Daily WHUFC News - 19th September 2017

West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

West Ham United return to Carabao Cup action on Tuesday evening when the
Hammers take on Bolton Wanderers in the Third Round.

Read on to find out all the information you need to know about this midweek
fixture including team news, ticket information and the Fourth Round draw.

Where and when?

West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers will be played at the London Stadium on
Tuesday 19th September at 19:45 BST.

How to follow:

You can follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the afternoon. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!

Tuesday's match has not been selected for television or radio coverage but
highlights of the action will be available on the official West Ham United
channels after the final whistle.

Team news:

Having sustained an injury against West Brom it is unlikely that James
Collins will be available for this fixture.

Updates will be provided on the Welshman's condition, as well as the latest
on Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Edimilson Fernandes, after Slaven Bilic's
press conference on Monday afternoon.

Match officials:

Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistant Referees: Adam Crysell & Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Graham Horwood

Meet the opposition:

Despite being in the Premier League for the majority of this century the
last five years have not been too kind to Bolton Wanderers, with the club
dropping down to the third tier of English football.

Phil Parkinson has returned the Trotters to the Championship at the first
attempt but Bolton have struggled so far on their return to the division,
collecting just two points from their opening eight matches.

The Carabao Cup could however prove a welcome distraction for Bolton's
players and in a one-off game the Trotters may be tricky opposition for the
Hammers.

Player to watch:

Although he started the last two league contests on the bench, Andre Ayew
has made a decent impact in both our win over Huddersfield and draw with
West Brom, including scoring the second goal in last Monday's victory.

The Ghanian international is likely to return to the starting XI for this
Carabao Cup contest, having scored in our last Cup fixture - the win over
Cheltenham Town - and has the opportunity to once again impress.

Should the 27-year-old do so he could earn himself a run in the starting XI
for coming home league matches with Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City.

Head-to-head

Recent history in this fixture is not in West Ham's favour. The Irons have
not beaten Bolton in any competition since 2007, losing the last eight
fixtures.

The most recent of these came in April 2011 when two goals from loanee
Daniel Sturridge helped Bolton to a 3-0 win over the Hammers.

Slaven Bilic's men will be desperate to end this run of losses on Tuesday.

Last five meetings:

Bolton Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United, Premier League, April 9 2011
West Ham United 1-3 Bolton Wanderers, Premier League, August 21 2010
West Ham United 1-2 Bolton Wanderers, Premier League, March 6 2010
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United, Premier League, December 15 2009
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United, League Cup, September 22 2009

When is the Fourth Round draw?

Should West Ham beat Bolton then the Irons will be in the Fourth Round draw
of the Carabao Cup.

The Carabao Cup Round Four draw will take place on Wednesday 20 September
and will be broadcast live live on Sky Sports News following the Manchester
United v Burton Albion live contest.

How to get there:

There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to
reach the London Stadium.

Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the
DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.

Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.

Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR line and is just south of the London Stadium
while Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground.

Ticket information:

A number of fans are expected to collect tickets for the Bolton Wanderers
fixture on the day. West Ham United would like to advise supporters picking
up tickets that they should do so from the North Ticket Office and should
therefore approach the stadium using Bridge 2.

Supporters making use of the Club London hospitality are advised to approach
the London Stadium using Bridge 3.

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James Collins receives positive news from ankle scan
WHUFC.com

James Collins has been handed a boost with the news that the ankle injury he
suffered in Saturday's 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion is not as serious as
originally feared. The Wales international was forced off 13 minutes into
the second half at The Hawthorns, after picking up the knock just before
half-time and attempting to carry on. Collins left the stadium on crutches
but a scan this morning has revealed only a sprain and the 34-year-old is
likely to be back in action within two to three weeks. Head of Medical
Services Gary Lewin said: "It's good news for James in the sense that it is
not long-term or as serious as it perhaps looked at the time. "He is the
type of player who will run through brick walls for you and will be
desperate to get back as quickly as he can, but we will manage him very
carefully and ensure he returns when the time is right."

Lewin also revealed further good news on the injury front, with captain Mark
Noble recovered from a minor knee problem and Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel
Lanzini both making good progress. "Mark has returned to full training and
is available for selection tomorrow," he said. "Edimilson is progressing
well following the ankle sprain he suffered on international duty with
Switzerland, and should resume full training in the next few days. "Manuel
Lanzini is a bit further away but still on schedule in terms of his
rehabilitation from the knee injury that he irritated up at Newcastle last
month. "He is back on the training pitches and working hard, and we are
looking at him being available again after the next international break."

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Noble: I'd love to lead the Hammers to the Carabao Cup final
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble hopes to be fit enough to return to action and lead West Ham
United's charge down the road to Wembley. The Hammers captain was ruled out
of the Premier League fixtures with Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich
Albion with a knee injury, but has returned to training and hopes to play
some part in Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Bolton
Wanderers at London Stadium. Having reached the semi-finals of the
competition on two previous occasions – in 2011 and 2014 – Noble would love
to go one better and lead his boyhood club out at the Home of Football in
February. "I trained over the weekend and am hoping to be fit enough to play
some part," said the skipper, who has appeared in 17 League Cup ties in
Claret and Blue. "If I do play, I'll certainly be determined to end our
recent record against Bolton. I was told we have lost the last eight games
against them, which is an unbelievable run. "The last time we beat Bolton,
Carlos Tevez scored two and I got one of my favourite goals, a volley, when
we were fighting to escape relegation ten years ago. We need to end that run
tonight! "The manager may choose to change things up a bit but, whoever he
picks, we have the quality in the squad and the motivation to get through to
the fourth round. I've been to the semi-finals of this competition twice and
would love to reach the final."

Noble rightly sees West Ham as favourites to see off the Championship's
bottom club, who have failed to win any of the eight league matches they
have contested this season. But with a manager in charge who has already led
a League Two club to the League Cup final in Phil Parkinson, the No16 is
taking nothing for granted. "Tuesday's tie presents us with an opportunity
to win another home game and to get through to the last 16 of a competition
we believe we can win," he confirmed. "Bolton will not make things easy,
though. They might not have made a great start to the season in the
Championship, but cup matches are a different proposition and they will come
to London Stadium motivated and believing they can pull off an upset. "In
addition, their manager Phil Parkinson has already led a League Two club,
Bradford City, to the final of this tournament, so he will certainly not be
intimidated. So, as is always the case, we will need to be on it from the
kick-off and not give Bolton a chance to settle here, as we did against
Huddersfield Town in the Premier League last week."

*Standard Tickets for Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth round tie between West
Ham United and Bolton Wanderers are on General Sale now. Secure your seat
here now!

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Ladies must address 'small margins' after Chichester loss – De Carnys
WHUFC.com

Greg De Carnys has called on his West Ham United Ladies side to become
harder to beat after Sunday's loss to Chichester City. Despite looking the
better team in the opening period the West Ham Ladies fell to an unfortunate
4-0 defeat – a result which didn't completely reflect how the game played
out. Two quick finishes in the second period from a defensive error and a
world-class half-volley had put Chichester ahead before two other goals
later in the half. It continues a poor run of result for De Carnys's side
but the first team manager has hailed the quality showed by his players in
the first half of Sunday's match. And De Carnys has now called on the
ladies to show the quality needed to win these games and become a stronger
team defensively. "It was a tale of two halves," De Carnys told whufc.com:
"The girls showed some real determination in the first half and it was
pleasing to see the way the girls took on board everything we had worked on
in training this week. We competed well and overall, we had the upper hand.
"Then the two early goals in the second half broke our resolve and that was
very disappointing to see. It's small margins at this level and in our last
two league games now we've not had the quality to make it count during our
spells of pressure.
"We've conceded too many goals and we need to make sure we are harder to
beat going forward."

The West Ham Ladies return to action on Wednesday at Rush Green in what is
an important contest against Charlton Athletic. And De Carnys Is already
looking to put right the wrongs he saw in Sunday's loss in the midweek
fixture. He added: "We have another game on Wednesday to put it right but it
will require all the character we have spoken so much about against a very
strong Charlton outfit. I have made it very clear to the girls that this is
a squad game and we will need all the ladies, collectively, to pull together
and put it right."

De Carnys also offered special praise to the developmental team, which
defeated QPR in a stunning 11-0 victory. The first team manager added: "The
development squad had an unbelievable result against QPR winning 11-0 and I
can't ask for more from Myles and those players."

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Browne ready to continue comeback against Liverpool
WHUFC.com

Marcus Browne expressed his delighted at returning to action in a West Ham
United shirt and admitted he can't wait to turn out again for the U23s on
Monday.
Browne started in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat to Leicester City in Premier
League 2 last week, playing his first minutes since April after a lengthy
injury lay-off due to a knee problem. The attacker completed 45 minutes for
Terry Westley's men and was a constant threat at the King Power Stadium
before the hosts took control in the second period. And Browne this week has
the opportunity to work on his fitness further as Liverpool – top of
Division 1 after four successive wins – visit Dagenham and Redbridge's
Chigwell Construction Stadium. "Hopefully I can get some more minutes in the
tank against Liverpool to help with the fitness," the 19-year-old said.
"It's a big game for everyone involved as they have started well. "It's a
chance for us to bounce back after the Leicester game and a chance to put
things right and get back to winning ways. "It felt really good to be out
there against Leicester. It's been a long five months. I'm grateful to the
medical department we have at the Club as they've been tough on me, but it's
what I've needed. "I'd have expected nothing less, so yes, I'm very
grateful. "Training has also been good, the boys are training at a good
standard and it's tough but it's just the way we like it."

The Foxes fielded the likes of experienced Robert Huth and summer signing
Kelechi Iheanacho last week, meaning Browne's return was made even more of a
challenge. But the forward, who captained the U23s a number of times last
season before a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, was pleased with the test. "It
was a strong Leicester squad with some highly-rated first team players. But
it was a good test for me and the boys. "Of course it's always hard playing
against a player who is full of experience and has played in the Premier
League week-in, week-out for so many years, and I think their experience
showed. "It made it really hard for us. But these are the challenges we
thrive off and it'll only make us better players. "For now I'm just going to
continue working on and off the pitch with the physio department and the
coaches to rebuild my fitness until I'm at a stage where I'm ready to play a
full 90 minutes."

Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders for Monday's clash – which
kicks-off at 7pm – against Liverpool at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

Tickets for non-Season Ticket Holders are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for
children and concessions.

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Foundation delivering unique opportunities through PL/BT Disability Fund
WHUFC.com

For Sajid Shafiq, the West Ham United Foundation has given him and his son
unique and life-changing opportunities. He has been taking his son Luka, who
is on the autistic spectrum, to the Foundation's inclusive football sessions
since the PL/BT Disability Fund started in 2016.

Whilst he enjoyed watching Luka, who is a keen young footballer who has
taken to the sessions at the Foundation with impressive enthusiasm, Sajid
was always looking to do more.

So when he learnt that there may be an opportunity to gain his football
coaching badges and develop himself and his son through the Foundation, he
jumped at the chance.

"The inclusive programmes the Foundation run are fantastic, but I was
interested to know how I could help and get more involved" said Sajid.
"Rashid (the Foundation's Employability & Coach Education Manager) has been
a great tutor, and I've learnt so much from the Level 1 course that I can
now take forward to help both my son and other children and young people
within the programme."

For the Foundation, 'inclusive' work and delivery is absolutely vital.
Projects working with SEN youngsters and those with a disability have spread
into more schools than before, with the Foundations own inclusive sessions
engaging with other 500 youngsters and young adults with a disability. All
of this work is done with a view to those participants then being able to
follow a pathway into other sessions, just like any other participant. Many
Disability groups and charities now come to the Foundation to access their
coaches to deliver football or multi-sport sessions, host and run
tournaments, seek advice or even book awareness talks delivered by the head
of inclusion.

"It is important to us at the Foundation that our work is never seen in any
way as a 'tick-box' exercise", said Austin Hughes, Community Sport Manager
at the Foundation. "We have put on great sessions and linked many more
participants, not just specifically to football but physical activity as a
whole, which can bring many health benefits. Our next aim is to start to
spread that awareness and inclusive nature onwards."

The PL/BT Disability Fund was launched as a national programme to be
delivered by 22 clubs in 2016 to create possibilities for disabled people
through sport - helping to remove the barriers that mean, at present,
disabled people are half as likely to participate in sport as non-disabled
people.

During that first season, the West Ham United Foundation played a prominent
role, not only supporting the launch of the programme here at the Stadium
but also delivering some great support and sessions. After a great first
season, how exactly could the Foundation build on what it has already done?

One of the first actions for the new year within the PL/BT Disability Fund
has been to bring the parents and families around the participants closer to
the work – and Sajid has immediately benefited from this shift. Around any
disability, especially those such as Autism of which Sajid's son Luka lives
with, it can be difficult for parents to find that time to link with their
children doing what they enjoy.

"All parents are passionate about their children, so we know exactly what it
can mean to other parents to learn that they can become involved in this
way" said Austin. "That's why we were so keen to be able to offer this
coaching qualification to Sajid."

Sajid has now completed his FA Level 1 coaching badge through the
Foundation, and will not only be able to coach as a volunteer, but also be
able to link directly with his son in doing something that he enjoys. Rather
than standing to the side and just watching, Sajid can now become a very
real part of the sessions his son enjoys. His point of view as a parent will
also further guide and help the Foundation in setting more sessions, as well
as bring reassurance to any parents bringing new youngsters to our sessions.

For Sajid, this is just the beginning. "I'm delighted to have my coaching
badge now, and thank the West Ham United Foundation for all their support
through it. I'm now looking forward to getting out on the grass and
coaching!"

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West Ham's Boleyn Ground legacy continues as car park turned into school
playground
ES Sport

West Ham have extended their proud connection with Upton Park after Hammers
legend Sir Trevor Brooking opened new recreational facilities in the shadow
of the former Boleyn Ground. The new sports and play area, built on the
former site of the ground's car park which was gifted to St Edward's
Catholic Primary School in Green Street, was opened by Sir Trevor, Hammers
Under-23s midfielder Noha Sylvestre and Ladies' vice-captain Amber Stobbs.
Speaking at the school, Sir Trevor said: "In the heart of East London, to
get an area the size of this is fantastic and what they've put on it is
amazing really. The only downside is that the kids won't want to go to their
lessons! "The youngsters are going to have a lot of fun, it's all in claret
and blue and that link to the club is very strong. It's important for those
that have been here quite a while to retain that link with the club because
we're now only in striking distance of the old ground and the claret and
blue at the school will make sure that there is a lasting legacy here."
Headteacher at St Edward's, Chris Mabey, praised the West Ham United
Foundation's involvement in the school, saying: "Having the Foundation in
the school really motivates the students and they really look forward to
having the coaches in the school. "After years of wishing that we could have
a playground like this, and when West Ham decided they'd be moving onto the
London Stadium, we didn't imagine anything on this scale. It has really
transformed playtimes, PE and outdoor learning and the pupils' whole school
day."
St Edward's Catholic School, who were previously based on the site of the
former ground, was relocated at West Ham's expense in September 2000 to the
present site in Green Street following the development of a new main stand
at the Boleyn Ground in 2000.

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Lanzini facing another month off
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer

Manuel Lanzini - who was tipped to return against Tottenham this weekend -
is unlikely to play again until the end of the next international break. The
Argentine midfielder has featured just the once for West Ham since damaging
a knee during the club's pre-season tour of Austria and Germany and,
according to Head Medic Gary Lewin, is unlikely to be seen again until
mid-October at the earliest. "Manuel is still on schedule in terms of his
rehabilitation from the knee injury that he irritated up at Newcastle last
month," Gary Lewin told whufc.com. "He is back on the training pitches and
working hard, and we are looking at him being available again after the next
international break."
The 24-year-old played the entire second half of West Ham's 3-0 defeat at St
James Park on 26 August having replaced Declan Rice at half time, but has
been ruled out since. He is likely to miss the forthcoming Carabao Cup clash
against Bolton (Carabao Cup) and the Premier League matches against
Tottenham (h), Swansea (h) and Burnley (a).

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Collins back by October
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer

James Collins has been given the good news that he could be back in first
time action as early as the beginning of October. The 33-year-old centre
half collapased in agony midway through the second half of Saturday's
goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns and was
immediately diagnosed with ligament damage to the ankle. However a scan has
revealed that the damge is far less serious than first thought and as a
result, the Welsh international should be back in full training within two
to three weeks. "It's good news for James in the sense that it is not
long-term or as serious as it perhaps looked at the time," said West Ham's
experienced Head Medic Gary Lewin. "He is the type of player who will run
through brick walls for you and will be desperate to get back as quickly as
he can, but we will manage him very carefully and ensure he returns when the
time is right."

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Bilic defends Hernandez decision
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic appears determined to continue with Andy Carroll as his central
striker - despite forking out £16million during the summer in order to
purchase Javier Hernandez. The Mexican international cut a forlorn figure as
he trudged off the field at West Brom on Saturday afternoon having been
substituted for the second successive match after once again failing to make
an impact. The manager's insistance on playing Hernandez out of position on
the left of a three-pronged attack has led to much criticism from the fan
base - however Bilic seems determined to continue with his experiment in
order to accomodate Carroll. "Andy is always a threat," Bilic told
whufc.com. "It is very important for him to get the games under his belt. He
looks good now, touch wood. "This was his second game; he looks fit, he
looks competitive and the quality will come through in the games. It's a big
boost for us and hopefully long may it continue. "He looked unhappy [when
substituted] but we have quality players on the bench and we changed the
whole three up front because we had Ayew, Arnautovic and Sakho. I was very
happy with the way they kept the shape, defended and pressed."

Carroll, who was replaced by Diafra Sakho with eight minutes of play
remaining at The Hawthorns enjoyed three of West Ham's nine efforts at goal
during the game. Meanwhile Hernandez, playing to the left of Carroll didn't
take a single shot - and managed to touch the ball just ONCE in Albion's box
during the entire match.

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West Ham's James Collins set to miss a month after suffering ankle injury in
West Brom draw
KEN DYER
ES Sport

West Ham centre-half James Collins looks set to face at least a month out of
action after injuring an ankle in the goalless draw at West Brom. The Wales
defender was due to have a scan today and there are fears he could have
suffered ligament damage. The 34-year-old has played a significant role in
West Ham's defensive improvement after they conceded 10 goals in their first
three Premier League matches and his absence will be a major blow for
manager Slaven Bilic. For the matches against Huddersfield and West Brom,
the Hammers boss changed to a back-three, including the vastly-experienced
Collins, and his team kept clean sheets in both games. Collins picked up the
injury in the first half but carried on before having to be replaced after
half-time. Bilic was today hoping that the injury is not too serious, but
Collins is certain to miss next Saturday's home match against Tottenham and
the match against Swansea seven days later. Bilic has options, with Angelo
Ogbonna, who looks certain to play against Bolton in tomorrow's Carabao Cup
tie, coming in or moving Pablo Zabaleta into a back-three. Zabaleta is
highly likely to be rested for tomorrow's match against Bolton. The
Argentine has been booked four times this season and needs just one more
yellow card before being given a one-match ban. Bilic is sure to make other
changes, too, with Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez likely to be rested.
Captain Mark Noble is fit again after injury and should come in, along with
full-backs Arthur Masuaku and Sam Byram. Marko Arnautovic, who came on as a
second-half substitute at West Brom after serving a three-match ban, will be
given more game time, while Diafra Sakho is also expected to start.
Meanwhile, Bilic has answered criticism that he is playing Hernandez out of
position. The Mexico striker has been deployed in a wide left role in the
last two matches but Bilic said: "He was not wide-wide, but more off the
striker."

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'It is almost impossible' Slaven Bilic admits he is struggling to fit West
Ham duo Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll into their positions
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says it is 'almost impossible' to fit both
Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez up front together. Since the return of
Carroll to the starting eleven, the former Manchester United striker, who
joined the Hammers from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, has been deployed
out on the left-wing to little effect. Against both Huddersfield and West
Brom the Mexican international struggled to get into the areas in and around
the penalty area where he has been so successful in the Premier League,
although he did strike the crossbar against the Terriers. "It is possible,"
Bilic said when asked about playing the pair up front together. "I am
thinking about them the most but it is hard to have them both in their
natural positions. "It is hard to do that and then have three at the back,
then with Antonio and Arnautovic, it is almost impossible."
The Croatian also revealed that, in an attempt to manage his fitness,
Carroll will play no part in their League Cup Third Round tie with Bolton
Wanderers on Tuesday night. "We have to manage him," he added. "He looks
good and fit, hopefully he will last for ages now without an injury, touch
wood. "He isn't going to play tomorrow."

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West Ham fans urge Bilic to give Sead Haksabanovic his first start against
Bolton
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United take on Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday
night. West Ham United are in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday night, as they
take on League One side Bolton Wanderers at the London Stadium. The Hammers
beat Cheltenham Town in the last round of the competition to set up a Third
Round clash with Bolton, as Slaven Bilic looks to pick up a victory. After
beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 last Monday night for their first league win
of the season, West Ham picked up a point with a 0-0 draw at West Brom on
Saturday. Tuesday's clash with Bolton gives Bilic a chance to rotate his
side, with summer signing Sead Haksabanovic possibly hoping to make his
first start for the club. Haksabanovic, 18, joined West Ham from Swedish
side Halmstads after hitting 13 goals in 70 games, and the Hammers now hope
that he can develop into a first-team star. The midfielder, who already has
one cap for Montenegro to his name, hasn't featured for the West Ham first
team yet, and fans believe that facing Bolton gives Bilic the ideal chance
to play him. Fans took to Twitter to name their ideal line-ups for the game
against Bolton, and many included Haksabanovic in their side, believing this
is the perfect opportunity to see him in action. Others have noticed that
Haksabanovic wasn't in the West Ham Under-23 side against Liverpool this
evening, suggesting that he could be in the squad for Tuesday night – and
fans are begging to see him in action alongside fellow youngster Nathan
Holland.

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Bilic transcript: Every word from the West Ham boss on Carroll & Hernandez,
stability & Bolton clash
Miss anything from the press conference? We've got you covered
Football london
COMMENTS
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:22, 18 SEP 2017

How happy were you with the point at West Brom?

Look, we wanted to win the game of course but a point away is never a bad
point if we look at the big picture. If we look at the week, our priorities
to solve after Newcastle game - we conceded ten goals, we needed our
priority being getting stability back. Since then we have been working on
that, we got four points, two clean sheets, changed the system a little bit
and that worked for us really well. So we have the stability back, we
stopped that fall, you know? To be fair, we stopped the opponent by in two
games creating maybe one chance. It's a lot to build on, we can feel it
during, after the games, training, now is the time to get the second part of
being very dangerous and creating chances. So, that game was not a beautiful
game but very few are up there. Not just down to them but also on us, the
priority was to be compact, solid and stop them from counter attacking or
being dangerous in their patterns and not to be like last year were we were
4-0 down in an hour. We are not overwhelmed with our performance, we have to
add to that, add more creation and chances, that will come with confidence,
maintaining this pattern with points and also with some players to come
bacj. We are missing that kind of player creating things, for that I mean
mostly Manuel Lanzini.

How much of a blow to lose James Collins?

It looked worse, could have been a few months but it's only going to be a
few weeks. He done the scan, it is not ideal of course, but I expected worse
to be fair.

The Foster incident? The red card? No. I saw before a lot of those, when you
play at home the referee gives the red card but this was a fair decision
from the referee. He wasn't the last man and it was just mis-timed, not
brutal.

All points with Andy Carroll - how good is it to have him back?

Two things have hapened. We changed system then at the same time, he has
been available for us. Of course we have to manage him, he looks good, fit
and is training, hopefully he will last because that was his problem for
ages. He isn't going to play tomorrow for example, we have to try to manage
him. We tried that last year, two years ago too to be fair but it didn't
help. We are doing it a bit differently this season, maybe he was available
for Newcastle but knowing he had the break, gave us two more week,s we said
no, let him train. Definitely we will never say never of course but we will
never rush him or let him, when he just comes back, avoid him playing three
games a week for 90 minutes.

What is the chance of Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll forming a number
9/10 partnership?

It is very hard to please everyone. It is possible of course, I think about
that the most but it is hard to put them in their ideal positions. It looks
really good on paper and is easy to do that but then it is hard to have
three at the back, plus Antonio, Arnautovic and Ayew, it is almost
impossible. It is nice to have the options but you want them all on the
pitch at the same time so of course I am thinking about that. OK, Chicharito
is not playing in an ideal position but I spoke to him, he is a great lad
and we have priorities and we need you there. He is doing the job, that was
a priority now we have to keep the stability, we can't lose it. Then we will
put the team out equally as good in possession which we are going to do but
we are still waiting for Lanzini to come back and give us creativity. It
will give the players in front of him with better service him with better
service.

What do you want to get out of the game tomorrow?

It is a big game for us. That's all we think about. We are very ambitious in
the club, all of the club. If you have a look at the round before, teams
were strong out there. There are some changes tomorrow but thats because we
want to give them a chance to play. But we are ambitious, we are playing at
home against Bolton and there will be some changes but it will be players
who played Premier League this season and last. As I said, we want to
progress because you never know in a cup, with a bit of luck, you are there.

Managing Andy, what do you mean by that?

We didn't rush him. Every day he is involved in something. His history tells
us he needs to be managed in an individual way but you can have too any of
the, this is not tennis. He is great in the group and we are doing that. So
far, he looks really good you know, we are going to try to use every
opportunity to keep him fit, long term.

Attacking players, a surprise scoring is a problem?

You have those kind of options in every club. I am not talking about the
big, big clubs but others. OK, we play West Brom, they had players like a
good line up, Phillips, Rodriguez, Brunt etc. Rondon was on the bench, Burke
was not there, Chadli was not there, you need the squad. The goals have been
a problem OK, we didn't score a lot, four in total. OK, we got some chances
against Huddersfield, the only games we didn't create was Newcastle and then
this last game against West Brom very much. To be fair, you have to give
them a lot of credit because not any teams do there or against them. It's
hard to create clear cut chances against them. I am also praising two clean
sheets. It's not just down to the keeper, defence and two defensive
midfielders, everyone is doing their job and helping them alot. I am
expecting better service a little bit, we are not creating enough if we talk
about Saturday. It's not down to three up front that they didn't move or
have a bad day in the office, they need good service. Especially against
teams who defend so deep like West Brom for only three of them it was
difficult to create anything, they need better servuce.

An article said you haven't turned the corner just yet but can see the
corner now, fair?

There is no time in football. I am the first one who would like to do it
sort it on one session. Thats a good line you know. We know what we want, we
lost three games, he crisis started too early but it was there anyway. It's
happened, thats modern football I accept it but I have to stop it. How do we
do it, lets do it step by step. Its very important, lets get that thing
back, stability, stubbornness and also play football. Did we get it, yes, we
got it good. We see the players are glad now, the back three especially and
the two holding midfielders, yes we are. We could have scored more against
Huddersfield but we have to go to the next step now without losing this one.
It has to stay and we have to fins the solutions, on paper, on the pitch, to
be as dangerous upront but without losing the stability Is it possible, yes
it is but we can't lose what we have now because we have worked so hard for
it.

Will you put out a strong side tomorrow?

Strong side but there will be some changes. Not because we are not
ambitious, we are dreaming about the cup, with a bit of luck and good
performances, you need three of them, don't need 35 of them. We can get
there. We are looking towards that competition but come on, with a good draw
we have with respect to Bolton, but considering lasts season we had Chelsea,
Man United or City this is a good draw, a home game but it's going to be
tough. Not only are they on the list of professionals they have already
played for us, have earned their chance and sooner or later they will get a
shot in the Premier League. I told them that, it's a good opportunity. If we
are looking for improvement a few of the paces are quite open and it is up
to them to impress me, the staff and the fans on the pitch.

What do want out of the game?

Well, obviously the best would be an easy win win and then maybe to rest
some players but again, we are playing against a Championship side who did
not have a good start of course, but we are playing them, it's never easy,
it's always hard and difficult, a tough game but we are looking to win of
course, without getting injuries and fatigue if possible but it isn't going
to be easy. We have to be on top of our game, if we drop five per cent of
anything because then, somehow your team performance energy and quality
drops 85 per cent instead.

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EXCLUSIVE - Robert Snodgrass doesn't know if he has West Ham future and
praises John Terry's influence at Aston Villa
TalkSport
By Billy Hawkins - @bhawkinsss
Monday, September 18, 2017

Robert Snodgrass has responded to questions regarding his future as a West
Ham player, admitting he cannot say if he will play for the east London club
again.

Snodgrass, the Scotland winger, signed for Slaven Bilic's Hammers in January
for a £10.2m fee, leaving Hull after a superb opening half of their doomed
Premier League campaign.

He played 15 games for West Ham during the rest of the 2016/17 season, but
Bilic did not see the 30-year-old as part of his plans for the current term
and agreed to loan him out to Championship side Aston Villa for the duration
of the season.

Snodgrass has played three games since his arrival in the Midlands, and he
spoke to talkSPORT on Monday to discuss his time at the club so far –
answering the big question about his future as a West Ham player.

Asked by Jim White if he will ever play for the Hammers again, Snodgrass
replied: "It's very difficult to say, because you just don't know in
football where you're going to be or what the next chapter is.

"But I made the decision for the next chapter now to be at Aston Villa, and
my full heart and determination is to try and get the club back where it
belongs."

Snodgrass was one of seven arrivals at Villa Park over the summer, as Steve
Bruce built a team with a view to promotion back to the Premier League. Sam
Johnstone and Josh Onomah were, like the Scot, loan signings, while Ahmed
Elmohamady, Christopher Samba and Glenn Whelan came in on permanent deals.

However, none of those arrivals had the same impact as the signing of John
Terry on a free transfer after his Chelsea contract expired. Capturing the
Stamford Bridge legend was seen as a real coup for Villa seeing as he
fielded offers from the Premier League and across the globe, and he has
started all eight of Villa's league games having been named captain prior to
the start of the season.

Snodgrass has been impressed by Terry's impact since arriving at the club,
claiming the former England skipper has been working to change the mood
around Villa Park 'like the leader he is'.

"John's been great," Snodgrass added. "It's sort of different for John,
where he's been at Chelsea for years and it's a new sort of set up for him.

"He's come in and had to meet new lads, and slowly but surely implement his
character on the changing room. It's not been shouting to the rooftops… it's
just been quietly going about like the leader he is, trying to change little
things here and there. Because it is different when you move clubs.

"He's had to go in, and I think he's been asked by the manager to try and
get things and standards and lifting everybody. And he's doing that well,
but it takes time sometimes."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini set to provide West Ham with massive injury boost ahead of
Bolton clash - report
He's been missed so far this season
Football London
BYADAM JONES
07:00, 18 SEP 2017

Manuel Lanzini could be set to provide West Ham with a major fitness boost
going in to this week's fixture against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
The playmaker has missed the majority of the campaign for the Hammers so far
in 2017/18 - with his only appearance coming in the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle
United last month. His influence has been sorely missed by Slaven Bilic's
side for most of this season too after being influential for West Ham last
campaign with eight goals in 39 games in all competitions. Now, according to
Claret&Hugh, Lanzini could be about to give the Hammers a welcome boost and
could be involved against Bolton this week. The Argentine international is
now back in training with the club, but will be lacking match fitness.
However, the report suggests that Slaven Bilic may well be willing to give
Lanzini some much need game-time as he continues his recovery from injury.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham forward Javier Hernandez a little lost on the wing as Slaven Bilic
looks to find best attacking solution
Javier Hernandez may have to get used to playing on the wing for West Ham
Slaven Bilic was under pressure following three defeats before Huddersfield
win
Bilic knows scrutiny will return with more blunt showings like at the
Hawthorns
Grzegorz Krychowiak was the star performer for West Brom during stalemate
By Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 17 September 2017 | UPDATED: 00:33, 18 September 2017

Javier Hernandez may have been brought to West Ham as a penalty-box poacher
but since the return of Andy Carroll a different task has been asked of him.
Out of the 18-yard area and on to the wing, Hernandez has been spotted
tracking back, dropping deep and cutting in, and Slaven Bilic says it is a
role the Mexican may have to get used to. Bilic is still juggling how best
to fit West Ham's attacking array together and the 0-0 draw at West Bromwich
Albion showed the current system needs refining. Bilic's side had only one
shot on target – an effort from range by Michael Antonio – and Hernandez,
the £16million summer signing, had scant opportunity to illustrate the kind
of predatory instinct that was in evidence during his brace at Southampton
earlier this season. On reflection a point at the Hawthorns was further
solace to Bilic after the win over Huddersfield, yet the Croatian knows the
scrutiny that fell on his position during three straight defeats will return
if West Ham continue as bluntly in attack. Thwarted by a team as defensively
drilled as West Brom, Bilic looked for the positives. 'We are getting that
confidence back as a team,' he said. 'We were attacking. But to get three
points you need quality up front, which we didn't have. The strikers were
fighting and were part of the team but we could do more. 'We played with
three strikers. There were a lot of positives by pressing them, keeping the
ball, but if we are talking about shots on target there wasn't much of that.

SUPER STAT
Gareth Barry equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League record of 632 appearances
and also became the first player to start 600 Premier League games.
'Hernandez was not wide-wide, we are playing with three or five at the back
so he is more off the striker. Of course in defensive work they were coming
deep, which is why I am praising them.' Tony Pulis was satisfied by securing
a clean sheet. Grzegorz Krychowiak's classy display in midfield, while not
fully fit, hinted at the promise he possesses for this season. 'He still
feels that he is not sharp and as strong as he would like to be,' said
Pulis. 'He is going to be a really good player for us.'

Jake Livermore missed out due to mental fatigue after two games for England
and he will also be absent for the League Cup tie against Manchester City.
'Physically he is fine. But mentally he just feels a bit tired,' Pulis
added. 'Playing all the time has really taken it out of the boy. And he is
such a good player for us that we don't want to risk him going into a deeper
hole.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Jose Fonte insists Hammers are growing in confidence after
West Brom draw
JOSE FONTE is convinced West Ham are up off the canvas and ready to start
packing a punch.
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Mon, Sep 18, 2017 | UPDATED: 00:15, Mon, Sep 18, 2017
Express.co.uk

Jose Fonte thinks West Ham have turned the corner on their season Victory
over Huddersfield on Monday and this hard-fought draw adds up to a tasty
four points in a week. "We have most definitely got some momentum now and
the results will come," said Hammers defender Fonte. "The confidence is
coming. We've had two good results. Now we have to grab on to that, keep
winning and climb the table. "Unfortunately we didn't start the season well
but four points from two games – we have to take that. We're not in the
position that we want to be but it's only five games. And we're taking the
right steps." Four of their next six games are at home and suddenly things
are looking a whole lot brighter for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jose Fonte finally looks to be justifying his place at West Ham United
HITC
Shane Callaghan

Jose Fonte continues to impress for West Ham United. In May, the consensus
among many West Ham United fans was that manager Slaven Bilic had wasted
close to £20 million in the previous January. Robert Snodgrass, signed for
£10 million, looked a pale imitation of Dimitri Payet, while £8 million
addition Jose Fonte did not look the same, commanding centre-back as he did
at Southampton. Fast forward four months and although Snodgrass is on loan
at Aston Villa, rubber-stamping his status as a waste of money, Fonte is now
proving good value for his. The Portugal defender has been a rare positive
in an otherwise shocking season for West Ham, who have won only one of their
first five Premier League games. Deployed in a three-man defence, the
33-year-old, who turns 34 in December, looks far more comfortable than he
had done for large spells in a West Ham shirt last season. He impressed
again in Saturday's 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion - a good result if only
for the fact it wasn't another away defeat - and Bilic will surely keep that
formation going forward. The under-fire manager could and should tinker with
some of his options in that system, namely not playing Javier Hernandez out
wide, but it's clear to see the defence is enjoying it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham not turned the corner yet, but Slaven Bilic reckons they can see it
from here
It's now four points from six after West Brom stalemate for a side that
started Prem season with three straight losses
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYJAMES NURSEY
22:30, 17 SEP 2017UPDATED22:57, 17 SEP 2017

Slaven Bilic has halted West Ham's slide but admits their season still hangs
in the balance. The Hammers boss was the hot favourite for the sack, along
with Crystal Palace's Frank de Boer, as both clubs made poor starts to the
Premier League season. But while De Boer was axed by the Eagles after
opening his reign with four top-flight defeats in a row, Bilic, who is in
the final year of his contract, survived taking no points from the first
nine available. The Croat stopped the rot with a 2-0 victory at home to
­promoted Huddersfield last Monday and his men followed that up with a
determined display on the weekend to earn a point at West Brom with a
goalless draw. They did not do enough to win the game — each side had just
one shot on target — but after a second clean sheet in a week, Bilic expects
his 17th-placed ­Hammers to soon be climbing up the table. He said: "We
can't say we've turned the season around. It's too early to say this. But we
get the confidence back and get the pattern back. We definitely have
something to be positive about. "To have two clean sheets is very important
for the whole team. Hopefully, we are going to do better in the last third
of the pitch."
West Ham's Pedro Obiang provided a rare moment of quality, spotting Ben
Foster off his line and hitting the bar with a shot from just outside the
centre ­circle.
After the break, Foster was arguably lucky to escape with only a booking as
he raced from the box and took out the on-rushing Javier Hernandez The match
was most ­notable for former England midfielder Gareth Barry's 632nd Premier
League appearance , equalling the ­record set by Ryan Giggs. Hammers
defender Jose Fonte said: "Unfortunately, we didn't start the season well
but four points from two games – we have to take that. "We're not in the
position we want to be but it's only five games. We're working to take the
right steps. We have some momentum now and the ­results will come. We've had
two good results. Now we must grab that and keep ­winning and if we can go
on a run, we will climb the table."
The Irons, who started Andy Carroll alongside ­Hernandez and Michail
Antonio, have enough firepower. They also brought on £24million new boy
Marko ­Arnautovic, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho in off the bench.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEAGUE CUP MEMORIES OF 1972
By Tony Hanna 17 Sep 2017 at 17:52
WTID

I wrote last week that I really feel for the younger generation of West Ham
fans that have seen us win – nothing. I guess the Play Off final of 2012
somewhat duplicates the emotions of a big Cup Final win but it would be nice
if we could win some proper silverware again. Perhaps Tuesdays game against
Bolton will be the second stepping stone to something special this season?
However, today I look back at the 1972 League Cup and the amazing run it
took us all on. It was a ride filled with all manner of footballing emotions
from exhilarating to despair and everything in between. Amazing to think
these events occurred over 45 years ago!

West Ham's League Cup run started with a draw at home to Cardiff before
winning the replay 2-1 in Wales. Never like to do things the easy way do we?
Next up was Don Revie's mighty Leeds. Again a draw at home followed by a
totally unexpected 1-0 win in the replay at Elland Road after extra time!
What did I say about the easy way? Two games down and both had gone to
replays with one going to extra time. Just to ensure things did not get
easier our next game was to be against Liverpool at home. More than 40,000
packed Upton Park that night as Pop Robson scored a late winner in a 2-1
victory. So to the quarter final and Pop scored a hat trick in a 5-0 win
against Sheffield United. These two games had been the typical vintage type
Hammers games under the lights. Cracking atmospheres and proper football
played in the cool mist of an East End autumns night. As the steam rose off
of the players the chants and singing from both North and South banks was
relentless. But more was to come. What was promised was a two legged home
and away semi- final against Stoke City, but what was delivered was quite
extraordinary.

The first leg was at Stoke and we came home with a 2-1 win and the Hammers
were just 90 minutes away from Wembley. The second leg at Upton Park saw
Stoke take the lead in the 73rd minute after a Tommy Taylor and John
McDowell mix up. In the final minutes there came a memory I have never
forgotten. I was right behind the North Bank goal to witness Harry Redknapp
brought down in the box and Geoff Hurst stepped up to take the penalty that
would have sent us to Wembley. Hurst was a brilliant penalty taker in his
day. He always put the ball in the same spot but the power he hit the ball
made it almost impossible for a goal keeper to stop. Well, history tells
that Gordon Banks was to save Geoff's spot kick and take us to extra time
yet again. We huffed and we puffed that final 30 minutes but to no avail. So
a third game was necessary and that was played at Hillsborough where the
kick off was to be delayed by traffic congestion. Yet again it went to extra
time but with no score it was to go to a fourth match to finally decide our
fate. Ron Greenwood had lost the toss after the match for choice of venue
and then found out that the team coach had been sabotaged. During the game
someone had taken the petrol cap off and filled the tank with sand!

So on to the 26th January, nearly two months after the two teams first met,
we trudged off to Old Trafford on the wettest and windiest night you could
imagine. The stadium was under renovation at the time and Hammers fans that
were there that night would remember there was no shelter for us against the
elements. The match was packed with incident, starting with Stokes Terry
Conroy kicking our keeper Bobby Ferguson "accidentally" in the head.
Ferguson had to go off and Bobby Moore volunteered to go in goal. There was
not the luxury of three subs back in those days and Ron Greenwood was hoping
Ferguson would come good with a small spell off the pitch before considering
our only substitute, Peter Eustace. Within minutes Stoke had a penalty and
incredibly Bobby Moore saved Mike Bernard's shot only for the rebound to be
drilled back for the opening goal. Still playing with ten men and with Moore
in goal, Billy Bonds fired us level and back in with a chance. A sublime
Trevor Brooking volley put us 2-1 ahead before Dobing made it 2-2. Ferguson
was to return in the second half but Stoke were to try and take every
opportunity to exploit Ferguson's now dodgy vision and Conroy struck the
winner as we continually back pedalled to try and provide extra cover for
him.

It was finally all over! That Cup run saw us play ten games with three going
to extra time and the four matches against Stoke saw 420 minutes played in
front of a total attendance exceeding 170,000. In days of muddy pitches and
no penalty shoot outs, this tie will never be forgotten by fans who
witnessed the incredible marathon. Stoke went on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the
final. It is their only major trophy in the clubs history. They were to go
on to finish 17th in the "old" first division that season whilst we finished
14th. Two of the teams we beat on our run, Leeds and Liverpool came 2nd and
3rd to Champions Derby County in a season where just one point separated the
top four.

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