Daily WHUFC News - 29th January 2017

Snodgrass - This is the level I want to play at
WHUFC.com

Robert Snodgrass believes signing for West Ham United will take his career
to a new level
Scotland midfielder joined Hammers for £10.2m from Hull City on Friday
evening
No11 has extensive Premier League experience and is relishing working with
Slaven Bilic

Robert Snodgrass believes he can take his already successful career to the
next level after joining West Ham United. Capped 20 times by Scotland and an
outstanding player at Premier League level with Hull City and Norwich City,
there is no doubt that the Hammers' new No11 is befitting of his new London
Stadium stage. The creative midfielder has already directly contributed to
ten goals in 20 top-flight appearances for the relegation-threatened Tigers
this term – and now has his eye on challenging for a European place with his
new in-form teammates. "This is why I have chosen West Ham – it's the sort
of level I want to be playing my football at, on the big occasions and
rubbing shoulders with the best," said the creative midfielder, who
completed a £10.2m transfer from Hull on Friday evening. "Listen, with the
players we've got here, like big Andy Carroll, I'm delighted on that front.
"We've had some great results recently and the manager will know the window
is still open and he wants to try to add to that [squad] to keep the run
going. "We had a great result against Middlesbrough last weekend, so I
think we want to try and catch the likes of Everton and West Brom and keep
moving forward. "A Club like this is set up to be in that top half so I'm
delighted to get the deal done and get pen to paper and I can't wait to get
started."
Just as fellow new boy Jose Fonte said a week earlier, Snodgrass revealed
that manager Slaven Bilic played a big role in convincing him that his
future lies on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "He is a really good man and a
football man and he understands that up to a month or so ago, his squad was
underachieving so he's set the record straight and he's got in Jose Fonte,
who is a great player with great experience," Snodgrass continued. "Jose has
got Premier League experience and this is why he said to me when I spoke to
him that he wants to bring people in who he knows have done it in this
league. "He did play a big factor and that's one of the reasons I'm here as
well, to play under a good manager."
Every West Ham fan will know Snodgrass's qualities, which centre around
scoring and creating goals with his wonderful left foot. "I've said at every
club I've been at that if I can add goals and assists, that's why I've been
brought in," he continued. "If I can continue doing that I'll have the likes
of Andy Carroll, Michail Antonio and Ashley Fletcher on the end of my
crosses. When you have that level of player, you put it in the area and they
will go and attack it. "Slaven said he wants me to bring my attacking flair,
which is the way I was brought up as a kid. I was always told to attack but
I also have a job to do defending and I'll work hard for the team. I believe
I can bring experience and quality."

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FT - Swansea City 1-3 West Ham United U18s
WHUFC.com

U18s' assistant boss Mark Phillips was delighted how his players dealt with
the demands of an early start and long journey in their 3-1 win at Swansea
City.
The Hammers made the eight-hour round trip to south Wales and goals from
Alfie Lewis and Korrey Henry (2) saw the away side pick up a valuable three
points.
Phillips was also pleased with how his side performed in a new system, as
they played with an unfamiliar 3-4-2-1 formation. "It is a long journey,
especially for the young boys to get off the coach and within an hour
they're playing a competitive game of football. That has to come into play
when you think about it," he said.
"I've seen us play better but the result was the important thing today I
think. "I thought the system was okay. I'd like to see us play with that
system again under better circumstances, without the journey. It allows the
two playing in behind the striker to pick up little pockets of space. All of
our goals came from that."

The Hammers travelled to Swansea without top scorer Jahmal Hector-Ingram who
was missing through an injury picked up in training. They looked to adapt in
their striker's absence and made a bright start when Joe Powell shot over
the bar from long range. Powell was involved as West Ham took the lead on 25
minutes. His cross was on a plate for the returning Lewis to tap home.
However, Swansea, who won only their second game of the season last weekend,
equalised five minutes later. Liam Edwards was brought down in the penalty
area and Liam Cullen slotted home the spot kick.

The Hammers emerged in the second half much brighter and regained the lead
within five minutes of the interval. Lewis turned provider to slide in Henry
who neatly finished from close range. Henry added his second and West Ham's
third from the spot with 20 minutes to play and although Swansea threatened
on a couple of occasions in the last quarter, the Hammers deservedly held on
to further consolidate that top four place. "Both Korrey's goals were well
taken and he could have had a another goal in the first half. If you're a
centre forward and you score two goals every game, you're not doing too bad.
"The two games they've played against us have been quite close. They've got
a very good striker and they're not a bad side."

West Ham: Matrevics (gk); Eggleton, Akinola (c), Wells; Ngakia (Rosa, 87),
Coventry, Johnson, Hannam; Lewis, Powell; Henry.
Subs not used: Alese, Forde (gk), Mingi, Spyrides.
Goals: Lewis 25, Henry 50, 68 (pen).

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Manning - Debutant Holland was excellent
WHUFC.com

Nathan Holland shone as the Hammers' U23s drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on
Friday
Assistant boss Liam Manning was delighted with the youngster's efforts on
his debut
The hosts had a number of chances but could not break the deadlock at the
home of Dagenham and Redbridge

West Ham United Premier League 2 assistant boss Liam Manning was full of
praise for new signing Nathan Holland as the U23s recorded a goalless draw
with Aston Villa on Friday night.

The winger, signed from Everton last weekend, started the game at Victoria
Road and showed some nice touches during his hour-long performance, also
having the Hammers' best chance of the evening.

Although he was denied on that occasion, Manning was delighted for the
youngster who impressed during a tight affair.

He said: "We were delighted with Nathan who was making his debut, and he
showed some really nice touches. He hasn't played a huge amount of football
this season, so given that, we're really pleased.

"He had a good chance first half and he showed people watching the qualities
he has got. He will go from strength to strength.

"He's a winger who is a bit different to the ones we have got because he's
so direct. He takes people on and he he has got a gear he can shift up
quickly and accelerate and he showed that tonight."

The Hammers were on top for the majority of the clash but could not take any
of a number of chances, as their quality on the ball was often hampered by
the pitch at the home of Dagenham and Redbridge.

"The conditions were difficult although actually the pitch held up OK after
our inspection at 12pm," Manning continued. "Given the style we want to
play, it was hard and they probably helped Villa as the game progressed but
as I say, I thought we dealt with it well and it was a good challenge.

"I thought we were very good first half to be fair. We had a large chunk of
the possession and controlled the game, but unfortunately we couldn't finish
our chances.

"We didn't quite have enough quality in and around the box and we couldn't
put one away. That's frustrating, but we're pleased with how we played.

"Every chance they get to play it's a chance to show what they're about and
put on a performance. We have got some Cup games coming up and we want to
kick on in that as well as try to get in the play-offs, so we have a lot to
play for."

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Holland happy with debut
WHUFC.com

New signing Nathan Holland made his debut for West Ham United PL2 last night
The Hammers drew 0-0 at home to Aston Villa
Holland said afterwards he was "happy" with his performance

New boy Nathan Holland was pleased with his first outing in claret and blue
as West Ham United PL2 picked up what could be a valuable point against
Aston Villa in Premier League 2.

Holland joined the Hammers last week on a 3-and-a-half-year deal and was
given his debut by U23s boss Terry Westley on Friday night.

The 19-year-old winger played 60 minutes in the goalless draw and said the
evening topped off what had been a "really good" week.

"It was brilliant to start the game after a really good week," he said. "I'm
really happy and i think that performed well. The team played well also and
we were unlucky not to win the game.

"I think we were dominating the game, playing well and I think we just
lacked that cutting edge in the final third. All the boys tried right until
the end and we were unlucky not to get that goal.

"I've really enjoyed my first week. All the lads have been really welcoming
and I've settled in really well. It will only help me kick on and I'm really
glad that I'm here. The aim is to keep training hard and get more minutes
under my belt."

Holland spent a day during the week training with Slaven Bilic's first team
at Rush Green, an opportunity which he admits came as a surprise.

"It was obviously my first week coming down and I got a text the night
before saying I'd be training with the first team. It was much a surprise. I
really enjoyed it and it was good to train with them.

"It was brilliant. I was actually on his (Mark Noble) team and he was
cheering me on and encouraging me. I had a smile on my face all the time.

"I'm happy with my performance. A goal would have topped it off but
hopefully next game I can get a goal and that would be brilliant."

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Joint-Chairman eyes more British stars
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has welcomed Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass
to West Ham United before announcing that he would like to bring more
British stars to the Club.

Snodgrass became the Hammers' second January signing on Friday evening, when
he completed a £10.2m move from Premier League rivals Hull City.

The 29-year-old becomes the ninth British member of Slaven Bilic's exciting
squad, joining seven Englishmen and Welshman James Collins – and Sullivan
says more UK-born stars could be on the way to E20.

"Robert Snodgrass is a very good player who is great when it comes to
scoring and assisting goals, while his free-kicks and corners are among the
best in the Premier League," the Vice-Chairman told whufc.com.

"He is proven in the Premier League and is British, and I must say we'd like
to sign a few more British players to get a good balance in the squad
alongside the outstanding players we have brought in from overseas.

"Robert is our second January signing after Jose Fonte, and I regard the
Southampton captain as an 'almost' British player in terms of his experience
in this country, since he has played here for a long time!"

The signing of Snodgrass takes West Ham's January spending near to the
£20m-mark, with a few days still to go before the window closes on Tuesday
night.

With the Joint-Chairman admittedly on the hunt for more domestic stars to
bolster Bilic's options, the Hammers' business may not yet be done.

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Come back to what you know
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Match day stewards who worked at the Boleyn Ground but are no longer
involved with West Ham have been asked to return. Since West Ham moved to
Stratford from Upton Park last summer, scores of stewards formerly employed
by the club have either resigned from or refused to take up a similar
position at the Olympic Stadium. The reason for the exodus has largely been
attributed to the lower scales of pay, reduced overtime rates and longer
working hours offered by OCS, the security firm contracted by stadium
operators LS185 to operate their stewarding policy. Recently KUMB.com
produced a ten-point plan designed to improve the supporter experience at
the Stratford arena - a plan that included a request to attempt to lure
those former employees back to the club. All of the points raised in our
plan were discussed during a recent meeting between the club, represented by
vice-chair Karren Brady, and a select group of supporters, including
KUMB.com. Since then, a number of the points - plus several others - have
been addressed. And earlier today it was confirmed that our request to
entice former Boleyn Ground stewards back to West Ham had also been
actioned, when former members of the stewarding team began to receive
letters from the club.

"The club hugely value the contribution you made in your role as a core part
of the West Ham family," read the letter. "The club have listened to fans'
feedback and we are working very closely with our London Stadium partners to
continue to enhance the stewarding and the supporter experience. "One of our
key initiatives is the assignment of former Boleyn Ground stewards to areas
of the stadium where empathy with supporters is key. "As a former Boleyn
Ground steward, you can play a role in that objective which is why we would
be thrilled for you to maker the transition to the London Stadium."

Whilst the letter confirmed that any former stewards interested would be
able to choose to cover West Ham-related events at the stadium only, there
were no guarantee - or indeed, no reference whatsoever - to offer the London
Living Wage, or return overtime rates to those previously enjoyed by
stewards employed directly by the club.

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West Ham winger Michail Antonio says Dimitri Payet situation has brought
Hammers closer
Payet is effectively on strike at the London Stadium having told the club he
wants to leave despite signing a long-term contract last year
The Mirror
BYJAMES WHALING
11:54, 28 JAN 2017

West Ham winger Michail Antonio has opened up on the Dimitri Payet
situation, insisting it has brought the Hammers squad closer together. Payet
is effectively on strike at the London Stadium having told the club he wants
to leave despite signing a long-term contract last year. He continues to be
linked with a move to Marseille, who hope to seal a deal to take the
midfielder back to Ligue 1 before the transfer deadline on Tuesday. Antonio
reveals he hasn't spoken to Payet, who has been absent from training as
uncertainty around his future rumbles on. "All the negativity happening
outside – people talking about Dimitri and what he's done – people are
forgetting that there is a squad there," he told Soccer AM. "We dug in
together and decided to bring positivity after the negativity there's been.
"The only time I've spoken to him was when were in the training ground. "I
haven't really spoken to him. He hasn't really been in the training ground
so I haven't had the opportunity to speak to him."

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Dimitri Payet set to end West Ham ordeal this week with move to Marseille
worth up to £30m
West Ham willing to accept £30million deal for wantaway star Dimitri Payet
Frenchman looks certain to seal switch to Ligue 1 side Marseille this week
Arrival of Robert Snodgrass means West Ham are willing to sell Payet
Slaven Bilic no longer keen on deal for Brentford striker Scott Hogan
By Joe Bernstein for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 01:31, 29 January 2017 | UPDATED: 01:32, 29 January 2017

The Dimitri Payet saga at West Ham looks certain to end this week with the
France star joining Marseille in a deal that could be worth up to
£30million. But Slaven Bilic is no longer keen on Brentford striker Scott
Hogan, 24, to leave the path clear for Watford and West Brom. The arrival of
Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass at the London Stadium means West Ham
no longer have any interest in trying to hold 29-year-old Payet against his
will and both clubs are keen to get a final deal in place. The Hammers have
turned down two bids from Marseille for Payet but now expect the move to
happen with a fee of £25m plus £5m in add-ons. West Ham signed the
midfielder from Marseille for £10.7m in 2015. While there is anger at the
way he has engineered a move, it is believed there are also personal reasons
behind his desire to return to France, where his family lives. Slaven
Bilic's side appear to have pulled together in recent weeks despite the
behaviour of their wantaway star. The Hammers have beaten Middlesbrough and
Crystal Palace in their previous two encounters and seem to be adapting to
life without Payet already. The skilful Frenchman delighted West Ham fans
with his attacking flair and mastery of set pieces, particularly last
season. But it remains to be seen how he will be remembered at the club
following what seems to be an imminent end to the acrimonious departure.

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West Ham fans look away now: Dimitri Payet set to complete £27m transfer to
Marseille
DIMITRI PAYET was last night set to clinch his dream move back to Marseille
after they increased their offer for the striking French international to
£27 million.
By NEIL FISSLER
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Sun, Jan 29, 2017 | UPDATED: 00:45, Sun, Jan 29, 2017
Express.co.uk

It is still short of the £30 million that The Hammers have been holding out
for but they might now decide to cut their losses and do a deal. Payet has
been refusing to play for the club since making it clear to Slaven Bilic
that he wanted to return to the South of France. He is believed to have
already agreed personal terms with Marseille and the saga looks set to come
to an end before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. West Ham are keen
for the saga to come to an end and selling Payet would allow Bilic the
chance to fund a move for Brentford striker Scott Hogan. Hogan is rated at
around £15 million by the Championship side who have been reluctant to drop
their asking price. The East London side paid around £10 million for Hull
City's Scotland international Robert Snodgrass and are keen to get Hogan
signed before the deadline.

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Tony Martinez scored on his Oxford debut v Newcastle.


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