Thursday, December 29

Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2016

Lanzini back in contention
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Manuel Lanzini is hoping to be back in contention for the Premier League game against Leicester on Saturday. Lanzini was forced to miss the 4-1 Boxing Day victory over Swansea after picking up a rib injury during the last home win over Hull at London Stadium.
The Argentine midfielder was forced to rest over the Christmas period, but he is now hoping to resume training with the rest of the first-team squad and declare his fitness for the game at the King Power Stadium. Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang is also available for selection once again after serving a one-match ban against Swansea. Bilic said: "Manuel Lanzini will train with us and we will see for Leicester because he got a knock in his abdominal part (of his body) against Hull and missed the Swansea game. "He missed a few training sessions but will be back with us for the first time (on Thursday) so we will see for the Leicester game.
"Everyone else who played in the Swansea game should be okay. We had a regeneration session for the players who featured against Swansea on Wednesday.
"Obiang is back from suspension and we are going to have a good team."

There was more good news on the injury front after Bilic revealed that talented duo Sam Byram and Reece Oxford are also back training with the first-team squad this week. Byram has been ruled out of action since the start of October after picking up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Oxford, who recently signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Club, has also faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but both players are now closing in on a return to action. Bilic added: "Sam started to train with us on Wednesday and he is looking good. We are going to see about his match fitness because he lacks some of it, but it is good to have him back in training. "Reece Oxford starts training for the first time in five or six weeks because of his ankle so the players are coming back. "Next week we should have James Collins back as well. A few of them are going to be back in action."

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his final update of 2016 – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...


Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room of 2016.

We have had a very good couple of weeks and we hope this will continue. I am an optimist and the situation does not look too bad as we go into the busy New Year period of three games in seven days. We are happy that Manuel Lanzini, Simone Zaza, Reece Oxford and Sam Byram are all back in training with the first-team squad. We have five injuries at present – Diafra Sakho, Arthur Masuaku, Alvaro Arbeloa, Gokhan Tore – and James Collins, who is set to return to training next week. All the other senior players are in full training.

After suffering back pain, Diafra underwent a successful operation before Christmas. He is currently resting and will undergo a period of rehabilitation with the aim of returning him to the pitch in the spring. Arthur injured his knee in training and is still several weeks away from a return. Ginge pulled his calf in the game against Arsenal. He is working individually on the pitch and in the gym rebuilding his fitness. Alvaro is recovering from a nasty contusion he suffered in the Arsenal game. He has been on crutches for a few weeks but started a more active recovery phase on Wednesday. He will be out for several more weeks. Gokhan has undergone knee surgery in Europe after suffering a serious injury in training and is now continuing his rehabilitation with his parent club, Besiktas. He will be out for a long period.

The most challenging aspect for the medical and sports science department at this time of year is striking the balance between training, games and recovery.
We are not complaining, because lots of matches in a short space of time over Christmas and New Year is a great tradition of English football, but if you play two games in three days, it becomes impossible to recover players and have them perform again at the same level 48 hours later. We have a great group of players, great staff and great management, but you can only do so much. You try to control as many aspects as you can, but as football is a high-intensity, contact, team sport your body needs time to recover. It becomes more of a lottery for the players if you play two matches in 48 hours, where you can lose the quality of the game and put the players at risk of injury.

As I said, Boxing Day and New Year football is a tradition of English football that should not be lost, but maybe we should look to introduce a winter break in January.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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Feghouli to face 'two brothers'
WHUFC.com

Sofiane Feghouli set to face two Algeria teammates at Leicester City on New Year's Eve
Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani both expected to feature in Premier League fixture
West Ham United winger hoping to feature after setting up a goal on Boxing Day

Sofiane Feghouli is relishing the opportunity to share the pitch with 'two brothers' when West Ham United travel to Leicester City on New Year's Eve.

Hammers winger Feghouli and Foxes forwards Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are all stars of the Algeria national team, helping The Greens to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Between them, the trio have been capped more than 100 times, have scored 40 international goals and won three of the last four the Algerian Footballer of the Year awards – Feghouli in 2012, Slimani in 2013 and Mahrez in 2015.

On Saturday, the three Desert Warriors will come face to face at the King Power Stadium, where the in-form West Ham will seek to heap further misery on the struggling champions.

"It's a match against two teammates, two brothers, so it's always a pleasure to play against them," Feghouli told whufc.com. "I hope we will be able to win it to climb up the table again and to make our supporters happy."

The No7 helped the Hammers to do just that at Swansea City on Boxing Day, where he appeared as a substitute and assisted Andy Carroll's emphatic fourth in a 4-1 Premier League victory.

"It was a very good result for the team. We scored four goals and won 4-1, it's never easy to score so many goals especially away from home, so it's very good for the confidence," he confirmed.

"It was the third victory on the trot, we need to keep it up and try to do better and to improve and work on our weaknesses and eliminate any errors.

"There are some things that come naturally to me, and with Andy, I know that when I tear down the wing, he likes to hang back and wait at the back post to be able to win the ball. I knew he was in that area so I was happy that he scored and also happy that I was able to deliver a decisive pass."

Following Saturday's trip to Leicester and the visit of Manchester United to London Stadium on 2 January, Feghouli will pack his bags to join Mahrez, Slimani and his Algeria teammates in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sofiane FeghouliThe Greens face North African neighbours Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal in the group stage, with Algeria's tournament kicking-off in Gabon on Sunday 15 January.

"First of all there's a match and I'm concentrated and focussed on the match with Leicester, then after there's the preparation for the African Nations Cup," he confirmed.

"It's very important for me and for the Algerian team and for all the fans of the Algerian national team.

"So, we're going to make it our job to prepare well, to get to know our upcoming opposition, and above all we're going to turn up determined to make a success of our tournament."

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Bilic on January transfer window
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic admits the Club are working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad in January and says they will look to attract players with Premier League experience.

The Hammers are set to lose three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations with Andre Ayew, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli departing next week.

Bilic has always maintained that he is happy with the quality of players he has in the squad, but will look to bring in more new signings if the right player becomes available.

Juventus defender Patrice Evra is the latest big name to be linked with a move to the east London Club, but the Hammers boss insists the former Manchester United defender is not a player they are looking to sign and has other targets that the Club will look to pursue over the coming weeks.

Bilic said: "I think we are the Club that are linked with the most players in Europe. 95 per cent of that is not true. It is definitely not true with Evra. He's a great player but in that position we are well covered.

"You have boxes you would like and you want the players to tick all the boxes. Young, cheap, scoring goals, if they have experience in the Premier League, they are handsome!

"Unfortunately you can't have players like that all the time as other clubs are looking for them. We are trying so many times. English and British players have priority as this is an English club.

"Even the great players need time to settle in. That is why we are looking for players who play in this league, then the risk is lower. But therefore the players are very expensive or very few, but we are trying to find them.

"In the African Cup we will be without Kouyate, Ayew, Feghouli, that's three, Sakho is not involved as he us injured.

"We don't have a big squad, but without three of them we are good if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are a bit overstretched.

"We're not panicking. We're trying to get a couple, maximum of three but we won't buy for the sake of it. If we find someone who can tick most of the boxes - apart from the handsome one - we will do it! If not we will hope that we won't get injuries."

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SLAVEN BILIC'S PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED HERE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 29 DECEMBER 2016 AT 12:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk


In an exciting new feature for the site we are delighted to announce that we will be able to cover Slaven Bilic's press conference and all the questions and answers that he gives. The site has further exciting news coming our way soon and we appreciate all your support within our first year of growth!

Have you got any injury updates for us?

"We will see on Lanzini for the Leicester City game because he took a knock during the Hull game in the first half and has missed some training sessions" "Sam Byram started training with the first team yesterday and Reece Oxford will start today. "James Collins will be back next week".

What is your expectations for the Leicester game?

To continue on and build on the performances especially the one against Swansea. It will be a hard game but we are in form and we are very positive.

What have you made of their results this season?

The only way was down from last season because they performed one of the biggest achievements in football history last year so it was very hard for the management to sustain it. The Champions League has also been a distraction although they are doing very well in this. They have the quality and resources to turn it around.

What's your reaction to Bob Bradley's departure?

He didn't get a fair chance. He wasn't there long enough and he had no preseason with the squad and the games come thick and fast and it was very hard for him. I am not a fan of that kind of culture towards managers who do not get enough chance to establish their mark on a team. I wasn't shocked about it though but I am disappointed.

The winning run that we are on how long will it continue?

I don't know but we just hope that by putting the shifts in, confidence and fitness will increase and you don't want it to stop but of course it will not last forever.

In terms of the strikers how happy are you with them?

It is better now, we have been missing them until now. It was a long period to be without Carroll, Ayew and Sakho and was a big blow for us.

With a player like Andy Carroll, who has had a lot of injuries, how do you manage someone who plays with no fear and help them prevent injuries?

Training prevents the injuries. It is wrong to think rest is the best way to do it. We don't train all the time when games are close together but the best way to prevent injuries is through training.

Do you set him goalscoring targets?

No. He brings more to the team than just goals. He contributes in every aspects of the games.

With January round the corner, Evra has been linked? Any news?

We are the club linked with the most players in Europe. It is definitely not true with Evra, ok he is a great player and all that but we are very well covered in that position with Cresswell and Masuaku (Exactly the words of Ex on the radio show last night which you can listen to here: (http://www.phoenixfm.com/2016/12/28/the-west-ham-way-show-23/)

Will you be looking at domestic players?

There are lots of things we will be looking at and this is a factor that we would consider but you have to look at what is the best available. Yes we are trying for English or British players and we have priorities but even more so players with experience in the Premier League. I'm not saying it's the best league but it is a different league so the risk is lower if they have played here before but they are very expensive. You hope all the players you are getting tick all the boxes. If they have experience, if they are handsome!

Does the current league position help attract players?

Yes, for the moment it helps but we are only half way through the season but things can change. We are always linked with players because we are an attractive club to play for.

How many players are you looking at?

We have to be careful we speak a lot about it but because of the African Nations we are going to be without three players so we need to replace them. We are ok if we don't get any injuries or suspensions but we are tight it's hard because you don't want players who will just play a few games and then not play again. January is not a great time to buy, we are not going to panic but we will try. A maximum of three but we are not going to buy for the sake of buying.

Is one of those players Defoe?

He is a very good player. The way he plays for Sunderland and scores goals, he is a top player. I have a few midfielders from different countries saying his movement is the best that they have played with. He is a Sunderland player so I cannot speak about that.

Are you pleased or upset that Ayew is going to the African Nations having come back from injury?

It's a big blow for us that he is going because he is looking good and building his fitness up after a long time out. Now he is going he won't be able to show that for us but it is a big tournament for him where we cannot do anything about and I wouldn't ever stop a player playing for his country.

Were your comments about players playing with a lack of intensity after Arsenal the turning point?

Yes but having players who attend training regularly is the most important thing and now their injuries are recovering we are starting to see that now.

On the back of the Tottenham penalty last night are you clear on the new rules?

Yes but rules that are not black or white are hard to explain. I didn't watch the second half so I didn't see it but I know what you mean, I am against double punishment. It can destroy the game. One punishment should be enough but then look at Palace; they had a penalty which should have a been a goal, they missed it so they got nothing however I am totally against double punishment.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rules out January move for Patrice Evra
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 29/12/16 4:29pm
SSN

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says he is not planning to make a bid for Juventus full-back Patrice Evra during the January transfer window. It has been reported that former Manchester United defender Evra is keen on a return to the Premier League with London Stadium tipped as a possible destination. But Bilic insists he has sufficient cover in that position and will instead focus on strengthening other areas of his squad, with the Croat targeting players with Premier League experience.
Bilic said: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! "Every player that is available, it is always West Ham. "Ninety-five per cent of that is not true, definitely not true with Evra. "OK, he is a great player, but at that position we are well-covered. We are not going to panic and will try and get a couple of players. "We want players who have Premier League experience."

Veteran forward Jermain Defoe has also been linked with a return to West Ham and, while refusing to confirm his interest, Bilic spoke of his admiration for the Sunderland man. "A very good player of course," said Bilic. "He is playing well for Sunderland and he is scoring goals. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."

West Ham are now 11th in the table after three consecutive wins. They travel to Leicester on New Year's Eve before hosting Manchester United on January 2, live on Sky Sports. The Hammers began the hectic post-Christmas period with an impressive 4-1 win at Swansea and Blic says they need to keep up the momentum at the home of the struggling champions on Saturday. "The confidence is back with the points we are taking and we don't want it to stop," said Bilic. "We have to continue to play like this. "Leicester are not happy about their position in the Premier League but they have the quality and the resources. They should be all right."

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West Ham and Stoke interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke - Sky sources
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 29/12/16 9:35am
SSN

West Ham and Stoke are among the clubs interested in RB Leipzig striker Davie Selke, Sky sources understand. The Germany U21 international has been linked with a move away from Leipzig, who sit second in the Bundesliga, after finding first-team opportunities limited this term. Selke has scored two goals this season but has only started one game for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side. His father has told Sky Germany: "I will not comment on any of these inquiries, but one thing is clear: we want to see a way and a perspective for Davie. "His current situation [not playing] must not be a permanent state. The situation is not satisfactory and this is also the responsibility of RB Leipzig". Selke dropped down a division to join Leipzig from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2015 for a then-German second tier record fee of €8m (£6.8m). The striker, who turns 22 next month, scored 10 goals as helped Leipzig win promotion last season before going on to represent Germany at the Rio Olympics last summer.

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Torino Look At West Ham Linked Goalkeeper As Joe Hart Replacement
Inside.futbol

Torino are eyeing a summer move for Roma loanee and West Ham linked goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski as a replacement for Joe Hart. Currently on loan at Empoli, the 25-year-old goalkeeper has managed to attract the prying eyes of a few clubs in Europe with his performances in the Italian top tier Torino signed Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal, but are afraid that the England goalkeeper will return to his homeland in the summer, without committing to a long term contract. And the Serie A club are keen to avoid any confusion and according to Sky Italia, they have identified Skorupski as the man to replace Hart between the sticks at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. The club are expected to open talks with Roma for the signature of the 25-year-old Polish custodian in the summer and are hopeful of getting a deal over the line when the time comes.
However, Torino are expected to face stiff competition from Premier League club West Ham as the east Londoners are also on the lookout for a new number one and have identified Skorupski as a possible summer recruit. The greater financial muscle of the London club could throw Torino's plans to sign the Pole into doubt and the speculation over his future is only going to gather more pace in the summer months.

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CRYSTAL PALACE BATTLE WEST HAM FOR CARL JENKINSON
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver
ReadWestHam

West Ham are looking for a new right-back in January and could move for Carl Jenkinson on loan for a third time. The England international joined the Hammers initially on loan for the 2014/15 season where he was largely impressive at right-back, giving the Hammers an extra dimension down that side of the field.
Slaven Bilic renewed the deal during his first season in charge of West Ham and Jenkinson's form dipped before an ACL injury back in January forced Bilic's hand who then terminated the deal. Now Jenkinson is back to full fitness and again on the outside looking in at the Emirates, he is being touted again for a loan move with West Ham amongst possible suitors. However, according to the Croydon Advertiser, Crystal Palace are ready to battle West Ham for the former Charlton youth standout. New Crystal Palace manager, Sam Allardyce, was the man who initially brought Jenkinson to West ham during his time in charge, so perhaps he could be looking to link up with Allardyce once again. West Ham are willing to let Alvaro Arbeloa leave the club next month and Jenkinson would be a like-for-like replacement.

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West Ham FC transfer news: Slaven Bilic refuses to rule out Jermain Defoe move but insists he is not interested in Patrice Evra
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has refused to rule out a move for Jermain Defoe - but has denied any interest in Patrice Evra. Defoe has been closely linked with a January return to the Hammers having starred for Premier League rivals Sunderland. Bilic was coy when asked about a potential bid for the 34-year-old on Thursday, but talked up the ex-England frontman's talents and did not quash the rumours. "He is a very good player and [I see] the way he plays for Sunderland and is scoring goals," he said. "I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best, from the strikers they play with. "But he is a Sunderland player, so I am not going to talk about it."
While West Ham could be in for Defoe, Bilic rubbished reports he is interested in a deal for Patrice Evra. The 35-year-old former Manchester United defender is set to leave Juventus in January and has been linked with a switch to the London Stadium. "Our club is linked with the most players in Europe," said Bilic. "Every player, who is available is always linked with West Ham. I would say 95 per cent of that is not true and definitely not with Evra. "He is a great player, but in that position we are well covered."

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West Ham FC news: Simone Zaza in talks with Valencia as striker's father confirms Hammers career is 'finished'
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Thursday, December 29, 2016

Simone Zaza's 'adventure' at West Ham is over, his father has confirmed. The striker arrived from Juventus on a season-long loan spell in the summer but has had a dreadful time of it in east London. The 25-year-old has failed to score in his 12 first-team appearances for the club and will now cut short his loan. His father, Antonio Zaza, told Tuttosport: "The West Ham adventure is finished and we are looking at different options for his future." Another loan, this time to Valencia, has been mooted for the second half of the season while it has also been suggested that he may attempt to fight for his place back at Juve. Zaza senior added: "We're speaking with Valencia but theirs is not the only concrete option we're considering. "Of course, my son would love to be coached by a great coach like [Valencia manager] Cesare Prandelli, but it's possible that Simone could return to Serie A. "We are not considering the possibility of a return to Juventus. We're a long, long way from that point of view."

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Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez joins Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in £70m switch
TOM DUTTON
Eveing Standard

Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has joined Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. The Chinese club announced the signing of Tevez from Argentinian side Boca Juniors on Thursday in a statement on their official website. Shanghai are reported to have agreed a deal worth £70million for the forward, including a salary of more than £500,000 a week. "Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez is officially joined Shanghai Shenhua," the statement said. Thirty-two-year-old Tevez, who has also played for Manchester United, Manchester City, Corinthians and Juventus, will play for Gus Poyet's side next season after scoring 25 goals in 56 matches for Boca Juniors. Shanghai finished fourth in last year's Chinese Super League standings.

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West Ham United set for double boost in January transfer window with Simone Zaza exit and Patrice Evra
Guardian Series
25 mins ago / Shona Duthie, Sports reporter / @shonaduthie4

West Ham United's boss Slaven Bilic could receive a late Christmas present with Juventus willing to loan Patrice Evra to east London and take back Simone Zaza.
According to The Sun, the former Manchester United player is unhappy at spending most of the season on the bench and has fallen foul of boss Max Allegri. It was also mentioned the Italian club are happy with his strong social media profile. Evra's relationship with the Bianconeri boss came to a head following the Italian Super Cup defeat to AC Milan with the former accusing Evra of poor marking against Susu for Giacomo Bonaventura's equalising goal. Evra still believes he can compete at the highest level and in his eight-and-a-half years spell at Manchester United he won the Premier League five times and the Champions League.
West Ham initially agreed to pay the fee to make the Zaza loan deal permanent back in the Summer but with him failing to impress it is unlikely the east Londoners will now do so. Valencia has also shown an interest in the forward meaning Juve will want the player to return to sell him before his contract expires It looks as though West Ham's January period could brighten up.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 29th December 2016

Joint-Chairman pledges to unite support
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan makes New Year's resolution to unite
supporters in 2017
Board pledge to work hard to further strengthen relationship with fans
Regular meetings and fan-led initiatives are planned to resolve outstanding
issues

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says his New Year's resolution
is to further unite West Ham's Board of Directors and the Club's supporters.
As 2016, a year which has seen unprecedented change for Hammers fans, draws
to a close, Mr Sullivan has pledged that he and the Board will help
strengthen the relationship between the two in 2017. "I am aware that since
the beginning of the season a small number of supporters have struggled to
adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as West Ham
supporters," Sullivan told whufc.com. "At the Club, we have been working
hard to help supporters with this process and we have definitely made good
progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's resolution to unite us
completely moving forward. "With that in mind we plan to continue meetings
with supporter groups, bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with
the Club on social media, to find out what the problems are and to do our
utmost to try and resolve as many of them as possible. "This will act as a
means of discussing the future of the Club and an opportunity to illustrate
to supporters the challenges that we face as a Board to make certain
changes. "We are determined to work with supporters on areas they want to
see improved."

The Club has been reaching out to various supporter groups over the last few
months and have a number of supporter-led initiatives planned for the New
Year.
And with results beginning to improve on the pitch, the Joint-Chairman and
the Board are looking to build on the growing positive feeling at the Club.
"I believe we are on the cusp of seeing a lot of hard work come to fruition
on and off the pitch," he continued. "Whilst we know we are certainly not
back to our best yet, we are picking up points and seeing the signs of the
rapid improvement we need to climb the table properly. "Contrary to what
some might think, our supporters have more access to their Board than at any
other Premier League club, and I am determined to use these channels to
unite all of us "I know we have a long way to go still, but I can assure
you I am completely committed to the task and will personally ensure that
this is the focus of our Board in 2017."

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Carroll thrilled with winning return
WHUFC.com

Carroll took personal tally to five goals in six West Ham games against
Swansea with Boxing Day volley
Striker has helped team take ten points from five games since comeback from
injury
No9 hailed team performance after 4-1 thumping of the Swans

Andy Carroll has made a nice habit of scoring against Swansea City - so it
came as little surprise when he got on the end of Sofiane Feghouli's cross
to volley past Lukasz Fabianski and complete West Ham United's 4-1 victory
on Boxing Day. In six games for the Hammers against the South Wales squad,
the big No9 now has five goals, and no other club has felt the force of
Carroll as keenly as the Swans. More importantly, his goal helped Slaven
Bilic's men register a third straight victory and climb up to eleventh in
the Premier League table. Now Carroll has his eyes on further scalps. He
said: "I don't know what it is about Swansea but I seem to have a good
record against them. Five goals in six games against them is a nice little
tally, so hopefully I can continue with that. "It was a great all-round team
performance on Boxing Day. From Daz [Randolph] all the way up, everyone
played their part and put a shift in. We deserved it. "It was a great
result. We played well and it was a nice Christmas present for the fans who
travelled down to Swansea."

Carroll's return to the team has been a successful one, with two goals and
ten points from five games and with a trip to Leicester around the corner he
is keen to keep the good form going. He added: "I wanted to play the minutes
I have in the last three games. I've been training hard, and the manager has
thrown me in when he thought I was ready. "I've played the last three now
and I'm feeling good, [especially] coming in and scoring straight away. The
main thing is though we're getting the points. "The two home games
previously weren't as good, but we got the points on the board and the
performance at Swansea was great. We're progressing."

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#WHUAREYA - Domingos Quina
WHUFC.com

When the Hammers snapped up Portuguese midfielder Domingos Quina during the
summer, there was a feeling that someone special had arrived in east London.

Two first team appearances in the UEFA Europa League and places on the
substitutes' bench for four Premier League games later, there's absolutely
no reason to doubt that five months on.

A wonder-goal from the halfway line for the U23s and putting pen to paper on
his first professional contract are two more stand-out moments from the
17-year-old's first campaign at West Ham United. Does he think there are
more to come?

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The Big Interview - Aaron Cresswell
WHUFc.com

On Boxing Day, Aaron Cresswell became the 174th West Ham United player to
reach 100 first-team appearances for the Club.

The No3 has been a revelation since joining the Hammers in summer 2014,
making the left-back berth his own and impressing with his commitment,
consistency and magical left foot.

The 27-year-old, who made his England debut in November, is now setting his
sights on more milestones in Claret and Blue.

Aaron, congratulations on reaching 100 appearances! Let's start with your
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt?

"I've got to say the last-ever game at the Boleyn Ground is my
most-memorable moment in a West Ham shirt.

"We were getting beat 2-1 by Man United and everyone had seen the atmosphere
before the game, with tens of thousands of people outside the ground. I
think it took Man United about three hours to get in from the top of Barking
Road.

"If I had to pick a game, it would be that Final Game at the Boleyn Ground
against Man United. I still speak to Nobes and the other lads about it and
it was a game the like of which you won't play many of in your career.

"If you ask any fan, I'm sure they'll say it was one of the best-ever times
they've had at a football match and I don't think I'll top that game."

OK, how about your favourite goal of the four you've scored in Claret and
Blue? All of them were decent strikes!

"Feeling-wise, it was my goal against Newcastle because that was my
first-ever goal in the Premier League, but my best goal of the four was the
one at Leicester. If I can get another one like that this season, I'll be
happy!"

To reach 100 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons is good going. You must
be proud of that achievement?

Aaron Cresswell"I've been here two-and-a-half years now and it's gone very
quickly," said the 27-year-old. "To reach 100 games is a great achievement
at a Club like West Ham and I'm really proud of it.

"Since I joined everyone has been fantastic with me and I couldn't really
have hoped for it to have gone any better, especially in the first year when
I won Hammer of the Year.

"Then last year we finished seventh and won the most points any West Ham
team has ever won in the Premier League, and we also got to the
quarter-finals of the FA Cup and were unlucky not to get through to the
semi-final."

And of course you're now an England international!

"Since I was a little boy I've wanted to represent my country and it's the
pinnacle of my career. All of that is down to West Ham giving me an
opportunity and my own hard work, so I can't thank West Ham enough."

So, what's next for you and for West Ham United?

"Obviously this season hasn't gone quite as well for me now, but that's in
the past and I just hope we can push up that table in the New Year and
finish as high as we can."

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Reaching out; Sullivan seeking unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan says that he hopes to unite the club in the New Year.

Sullivan, speaking in the wake of three successive victories against
Burnley, Hull and Swansea insisted that he was determined to build bridges
between the Boardroom and the fanbase following the numerous issues that
have dogged the club's move to Stratford.

"I am aware that since the beginning of the season a number of supporters
have struggled to adapt to some of the changes we have faced this year as
West Ham supporters," he wrote.

"We have been working hard to help supporters with this process and we have
definitely made good progress over recent months, but it is my New Year's
resolution to unite us completely moving forward.

"With that in mind we plan to continue meetings with supporter groups,
bloggers, fan sites and supporters who engage with the club on social media,
to find out what the problems are and to do our utmost to try and resolve as
many of them as possible.

"This will act as a means of discussing the future of the club and an
opportunity to illustrate to supporters the challenges that we face as a
Board to make certain changes. We are determined to work with supporters on
areas they want to see improved."

Coincidentally, Sullivan's statement was published a matter of days after
KUMB Forum members created their own 'ten point plan' for the club's owners
- with one of the most popular suggestions being for the Board to "treat the
fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just those who share
your vision - on a regular basis".

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A ten point pledge of our own
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

In the wake of the numerous issues that have beset West Ham United's move to
Stratford, KUMB readers have created their own 'ten point pledge' for the
Board of West Ham United FC.

The ten points, which we are asking the Board to adhere to, cover a range of
subjects designed to ease what has already proved to be a difficult
migration process and enhance the supporter's experience of the club's new
ground.

None of the points raised are beyund the realms of possibility (although
point 3 would require considerable, financial investment) and all are made
with the aim of uniting the club's fractured fanbase and strengthening the
relationship between supporters and the Board.

Our ten point plan is as follows:


1. Surround the ground with local vendors - selling
food/programmes/memorabilia as per Green Street - to give the surrounding
area 'a West Ham feel' and make it feel more homely. Consider adding signage
around the stadium.

2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground
stewards as possible on the same terms they enjoyed previously (iincluding
the same rates of overtime and receiving the London living wage).

3. Replace the temporary stands with genuine, retractable seating, as
promised by the club in their pre-move communications, with stands that are
closer to the pitch.

4. Offer the Supporters' Club, which is intrinsically linked to the club via
both historical financial contributions and the Hammer of the Year award, a
new home close to the new stadium.

5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers (those taking advantage
of the Thomas Cook offers, or Newham Council employees and their guests) in
the upper tier and allocate the TBL seats next to the away fans to season
ticket holders, as per the Boleyn Ground. This will also help to generate a
better atmosphere.

6. Put the home fans first! Open access to all nearly overground/tube
stations and ensure away fans leave last, if it necessary to avoid both
factions leaving simultaneously.

7. Provide both recognisable singing and family enclosures at the new
stadium, an accurate, up to date, seating plan and ensure stewards are
instructed to be 'fan friendly'.

8. Provide a notable increase in the number of shuttle buses running from
Stratford to the stadium for the benefit of those supporters experiencing
difficulty with the lengthy walk and make the drop-off points for travelling
fans safer/more accessible.

9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers in line with other Premier
League clubs to talk to act as fan representatives. (West Ham currently
employ one, most PL clubs have at least five whilst Arsenal employ a team of
20+.)

10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us - and not just
those who share your vision of a 'brand' new club - on a regular basis. If
you are intent of banning supporters, for whatever reason, publish a Code of
Conduct that we may adhere to.


These were the main points discussed, although supporters discussed a whole
raft of potential improvements -

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Arsenal ready to listen to offers for defender Carl Jenkinson with Crystal
Palace and West Ham ready to swoop
Arsenal will listen to loan and permanent offers for defender Carl Jenkinson
Jenkinson has made just five starts for Arsenal this season
Crystal Palace and West Ham - where he spent two season's on loan - could
make a move for Jenkinson in the January transfer window
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:05, 28 December 2016

Arsenal will consider offers for out-of-favour full-back Carl Jenkinson next
month. The defender has recovered from a long-term knee injury and has made
five starts for the club this season. But he is set for a move away from the
Emirates Stadium next month, with the Gunners ready to listen to permanent
or loan offers for the right-back. Jenkinson is likely to interest a host
of clubs when the transfer window reopens in January. New Crystal Palace
manager Sam Allardyce is an admirer and could launch a bid to take the
24-year-old as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks. Jenkinson may also
interest West Ham, where he spent two consecutive season-long loan moves.
Hector Bellerin is fully established as the Arsenal's first choice
right-back meaning Jenkinson's chances of first team football under Arsene
Wenger are limited. Back-up right-back Mathieu Debuchy is injured but is due
back earlier next month while Gabriel can play in the position in an
emergency.:

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Andy Carroll has inspired West Ham's festive revival, says Aaron Cresswell
West Ham have won their last three games to move away from the drop zone
Striker Carroll has started all three games after recovering from knee
injury
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:05, 28 December 2016 | UPDATED: 01:05, 28 December 2016

Aaron Cresswell is convinced Andy Carroll's return to fitness is behind West
Ham's festive revival. West Ham have surged away from the relegation zone on
the back of three straight wins, including the 4-1 demolition of Swansea on
Boxing Day. That run has tied in precisely with Carroll's recovery from the
knee injury which kept him out for almost four months, with the striker
coming off the bench in the first two games of his comeback and then
starting in each of the victories. His aerial domination made West Ham's
opener at Swansea and he later volleyed his second goal in five games, which
has launched Slaven Bilic's side within four points of the top seven. Asked
if it was a coincidence that West Ham have won each of the games Carroll has
started, Cresswell said: 'No, it isn't. Andy makes a huge difference, not
just going forward but the defending he does at set pieces. 'He has been out
quite some time and the shift he puts in is great to see. I just hope he can
really kick on now. 'He's massive for us. It was great to see him back when
he scored against Arsenal, but he was excellent for us at Swansea and he has
been since he came back. Touch wood he can stay injury free and a big boost
for him and for us.' The win at Swansea was a case of West Ham delivering a
performance as well as a result, which has not often been the case this
season. Cresswell said: 'Wins always give you confidence despite the
performances. We knew the performances weren't great at home (in the 1-0
wins against Burnley and Hull), but I am sure fans will look back on it now
and think the six points are more important. 'Against Swansea we got both
the points and the performance. That will give us more confidence looking
into the Leicester game on Saturday.'

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