Daily WHUFC News - 9th March 2018

Brady: 'International Women's Day is about changing lives'
WHUFC.com

To mark International Women's Day, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady met with members of the Ladies team to discuss issues around gender
parity and equality. International Women's Day celebrates the social,
economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe, and
Baroness Brady believes the significance of the progress in recent history
cannot be understated. "This is the 100th anniversary of when women got the
vote in this country," said the Vice-Chairman. "I think it's a real time to
look back at the women who changed life for us, that have given us the
opportunities that are in front of us; the ability to vote, to get an
education and to get the job you want."

Speaking to members of the West Ham Ladies team, she continued: "All those
things that have happened, certainly some for me, but it will be more for
the younger generation, have happened because women have stood up and fought
for those changes. "I think this day is a reminder of all the women that
came before and all the things we still have to do, because even though
we've come a long way, there's still a long way to go."

Having worked in football since the age of 23, Baroness Brady has been at
the forefront of women's involvement in the sport. In a discussion with
three West Ham United Ladies players – forward Ellie Zoepfl, right-back
Chantelle Mackie and centre-back Hannah Wheeler – the Vice-Chairman recalled
an early incident of sexism in her career. "When I was 23 and I first went
into Birmingham, it was quite unusual for both a young person and a young
woman to be running a football club," Baroness Brady told the Ladies'
players. "For example, women weren't allowed in boardrooms. I remember, I
think it was my first away game, where I turned up and there was this
steward on the desk. I said, 'Could you tell me where the Boardroom is
please?', and he said, 'Oh yeah, directors' wives over there'. "I said 'No,
I don't think you understand. I am the Managing Director so I need to know
where the Boardroom is'. "The steward, he put his glasses on, and he said,
'Oh yes, you're that woman'. "It was a real case of breaking down barriers
and I always say that Boardroom door was the first door that I broke down.
I've tried to hold it open for as long as possible to get as many women
through that door."

West Ham United Ladies, led by managing director Jack Sullivan and general
manager Karen Ray, are enjoying a successful campaign in the FA Women's
Premier League Southern Division. The side are unbeaten in 2018 and have
reached both the Isthmian League Cup and FA WPL Plate finals.

An application for a license to play in the restructured Women's Super
League from the start of the 2018/19 season is also in place, with FA WSL1
expanding to 14 teams with full-time professional players.

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Zabaleta: Manu's Argentina recall can only be good for West Ham United
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini's inclusion in the Argentina squad can only be a good thing
for West Ham United, according to his teammate and fellow countryman Pablo
Zabaleta.
The No10 has been recalled by La Celeste manager Jorge Sampaoli for friendly
internationals with Italy and Spain at the end of March after missing his
country's last six matches through injury. And with just three months to go
until Argentina kick-off their 2018 FIFA World Cup finals challenge against
Iceland, Zabaleta believes his talented compatriot has an opportunity to
cement his place on the plane to Russia if he impresses for both Club and
country. "It's great news for Manu to be back in the squad, especially as we
are not far from the World Cup," said Zabaleta, who has himself been capped
58 times and started Argentina's 1-0 defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup
final in Brazil. "This at least means that the manager is looking at him, so
I'm very happy for that, but he also needs a very good run of games between
now and the end of the season, which will hopefully help West Ham play well
and Manu to make the final list for the World Cup."

Lanzini, who made his debut against Brazil last June and has two senior
caps, is one of a host of supremely talented attacking midfielders and
forwards available to Sampaoli. Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, Juventus
centre forward Gonzalo Higuain, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, Paris
Saint-Germain pair Angel Di Maria and Giovani Lo Celso, Benfica winger
Eduardo Salvio, Roma playmaker Diego Perotti and Sporting Lisbon wideman
Marcos Acuna have all been named alongside the Hammers favourite for the
upcoming friendly matches. But with the likes of Juventus' Paulo Dybala,
Internazionale's Mauro Icardi, Paris Saint-Germain's Javier Pastore,
Atletico Madrid's Joaquin Correa and a host of promising youngsters also
eager to be involved, Lanzini will need to maintain his form if he wants to
be in Sampaoli's final 23. "Argentina have so many options in the middle of
the park and up front, so to be on the list means you are doing a great job
for your Club, and Manu is one of our key players at West Ham. "He was very
unlucky when he got his last injury because he was in very good form and
that injury put him out of the line-up for a few weeks. He's been back in
the team for two games and now I wish he can return to that same level, get
some game-time for Argentina and he can be in the final squad. "We have two
big games against Italy and Spain and they will give him a great chance to
show he should be on the list for the World Cup and, as a teammate of his, I
will be very happy and proud to see Manu play for Argentina in Russia."

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Hammers pay tribute to Bobby Moore at London Stadium
WHUFC.com

West Ham United will mark the 25th anniversary of the passing of Bobby Moore
OBE at Saturday's Premier League fixture with Burnley. A series of
exhibitions and events will pay tribute to the Club's greatest-ever player
and captain, who died after a dignified battle with bowel cancer in February
1993, aged just 51. A free exhibition of memorabilia relating to Moore's
life and career on the lower ground floor of the Stadium Store, where
visitors can view shirts, medals and many more unique and historic items,
will be open from 9am. The exhibition is also open from 9.30am-5pm on
Thursday and Friday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Four new Bobby Moore displays
have been installed on the London Stadium concourse – the latest initiative
introduced to improve the matchday experience for West Ham fans visiting our
home on matchdays. We advise supporters to get to their seats early, as a
few minutes before-kick off, members of the 1964 FA Cup and 1965 European
Cup Winners' Cup-winning teams captained by Moore – Ken Brown, Ronnie Boyce,
Jack Burkett, Brian Dear and Eddie Bovington – will be welcomed pitchside
for the pre-match ceremony. After the two teams have taken to the pitch,
they will line up around the centre circle while a floral tribute will be
laid on the centre spot. A minute's applause will then be held, during which
supporters in the East Stand will be invited to create a mosaic in tribute
to Moore. In a further recognition of the Club's proud heritage, for the
first time, flagbearers will display the 16 crests used by Thames Ironworks
FC and West Ham United during the Club's 123-year history pitchside on
Saturday. In addition, these crests will be displayed in the stadium
concourse.

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Antonio: I can feel the sharpness coming back with every game I play
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio believes he is edging closer to his best with every minute
he spends on the pitch for West Ham United. The winger has had to make do
with being a second-half substitute in three of the four Premier League
matches he has played since returning from a calf injury a month ago.
Despite starting just once, Antonio has scored goals in defeats at Liverpool
and Swansea City and assisted another, in a London Stadium victory over
Watford, and the No30 says there is plenty more to come as his
match-fitness, sharpness and strength return. "I'm definitely starting to
feel sharper," said the 27-year-old, who has also missed games with
hamstring and rib injuries this season. "It's taken a long time for me to
get back to a point where I feel I can beat people and score goals, but my
confidence is coming back and hopefully I can help the team get out of the
situation that we're currently in. "I've not really had the opportunity to
get into my stride and be the same player I was in the previous two seasons,
because every time I've got close to being myself again, I've picked up
another niggle. It's taken me half-a-season to get to a place where I feel
comfortable and I feel good, so hopefully I can stay fit and sharp for the
remainder of the season. "It's disappointing that my goals are not winning
games for us, so hopefully next time I score, it will be a winner!"

As Antonio's form returns, he is hoping manager David Moyes hands him
further opportunities from the start as West Ham battle to remain in the
Premier League, with a home game with Burnley next on the fixture list. With
England also heading to Russia for the FIFA World Cup finals this summer,
the versatile Londoner has plenty of motivation to impress should he be
given those chances by Moyes. "I'm a professional player and every
professional player wants to be in the starting XI, so I'm going to do what
I can and try my hardest and hopefully I'll get a start against Burnley."

Whether he is selected or not, Antonio knows just how important Saturday's
game is to everyone associated with the Club, with players, staff and the
Claret and Blue Army united in the desire to secure a vital victory in fight
to stay up. "Whoever starts, we need everyone on the same page. We're at
home, we're going to take the game to them and we need all the fans behind
us as we go for the win."

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Declan Rice pays tribute to 'top footballer' Dylan Tombides
WHUFC.com

Dylan Tombides Award winner Declan Rice has paid tribute to his late fellow
Academy of Football graduate, who would have turned 24 today. Rice, who
followed the talented Australian through the ranks on joining the Club at
the age of 13, was among those left upset when the striker passed away
following a long and courageous battle with cancer in April 2014. Two years
later, the young Rice was honoured to win the Dylan Tombides Award, which is
presented annually to West Ham United's outstanding Academy prospect, and he
has since been appointed as an Ambassador for the DT38 Foundation – the
charity set up in Tombides' honour to raise awareness and funding for the
fight against testicular cancer. "I didn't know Dylan but I heard he was a
lovely boy and a top footballer, so it made it more special for me," said
Rice, reflecting on winning the award named in Tombides' memory.
The teenager, who has been named in the provisional Republic of Ireland
senior squad for a three-day training camp and friendly international in
Turkey later this month, is proud to have taken on a role with the DT38
Foundation and called on young men like him to educate themselves about male
cancers. In the UK alone around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular
cancer every year and, if caught early enough, the survival rate is around
98 per cent. "Guys, the facts are out there," said Rice. "Testicular cancer
affects younger men in particular and if you catch it early your chances of
getting treated effectively are much higher and so it's so important that
you check yourselves regularly and seek advice if you notice anything
different. "Don't take a risk, don't be silly, just check yourselves."

For more information about the DT38 Foundation, click here. To read Rice's
full interview with the DT38 Foundation, click here.

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Rice named in full Irish squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

Declan Rice has been named in the full Republic of Ireland squad for the
first time. West Ham United's 19-year-old centre half has been included in
manager Martin O'Neill's provisional 30-man squad to face Turkey in a
fortnight's time. It is the first time he has been selected for the full
squad. Rice, who has made 23 appearances for West Ham this season since
breaking into the first team set-up is one of five newcomers named in the
squad by O'Neill, along with Kieran O'Hara, Darragh Lenihan, Derrick
Williams and Enda Stevens. Despite being named in the squad, Rice will also
join up with the Republic's under 21s following the friendly in Antalya on
Friday, 23 March. Former Hammer Sean Maguire, who has scored four times in
his last four games for Championship side Preston has also been named in the
squad.

Republic of Ireland: squad v Turkey

Goalkeepers: Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Colin Doyle (Bradford City),
Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday) .

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty
(Wolverhampton Wanderers), Declan Rice (West Ham United), John Egan
(Brentford), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle
United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Alex Pearce (Derby County), Darragh Lenihan,
Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Preston North End),
Enda Stevens (Sheffield United).

Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Jeff
Hendrick (Burnley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), David Meyler (Hull City),
Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Liam Kelly (Reading), Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan
(Preston North End), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Sean Maguire
(Preston North End).

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I was misled over stadium plans, claims Gold
KUMB.cm
Filed: Thursday, 8th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has blamed Olympic Stadium architects for
comments he made regarding West Ham's move from Upton Park to Stratford.
Gold was roundly accused of lying to supporters when a video emerged of the
octogenarian stating that West Ham would not move to Stratford unless the
seats were as close to the pitch as they were at Upton Park.
However speaking in an interview for Phoenix FM, the 81-year-old (who will
be 82 in September) insisted that he had been misled by the stadium
developers. "The original plans provided by the architect weren't viable,"
he said. "So we believed the seats would be closer. "Major problems have
been created by still having athletics there - it's not sustainable to move
the seating backwards and forweards as it costs a fortune. They should move
to the Athletics Stadium in Birnmingham that they could easily use."

During the interview Gold reiterated his support for the decision to move to
Stratford as, he insisted, it was necessary for the club to progress. It has
since been revealed that the club's annual revenue rose by around £8million
as a result of leaving Upton Park.

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Putting in the miles for Isla
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

A West Ham supporter is walking to every professional London football ground
in one weekend - in order to raise money for Isla Caton. Starting at the
site of the Boleyn Ground, Pat O'Connor is set to visit every Premier League
and Football League club - plus some from non-league - before competing his
journey at the Olympic Stadium. And he will be undergoing the arduous
journey in order to raise funds for the Save Isla campaign, which is seeking
to raise enough money to send the three-year-old to American for potential
life-saving treatment. "Over the weekend of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th
May I am walking 75 miles non-stop in order to raise funds to help young
Isla, who is the niece of a friend and fellow West Ham supporter" Pat told
KUMB. "Isla requires specialist treatment for her rare form of cancer. This
treatment is not provided here in the UK by the NHS. We are therefore
helping to raise the funds required to send her to America where the
treatment is available. "The walk takes me from the location of West Ham's
old Boleyn Ground to their new home at the London Stadium via every other
football ground in London arriving in time for West Ham's final game of the
season v Everton. "If you want to meet me at any of the football grounds en
route then your support would be warmly received."

Pat's route and approximate arrival times are as follows:

Saturday 12th May

07:00: The Boleyn
09:00: Charlton Athletic
10:45: Millwall
12:00: Dulwich Hamlet
14:00: Crystal Palace
16:00: Tooting & Mitcham
18:15: AFC Wimbledon
20:00: Brentford
22:00: Fulham
23:00: Chelsea

Sunday 13th May

00:30: QPR
02:30: Wembley Stadium
04:30: Barnet
06:30: Wingate & Finchley
08:30: Tottenham Hotspur
10:30: Arsenal
12:30: Leyton Orient
13:30: West Ham Utd

Please note that all times listed are targets and that Pat may arrive at
each ground earlier or later than stated. You may keep up with his progress
over the weekend via live updates from Facebook group "LONDON FOOTBALL WALK
FOR ISLA" .

You may also donate to Pat's justgiving fund here.

* Isla is said to be recovering well following surgery yesterday to remove a
tumour from her brain. According to her parents, she returned home little
more than 24 hours after undergoing the operation.

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Happy birthday, Dylan
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th March 2018
By: Staff Writer

Tragic Hammer Dylan Tombides would have celebrated his 24th birthday today.
The Australian forward, who had been at West Ham since the age of 15 passed
away four years ago next month following a long and brave battle against
testicular cancer.

Tributes to the popular Tombides were led today by some of his team mates,
as you may see below.

And plenty of supporters chose to mark the occasion by publishing their own
tributes to Tombides, whose sole first team appearance for West Ham came
under Sam Allardyce in a 4-1 Capital One Cup defeat against Wigan in 2012.

Dylan's memory is being kep alive by the good folk behind the DT38
Foundation, named after Dylan's initials and his former squad number at West
Ham. You may find out more information about their good work here.

The Foundation have thanked everyone for their messages of goodwill on this
poignant day for all concerned. "A warm and heartfelt thank you for all of
your lovely messages of support today," read a message published on the
group's twitter feed today.

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Josh Cullen - it surely must be time to see the youngster step up?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th March 2018
By: Staff Writer #3

Whilst relegation looks unlikely this season, the spectre does still loom
large over the Hammers. You would imagine there is enough quality in the
squad to ensure another year at the top table, but fans need something
exciting to cling to. That might just be where young Josh Cullen steps up.
Cullen is an exciting home-grown midfielder, recently returned from a loan
spell at Bolton Wanderers. He burst onto the scene in the Europa League
qualifying rounds of 2015, following that up with a late appearance as a sub
against Liverpool in the league. To date, that is his only Premier League
outing. A loan spell at Bradford City proved very fruitful, not least for
the Bantams. He made 15 starts in league and cup, helping to propel them to
the League One play off semi finals. They lost their two-legged affair
against the Hammers' bitter rivals Millwall, but Cullen played in both
matches.
After that, it was back to Bradford again; this time on a season long loan.
Once again, he was a staple of their side, this time starting 44 games in
league and cup. His strong performances, always hard but fair, won him many
fans in West Yorkshire. As a combative midfielder he only picked up four
bookings, a testament to his guile and craft in the centre of the park. He
was fouled 105 times in their league campaign, almost 30 more than the next
nearest player, targetted for the threat he carried.
At the end of the season, Bradford suffered the same outcome. They reached
the play offs, only to lose to Millwall, this time in the showpiece final.
Cullen played all 270 minutes, showing increased maturity and ability to
cope with pressure. These are perhaps the sort of qualities David Moyes
needs to see in a Hammers shirt right now, especially if they're to avoid a
battle against the drop. This season, Cullen was out on loan again - this
time at Bolton Wanderers in the Championship, themselves embroiled in a
relegation battle. From two seasons at the top of the table, Cullen has now
featured for two clubs at the wrong end. Bolton are just behind Burton,
Sunderland and Birmingham in the betting for dropping into League One, but
Cullen won't be a part of that battle. He rejoined West Ham in January and
made has three FA Cup appearances since. His parent club aren't enjoying the
best of spells either, and offers like Paddy Power's £20 risk-free bet will
come as comfort to West Ham backers who like bet on football with leading
bookmakers.

David Moyes recently told local press that he would have no hesitation in
putting Cullen on: "He has been on the road for a year and he wanted to
stay. We like him, he's a level headed young player and I would have no fear
in putting him on." That sentiment may be impressive, but he is only echoing
the desire of many West Ham fans.

The general consensus is that the young player has earned his stripes out on
the road and it is about time he found himself in first team contention. In
the aftermath of West Ham's humiliating 4-1 defeat at Swansea, calls
heightened for Cullen to get his chance. David Moyes has taken the first
step in keeping him at the club despite Bolton wanting to extend the loan.,
will he now take the next step and blood him in a struggling first team?

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.

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West Ham insist meetings with fan groups 'in good faith' after reports of
hooligan talks
Last Updated: 08/03/18 5:49pm
SSN

West Ham have defended the decision to meet with multiple fan groups "in
good faith" after a report questioned why the club was meeting with
'hooligans'.
The Independent reported a fans group called Real West Ham Fans (Real WHF) -
previously called Real West Ham Fans Action Group and said to be founded by
1970s Inter-City Firm members - threatened another supporters' group with
violence. The Real WHF had reportedly instigated plans for a protest march
against the way West Ham has been run ahead of the home game against Burnley
on Saturday, only to call it off after several fan groups met with the club
and its vice-chairman, Karren Brady. The report claims another fan group,
the West Ham United Independent Supporters' Association, tried to
re-instigate plans for the protest before some of its members were
threatened with abuse.
A West Ham spokesperson said: "West Ham United met with representatives of
15 fans' groups to try to work together to give our supporters a better
match-day experience at the London Stadium. "In our talks we agreed a number
of action points and we are working to deliver them. "All the groups chose
their own representatives which we accepted in good faith. "All of those who
attended expressed a desire to achieve the same ambition. The meetings were
cordial and constructive. Many of them had travelled long distances to meet
with us. "We will in future be working with the long-standing Supporters
Advisory Board to achieve those common aims on behalf of all supporters."

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IN DEFENCE OF RESPECT
By Blind Hammer 8 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer calls for an end to yob culture.

Yet again I was more upset by the behaviour of some West Ham supporters
rather than the grisly team performance last weekend. For the second time in
recent weeks a self-appointed mob of supporters thought it was acceptable,
even desirable to ambush and aggressively intimidate an 81 year old man,
after he had tried to depart an away game in which the team he supported had
disappointed. These are the bald facts. The fact that this81 year life long
supporter is also Joint Chair of West Ham does not detract from this
unpleasant truth. It is never acceptable that behaviour of this kind should
be tolerated or condoned. I have my own constructive criticisms of Board
decisions in relation to West Ham. In more general political philosophy I am
diametrically opposed to them. However I would never dream of promoting
these criticisms during this current climate of visceral hatred. This level
of sheer vitriol is completely over the top.

What we are witnessing here is the worrying collapse of basic human decency
and respect. The anonymous aggression of keyboard warriors who hurl their
expletives driven complaints into the electronic void is fuelling something
darker here. The literally irresponsible aggression, with no consequences
for the people launching these social media onslaughts, has very unfortunate
real world consequences for Gold in particular. The climate of abuse finds
him surrounded and hounded by yobs who feel vindicated in their bullying. So
far they have confined themselves to bullying and intimidation. I fear much
worse if the situation continues to deteriorate.

For the people feeling most loathing towards gold and Sullivan this will, I
realise, cut no ice. There are cohorts of people who will never forgive the
move from the Boleyn and will probably till their dying day want to punish
them for this. What I cannot, and never will support is the way this hatred
leads to degeneration from rational debate into vile abuse. This starts with
people, including contributors on this site making sneering and lazy name
calling attacks rather than relying on any intelligent argument. This
includes describing Gold and Sullivan variously as "Spivs", "Barrow Boys"
and making what are supposedly unflattering references to their being more
at home in "Romford market".

I am staggered that it is West Ham supporters making [personal attacks of
this kind. West Ham are not Chelsea. They are not a club dominated by
arrogant upper class ex-Public Schoolboys who think it is frightfully funny
to sneer at people with working class backgrounds. These Chelsea types will
snigger if somebody does not have the right BBC, Eton or Harrow accent. We
should have no toleration for this Upper class superciliousness. I have no
issue with people with upper class accents supporting West Ham but I will
argue forever with the view that people with privileged backgrounds are
worth any more than any of the rest of us just because of their privilege or
accent.

West Ham is a club steeped in the working class traditions of the east End.
Our working class roots should be a point not of shame but of pride. . We
should certainly never collude with snorting upper class condescendtion
towards those ""vulgar East End" types. . . What is wrong with Romford
market anyway? What is wrong with having working class origins and then
achieving success in life? Attacking Gold and Sullivan on the basis of their
accents or allegedly working class origins is lazy unreasoned prejudice.

Surprisingly the people most vociferous in launching these personal attacks
do not extend this character assassination to the potential alternative
sources of investment they so desperately crave. Instead, seduced by the
lure of alternative international billionaire wealth, all critical
perspective melts away and disappears. Why anybody should think that a
Russian Oligarch, or a Chinese Billionaire, or an Arab royal, all of whom
will almost certainly built their wealth on the cruellest and vicious human
rights abuses, should have any more of a genuine claim to West Ham identity
and support is a mystery to me. Yet these critics are frantic to invite
these people into our club at any cost. I do not share their enthusiasm. The
sex industry money of Gold and Sullivan is, comparatively, far cleaner than
the horrific accounts of abuse which underlies the international billionaire
wealth that other clubs are so happy to sell their souls for.

So it starts with this lazy prejudiced and sneering name calling. It then
degenerates into more vile social media abuse where they are condemned for
being "c***its", Bas***d" and other equally unsavoury epithets. It ends with
people feeling vindicated in aggressively confronting an 81 year old man in
his car or car park. They are objects for unreasoned abuse. Gold gets spleen
vented at him for decisions over which he has no control, including the
ludicrous Wigan carpark condemnation for his alleged failure to "pick" Sakho
for the game.

This abuse has to stop. Despite what anybody says it weakens our club and
brings us into disrepute. My own view is that all efforts this season should
now focus on supporting the club from the trapdoor of relegation. We should
debate rationally about the issues at the times when they can be resolved. I
disagreed with January Transfer policy, especially selling Ayew to a
relegation rival. Others may still want to futilely complain about leaving
Upton Park. However there is absolutely no mileage in complaining about
these issues now. Now in the face of adversity it is time for respect to
re-emerge and create the United positivity that this club needs to survive.
There is actually much in the working class traditions of the east End that
we can be proud of. Solidarity and hard work are values that West Ham in
particular will need in the weeks ahead. There was a time I was proud of the
traditions of loyal West Ham support in the face of difficulty. I fervently
hope that it is this finer tradition which wins out in the weeks ahead.

COYI
David Griffith

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West Ham transfer gossip explored - £30m midfielder "scouted" & contact for
Italian goalkeeper
We take a look at the latest West Ham transfer gossip rumours knocking
around
Football London
BySam Inkersole
West Ham Correspondent

Whether David Moyes is planning for next season or not, there is still no
shortage of players being linked with moves to West Ham in the off-season
despite the uncertainty about who will be in charge. Four defeats in the
last six games for the Hammers have seen questions raised over whether Moyes
is the right man for the job if he does keep the team in the Premier League.
If the club does go down, the Scotsman is unlikely to stay. Sitting just
three points above the drop zone, these are nervy times and if West Ham, do
stay up, the squad will no doubt need a whole lot of re-shaping and
strengthening to avoid this scenario happening again. As is usually the case
with West Ham, players are being linked all the time despite the January
window closing five weeks ago.
The latest rumours are below:

A former transfer target - and an infamous one at that - has reared its head
once again as reports in Portugal are claiming that Sporting Lisbon
midfielder William Carvalho has been "scouted" by the Hammers. O Jogo (via
Sport Witness) says that the Hammers had representatives at the Estadio do
Dragao last Friday night to watch Carvalho and Sporting as they lost 2-1 to
league leaders Porto in the weekend's big game. There scouts from 20 other
clubs across Europe watching the game along with West Ham according to the
report as well so there could be some stern competition for signatures.
Sky Italia (via Claret & Hugh) have reported on Tuesday morning that West
Ham are in the market for 17-year-old goalkeeper Marco Meneghetti. The
teenager is currently on the books of Serie C side Pordenone and their chief
Mauro Lovisa has apparently told Sky Italia that West Ham have reached out
to them via e-mail.
Italian giants Inter Milan are also reportedly keen on making a move for
Pordenone's prized asset.

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West Ham star Collins inspired by Juventus hero Chiellini
HITC
Will Butcher

Giorgio Chiellini starred for Juventus on Wednesday night, and West Ham's
James Collins was thoroughly impressed. Juventus hero Giorgio Chiellini was
almost immaculate on Wednesday night as the Italian champions knocked
Tottenham Hotspur out of the Champions League - and West Ham defender James
Collins reacted on Instagram. Spurs had been considered favourites to knock
Juventus out of the Champions League after their 2-2 draw in Turin, and took
the lead through Son Heung-min in the second leg. But goals from Paulo
Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain within the space of three minutes saw Juve
qualify 4-3 on aggregate. But Massimiliano Allegri will have his defensive
rearguard to thank more than anyone. Chiellini lined-up in defence alongside
Mehdi Benatia at centre-back, while Gianluigi Buffon captained the side from
between the sticks and Hammers defender Collins was inspired by the Italian
giant's impeccable display.

Was a pleasure to watch this man defend last night... saying he's to old and
to slow on the tele What a performance @giorgiochiellini #properdefender And
before anyone else says it I know I should try and be more like him

A post shared by James Collins (@gingercollins19) on
Mar 8, 2018 at 12:43am PST

Welsh defender Collins has been in decent form himself this season for the
Hammers, leading by example at the back though multiple muscle injuries have
seen him feature on a less-than-regular basis. He missed the dismal 4-1 loss
to Swansea City but could return this weekend as the Hammers play host to
Burnley at the London Stadium in at match that David Moyes needs to win,
with his side only three points above the drop zone.

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West Ham distance themselves from notorious fan group founded by Inter-City
Firm members
KEN DYER
ES Sport

West Ham are to distance themselves from a fans' group founded by members of
the Inter-City Firm, following a report that claimed they threatened another
supporters' faction with violence. The club say they will, in future, "be
working with the long-standing Supporters Advisory Board," following a
report by the Independent today. The Real West Ham Fans Action Group, now
known as Real West Ham Fans (Real WHF), originally announced a protest
march, involving supporters from a number of groups and against the owners,
would be held before Saturday's match against Burnley. The march was then
called off by Real WHF following a meeting involving West Ham Groups United,
with vice-chairman Karren Brady, at which promises were made to address
supporters' grievances.

Another group, the West Ham United Independent Supporters' Association, then
announced they intended to try to stage the march, which reportedly resulted
in abuse, including one post on the Real WHF Facebook account which said:
"All your left wing f***s you ain't passing through our manor. The ICF won't
allow it don't cross us."

The head of WHUISA, Mark Walker, is said to be "distraught" and concerned
for his safety after he had his Facebook account posted on the Real WHF own
page, where he was described as a "traitor to London". In a statement the
club said: "West Ham United met with representatives of 15 fans' groups to
try to work together to give our supporters a better match-day experience at
the London Stadium. "In our talks we agreed a number of action points and
we are working to deliver them. All the groups chose their own
representatives which we accepted in good faith. "All of those who attended,
expressed a desire to achieve the same ambition. The meetings were cordial
and constructive. Many of them had travelled long distances to meet with us.
"We will in future be working with the long-standing Supporters Advisory
Board to achieve those common aims on behalf of all supporters."

Real WHF founding member Andy Swallow, who was involved with the notorious
1970s ICF, has said the situation has "been blown up out of all proportion".
He was said to have had a meeting, without the presence of other fans'
groups, with co-chairman David Sullivan at his house before the march was
cancelled but the club deny that. Swallow used to be involved with
non-League Grays Athletic, who played for a time at Rush Green, now the
training headquarters of West Ham's first-team squad. It is understood the
club are keen to implement the ideas and suggestions put forward by the
various groups in their meeting, which included changing the club's badge
and addressing stewarding concerns at the London Stadium. These improvements
for fans were detailed by the club in a 4,000-word letter.

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