Daily WHUFC News - 1st March 2018

Antonio hungry for more goals after scoring at Liverpool
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio is hungry for more goals after finding the net for just the
second time this season at Liverpool. The No30 has endured an
injury-affected season, with rib and calf problems restricting him to just
14 Premier League starts so far. However, after following his first assist
of the campaign in the home win over Burnley with a well-taken strike at
Anfield, Antonio believes he can go on a run of goalscoring form over the
final ten games of 2017/18. "Everyone loves scoring, it's one of the best
things in the world, so to get back on the scoresheet has given me
confidence," he said. "It was obviously a bad result for us, but hopefully
now I can go on a goalscoring run. "I'm going to try and play my part and do
what I can for the team. I hope I can add more goals to my tally between now
and the end of the season."

Last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Liverpool made it back-to-back away losses for
the Hammers, with a trip to resurgent Swansea City next up on the fixture
list. The Swans have won six straight home games in all competitions under
new manager Carlos Carvalhal, but Antonio insists the east Londoners can
stop the South Wales side in their tracks at the Liberty Stadium. "To be
honest, every time I go on the field, I feel like the team is going for
three points," said Antonio, who scored in West Ham's 4-1 win at Swansea
last season. "I do feel we have got better players than Swansea and Burnley
[who we play at home on Saturday 10 March] and we should be able to beat
them, but it's the Premier League and every game is different and every game
is hard. There are no easy games, but I feel we can do it and that it should
be six points. "At home, Swansea have beaten Liverpool and Arsenal recently,
so they're going very well at the Liberty Stadium, so it's not going to be
an easy task. We need to go there, be solid and rigid, start well and keep
their fans quiet. "Swansea have been doing well, but we've done our research
and will go there aware of their strengths and weaknesses and with a
gameplan from the gaffer to give us the best possible chance to win the
game. We've got to go out there, execute his plans, and win the game."

Two defeats in their last three matches have seen the gap between West Ham
and Swansea in the third relegation place close to three points, but Antonio
says the Hammers cannot afford to worry about league positions when they
kick-off on Saturday. "You can't allow yourself to feel pressure. You've
just got to go out there and play. You can't worry about things happening in
the background, because it can distract you from your work. As soon as you
step over the white line, there is nothing going on outside those lines.
"The league table is not on the pitch!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hartson: David Moyes is getting the best out of Marko Arnautovic
WHUFC.com

Big, strong, combative, committed and, on his day, unplayable are all words
that could be used to describe both Marko Arnautovic and John Hartson. The
Austrian attacker and former Wales centre forward both endeared themselves
to West Ham United fans with their physical approach to centre forward play
and, above all, their goals. Twenty-one seasons ago it was Hartson, in
partnership with Paul Kitson and under the management of Harry Redknapp, who
fired the Hammers to Premier League safety and, two decades on, he has
backed Arnautovic to do likewise for David Moyes' side. "West Ham carry a
threat and Marko leads the attack, he has been like a different player since
David arrived in November," said Hartson. "We always knew Marko had the
talent and I don't think my old Wales teammate and manager Mark Hughes sold
him at Stoke last summer because he didn't have the ability, but rather
because he could be inconsistent and sometimes his attitude could be a
problem. "David has sat down with Marko and reminded him what a good player
he is and of his responsibility as a West Ham player. I know first-hand that
these supporters will not settle for players with carefree attitudes, but
they will get behind those who show their work-rate and drive to win
football matches. West Ham fans demand players who work hard and give
everything they have got and Marko has responded to them, too. "He is a fine
player, everybody knows that, and his talent and ability have never been in
question. David has clearly worked on the other side of his game and he is
now creating and scoring, while he is also working hard on the defensive
side of his game. You could almost say he has become a typical David Moyes
player."

Another player who has flourished under Moyes' management is one who Hartson
knows well from his days with the Welsh national team, James Collins.
Centre-half Collins was a wide-eyed 20-year-old when he broke into the
senior Wales set-up in 2004, as Hartson was ten years his senior and coming
to the end of his own eleven-year international career. Despite the age
difference, the pair hit it off immediately and Hartson is happy with the
way his fellow countryman's own career has flourished. "Ginge is a great lad
and has done really well, I'm really proud of him. He came into the Wales
squad when I was one of the senior players alongside Ryan Giggs and Gary
Speed and he got on well with all of us. "He has had a really good career.
Ginge is a head on a stick and is as brave as a lion and I'm not surprised
he has had such a long and successful spell in the Premier League."

Collins and Arnautovic will be important to West Ham's chances this
Saturday, when they travel to Hartson's home city of Swansea – a fixture the
former frontman believes is important to the Hammers' chances of securing
top-flight safety sooner rather than later. "It's a big game. I would not
say it's a final in itself, but rather one of ten finals every club from
Burnley down to the bottom have got to play between now and the end of the
season. "West Ham start the weekend in 13th and Swansea in the bottom three,
but a win for Swansea will see them pull level with West Ham on 30 points,
while a win for West Ham would take them six points clear of Swansea.
"Nobody from Burnley in seventh downwards is safe, so it's important to
avoid injuries and hope you don't get any bad luck, to go on a good run and
get yourselves to 40 points as soon as possible."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian proud of London Football Award nomination
WHUFC.com

Adrian has revealed his pride at being shortlisted for the London Football
Awards Goalkeeper of the Year. West Ham United's Spanish stopper is among
five glovemen nominated for the award, which will be presented at Battersea
Evolution on Thursday 1 March, with Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois, Watford's
Heurelho Gomes, Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris and Brentford's Daniel
Bentley also in the running. The No13 enjoyed some standout moments in 2017,
helping the Hammers to secure Premier League and EFL Cup wins over Spurs and
keeping six clean sheets in eleven top-flight appearances, including
shutouts against Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. "I am really pleased to be
one of those nominated," Adrian confirmed. "There are some good goalkeepers
in London so I am delighted to be recognised as one of the best. "It's a
sign that I am doing a great job for the team and now people around me have
validated it by nominating me for this Award."

When asked to name his standout moments of last year, there were no
surprises in Adrian's choices. "Personally, I would say that our win at home
against Spurs at the end of last season was magnificent and also our win
against Chelsea in December at home too, as it was just my second appearance
after a hard beginning of this season, when I didn't play many minutes," he
confirmed.

A total of eight Awards will be presented on Thursday evening, including
Premier League Player of the Year, EFL Player of the Year, Manager of the
Year, Women's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Former West
Ham striker Ian Wright will also be recognised on the night for his
Outstanding Contribution to London Football.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We need as much support as possible, says Daggers boss Still
WHUFC.com

West Ham-born Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still is looking forward to
welcoming the Hammers to Chigwell Construction Stadium on Wednesday 21 March
at 7.30pm. A giant of east London football, Still is in his third spell in
charge of the Daggers, who he led into the Football League for the first
time in 2007 and a historic promotion to League One three years later – but
since then the club has fallen on hard times financially. Now hoping to
guide the club back to League Two via the National League Premier Play-Offs,
the Dagenham boss is therefore excited by the prospect of a fundraising
friendly with their Premier League neighbours West Ham United, with all
proceeds on the night going to the non-league club.

Buy your Daggers v Hammers fundraising friendly tickets now!
"We are delighted, we went over to Rush Green and played a very strong West
Ham team in a [behind-closed-doors] friendly the other week and I'd already
had words with the Board about arranging a game with West Ham at our place,"
said Still, who has managed more than 500 games over two spells with the
Daggers since 2004. "It is a fundraising game, so we need as much support
from our supporters as possible and we are very grateful for West Ham for
what they are doing and a big thank you to them. "For them to commit
themselves to coming over with their strongest team that they can possibly
bring, we are hoping for a bumper crowd for a good occasion as well."

Still is hoping for a capacity 6,000 crowd at Chigwell Construction Stadium,
and urged fans of all clubs to turn out in support of the cash-strapped
Daggers. "Wednesday 21 March is for anyone who is out there, so whoever you
support, be a football supporter and come and watch us and West Ham."

Seated and standing tickets for West Ham United's friendly at Dagenham &
Redbridge on Wednesday 21 March are available now from
eticketing.co.uk/whufc, over the telephone on 0333 030 1966 or in person
from the London Stadium Ticket Office priced at £10 Adults, £8 O65s and £3
U16s. Access on the night will be via the turnstile on Bury Road.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-West Ham player Blair Turgott's gambling case dismissed
26 February 2018
BBC.co.uk

A former Premier League footballer accused of gambling £16,000 using a card
stolen from a pensioner has had the case against him dismissed. Ex-West Ham
winger Blair Turgott, 23, was accused of withdrawing the cash and exchanging
it for chips during a night at the Playboy casino in Mayfair. Jurors at
Southwark Crown Court failed to reach a verdict last week. Mr Turgott, who
made one first-team appearance for the Hammers, had denied fraud and
converting criminal property. The Crown Prosecution Service has until Friday
2 March to decide if it wants to seek a retrial. Mr Turgott, who is now
signed to non-league Maidstone United, cashed out £900 in profit at the end
of the night in 2016. The card used by Mr Turgott, from Bromley, was stolen
from 85-year-old Peter Dixon on 30 September 2016. Mr Turgott claimed he was
given Mr Dixon's card and PIN number by his gambling friend Ali, who owed
him for help with a Ugandan property development. The court heard he had
showed Mr Turgott a WhatsApp conversation which purported to show Mr Dixon
giving permission for the use of his card.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio hungry for goals
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th February 2018
By: Staff Writer

Michail Antonio says he is desperate for more goals - having acquired a
taste for scoring again at Liverpool last weekend. The England international
scored West Ham's consolation goal in United's 4-1 defeat at Anfield on
Saturday, moments after entering the fray as a second half substitute for
Manuel Lanzini. And Antonio - who was scoring only his second goal of the
campaign - insists that he hopes to enjoy a prolific run in front of goal
having shaken off a recent injury. "Everyone loves scoring, it's one of the
best things in the world," he told whufc.com "To get back on the scoresheet
has given me confidence. It was obviously a bad result for us, but hopefully
now I can go on a goalscoring run. I hope I can add more goals to my tally
between now and the end of the season."

And United's #30 hopes to expand his tally at the Liberty Stadium this
coming weekend when the Hammers face a tricky away trip against one of the
Premier League's most in-form sides. "Swansea have beaten Liverpool and
Arsenal recently, they're going very well at the Liberty Stadium so it's not
going to be an easy task," he added. "We need to go there, be solid and
rigid, start well and keep their fans quiet. "They have been doing well but
we've done our research and will go there aware of their strengths and
weaknesses and with a gameplan from the gaffer to give us the best possible
chance to win the game. "We've got to go out there, execute his plans, and
win the game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New deal for Manu?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th February 2018
By: Staff Writer

Manuel Lanzini could be offered a new contract in order to persuade him to
reject any big money offers that may come his way during the close season.
Lanzini, who has become one of West Ham's key players in recent months was
linked with a move to Liverpool during the January transfer window after the
Reds parted company with Philippe Coutinho - the Brazilian being sold to
Barcelona for an astonishing £105million + add-ons. And according to a club
source, Lanzini is likely to be offered new terms - but only once the club
have secured their Premier League position for next season. West Ham
currently stand just three points off the relegation zone with a trip to
fellow strugglers Swansea City - themselves in excellent recent form
following the arrival of former Sheffield Wendesday boss Carlos Carvalhal-
to come next. The 25-year-old Argentinian international, who has just
returned from a month on the sidelines has made 21 appearances for the
Hammers so far this season, scoring three times.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady promises West Ham changes for fans amid protest plans
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 28/02/18 7:42pm
SSN

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has written an open letter to fans who
are planning to march in protest ahead of their match against Burnley on
March 10.
In the nine-page letter obtained by Sky Sports News, Brady vowed to commit
to a study which will bring seating closer to the pitch at the London
Stadium. In a move away from the initial talk of retractable seating at the
ground, Brady said more money will be made available for investment in the
playing squad.
Supporters will also be able to enjoy a fanzone and see the renaming of the
walkway in which next month's protest is set to take place. In addition to
this, the 1000-plus items currently being kept in storage, including
memorabilia from the 1966 World Cup, will be showcased in a trophy room or
museum. Fans will also be consulted over a new badge to mark their 125th
anniversary. Brady said in the letter she feels the board have listened and
acted upon matters of importance to West Ham fans.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHY I AM JUST AS "REAL" A HAMMER
By Blind Hammer 28 Feb 2018 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer argues that supercilious arrogance has nothing to do with the
West Ham way.

When you write a weekly column read by thousands, even if, hopefully, they
are like-minded supporters, you need a thick skin. If I was faint hearted, I
would simply stick to writing my column about blindness and guide Dogs.
Actually even this can be controversial. Yet Football is far more emotional.
Passions can run high. Mostly I accept people' will have different and
fervently felt opposing views. This is all part of the great expressive
debate that is football and West Ham. People care, which is why Rupert
Murdoch pays so much money.

Just occasionally though an example of such supreme supercilious arrogance
emerges which penetrates even my normal sanguinity. Recently a
self-professed "Real West Ham" action supporter magnanimously accepted I had
the right to opinions about the Watford game, however I had no right to make
comments about the Brighton game as unlike the "Real Supporters" I was not
there.

This article is not about the protest March. I support the right of protest
even though I personally feel the March aims are confused contradictory and
ultimately futile. Still I don't think they are any less of a West Ham fans
for marching. Why then do so many consider themselves TO BE BETTER "real"
West Ham supporters as opposed to people like me who are apparently lesser
or even "fake"?

I detest the notion that there has to be a "hierarchy" of supporters and
that only a "real" aristocracy have views that should have any merit.
Nevertheless for the record what are my credentials to a "real" West Ham
identity? Well actually it is pretty steeped. My Father predated West Ham
and was around at our formation. He was born in 1891. He lived in walking
distance not of Upton Park but the Memorial Ground and the Thames Ironworks.
I did not get the chance to ask him but I often wondered if he missed the
Athletics Track at the Memorial ground after moving to Upton Park.
After serving in the royal navy in the First World War my father lived as a
passionate Hammer in the East End during the 20s and 30s. He served in the
Fire Brigade in Shoreditch during the Second World War. My brother attended
his first game with our Father in 1949 and my Sister stood with them on the
North Bank for the first time in 1952.

I, born in 1956 did not attend my first game until 1968. By 1970 I was a
season ticket holder in the East Stand. I was at the FA Cup triumph at
Wembley in 1975 and for our League Cup draw in 1981. My biggest regret is
that I could not afford the ridiculous tout price for a ticket in 1980 so
missed the Brooking final. During the 80's I went to home and away games
before blindness robbed me from attending. Nowadays West ham provides
fantastic accessible support, including a free commentary service and space
for both my Guide dog and a sighted carer. I don't attend away games as
access may not compare.

However I have news for those who claim to be "real" West Ham supporters
simply because they attend away games. Attending away games does not make
you any better or more "real" than the rest of us. My brother attended away
games for decades but nowadays only goes to home matches. Yet despite being
in his late 70s he travels over 200 miles from Manchester to take up his
season ticket. Actually like many he supported the move to the London
Stadium. Howe dare people claim that they are any more of a "real" supporter
than he is?

I dispute that you even need to attend home games to be a "genuine"
supporter. Supporting West Ham is about family and inclusion not sneering
and posing as an ""exclusive" elite. " my sister, now also blind, despite
going to games in the 1950s, has not attended Upton Park for over 50 years.
Yet she listens to the radio commentaries and feels the pain of defeat, the
anger and frustration of disappointment and the joy of victory as much as
anybody else. I was in exactly the same position when my blindness stopped
me attending. I was never less of a real supporter then, and she is not less
of a supporter now.

My Mother, who never attended games would have thought you were stark raving
crazy to describe her or any of her family as anything less than "real West
Ham Supporters". We were defined as a West Ham family. West Ham have always
been larger than the numbers who at any one time attend games, and rightly
so. West Ham supporters can live thousands of miles away but feel just as
much, experience joy and despair in equal measure alongside the rest of us.
West ham is so much more than just the congregation of supporters lucky
enough to see them in the flesh. Those who claim otherwise have horizons
which are too narrow, insular and exclusionary. Ultimately such inward
looking elitist thinking is self-defeating. It hinders the vibrancy and
health of our club. It stops us turning outwards to appeal to wider
communities. In fact rather than drawing inwards into an elitist clique we
should want to grow the support of West Ham not just in London and Essex but
even wider, and yes even globally into World markets. The arrogant
self-possessed sit on their high East end horse and sneer at world markets
but I have no difficulty in finding common cause with Hammers across the
world, be they Australian Hammers, Norwegian hammers, Hamburg Hammers,
Florida Hammers or Austrian Hammers. I would never dream to think I am
somehow better or more genuine a supporter because I live in London. They
are all welcome as far as I am concerned.

To be a West Ham supporter it is not compulsory to munch Pie and Mash or
even jellied eels before a game. I won't even scorn or look down on you if
you indulge in the apparently heinous crime of enjoying Popcorn.

I welcome everybody who wants to share my pain into the West Ham family.
This welcome is pretty much unconditional; it does not matter to me if you
attend all games, some or none. If you declare as a West Ham supporter that
is good enough for me. I don't expect you to have to prove it. I don't
expect you to have to pass a club knowledge test. I don't look down on "new"
supporters just because they did not attend Upton Park. If you are prepared
to stand behind the team, in good times and most crucially remain true in
bad times that is good enough for me. We are a family inclusive club still.
Come in and join the roller coaster drama that is supporting West Ham.
COYI

David Griffith

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Overseas Investors Request London Stadium Feasability Study
Submitted by akira andersson on Wed, 28/02/2018 - 12:56
WestHamFans.org

A major building facilitation company have been asked to draw up a
feasibility study as to the actual cost of converting the white elephant
that is the London Stadium in to a football stadium fit for purpose, it is
not known as yet whether the request has the backing of the West Ham United
hierarchy but as they are only anchor tenants their hands are tied when it
comes to the actual building. The investment group is comprised mainly of
Chinese businessmen with the notable exception of one, Kia Joorabchian!
Joorabchian's MSI company are no strangers to West Ham United take over
attempts, and the fact that recent arrival 'super' Mario's loan spell from
Inter Milan was brokered by Kia Joorabchian will not have gone unnoticed by
some, and the similarities with the arrival at the Old Boleyn of Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano brokered by MSI are astounding.

Joorabchian has long coveted owning a high profile Premier League team and
West Ham are right up his street, cash strapped with a need for new
investment. Ideal candidates for a 'passive/aggressive' take over which
works this way: Investment company take a less than controlling stake in the
club allowing a steady flow of funds, however there is a caveat. Using a
scheme known as 'green labeling' the new investors release money in tranches
on the condition that the majority stake holder invests the equivalent on a
quid pro quo basis in the club, the idea being the shares grow in value to
such an extent that the minority share holding becomes worth a lot more
money than the original investment. Shares have to be offered back to the
majority shareholders at a 'beneficial' discount, but this means leaving the
club needing to either refinance or accept a non majority stake.

If this sounds all smoke and mirrors that is because the murky world of
share trading and company acquisitions is mired with subterfuge and false
trails, anyone who has tried to research M.S.I (media sports investments)
will confirm just how difficult discovering the truth can be. The situation
has a further twist because of the mayor of London Sadiq Khan's desire to
get the London Stadium of the tax payer's books as soon as possible, MSI
have access to massive funding and a deal could be brokered as soon as this
April should initial negotiations prove fruitful, there is a desire from all
parties to turn the ironic stadium into the iconic stadium it should have
been had it not been for the meddling of Lord Coe and his cronies.

Before fans celebrate potential new investors, it should be remembered what
happened the last time 'new investors' came in to the club in the form of
Eggert Magnussen and the bankrupt Icelandics, that all ended badly didn't
it? In addition there were the punitive and swingeing fines administered by
the FA for fielding the ineligible Carlos Tevez that cost the club in excess
of £30 Million in fines and compensation to Sheffield United.

Now who was it who brokered those deals, do you get that Dejavu feeling? It
seems to occur to West Ham fans more than any others doesn't it? - Ed

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes reportedly planning four bargain deals; are West Ham planning for a
number of exits?
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United are already being linked with a host of summer signings.
West Ham United are far from safe from relegation to the Championship, and
manager David Moyes hasn't yet earned a deal for next season, but
speculation already surrounds the club's summer transfer plans. Moyes has
brought in three signings since his appointment as West Ham boss, landing
Patrice Evra, Joao Mario and Jordan Hugill, and he will now hope to keep the
club in the Premier League and earn himself a new contract. If Moyes does
land a new contract, then it seems that the West Ham boss already has some
transfer targets lined up to boost his squad ahead of next season, with four
names strongly linked.

Football.London report that a free transfer move for Fulham right back Ryan
Fredericks is wanted when his contract ends this summer, with The Sun
reporting that a similar approach could be taken with Saint-Etienne forward
Jonathan Bamba. Add in that The Express claim that Moyes also wants Twente
goalkeeper Joel Drommel and Metz playmaker Vincent Thill, and the Scot
appears to have four low-cost moves in mind for the summer transfer window.
Fredericks and Bamba's contract status makes them bargains, whilst Drommel
and Thill – two talented young players – shouldn't break the bank either,
but their status as young players or competition may mean that West Ham are
preparing for some exits. The signing of Drommel would almost certainly
suggest that Joe Hart's time at the club is coming to an end this summer,
whilst landing Fredericks to compete with Pablo Zabaleta may spell the end
for Sam Byram too. Versatile attacking players Thill and Bamba could also
suggest that the likes of Robert Snodgrass and Martin Samuelsen could be
offloaded, with greater depth – featuring exciting young players with
potential at a reasonable price – potentially leading to some exits this
summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com