ham United's four international representatives had a mixed Saturday in
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. The Hammers' two European stars - Republic
of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph and Italy striker Simone Zaza - were
both victorious.

However, in Africa, both Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate and Algeria winger
Sofiane Feghouli were on the losing side in their respective qualifiers.

Randolph was again impressive as his clean sheet ensured James McClean's
second-half strike secured Ireland a valuable win in Vienna. Ireland end
2016 unbeaten and two points clear at the top of Group D.

Italy are level on points with Spain at the top of Group G, where Zaza
appeared as a late substitute in the Azzurri's 4-0 victory in Liechtenstein.

In Africa, Kouyate started and completed the full 90 minutes for Senegal,
but the Lions of Teranga were beaten 2-1 in South Africa in Group D. The
result leaves Senegal third in the group, with four matches still to play.

Finally, Feghouli was a late substitute for Algeria, but was powerless to
prevent Nigeria scoring a 3-1 win in Group B. Two of the Nigerians' goals
were scored by former West Ham loanee Victor Moses, with the result leaving
Algeria bottom of the group with just one point from their two matches.

The World Cup qualifiers continue on Sunday, with West Ham's Edimilson
Fernandes hoping to make his Switzerland debut at home to the Faroe Islands
in European Group B.

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Obiang - This is another big derby
WHUFC.com

Obiang wins possessionPedro Obiang knows the importance of getting a good
result against Tottenham next weekend and hopes they can get their season
back on track with a victory at White Hart Lane.

Obiang has made a major difference to the team since he returned to
first-team action which coincided with the impressive four-match unbeaten
run.

Despite getting big victories over Sunderland and Chelsea, the Hammers have
failed to build on that in the last two games and have only take one point
from the last two games.

But Obiang insists the players have been working even harder over the
international break to put things right and hopes they can produce another
big away performance and make it a memorable evening in north London next
Saturday.

Obiang said: "We were disappointed that we could not get the victory against
Stoke but we have to keep the right mentality over the international break
and prepare well for the Tottenham game.

"This is another big derby for us and we want to come away with the victory.

"We know what this game means for the fans and we will be doing everything
to get the three points.

"We had some big away wins last season against the big teams.

"It is more important for us this time around to do something similar as we
are going through a difficult period, but we will have a big determination
to and get the points."

Obiang will be hoping to earn the bragging rights over a number of his
team-mates when Spain face England in a friendly on Tuesday night.

The former Spanish U21 midfielder will be keeping a close eye on events at
Wembley, but also hopes to see Aaron Cresswell make his first appearance in
an England shirt and says it is long overdue

Obiang said: "I will be staying with the family and watching the game but I
wish the best of luck to Aaron.

"We are very happy for him and when I first joined West Ham I could see he
was a very good left back and has progressed even more.

"He has now moved into the national team and it is very good for him and
everyone connected with the Club."

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Ladies looking for long-term success
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC on Sunday
afternoon
Hammers seeking first league victory since new management team were
installed
Club became a formal member of the West Ham family in October

West Ham United Ladies first-team coach Karen Ray says long-term and
sustainable success are the club's main aims.

The Hammers sit tenth in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division,
having recorded just one victory in nine matches played, ahead of Sunday's
visit of unbeaten Cardiff City Ladies.

However, having run divisional rivals Keynsham Town very close in the FA WPL
Plate last weekend, Ray says the Ladies are confident of turning improved
performances into positive results.

However, the former West Ham player – part of a new three-strong management
team alongside first-team backroom staff members Greg de Carnys and Josh
Ewens – says the club has a long-term philosophy that everyone has bought
into.

"Our philosophy focuses on long-term development over short-term success,
with player ownership and a relentless desire to improve," she told
whufc.com.

"We learn new lessons from every opportunity, and approach them with the
same appetite. Problem solving is key for players and the girls keep solving
everything we throw at them which empowers all of us."

"With two senior teams and four junior teams, our future ambition is to be
recognised as the best place to develop as a player at all ages. We are
fully aware this will take hard work and time, but with the Club's support
we are prepared for the challenge."

While victories may have proved difficult to come by since the change in
leadership, Ray says the positive atmosphere around the club will help
foster a successful future.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of West Ham Ladies; being brought
in-house has certainly raised expectations, but I couldn't think of a better
management team to support this. Greg and Josh bring a wealth of knowledge,
experience and professionalism to every individual within the team.

"We have been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the Club and can't
thank people enough for the support we are receiving. Witnessing the change
has been a remarkable process that has only served to cement my love for
West Ham.

"Personally I would like to thank everyone involved in West Ham Ladies;
players, parents, staff, volunteers and supporters. You are all a very
important part of the transition and have had an immeasurably positive
impact on the future of the club.

"This is a journey and it will come with some bumps, but nothing worth
having comes without hard work."

West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane
at 2pm on Sunday 13 November. Admission is priced at £5 for Adults and Free
for Under-16s.

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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: OXFORD TO SIGN A NEW 5 YEAR DEAL!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 12:34PM

TheWesTHamWay.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that young star Reece Oxford is expected to
sign a new 5 year deal with the club in the next week.

The contract had been on the table for a little while for the academy star
but the club wanted to keep the news close to their chest to avoid other
clubs making a last ditch attempt to sign him.

Following reports on Skysports
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/10655962/reece-oxford-close-to-
signing-new-west-ham-deal-sky-sources that this deal is expected to happen
we can announce that the player is set to earn himself over £20k a week in
the new deal which could rise depending on clauses and appearance related
terms.

The news is a significant boost to the club who had faced competition from
Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature. The club hopes
that Reece is be a massive part of the future and have done all they can to
tie him down.

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Reece Oxford close to signing new West Ham deal - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 13/11/16 11:33am
SSN

Reece Oxford is close to signing a new long-term contract at West Ham,
according to Sky sources. The highly-rated 17-year-old is expected to put
pen to paper on his new deal this week following lengthy negotiations.
Contract talks between Oxford and the Hammers began earlier this year, with
defender rejecting the club's initial offer in May. Oxford, whose current
contract expires in 2018, has previously been linked with a move away from
West Ham, with Manchester United mooted as potential suitors. He has
featured just twice for Slaven Bilic's side this season, both appearances
coming in the Europa League, and is currently recovering from an ankle
ligament injury sustained in training. Oxford became the youngest Premier
League player in West Ham's history when he started their opening game of
the 2015/16 season - a 2-0 win away at Arsenal. He appeared a further six
times in the Premier League as West Ham ended the season in seventh place -
their highest finish in the top-flight since 2002. Oxford has also been
capped by England in all age groups up to the U20 level.

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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford to sign new long-term deal at London Stadium
20:02, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 20:02, 13 NOV 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Manchester United and Manchester City have both been courting Oxford who is
seen as an England prospect for the future
The Mirror

Reece Oxford will sign a new long term contract at West Ham. Highly-rated
Oxford, 17, whose current deal expires in 2018, has had lengthy negotiations
but is now ready to commit. Manchester United and Manchester City have both
been courting Oxford who is seen as an England prospect for the future.
Oxford has played both in defence and midfield and is clearly regarded by
Slaven Bilic as one for the future which has been highlighted by this new
deal. The youngster is currently sidelined with an ankle injury after
being named as an unused substitute on six appearances in the early part of
the season. He played 19 times for the Hammers in the Premier League last
term, including three starts.

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Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson hits out at London Stadium - 'it
is unfit for football'
15:53, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 16:17, 13 NOV 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, although they were rejected by Lord Coe
The Mirror

Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson believes the club can solve their
problems at the London Stadium by rebuilding the venue. The Hammers have
endured a number of difficulties since moving to their new home at the start
of the season. Clashes between opposition fans continue to mar matches, with
the EFL Cup clash with Chelsea seeing a series of violent incidents.
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, only for them to be rejected by Lord Coe. The
69-year-old believes his plans would have prevented violence and saved money
for the club. "You cannot build an Olympic stadium and then make it a
football stadium. You begin with football in mind. What we have now is a
mess, the stadium is unfit for football," he told the Sun. "Money has been
thrown down the toilet and the original plans could have saved hundreds of
millions. "I don't think anything can be done now. It's better for it to be
torn down and started from scratch."
West Ham face Tottenham next weekend in the Premier League as they bid to
climb away from the relegation zone. Their next home match is against
Arsenal on December 3, with the club determined to avoid trouble between the
London rivals.

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Dimitri Payet set to 'stay at West Ham' despite interest from Paris
Saint-Germain
15:03, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 15:03, 13 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN , AARON FLANAGAN
Payet had suggested that he could leave the Hammers in the near future but
the club appear set to stay firm in any negotiations
The Mirror

Dimitri Payet is set to stay at West Ham despite alleged interest from Paris
Saint-Germain. The French winger has appeared to send a something of a
come-and-get-me plea to the free-spending Ligue 1 champions. But according
to the Mail on Sunday, West Ham are not prepared to be pushed over in any
negotiations relating to his departure. Payet has a £125,000-a-week contract
that runs until 2021 at the London Stadium and the Hammers are set to stand
firm should they received a bid. However, they will be alerted by recent
comments by from the 29-year-old where he failed to rule out a move away
from the club. He told French TV: "We have made a very bad start to the
season – we are going to try and climb back into the top half of the table.
"Leave West Ham this winter? I am asking myself other questions, but I will
not close the door on anything. "It is always the sporting project that
interests me. For me, PSG and Marseille have not approached me."
Payet's outstanding form last term saw him force his way back into the
France squad ahead of Euro 2016, and the 29-year-old was key to Les Bleus'
run to the final, leading to him being linked with the likes of Real Madrid.
Now the Frenchman has been included on the longlist for the Ballon D'Or
after his outstanding performances for club and country last season. But
West Ham have struggled on and off the pitch since their move to the
controversial London Stadium.

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West Ham flop Simone Zaza emerges as January target for Valencia after
failing to impress at London Stadium
22:30, 12 NOV 2016 UPDATED 23:41, 12 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The Hammers want to off-load the on-loan frontman, who hasn't fired since
arriving from Juventus in the summer
The Mirror

West Ham striker Simone Zaza has emerged as a January target for Valencia,
writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. The Hammers want to off-load the
on-loan frontman, who has failed to fire since arriving from Juventus in the
summer. Valencia are in the market for a striker when the transfer window
opens and Italian coach Cesar Prandelli has included his compatriot on his
shortlist of targets. Zaza would prefer a return to his homeland but is open
to a move to the Spanish club. Valencia want the player to give them a
definitive answer by the first week of December.

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