tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41784788803607143452024-03-13T08:17:49.797+00:00Daily WHUFC NewsA round-up of the days newspaper and website stories concerning West Ham UnitedPeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.comBlogger4446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-83212120983266145802018-05-31T08:41:00.001+00:002018-05-31T08:41:46.767+00:00Blog Moving<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'>Anyone who follows this blog – it is now moving to <a href="https://whufcdigest.wordpress.com/">https://whufcdigest.wordpress.com/</a> as of 1<sup>st</sup> June 2018<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-62537088911912821912018-05-31T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-31T04:30:54.006+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 31st May 2018Zabaleta: Pellegrini always plays to win
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Pablo Zabaleta is acutely aware of the qualities Manuel Pellegrini brings to West Ham United. It is 17 years since the Argentinian defender and Chilean manager's paths first crossed, 7,000 miles from London Stadium in the Flores district of Buenos Aires. Back then, Zabaleta was a 17-year-old reserve-team player for San Lorenzo, while Pellegrini was in charge of the first team. The teenager watched, impressed, as the manager led the Blue and Red to the 2001 Primera Division Clausura title and Copa Mercosur – South America's equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. A few seasons later, in 2005/06, they would come face to face again, but this time on opposite sides, as Pellegrini's Villarreal beat Zabaleta's Espanyol twice on their way to finishing seventh in Spain's La Liga. The full-back moved to England with Manchester City in 2008 and, five years on, Pellegrini joined him. As was the case at San Lorenzo more than a decade before, the manager brought immediate success, but this time Zabaleta was at the centre of it, making 35 appearances as City won the Premier League in May 2014 – clinching the title with a 2-0 win over the Club which now employs them both again. Across the three seasons Zabaleta and Pellegrini worked together in the Warehouse City, the player made more than 100 appearances, adding two League Cup winner's medals, and the popular Hammer is looking forward to joining forces with his fellow South American again.
<br>"Manuel Pellegrini is a very successful manager with great football experience, not just in England but in many different leagues," said West Ham's No5. "When I was a teenager with the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, I was in the second team and he was the first-team manager. "He did well when we were at San Lorenzo. He had success there, he built a good team, won the Primera Division title and set some records. "After he left San Lorenzo he went to River Plate and won another Primera Division title. He was always keen on youth development, too, bringing through good young players who went on to do very well. "He went to Spain with Villarreal and did a great job, taking them to the Champions League semi-finals. I played against his teams many times when I was with Espanyol and they were always very tough opponents. "He did well at Real Madrid and Malaga, then he came to Manchester City, where we worked together for three seasons and won the Premier League title and some other big competitions. "He's a very quiet person, but he is also very determined and very strong in his belief about how football should be played. He likes to play good, attractive football, and he plays to win, which the fans of all the clubs he has managed have always enjoyed. "He has always been a good manager and I am sure he will show that again with West Ham. I welcome him to the Club and wish him good luck."
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<br>Lanzini starts for Argentina in World Cup warm-up win
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Manuel Lanzini helped Argentina to a 4-0 FIFA World Cup warm-up win over Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday evening. The West Ham United attacking midfielder was named in the starting XI by manager Jorge Sampaoli and played for the opening 58 minutes at Boca Juniors' Bombonera stadium. The 25-year-old played alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Giovani Lo Celso and ahead of former Hammer Javier Mascherano in central midfield, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Lo Celso's PSG teammate Angel Di Maria supporting Juventus' Gonzalo Higuain in a star-studded attack.
<br>It was Messi who took centre-stage, scoring his sixth international hat-trick, with Lanzini starting in the move for his third goal. The West Ham player found the overlapping Higuain, whose cross was headed goalwards by Lo Celso. Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide saved well, but Messi was on hand to score his 64th international goal. Manchester City's Sergio Aguero climbed off the substitutes' bench to net the fourth and final goal midway through the second half. By then, Lanzini's work had been done against a Haiti team who were outclassed by two-time World Cup winners, as he was replaced by Independiente's Maximiliano Meza just before the hour-mark. Lanzini, who won his fourth cap in his home city, will harbour real hopes of starting Argentina's opening World Cup Group D fixture against Iceland in Moscow on Saturday 16 June. Before then, La Celeste face Israel in Jerusalem in their final warm-up fixture on Saturday 9 June.
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<br>Ray: Successful WSL bid shows West Ham has a bright future
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United Ladies general manager Karen Ray says the Hammers' successful WSL bid is just one of a host of examples of the investment the Club is making in its long-term future. The Ladies became one of just eleven clubs to be awarded Tier 1 status as part of a nationwide restructuring of the women's game on Monday, meaning they will kick-off the 2018/19 season in the top-flight alongside the likes of champions Chelsea and their fellow UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finalists Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool. Ray pointed to the Club's backing of a bid described as 'extremely impressive' by the FA Women's Football Board, as well as plans to redevelop the Academy's base at Chadwell Heath and the ever-expanding work done by the West Ham United Foundation, as confirmation of the Hammers' bright future. "The Club has shown huge investment in the Ladies and the U23s, with the development they are doing at Chadwell Heath, and the work we do in the community also continues to grow," she said. "The Ladies section of this is a huge part of it and we're a very accessible team, so we'll be able to provide opportunities for the community and work alongside the boys' Academy as we move into professional status."
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<br>Focusing on the Ladies section, Ray is relishing the prospect of English football's biggest clubs visiting Rush Green – which will also undergo summer improvements outlined in the WSL bid – when the new campaign kicks-off in September. By then, a new first-team manager and a number of top-class players will have joined West Ham's first full-time professional female squad. "At the moment, the players people relate to are the players who play for the top clubs and hopefully, once they start coming to watch our games at West Ham, they'll see we have some big names and top players at our club as well," Ray confirmed. "Those games we're going to be playing against the Chelseas, Arsenals and Manchester Citys are one of the reasons why we went ahead with our WSL bid. We're looking forward to them, we're not fearing them and looking forward to inviting people down and seeing how professionally we do things. I think people will be surprised with what we've got going on.
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<br>"Managing director Jack Sullivan and I have been working really hard behind the scenes to strategically place a new coach to get ready for this and we're looking forward to being able to announce the news. "We've been working behind the scenes for a month now behind the scenes to get ourselves ready for the good news, if it came, and thankfully we're now in a position to offer those players we've been speaking to full-time contracts. "There is going to be some very exciting news coming out with regard to the new coach and then some new players we're bringing in. "Hopefully the young girls within our community will be able to relate to the girls on the pitch and look forward to seeing new role models out there alongside the ones who are already there."
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<br>While Ray knows challenging for a WSL title may be an ambitious target in year one, she is determined to build a squad and staff capable of competing at the highest level, on and off the pitch. "Katie Brazier, The FA's head of women's leagues and competitions, has obviously been quoted as saying that the aim was to have an even number of teams in the new WSL, but because of how strong our bid was, they couldn't say 'No' to us, which is a really big compliment coming from one of the heads of women's football. We're really proud of that. "I think they've done the right thing in putting us up to Tier 1 because we're ready for it and we have the infrastructure and the support of the Club and the wider community. "We had more than 1,300 fans come to watch our final league game and that shows the interest in what we're trying to do and the attractiveness of women's football and what it's becoming."
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<br>West Ham closing in on Marlon deal
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 30th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>West Ham are said to be closing in on the capture of Barcelona defender Marlon Santos. As KUMB reported earlier this week, new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has moved swiftly to resolve the club's defensive issues by lining up the 22-year-old Brazilian. And according to reports in Spain, Barcelona have accepted an offer in the region of €15million for the central defender, who spent last season on loan in France with OGC Nice but is set to agree a five-year contract with West Ham.
<br>The front page of Wednesday's Daily Sport also runs with the story, suggesting that the Catalans - who were initially seeking €20million for the defender - will allow Marlon to join West Ham for the cut price fee, which equates to some £13million.
<br>A product of the Fluminense Academy in Brazil, Marlon originally signed for Barcelona on a season-long loan in 2016, making his debut in a Champions League tie against Celtic. Having impressed in Spain he was snapped up on a four-year contract for €5million. Yet despite impressing initially, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde allowed Marlon to join Nice last summer on a two-year loan deal with a €20million option-to-buy - a clause that has now apparently been triggered by the mystery English club.
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<br>STICK OR TWIST: WINGERS
<br> By Iain Dale 30 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
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<br>We've always been strong in wide positions but is this still the case? I'm not sure it is…
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<br>Joao Mario
<br>Joao Mario certainly didn't look like a £39 million player when he arrived and it took him some time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. By the end of the season we began to see the real player. He scored a couple of goals and was arguably our best player against Everton in the last match. If we can get him for £20 million, I'd say we should do so, but this looks unlikely with Milan holding our for at least £26 million. His agent is touting him around, so a long game might well attract a bargain. He scored in Portugal's friendly against Tunisia this week. I suppose the peril in playing a long game is the fact that if he has a stunning World Cup his value will shoot up again.
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<br>Michail Antonio
<br>He certainly didn't have his best season last time around and was plagued by injury after injury and persistently being played out of position. I've almost forgotten what his best position actually is, and I fear he might have done so too. Crystal Palace are rumoured to see him as a replacement for Wilfred Zaha. Given his ability to score goals and his speed, we would be mad to consider selling hi,. He's a real Pellegrini type of player and I think the new manager will get the best out of him.
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<br>Manuel Lanzini
<br>Our 'Little Jewel' had a great season, which would have been even better without his injuries. He still managed 27 games, scoring a crucul five goals – many of them spectacular – in the process. His beauty is his versatility, and can play wide left or centre midfield. I'd love to see him play in the hole behind two strikers, rather like Eyal Berkovic used to. If he has a good World Cup expect big clubs to sniff around him.
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<br>Robert Snodgrass
<br>Snodgrass has been a success at every club he has played for, apart from West Ham, for whom he has made only 15 appearances without troubling the scorers. His season as Villa Park on loan proved highly successful and there's little doubt that Steve Bruce will want to sign him on a permanent basis. The only question is the fee. We'd certainly be looking to recoup most of the £10 million we paid for him. I see little point in him remaining at West Ham.
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<br>Conclusion
<br>We need to sign two quality wingers, to play on either side. Antonio and Lanzini can be injury prone and also need the competition.
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<br>West Ham ready for challenge of Women's Super League, says Jack Sullivan
<br>By Richard Cooke
<br>Last Updated: 30/05/18 1:16pm
<br>SSN
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<br>West Ham Ladies are ready to take their place in Women's Super League, according to managing director Jack Sullivan. The Hammers were the biggest winners from the Football Association's recent restructure of the women's football pyramid after being promoted two divisions into the top flight of the women's game.
<br>From next season, West Ham will play in a new, fully professional top division made up of 11 teams. Sullivan, who was a guest on Sky Sports News' Sportswomen show, said: "Obviously it is going to be very hard, it is going to be tough, but I think that is the same for anyone who jumps up even one division. "We're jumping two divisions but it's exciting, we've been planning for the last two months to try to make sure that everything is ready and everything is perfect. "I don't think it will be too much of a jump. We know what to expect, obviously, the playing standard is going to rise but it very exciting and we're looking forward to the adventure."
<br>All clubs must meet new, full-time criteria and run a youth academy. Karen Ray, West Ham Ladies general manager, added: "It would be hard to find another team with people in the backroom staff that have as much passion about this as us. "The infrastructure that we have supersedes most others. It is a really exciting team and the support I've had from everyone in and around has been absolutely phenomenal. "I've learned so much from working alongside Jack about his side of the business and it's going to continue to grow".
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<br>The new look second tier, re-named the FA Women's Championship, requires the players to be part-time. Charlton, Leicester, Sheffield United and Lewes have been successful in their bids - alongside Manchester United who will create a new team from scratch after disbanding their women's team 13 years ago. Sunderland are the biggest losers among the current top-flight teams. They finished seventh in 2017-18 but will miss out on next season's competition.
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<br>West Ham target Skorupski hints at summer transfer
<br>By Josh Challies - May 30, 2018 0
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has plenty of work to do at West Ham this summer and one of his most important pieces of business is identifying a new first-choice stopper. Joe Hart has returned to Manchester City after a disappointing loan spell at the London Stadium, while speculation also suggests that Adrian could be on the way out.
<br>Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have stated that the Hammers are keen on the services of Roma stopper Lukas Skorupski, who has struggled for first-team football in the Italian capital. That's handed West Ham a boost in the market as Football Italia quote the goalkeeper as suggesting to Polish outlet Sportwefakty that a summer transfer is on the cards. Playing as understudy to Brazil international Alisson at the Stadio Olimpico last season, 27-year-old Skorupski made just two appearances across all competitions.
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<br>Manchester United want Marko Arnautovic from West Ham
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 30/05/18 5:03pm
<br>SSN
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<br>Manchester United are interested in signing West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands the Hammers have no intention of the selling the 29-year-old and value him at £50m. Arnautovic joined West Ham from Stoke for a club-record £25m fee last summer and scored 11 goals during his debut season with the club. The Austria international, who also contributed six assists during the 2017/18 campaign, has four years left to run on his contract at the London Stadium. Arnautovic previously worked with United manager Jose Mourinho during their time together at Inter Milan in 2009. He made only three appearances for Inter during an unsuccessful loan spell at the San Siro from FC Twente and subsequently joined Werder Bremen in the summer of 2010.
<br>Meanwhile, United remain in talks to sign Porto full-back Diogo Dalot and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. Sky sources understand West Ham are in talks to sign Genoa defender Armando Izzo and are also interested in Barcelona defender Marlon Santos with new manager Manuel Pellegrini aiming to sign up to five players this summer.
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<br>West Ham will not sell Marko Arnautovic amid Manchester United links
<br>JACK ROSSER
<br>ES Sport
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<br>West Ham's club record signing Marko Arnautovic is not for sale this summer. The Austrian, who joined from Stoke for an initial £20million with add-ons a year ago, is reportedly of interest to his former manager Jose Mourinho and Manchester United this summer as they look to close the gap on Manchester City, though no bid has been made as of yet. However, the east London club, who are aiming high once more having appointed Manuel Pellegrini as David Moyes' successor, consider Arnautovic off limits to any suitors. The 29-year-old endured a slow start to his career in east London, however, under the guise of Moyes, scored 11 Premier League goals – the first West Ham player to reach double figures since Diafra Sakho in the 2014/15 season – and was named Hammer of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and Signing of the Season at the club's end of season awards last month. The Hammers are set for a busy summer with Pellegrini set to be handed at least £75million to spend and while that will be partially funded by player sales, Arnautovic is very much staying put.
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<br>Man Utd transfer news: West Ham fear Jose Mourinho will land Marko Arnautovic deal
<br>MANCHESTER UNITED's interest in West Ham star Marko Arnautovic has sent fear around the London Stadium, according to reports.
<br>By JACK OTWAY
<br>PUBLISHED: 17:47, Wed, May 30, 2018 | UPDATED: 18:03, Wed, May 30, 2018
<br><a href="http://Express.co.uk">Express.co.uk</a>
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<br>Manchester United have emerged as possible suitors for West Ham star Arnautovic as Jose Mourinho targets Premier League glory next season. The Austria international only left Stoke 12 months ago, signing for West Ham in a huge £24million transfer. However, Manchester United are now being linked with Mourinho supposedly determined to secure a reunion. Mourinho previously managed the forward at Inter Milan, where the duo had a rocky relationship. Yet Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg say West Ham fear Arnautovic becoming distracted. He said on Twitter: "West Ham insistent that Marko Arnautovic is not for sale despite more links with Manchester United. "Concern for West Ham will be that the talk will unsettle Arnautovic. "Mind you, if they get a stupidly high offer for a 29-year-old, there's an argument they should take it."
<br>United's interest in Arnautovic suggests Mourinho is about to change his transfer plans. Because, earlier this year, he claimed the Red Devils would not be prioritising any forwards following their signing of Alexis Sanchez in January. He said: "It's bad for you because you like to have things to write and things to speculate especially in the summer, but I don't want attacking players so don't speak about attacking players coming here because nobody is coming here.
<br>"Juan Mata, Lukaku, Rashford, Martial, Alexis…I don't want attacking players so for speculation in the summer you have to go to other areas, but for attacking players I am really happy. "We have to improve not in the quality of the players, we have to improve in the dynamic of the team and in the efficiency."
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<br>The transfer tricks employed by Mario Husillos at Malaga that may work to West Ham's advantage
<br>The Argentine is expected to take over as West Ham's new head of recruitment and join Manuel Pellegrini in the capital
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>13:45, 30 MAY 2018
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<br>West Ham are close to appointing Mario Husillos as the club's new head of recruitment, having dispensed with the services of Tony Henry in February this year.
<br>The Argentine worked with new Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini at Spanish side Malaga where they reached the Champions League quarter final and also earned their highest-ever La Liga finish. Husillos has been hand-picked by Pellegrini to take charge of transfers and take some of the decision-making away from West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, though he will still have some say in transfers. Husillos returned to Malaga earlier this year and signed eight new players though it didn't particularly work very well as the Spanish side were relegated to the Segunda Division, with many fans pointing the blame at the transfer guru for the failings. Working with Pellegrini in Spain, Husillos helped sign and develop the likes of Isco, Nacho Monreal, Juanmi, Joaquin, Jesus Gamez and Jeremy Toulalan before all were sold on for big profits.
<br>When it was announced that Husillos was returning to the club in February, he spoke at a press conference where he revealed how he operates in the transfer market. With that in mind, it could give hints as to how he will approach this current transfer window for West Ham if he gets the job. Back in February, the former Real Murcia manager said: "When you arrive at a team, unless you do so well in advance, with a very long-term project, it's always a delicate moment. When a new sports director arrives, or a new coach, people tend to focus on changes. I, usually, believe in the people who are here, they are the most important. "The main thing is to try and help, see what you can do, and what you can make available to them. Then, I think there's a great match with the needs of the team.
<br>"I think it'll be an incentive for everyone. People who were playing more regularly will now have more competition. This will increase the internal rivalry within the squad. That was the objective."
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<br>Leicester recruitment chief Eduardo Macia has also been linked with the post but it's looking increasingly likely that Husillos will get the job and it can be seen as a win for Pellegrini, who hand-picked Husillos, to take the job in his first victory of power at West Ham. Pellegrini is likely to have a huge say in transfers as well, with the 64-year-old manager saying he wants to bring in at least four or five new players to the Hammers after a couple of seasons of struggle at the London Stadium.
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<br>West Ham have been linked with the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Yaya Toure and Adama Traore in recent days, alongside Nice defender Marlon and have ong standing interest in Fulham duo Tom Cairney and Ryan Fredericks though both achieved promotion to the Premier League at the weekend as the Whites beat Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
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<br>PELLEGRINI TO OFFER LIFELINE TO SNODGRASSFeatured Image
<br> Date: 30th May 2018 at 2:20pm
<br>Written by: Wayne Howard
<br>ReadWestHam
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini will offer a West Ham lifeline to attacker Robert Snodgrass, according to Football London. The Trinity Mirror site claim the new Hammers manager is keen to give a second chance to winger Snodgrass after a successful season on loan at Aston Villa. The Scotland international was criticised by managing director Karren Brady after he struggled to make an impact following his £10.2million move from Hull City in January of last year before he joined Villa. Writing in the Sun newspaper last December about January signing plans, Brady said: "Robert Snodgrass wasn't exactly a triumph, while Hammers fans could name several foreign players who added little. "The obvious fact is we need one or two who the manager believes will be a real plus. But no bargains that fall apart under the Prem's pressure."
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<br>OPINION
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<br>Pellegrini is a considerably better judge of a footballer than Brady, or her partners in boardroom chaos, David Sullivan and David Gold. Quite why they were so publicly critical last season of Snodgrass, a fine player who is still on their books and a bankable asset, is a mystery and symptomatic of their appalling lack of discretion. There isn't a Championship club out there – and a few Premier League ones, too – who wouldn't bite the two Davids' hands off if there was a sniff of landing Snodgrass for a bargain fee. He showed at Villa that he remains a winger of class and potency, whose crossing and dead-ball expertise is on a completely different level to most players in the English second tier. Little wonder Pellegrini is keen to have a good look at the Scot in pre-season, although it might require all the Chilean's famed charm to get Snodgrass back on board after the appalling comments of Brady and co.
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<br>Martin Odegaard transfer latest: Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham target available as he will NOT join Heerenveen again
<br>By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
<br>Wednesday, May 30, 2018
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<br>Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham are all on red alert after teen star Martin Odegaard revealed he will not be returning to Heerenveen. The 19-year-old has spent the last 18 months on loan at the Dutch club from Real Madrid and he has caught the eye there. The attacking midfielder is now keen to continue his development, but he is unsure if he will get enough game time at the Bernabeu next season. Before he joined Heerenveen, Liverpool and West Ham were chasing Odegaard – while Spurs are now said to also have an interest in him. And the Denmark international has given the Premier League trio a big boost by revealing he won't be going back to the Netherlands for another loan. "The important thing is to go to a team where I can play," Odegaard told Norwegian agency NTB. "A loan to another Spanish club is a good alternative, but right now I don't know a whole lot. "It is important for me to find the right environment of a club, where I can play but as yet there have been no decisions, but I will not return to the Netherlands. "I don't know what's going to happen, but if nothing happens, I'll do preseason with Madrid and it's a great chance to show myself."
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<br>Real Madrid are thought to still have high hopes for Odegaard, but they would reportedly be willing to let him go on loan again.
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<br>WEST HAM HAVE SANTOS RESERVATIONS
<br> Date: 30th May 2018 at 3:02pm
<br>Written by: Wayne Howard
<br>ReadWestHam
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<br>West Ham could pull the plug on their pursuit of Barcelona defender Marlon Santos amid reports in Spain a deal worth £15.7million is done, according to the Guardian. The newspaper claim the Hammers have reservations about pushing through the capture of the centre-back, 22, due to concern as to whether his 5ft 11in physique is well enough equipped for English football. Mundo Deportivo claimed earlier today (Wednesday) that Santos has already agreed the terms of a five-year contract with West Ham and talks over the fee are advanced but the Guardian claim a bid has not yet been lodged by the London club.
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<br>OPINION
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<br>Have the Spanish media got ahead of themselves over the transfer of Santos to the Premier League? Or are West Ham about to make an epic U-turn? Certainly, it appears they have got cold feet over pushing through a signing that is major money by their standards. Only a few players in the Hammers' history have cost more than £16million, and the club have had their fingers burned over a few of the big-money captures. One thing is for sure, Santos' height is not going to change, so new manager Manuel Pellegrini and the board need to decide whether he is the answer to their team's chronic defensive problems. The Brazilian is not small, but he is far from a giant, and height matters in the Premier League. Contesting aerial balls is a key part of the job description, although plenty of players of similar height to Santos have had an outstanding spring and punched far above their weight – so to speak – in the air. Tim Cahill and Les Ferdinand are two examples. Moreover, Santos has other qualities. He is mobile, technically good and reads the game well. Buy a giant alongside him and West Ham could be in business.
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<br>Should West Ham swoop for Sam Johnstone after Villa's play-off failure?
<br>HITC
<br>Tom Seymour
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<br>Sam Johnstone will not be joining Aston Villa from Manchester United so should West Ham United finally make their move? The financial implications for Aston Villa after losing to Fulham in the Championship playoff final could be hugely damaging for the club. The Telegraph reports that they are now in serious danger of breaking Financial Fair Play rules next season after failing to secure their return to the Premier League. The budget will therefore be much more strict for next term, with captain John Terry expected to leave after his contract expires and moves to sign loan trio Lewis Grabban, Sam Johnstone and Robert Snodgrass permanently having been scrapped. The news that Johnstone will not be heading back to Villa from parent club Manchester United could well be greeted in a positive fashion at West Ham United, though. As football.london reports, the Hammers have kept tabs on the goalkeeper in the past with Joe Hart returning to Manchester City after an unsuccessful loan spell and Adrian expected to be sold. This interest was reported since Manuel Pellegrini was named as the new manager, however, and the Mirror has since claimed that Reims stopper Edouard Mendy is on the radar, but perhaps now is the perfect opportunity to make the most of Johnstone's availability.
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<br>West Ham United FC transfer news: Five-year deal for Marlon close to completion - reports
<br>By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
<br>Wednesday, May 30, 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham are closing in on Barcelona starlet Marlon Santos and could complete a five-year deal for the defender in the coming days, according to reports in Spain.
<br>The 22-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Fluminense in 2016, but only appeared three times in Barca's first team before joining Nice on a two year-long loan deal. The Brazilian has made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season and his impressive performances have caught the attentions of West Ham. And, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Hammers are closing in on capturing Santos for around £12m. The defender could complete his move to the Premier League in the coming days and he is set to sign a long-term deal at the London Stadium.
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<br>WEST HAM MUST MOVE FOR TRAOREFeatured Image
<br> Date: 30th May 2018 at 12:50pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>foreverWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham supporters deserve to be brought to their feet next season for positive reasons and the arrival of Adama Traore would achieve that goal. Hammers fans endured a miserable time in the latest season, with the club's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan hardly bringing in the good times like they were expected to at least try to do. However the pair would instantly be redeemed, at least until their next faux pas, by splashing the cash on signing Middlesbrough's Traore in this window. It is believed that Newcastle United are in pursuit of the electric winger's services ahead of next season, according to a report by the Yorkshire Post, with Boro potentially wanting £15million for his services.
<br>At that price, Sullivan and Gold wouldn't have to dig that deep into their pockets to make fans happy after terrible 2017/18 campaign. Traore dazzled football fans last season with his displays in the 40 games he featured in, with his performances not only being appreciated by Boro fans but by neutrals too. The 22-year-old's exciting style of football, that at times allows him to break out the party tricks, is a joy to watch and he would become a Hammers favourite in no time. Traore's electric ability also provides results, with him scoring five goals, while creating 12 to help Boro reach the Championship play-offs. With the winger in Manuel Pellegrini's squad the good times would surely follow his arrival at the London Stadium so the Hammers must hijack the Magpies' pursuit of the attack-minded player. If successful the show stealing player will end next season as the Hammers very own one-man highlight reel and the bad memories of the 2017/18 would soon wash away.
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<br>Man City to end West Ham's pursuit of Phil Foden
<br>By Josh Challies - May 30, 2018 0
<br>Forever WestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham are seeking a number of exciting additions in the summer transfer market but may need to reassess some of their options. The Hammers have been attributed with an interest in Manchester City starlet Phil Foden, with the east London side said to be keen on taking the 18-year-old on-loan next season. Foden caught the eye with England's U17 side last summer, scoring a brace in the World Cup final, and has pushed his way into Pep Guardiola's first-team this season.
<br>While opportunities at a senior level have been limited, the departure of Yaya Toure could present the teenager with the chase to become a more regular name in the first-team. As such, The Telegraph reports that Manchester City will block any approach for Foden this summer and Guardiola does not want to send the starlet on-loan. Foden will be awarded a lucrative new contract at the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola is keen to see him fight for first-team football with the Premier League champions next term.
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<br>West Ham United signing Leander Dendoncker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek would give Manuel Pellegrini loads of creativity to call upon
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
<br>
<br>West Ham United have been linked with the two midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window. If West Ham United can bring in both Leander Dendoncker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer, then Manuel Pellegrini will have all the tools he needs to provide attacking football at the London Stadium next season. Pellegrini has arrived at West Ham and claimed that he wants to play an attractive style of football. To do so, he is going to need an injection of creativity, and Dendocker and Loftus-Cheek would provide that. Dendoncker has been said to be a West Ham target by the Daily Mail, while The Sun (29th May, page 52) report that Loftus-Cheek is on Pellegrini's radar. Dendoncker is generally used as a defensive shield in midfield, but his technical ability would also be key. Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, would add power and creativity to the Hammers midfield ranks. If West Ham could have a trio of Loftus-Cheek, Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic on the pitch at the same time, then West Ham would have a midfield line-up which would be the envy of most Premier League sides. And Pellegrini's options would start to look far better ahead of next season.
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<br>Declan Rice to captain Ireland in the future - Shane Duffy
<br><a href="http://www.independent.ie">www.independent.ie</a>
<br>Cian Tracey
<br>May 30 2018 2:30 AM
<br>
<br> Shane Duffy has backed Declan Rice to become a future Ireland captain. Amid all the mediocrity during Ireland's disappointing 2-0 defeat by France in Paris, the 19-year-old showed glimpses of his undoubted potential. Rice started the game sitting in front of the back four, before finishing it alongside Duffy at the heart of defence, and the Derry native was suitably impressed. "He is so comfortable in all the positions he plays in," Duffy said. "But you don't want him to be one of those who can play anywhere - you want him to settle down into a position. "I think he is going to go right to the top. He will captain Ireland some day.
<br>
<br>Develop
<br>
<br>"Declan can be here for many years so we have to be careful with him and let him develop - as his club are doing with him, but it's a joy to see him coming in so early and it's good for everyone. "He is a big voice in there too. He's not shy. He's a good lad with a good head on his shoulders."
<br>
<br>Ireland will be desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat when they play the USA on Saturday. It's been a poor run of form from Martin O'Neill's side, who, since being thumped 5-1 by Denmark, have lost back-to-back friendlies against Turkey and France. Results aside, the performances have also been very disappointing. O'Neill may be looking to build a new team, but based on the evidence that we have seen so far, it will be a long and difficult process. The highs of the Euros two years ago are now very much a distant memory as Ireland face another summer of watching the World Cup from afar. A massive improvement will be expected against the US, but Duffy warned that it won't be easy. "They are no mugs and it will be another tough game," the Brighton defender insisted. "Thee defeats in-a-row - we don't want to make that four. We haven't played in Dublin since Denmark and we want to give the fans something to shout about."
<br>
<br>Ireland were played off the park by a classy French side on Monday evening, yet O'Neill will have been furious by the manner in which they conceded the two goals. The first came from a corner that Ireland failed to deal with, while the second was off the back of a howler from goalkeeper Colin Doyle. "If you are going to get beaten by France, you want them to carve you open and be too good for you, but we gave them the two goals which was disappointing," Duffy admitted. "We had a good shape about us and we defended well. You look at their forward line and they are all world-class players, but the lads dug deep. "It was a good game to play in. You have to be realistic about who we were playing. They could easily win the World Cup."
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<br>Pellegrini nears first West Ham signing, Marlon to sign five-year deal
<br>HITC
<br>Olly Dawes
<br>
<br>West Ham United are reportedly set to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos. Reports in recent days have linked Barcelona defender Marlon Santos with a move to West Ham United – and Mundo Deportivo report that a deal is set for completion. The Hammers appointed ex-Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini as their new boss last week, replacing David Moyes in the London Stadium hot-seat, and the Chilean will be looking to strengthen his squad. It now seems that Pellegrini is on the verge of landing his first signing as West Ham boss, and it will be a much-needed boost to his options in the heart of his defence.
<br>Mundo Deportivo report that West Ham are set to agree a deal with Barcelona for defender Marlon Santos after days of speculation, with a five-year contract prepared for the Brazilian. It's claimed that the fee involved will be €15million (£13million), but could rise to €18million (£15.7million) in the future, whilst it hasn't been ruled out that Barcelona could have a buy-back clause in the deal. Marlon, 22, joined Barca on loan from Fluminense in his native Brazil back in 2016, and having mostly featured for Barcelona B whilst making two first-team appearances for the club, he signed permanently last summer. The defender, standing at 6ft tall, was sent out on a two-year loan deal to French side Nice, but after one year with the club, his loan will be ripped up in order to facilitate his West Ham move.
<br>Marlon's season with Nice wasn't consistently impressive, but West Ham will now hope to help the defender fulfil some untapped potential during his time in East London.
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<br>The winners and losers of Manuel Pellegrini's West Ham revolution
<br>Some players are set to thrive under the boss but some might struggle to have a role
<br>Football London
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>23:00, 29 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is set to stamp his authority on West Ham this summer when he is handed a £75m transfer kitty to do some damage on the market with. The new Hammers boss is ready to bring his backroom staff that has served him for more than a decade with him to the capital and we have seen the team that served under David Moyes and Slaven Bilic already depart the club. The 64-year-old has said he wants at least four or five new signings this summer to spend that £75m on which can be boosted by player sales as well that could see it rise to around £100m. After two seasons of struggle on the pitch at the London Stadium, the appointment of Pellegrini on an £8m-a-year deal shows intent and now he needs to be backed in the market, something David Gold has confirmed will happen this summer. But, away from transfers, the current playing staff - either on holiday or who have teamed up with their national sides ahead of the World Cup in Russia this summer - will also have a point to prove next season. With that in mind, who is set to benefit from the arrival of Pellegrini but on the contrary, who could find themselves struggling? Here, Hammers writer Sam Inkersole takes a look.
<br>
<br>Winners
<br>
<br>Manuel Lanzini
<br>
<br>Pellegrini has a superb track record with developing and nurturing creative and attacking midfielders and that is something Lanzini should absolutely thrive on.
<br>The Chilean worked wonders with the likes of David Silva at Man City, Isco at Malaga, Samir Nasri at City and Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal. Lanzini is the creative force of West Ham and if he plays well, the team plays well. The Argentine had a strong end to the 2017/18 campaign after struggling with injuries.
<br>Discussions over a new contract for Lanzini to bring him in line with the likes of Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez and others have yet to get underway but the appointment of his fellow South American could hopefully accelerate those.
<br>
<br>Pellegrini's tactics like to play the ball through midfield, allowing someone like Lanzini to get a lot of touches of the ball to be creative and do damamge. His assist numbers should rocket under the Chilean.
<br>
<br>Michail Antonio
<br>
<br>Providing he can get back fit and stay fit, Antonio should be a player to benefit from the appointment of Pellegrini. Antonio is probably the quickest player in the Hammers ranks alongside Arthur Masuaku and the attacking style of the Chilean also relies on pacy wingers to deliver crosses into the box, Jesus Navas at Man City benefited from Pellegrini. With Manuel Lanzini ideally being the creative fulcrum of the team, he can get the ball in the pocket between midfield and defence and look to the wings for his widemen before continuing a run into the box. Pellegrini often plays with a rigid midfield four but they are pressed high up the pitch, not sitting back deep and narrow like we saw the three-man midfield do under David Moyes. There are rumours that Antonio could well be sold this summer but he might find it advisable to stick around as Pellegrini could well get him abck to his player of the year winning form.
<br>
<br>Arthur Masuaku
<br>
<br>Same as with Antonio, the quick wide man should flourish under Pellegrini and don't be surprised to him pushed into a left midfield role rather than a left back or left wing-back position. One thing Masuaku will certainly have to work on is his crossing and delivery from wide areas, it's too haphazard. He is one of the most skillful players in the squad, electric with the ball at his feet and has the ability to beat a defender with ease. In a midfield four, Masuaku will be needed to ensure width is always there on the left hand side, we have often seen him hug the touchline under Moyes and will need to do the same with Pellegrini. The prospect of Masuaku improving his delivery with low balls into the box for a waiting poacher is quite tantalising. Speaking of which...
<br>
<br>Javier Hernandez
<br>
<br>The Mexican striker didn't get much of a look in last season, particularly when Moyes was in charge but he should be handed a new lease of life under Pellegrini.
<br>Much like Lanzini, the appointment of a fellow South American should be ideal for Chicharito, who will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder next season. Pacy wingers who can deliver low into the box with quality should be absolutely ideal for Hernandez, who obviously is at his best in the 18-yard box. Running in behind as well with Lanzini dropping dimes to him in behind the defence is a mouthwatering prospect. Javier Hernandez is world class when he is played to his strengths and Pellegrini's tactics really do suit him down to the ground.
<br>
<br>Losers
<br>
<br>Andy Carroll
<br>
<br>Pellegrini is likely to go with a preference of Chicharito and Marko Arnautovic up front, meaning there is no room in the starting line up for Andy Carroll (if he is fit, that is). Carroll is unlikely to want to stick around for a bench role at the London Stadium next season, especially after his reaction in the dugout when he didn't come on against Manchester City which led to a fallout with former boss David Moyes. Pellegrini's attacking style means the ball is played a lot through midfield and that, quite clearly, doesn't suit Carroll's game as he doesn't run in behind. Carroll is a target man - a very good one on his day - but he just doesn't seem to fit in with the new manager's style of play. Add to that his contract runs out next summer, we could well see Carroll moved on this summer as Pellegrini re-shapes the squad.
<br>
<br>Winston Reid
<br>
<br>The New Zealand international and second-longest serving player at the club behind Mark Noble now James Collins has gone, is starting to spend far too much time on the treatment table in east London. Despite the departure of Collins, Pellegrini is looking to sign at least one, maybe two,centre backs this summer to partner with either Declan Rice or Angelo Ogbonna - or both. Either way though, Reid could struggle to get back into the West Ham side once he returns from a knee injury which ruled him out for two months at the end of the season. Having not long signed a long-term contract extension at the club as well, West Ham might decide to cash in on the centre back, especially if the manager brings in a replacement.
<br>
<br>Jordan Hugill
<br>
<br>The January transfer window signing managed just 22 minutes of football under David Moyes and probably won't see a lot more than that under Pellegrini either.
<br>As with Carroll, Hugill is not likely to be the number one option up front and also like Carroll, doesn't really suit the new managers way of playing. He likes a big forward but they need to be a bit more mobile than Carroll and Hugill (Alvaro Negredo when he was at Manchster City is a prime example). Hugill was signed just in case West Ham dropped into the Championship. They didn't and for the striker it's likely to mean curtains in east London with at least another attacker expected to arrive during this summer.
<br>
<br>Sam Byram
<br>
<br>The right back hasn't managed to nail down a place in the West Ham team after arriving in 2016 thanks to a combination of unlucky injuries and not really standing out when he has played. Byram failed to get past Pablo Zabaleta for a starting berth last season before it ended prematurely anyway with a long-term injury that kept him out for the remainder of the campaign. The right back is one of the favourites to leave east London this summer and won't seemingly figure under Pellegrini, especially if he follows up on long-term transfer target for the club Ryan Fredericks.
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-40956391751389220452018-05-30T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-30T04:30:27.693+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 30th May 2018Chicharito and Mexico frustrated in Wales stalemate
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Chicharito endured a frustrating evening on his 101st appearance for Mexico
<br>as El Tri were held to a goalless draw by Wales on Monday night. The West
<br>Ham United striker was named in the starting XI at the Rose Bowl in
<br>Pasadena, California, but the huge 82,345-strong crowd, the vast majority of
<br>whom were supporting Mexico, did not have a goal to cheer about thanks in
<br>large part to Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Crystal Palace stopper
<br>made a number of important saves and interventions to help Ryan Giggs' young
<br>side secure a deserved share of the spoils. One of just two regular starters
<br>to be named in Juan Carlos Osorio's XI, the Hammers forward was withdrawn
<br>after 59 minutes, with Oribe Peralta replacing him for the final half-hour.
<br>The 29-year-old and his teammates will hope for better luck in front of goal
<br>when they return home to Mexico City to face Scotland at the Azteca Stadium
<br>on Saturday evening. The two matches against British opposition, and a third
<br>against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday 9 June, will help Mexico prepare
<br>for the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, where they face Germany,
<br>South Korea and Sweden in the group stage.
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<br>Hammers star Rice makes second Ireland start in France defeat
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United teenager Declan Rice continued his football education by
<br>making his second senior start for the Republic of Ireland in Monday's
<br>defeat by France.
<br>The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout 2017/18 season in Claret and Blue,
<br>was named in central midfield by Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, pitting him
<br>against the likes of Juventus' Blaise Matuidi, Bayern Munich's Corentin
<br>Tolisso and Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi. While Ireland lost 2-0 in a rain-swept
<br>Paris, Rice was again impressive, patrolling in front of the back four on a
<br>night when the Irish struggled to keep possession against a strong French
<br>team. The goals came in a four-minute spell just before half-time, with both
<br>owing a little to luck. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, powering a
<br>trademark header towards goal from a corner, only to see Ireland captain
<br>Seamus Coleman block his effort with inches to spare. The ball eluded
<br>goalkeeper Colin Doyle and fell to the Chelsea forward, who prodded over the
<br>line at the second attempt. Even then, Coleman made a heroic effort to keep
<br>the ball out, but Giroud ultimately prevailed. Then, a minute before
<br>half-time, Nabil Fekir collected the ball on the left corner of the Ireland
<br>penalty area and cut onto his right foot. Rice attempted to close down the
<br>Lyon forward, but when Fekir got his shot away, Doyle was unable to deal
<br>with it, parrying the ball into the air before seeing it loop agonisingly
<br>into the net. Ireland blooded a number of other young players during the
<br>second half at the Stade de France, with Rice reverting to a central
<br>defensive role for the final 20 minutes and helping keep the scoreline more
<br>than respectable.
<br>
<br>The West Ham youngster and his international teammates will complete the
<br>season on Saturday, when the United States – who beat Bolivia 3-0 later on
<br>Monday – visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the second time.
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<br>Andy Carroll 'honoured' to take part in Dirk Kuyt Testimonial
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Andy Carroll has spoken of his pride at making a goalscoring appearance in
<br>former Liverpool teammate Dirk Kuyt's star-studded Testimonial. The West Ham
<br>United centre forward was one of dozens of top names to take part in the
<br>event, which saw Team Friends of Dirk take on Team Feyenoord – the Dutch
<br>club where Kuyt enjoyed two successful spells – and a Netherlands all-star
<br>line-up named Team Oranje in Rotterdam.
<br>
<br>Carroll, who spent 18 months playing alongside the recently-retired
<br>Netherlands forward at Anfield between January 2011 and May 2012, was joined
<br>in the Team Friends of Dirk XI by, among others, ex-Hammers and Reds players
<br>Yossi Benayoun and Craig Bellamy and Liverpool heroes Steven Gerrard, Jamie
<br>Carragher, Jerzy Dudek and Luis Garcia.
<br>
<br>Team Oranje featured Dutch greats Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder,
<br>Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Memphis Depay, Robin van Persie, Phillip Cocu and
<br>Edwin van der Sar, while Team Feyenoord numbered Pierre van Hooijdonk, Ryan
<br>Babbel and Ron Vlaar.
<br>
<br>The teams were coached by Dutch management royalty in Ruud Gullit, Ronald
<br>Koeman and Louis van Gaal, while Kuyt himself turned out for all three!
<br>
<br>The Hammers' No9 was only too happy to be part of Kuyt's celebrations in
<br>front of a capacity crowd at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium. "It was a great
<br>turnout for Dirk, to be fair," said Carroll. "There were some absolute
<br>legends there, so it was an honour to be invited to be there with Dirk, his
<br>family and so many top players. It was nice to score a goal to top it off,
<br>too! "I had a great time playing alongside Dirk at Liverpool as we linked up
<br>well together and helped the team get some good results, including winning
<br>the League Cup in 2012. He was one of my best pals in the dressing room, he
<br>always backed me as a player and we also had lots of laughs together. He's a
<br>good mate. "He's had an amazing career, getting over 100 caps for Holland,
<br>scoring hundreds of goals and winning titles wherever he has been. The
<br>players who turned out for his Testimonial show just how much respect
<br>everyone has for him as a player and as a person."
<br>
<br>Fittingly, Carroll marked his appearance with a goal as Team Friends of Dirk
<br>beat Team Feyenoord 3-2. Van Persie then scored twice as Team Oranje beat
<br>Team Feyenoord by the same scoreline, but not before Kuyt had scored a
<br>last-minute penalty to end the event on a memorable high. The Testimonial
<br>raised funds for the Dirk Kuyt Foundation, an organisation set up by the
<br>former Liverpool player to promote sporting events across his home country.
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<br>All you need to know about West Ham's summer internationals
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>While the summer holidays have begun for the majority of professional
<br>footballers, a number of West Ham United players are instead looking forward
<br>to a summer of international action. Seven senior players have jetted off to
<br>represent their respective nations, with Declan Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate,
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic, Chicharito and Sead
<br>Haksabanovic all in action. Three of the seven are definitely off to the
<br>FIFA World Cup finals in Russia while a fourth, Fernandes, could join them
<br>if he is named in Switzerland's final 23-man squad. With three Academy
<br>prospects also receiving call-ups, we've got the full details of who will be
<br>playing and where over the next few weeks...
<br>
<br>Which Hammers have been called-up for international duty?
<br>
<br>A total of ten West Ham players have been called-up by their respective
<br>nations, including seven at senior level and a further three at age-group
<br>level. They are…
<br>
<br>Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Chicharito (Mexico),
<br>Edimilson Fernandes (Switzerland), Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Cheikhou
<br>Kouyate (Senegal), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland), Nathan Trott (England
<br>U21) Martin Samuelsen (Norway U21) and Domingos Quina (Portugal U19).
<br>
<br>Who is off to the FIFA World Cup finals and who will they play against?
<br>
<br>Senegal captain Kouyate, Argentina midfielder Lanzini and Mexico's all-time
<br>leading goalscorer Chicharito have all been named in their country's final
<br>23-man squads for Russia 2018.
<br>
<br>Lanzini could be the first Hammer in action at the World Cup as Argentina
<br>kick-off their Group D campaign by facing debutants Iceland at the Spartak
<br>Stadium in Moscow on Saturday 16 June at 2pm UK time.
<br>
<br>The following day, Sunday 17 June, Chicharito will face the daunting
<br>challenge of breaching the back line of defending champions Germany, who
<br>they face in their Group F opener at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium at 4pm UK
<br>time.
<br>
<br>Kouyate's Lions of Teranga will begin their World Cup quest on Tuesday 19
<br>June, when they face Poland at Spartak Stadium in Group H, with kick-off at
<br>4pm UK time.
<br>
<br>The second round of fixtures will see Argentina tackle Croatia in Nizhny
<br>Novgorod at 5pm on Thursday 21 June, Mexico face South Korea in
<br>Rostov-On-Don at 4pm on Saturday 23 June and Senegal take on Japan in
<br>Ekaterinburg on Sunday 24 June at 4pm.
<br>
<br>The final round of group-stage games will see Argentina up against Nigeria
<br>in St Petersburg at 7pm on Tuesday 26 June, Mexico take on Sweden in
<br>Ekaterinburg at 3pm the following afternoon and Senegal tackle Colombia in
<br>Samara at 3pm on Thursday 28 June.
<br>
<br>What about Edmilson Fernandes?
<br>
<br>Well, he has been named in Switzerland's provisional 26-man squad, three of
<br>which will be cut after the warm-up fixture with Spain in Villarreal on
<br>Sunday 3 June.
<br>
<br>With four goalkeepers in Vladimir Petkovic's preliminary squad, Fernandes
<br>will be hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West Ham
<br>United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will face
<br>Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E.
<br>
<br>Joao Mario, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham
<br>from Inter Milan, is in Portugal's final 23-man squad alongside former
<br>Hammer Jose Fonte.
<br>
<br>What about the other senior internationals?
<br>
<br>Hammer of the Year Marko Arnautovic and Austria have a trio of international
<br>friendly matches against World Cup qualifiers in Russia, Germany and Brazil.
<br>
<br>The 69-cap, 19-goal forward welcomes the World Cup hosts to the Tivoli
<br>Stadion in Innsbruck on Wednesday 30 May before Germany visit the
<br>Worthersee-Stadion in Klagenfurt on Saturday 2 June. The Germany game will
<br>be shown live in the UK by BT Sport 2, with kick-off at 4.45pm.
<br>
<br>Finally, five-times World Cup winners Brazil will be the visitors to the
<br>Ernst Happel Stadion in Arnautovic's home city of Vienna on Sunday 10 June.
<br>
<br>Elsewhere, Rice earned his second Republic of Ireland cap in a 2-0 friendly
<br>defeat in France on Monday 28 May, and could win his third when the United
<br>States visit Dublin on Saturday 2 June.
<br>
<br>And finally, teenage attacker Haksabanovic was an unused substitute as
<br>Montenegro drew 0-0 in Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday 28 May, and will hope
<br>for minutes when they host Slovenia in Podgorica on Saturday 2 June.
<br>
<br>What about the younger lads?
<br>
<br>Ajibola Alese's summer commitments are already over, as the defender played
<br>his part in helping England reach the semi-finals of the UEFA European U17
<br>Championships.
<br>
<br>Elsewhere, Nathan Trott has joined England U21s at the Toulon Tournament in
<br>France, but in a training-only capacity, while Martin Samuelsen is with
<br>Norway U21s for a training camp and friendly with Eliteserien club Valerenga
<br>in Oslo on Tuesday 5 June.
<br>
<br>Domingos Quina is with Portugal U19s at the Toulon Tournament, where he
<br>started his country's opening 0-0 draw with Canada on Monday 28 May. The
<br>Portuguese will take on Japan on Thursday 31 May and Turkey on Sunday 3
<br>June.
<br>
<br>What's the full list of fixtures for the West Ham players involved in this
<br>month's internationals?
<br>
<br>(All times GMT)
<br>
<br>Wednesday 30 May 2018
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Haiti, Friendly, Buenos Aires, 12.00am
<br>Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Russia, Friendly, Innsbruck, 7.45pm
<br>
<br>Thursday 31 May 2018
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate, Luxembourg v Senegal, Friendly, Luxembourg, 7pm
<br>Domingos Quina, Portugal v Japan, Toulon Tournament, Vitrolles, 5pm
<br>
<br>Saturday 2 June 2018
<br>Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Germany, Friendly, Klagenfurt, 5pm
<br>Sead Haksabanovic, Montenegro v Slovenia, Podgorica, 7.15pm
<br>Declan Rice, Republic of Ireland v United States, Friendly, Dublin, 8.08pm
<br>
<br>Sunday 3 June 2018
<br>Chicharito, Mexico v Scotland, Friendly, Mexico City, 1am
<br>Domingos Quina, Portugal v Turkey, Toulon Tournament, Fos, 5.30pm
<br>Edimilson Fernandes, Spain v Switzerland, Friendly, Villarreal, 8pm
<br>
<br>Tuesday 5 June 2018
<br>Martin Samuelsen, Norway U21 v Valerenga, Friendly, TBC
<br>
<br>Saturday 9 June 2018
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Israel v Argentina, Friendly, TBC
<br>Chicharito, Denmark v Mexico, Friendly, Copenhagen, 8pm
<br>
<br>Sunday 10 June
<br>Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Brazil, Friendly, Vienna, 3pm
<br>
<br>Saturday 16 June 2018
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Iceland, FIFA World Cup Group D, Moscow, 2pm
<br>
<br>Sunday 17 June 2018
<br>Chicharito, Germany v Mexico, FIFA World Cup Group F, Moscow, 4pm
<br>
<br>Tuesday 19 June 2018
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Poland, FIFA World Cup Group H, Moscow, 4pm
<br>
<br>Thursday 21 June 2018
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Croatia, FIFA World Cup Groupd D, Nizhny
<br>Novgorod, 5pm
<br>
<br>Saturday 23 June 2018
<br>Chicharito, Mexico v South Korea, FIFA World Cup Group F, Rostov-On-Don, 4pm
<br>
<br>Sunday 24 June 2018
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Japan, FIFA World Cup Group H, Ekaterinburg, 4pm
<br>
<br>Tuesday 26 June 2018
<br>Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Nigeria, FIFA World Cup Group D, St Petersburg,
<br>7pm
<br>
<br>Wednesday 27 June 2018
<br>Chicharito, Mexico v Sweden, FIFA World Cup Group F, Ekaterinburg, 3pm
<br>
<br>Thursday 28 June 2018
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Colombia, FIFA World Cup Group H, Samara, 3pm
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Betis talk is premature, says Adrian
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 29th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham's only senior goalkeeper has dismissed reports linking him with a
<br>return to his former club. Speaking in an interview with Radio Marca
<br>Sevilla, West Ham's Spanish goalkeeper Adrian admitted that he was honoured
<br>to be linked with a return to Real Betis - the club from whom West Ham
<br>signed him in 2013.
<br>However he refused to discuss the possibility of returning to La Liga this
<br>summer, stating that he intended to see out the final year of his contract
<br>at West Ham before making a decision on his long term future. I have one
<br>more year left on my contract [at West Ham] and first I have to listen to
<br>the opinion of my club and see whether they trust me," he said. "The
<br>rumours regarding Betis have always been there. There have been quite a few
<br>movements [at West Ham] since last season ended, they are refreshing the
<br>team which is perhaps good for us. "Now I need to learn Pellegrini's
<br>opinion of me. We have to to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
<br>everyone, to see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
<br>playing. "I've been at West Ham for five seasons and I do not have to anyone
<br>the level I'm at. However at the moment, they have not told me anything."
<br>The 31-year-old signed for West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of
<br>2013, initially signing a two year deal with the option of a further two
<br>years. In 2015 when he was awarded an identical 'two plus two' contract,
<br>with the additional two-year clause -keeping him at West Ham until the
<br>summer of 2019 - triggered by West Ham last summer.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham keen on Genoa's Armando Izzo and Barcelona's Marlon Santos
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 29/05/18 7:18pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>West Ham are in talks to sign Genoa defender Armando Izzo and are also
<br>interested in Barcelona's Marlon Santos, Sky sources understand. Izzo joined
<br>Genoa from Serie B side Avellino in 2014 after beginning his career with
<br>hometown club Napoli. The 26-year-old's impressive performances this season
<br>have seen him linked with a number of Serie A clubs despite his current deal
<br>running until 2022. But West Ham, who appointed Manuel Pellegrini as their
<br>new boss last week, are also keen to land the defender to help shore up
<br>their backline.
<br>Sky sources understand West Ham are also interested in signing Barcelona
<br>centre-back Marlon Santos who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side
<br>Nice. Former Manchester City head coach Pellegrini penned a three-year deal
<br>to succeed David Moyes as Hammers boss. The Chilean said he wanted to play
<br>attacking football and was hopeful of bringing in "four or five players" in
<br>order to strengthen the team for next season. West Ham finished 13th last
<br>season but had the joint-worst defence in the Premier League along with
<br>Stoke, conceding 68 goals in 38 matches.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United should look to sign Adama Traore this summer, with his
<br>asking-price halved
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
<br>
<br>West Ham United have been linked with the Middlesbrough man in recent times.
<br>According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Middlesbrough value Adama Traore at
<br>£15 million, which makes him look a much more appealing prospect for West
<br>Ham United. The Daily Mirror claimed that West Ham wanted Traore, but at £30
<br>million he looked like a risky signing. The Boro man may have all the
<br>attributes to become a star, but he still has a lot of developing to do,
<br>before he fulfils his potential. At £30 million, the transfer looked
<br>extremely expensive, and would have to have been considered a gamble.
<br>However, for half that fee, Traore could be a superb addition for the
<br>Hammers. Traore looks to have the ability to be worth much more than £15
<br>million, if West Ham can unlock his potential. The winger is blessed with so
<br>much power and pace, that he is nightmare to defend against. There has been
<br>times where Traore's feet have worked quicker than his brain, but the former
<br>Barcelona man has started to look a real threat at Championship level this
<br>season. And at £15 million, he is starting to look a bargain, considering
<br>his mammoth asking price when West Ham were first linked.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>What could West Ham's reported interest in Marlon mean for Oxford?
<br>HITC
<br>Vincent Ralph
<br>
<br>West Ham United have been linked with the Brazilian but could it prevent the
<br>Hammers youngster from belatedly breaking through? If Spanish publication
<br>Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, West Ham United are planning a summer
<br>swoop for Barcelona centre-back Marlon Santos, but what could that mean for
<br>a current Hammers player desperate for a belated breakthrough? Reece Oxford
<br>looked to have made his mark when he was only 16, starring in a Premier
<br>League victory against Arsenal and reinforcing the old adage about youth and
<br>talent. However, fast-forward a few years and the now-19-year-old is
<br>seemingly no nearer the West Ham first-team, spending this season on loan at
<br>Borussia Monchengladbach but managing only eight senior outings in the
<br>process. The appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as new Hammers boss gives
<br>Oxford a new man to impress but, despite confirming his return to London at
<br>the end of his stint in the Bundesliga, the teenager is likely to be keeping
<br>a close eye on the gossip columns in the months ahead. At just 22, Marlon is
<br>an exciting and talented centre-back in his own right, as his successful
<br>loan spell at Nice emphatically proved and, were he to arrive at the London
<br>Stadium, he could be the latest roadblock in Oxford's path towards
<br>first-team recognition. With Declan Rice excelling this season and Marlon so
<br>young, a move for the latter could be the decision that ultimately ends
<br>Oxford's stay at West Ham. Conversely he could see it as the challenge to
<br>prove his worth to Pellegrini and ensure he remains at the Hammers for years
<br>to come. Whatever happens, expect it to be a very interesting summer for
<br>West Ham's players and fans alike.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>The Pellegrini & Husillos axis had success at Malaga and the signs are good
<br>for West Ham
<br>The Argentine is expected to be named as West Ham's next head of recruitment
<br>and joining new manager Manuel Pellegrini once again
<br>By Colin Millar
<br>Football London
<br>14:30, 29 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>The outcome had no significance, yet on a typically sunny afternoon along
<br>Spain's Costa del Sol, this felt like the nadir for Malaga. They were
<br>hosting mid-table Real Sociedad but despite five matches remaining in the
<br>campaign, the Andalusians were relegated. Levante's last-minute winner three
<br>days earlier had put the club out of their misery, less than five years
<br>after reaching the Champions League quarter-final. The Fonda Sur section –
<br>reserved for the most vocally supportive element within Malaga's La Rosaleda
<br>stadium – lay empty for the first five minutes as a form of protest against
<br>the running of the club. Swathes of empty seats elsewhere captured the
<br>apathy. As fans slowly re-entered in the fifth minute, the chants started:
<br>"Al Thani vete ya", sang the fans, requesting the club's president – a
<br>member of Qatari's ruling family – leaves the club. Then it turned to "Jose
<br>vete ya", in reference to the club's coach Jose Gonzalez. The players were
<br>not exempt from the criticism: "Jugadores mercinarios" (mercenary players),
<br>sang the fans. Finally, there was a scattering of 'Husillos vete ya' – the
<br>club's sporting director Mario Husillos also must go.
<br>Malaga won the game 2-0 amidst a poisonous atmosphere. Their fifth win of
<br>the season, but they were whistled off with white handkerchiefs. They failed
<br>to pick up a point in their remaining four games. The undeniable feeling
<br>around the club was that relegation must prompt a total clear out from the
<br>top down, starting with president Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani. Husillos had
<br>returned to the club six months earlier, following the dismissal of
<br>predecessor Franscesc Arnau. Remarkably, it was the sixth time the Argentine
<br>had joined the club – he signed for three separate spells in his playing
<br>career, went on to coach their B side and this was his third stint as
<br>transfer guru. His first spell in the role coincided with new West Ham boss
<br>Manuel Pellegrini's final season at Malaga, when the club reached the
<br>Champions League last eight. Only unfortunate officiating decisions
<br>prevented Los Boquerones, who had never before competed in the competition,
<br>from reaching the last eight.
<br>Within Spain, Husillos forged a strong reputation in working together with
<br>club academies and helping build bridges to help their progression into the
<br>first-team squad. He was particularly valued at Malaga for his ability to
<br>negotiate big profits on player sales, as he demonstrated when sanctioning
<br>moves to Arsenal for Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal. Pellegrini's departure
<br>to Manchester City also saw a change in sporting director – who are hired
<br>and fired regularly across Spain – but he was return to La Rosaleda six
<br>months later. Al Thani was overseeing major cutbacks at the club; despite an
<br>initial wave of investment he was seemingly getting cold feet and wanted to
<br>draw upon the skills of Husillos to stop the outward flow of cash.
<br>The sporting director secured cut-price deals for Moroccan forward Nordin
<br>Amrabat, Ivorian defender Arthur Boka, Venezuelan Roberto Rosales,
<br>midfielder Ricardo Horta from Portugal and Mexican shot-stopper Guillermo
<br>Ochoa. The money generated from the exits of Isco, Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan
<br>and Sergi Darder was not reinvested back into the first-team squad. Despite
<br>a perceived regression in ability, Malaga defied the odds to secure
<br>successive top-half finishes. The era of Al Thani austerity had appeared to
<br>extinguish any hopes of further European exploits yet equally, a flourishing
<br>youth system and astute transfer policy appeared to be establishing their
<br>status within Spain's top flight.
<br>Last season, they finished 15 points clear of relegation but this time it
<br>all went wrong. Husillos had left his role in December 2015, making way for
<br>Arnau. However, the former Barca goalkeeper was used as a human bodyguard by
<br>Al Thani and took the heat for a weak 2017 transfer window which in turn led
<br>to a disastrous start to the season. Top scorer Sandro Ramirez, midfield
<br>powerhouse Ignacio Camacho and Spain international Pablo Fornals – whose
<br>development, alongside his current Villarreal teammate Samu Castillejo, is
<br>credited to Husillos – all departed. In October, Husillos was quoted by
<br>Spanish media as returning to the club yet again: "I'm joining Malaga with
<br>all the enthusiasm in the world and I'm very happy."
<br>His work could not start until January, when the club had amassed just 11
<br>points from 19 matches and sat rock bottom of La Liga. Eight players arrived
<br>yet only one – Arsenal youth player Ignasi Miquel – commanded a transfer
<br>fee. The Malaga ship had long since been sunk thanks to the administration
<br>not only tightening their belts but also failing to provide any direction or
<br>coherence off the pitch. This was at such stark contrast to the early days
<br>of Al Thani's rein, when Pellegrini and Husillos combined to guide the club
<br>to remarkable European nights.
<br>
<br>The challenge at West Ham may prove just as tough.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM WANT TO SIGN BORINI – REPORTFeatured Image
<br> Date: 29th May 2018 at 2:41pm
<br>Written by: Wayne Howard
<br>Forever WestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham are reportedly in the hunt to sign AC Milan striker Fabio Borini
<br>this summer – and fans have taken to Twitter to deliver an emphatic
<br>thumbs-down.
<br>The Italian transfer site Calcio Mercato claim the Hammers are keen to land
<br>the former Liverpool, Sunderland and Chelsea forward even though he has just
<br>converted a loan to Milan into a permanent move. It is said that West Ham
<br>are closely monitoring Borini's situation but face competition from Napoli,
<br>whose new manager Carlo Ancelotti knows the player from their Chelsea days.
<br>The Italy international was a mainstay for Milan in the recently completed
<br>domestic season, netting five goals and supplying seven assists from 44
<br>matches in all competitions. West Ham fans have taken to social media to
<br>criticise the striker link, claiming he struggled in the Premier League and
<br>lacks the quality needed to spearhead their attack next season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Nice president claims £18m bid made for West Ham target Marlon Santos
<br>HITC
<br>Danny Owen
<br>
<br>Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City are reportedly keen on
<br>Marlon Santos - who has been on loan at Nice from Barca. West Ham fans were
<br>rightly disgusted by the treatment of James Collins, the long-serving
<br>defender who was released after a decade of loyal service without ceremony
<br>or even a testimonial. But at least supporters can take comfort in knowing
<br>that a club frequently accused of lacking ambition seem intent on replacing
<br>a 34-year-old with a far younger model. According to The Mail, West Ham are
<br>interested in Barcelona's 22-year-old Brazilian Marlon Santos, who impressed
<br>during a loan spell at Nice last season. It is understood that Marlon, who
<br>moved to the Camp Nou from Fluminense in 2016 but has made just two La Liga
<br>appearances since, faces an uncertain future at Barca. And, according to The
<br>Sun, Leicester City are also keen on the £18 million-rated former Brazil U20
<br>ace. And, speaking to Nice Martin, Nice president Jean-Pierre Riviere has
<br>confirmed that an £18 million offer has been made for Marlon. The talented
<br>centre-back is halfway through a two-year loan spell in France but seems
<br>unlikely to return to Nice next season now. "Barcelona have received a 20
<br>million euros offer for Marlon, so he should leave OGC Nice," Riviere told
<br>Nice-Matin of Marlon, who started 22 Ligue 1 games last season as Nice
<br>finished eighth under the new Dortmund boss Lucian Favre. It remains to be
<br>seen, however, whether the offer came from West Ham or Leicester. An
<br>excellent passer of the ball who boasts impressive athleticism and speed
<br>across the ground, Marlon would be an excellent investment for West Ham and
<br>a big upgrade on Collins.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>LONDON STADIUM WANTED BY CONSORTIUM
<br> Date: 29th May 2018 at 11:22am
<br>Written by: Guy Giles
<br>Forever West Ham
<br>
<br>A consortium of cash-rich American investors are lining up a bid to buy the
<br>London Stadium, according to Claret and Hugh. The Hammers insider website
<br>report that the deal would take the ground out of state ownership, much like
<br>the proposed deal from Shahid Khan to buy Wembley. Claret and Hugh claim
<br>that the taxpayer could end up with a bill totalling £1billion in operating
<br>losses over the Hammers' lease, with the investors potentially wiping that
<br>debt out by buying the stadium at a fraction of it's building cost. It is
<br>said however that the stadium could not be sold without the club's
<br>permission, with an insider quoted as saying: "They can only sell to a
<br>government department under our agreement."
<br>
<br>West Ham may therefore have a big decision to make in the near future as the
<br>ownership of the stadium comes under question in this new twist in the saga.
<br>
<br>
<br>This is an interesting turn of events at the London Stadium, which has
<br>caused far more problems than it has solved so far for the club. The move to
<br>the 60,000-seater ground was seen as the next step in the club's evolution,
<br>but so far it has turned out to be a poor move from the club after they
<br>encountered endless teething problems following the move from Upton Park.
<br>Most Hammers fans are still to be convinced about the London Stadium, with
<br>the club giving up one of England's greatest football stadiums to move to a
<br>lifeless shell of an arena. This latest development may end up causing
<br>further problems for the club, who have a favourable deal in place at the
<br>moment. While it is claimed that the stadium could not be sold without the
<br>club's permission, it is not exactly known how far the club can go in
<br>preventing this from happening.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>GALATASARAY JOIN WEST HAM IN THE RACE TO SIGN SAMUEL BASTIEN
<br>STE HOARE @Stehoare
<br>readWestHam
<br>
<br>Galatasaray have joined West Ham in the race to sign Chievo Verona star
<br>Samuel Bastien, according to L'Equipe. Everton, Nice and Napoli are also
<br>interested in the 21-year-old, so the Hammers will have to beat off a lot of
<br>competition in order to secure a deal for the Belgian midfielder. The
<br>Belgian U21 international has less than a year remaining on his contract
<br>with Verona, so the Serie A side could look to sell him this summer, rather
<br>than losing him for free in 2019. Whilst West Ham are keen to bring Bastien
<br>to the London Stadium, both Galatasaray and Napoli can offer him Champions
<br>League football, which the Hammers obviously can not, and that could prove
<br>to be a major stumbling block in any potential deal. However, West Ham look
<br>like they'll still pursue a move for the Belgian, in the hope that he
<br>decides that a transfer to the Hammers is the best move he can make at this
<br>time.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM MUST GET CARVALHO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
<br>Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:52am
<br>ReadWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham must find a way to leap over the hurdle that is stopping them from
<br>welcoming Sporting's William Carvalho to the London Stadium this summer.
<br>Football.London reported during a West Ham fan Q&A on Monday with the site,
<br>that signing Carvalho would all come down to whether the two sides could
<br>agree on deal for the midfielder after the transfer saga regarding the
<br>player dragged on last summer. The Hammers unsuccessfully pursued the
<br>26-year-old back in August, even making a £27million bid according to the
<br>Daily Mail, only for Sporting to prove difficult to negotiate with. However
<br>after another impressive season at the Portuguese giants it's clear that
<br>Carvalho would be an impressive signing and a necessary one as he's exactly
<br>what the Hammers currently lack. Manuel Pellegrini's side are short of
<br>midfield options and need players capable of not just being a young pair of
<br>legs in midfield, but must find someone capable of consistently winning the
<br>battle for the ball in that area of the pitch. Carvalho ticks those boxes
<br>and then several more on top. The enforcer featured 38 times across all
<br>competitions in his recent campaign, making five appearances in the
<br>prestigious Champions League, and his arrival would instantly take the
<br>Hammers to the next level. Given the fact he's experienced in playing in
<br>tournaments such as the Champions League and the fact he even helped his
<br>nation, Portugal, lift the Euro 2016 trophy. Therefore even though Sporting
<br>are no doubt still difficult to deal with in this transfer window, the
<br>Hammers have to find away to strike a deal for the midfielder they so
<br>desperately need.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>RICE'S VERSATILITY PAINTS BRIGHT FUTUREFeatured Image
<br> Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:13am
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>ForeverWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham defender Declan Rice has already shone brighter than many expected
<br>after his antics in the 2017/18 season and yet he continues to progress at
<br>an impressive rate. The blindingly bright Hammers talent may have only been
<br>participating in a friendly match against France for the Republic of Ireland
<br>on Monday, but his performance deserves having a spotlight thrust upon it.
<br>Rice was utilised as a defensive midfielder, a position he has only played
<br>in seven times for the Hammers, and looked able to cope with world-class
<br>opponents more often than not. The 19-year-old was able to effectively tick
<br>off another box on his development as he was able to prove that he could
<br>cope with the likes of Lyon's Nabil Fekir and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian
<br>Mbappe despite their immense quality.
<br>While his nation may have slipped to a 2-0 defeat, it wasn't down to Rice's
<br>participation in the game as he oozed maturity in an unfamiliar role that
<br>few do in their natural position.
<br>Of course there were moments the teen could have done better in the game but
<br>if you were to guess his level of experience, you would have suggested that
<br>he had featured in the Premier League more than the 27 times he actually
<br>has. The teen's immediate future at the London Stadium may see him be a lock
<br>at centre-back but after seeing his potential in midfield, Manuel Pellegrini
<br>must be aware he has options when it comes to Rice. The teen proved with his
<br>latest display that he is a fresh option for the new boss to regularly take
<br>in midfield, as he has only dabbled there in the past, without the manager
<br>splashing the cash on a new recruit, as he ticked off another box by
<br>performing so well against such talented opposition. Rice proved on Monday
<br>night that his talent paints a sparkling picture of the Hammers' future as
<br>not only is he able to excel in one position, he looks capable of
<br>flourishing just as much in another.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United could benefit from Riyad Mahrez proposed transfer from
<br>Leicester City
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
<br>
<br>West Ham United may have been concerned that they were set to miss out on
<br>Patrick Roberts. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Manchester City
<br>are set to pay £75 million to land Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City, and
<br>that could be good news for West Ham United. Leicester had been considered
<br>West Ham's main rival for Roberts, who is a transfer target of Manuel
<br>Pellegrini, according to The Sun. At first it seemed Leicester had the
<br>upper hand, as they were reportedly set to demand Roberts in a swap deal for
<br>Mahrez. However, City appear to be on the verge of paying £75 million in
<br>outright cash of the Algerian winger, which means Roberts could remain in
<br>the market. If West Ham now want the youngster, they have a strong chance of
<br>landing him. Leicester may have other targets on their radar, if they have
<br>not requested Roberts in a deal for Mahrez. And West Ham could be able to
<br>sign the 21-year-old without as much competition as first thought, if they
<br>do make a move for the England youth international this summer.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>An in-depth look at new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini's tactical
<br>excellence
<br>The manager introduced a much-vaunted 4-2-2-2 formation at Villarreal and
<br>has stuck with it
<br>By Sam Inkersole
<br>West Ham Correspondent
<br>09:44, 29 MAY 2018UPDATED09:55, 29 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is known as having a sharp tactical mind throughout his
<br>career as a manager having arrived in Europe in 2004 having managed in
<br>Argentina and his homeland of Chile. In July 2004 he arrived at Villarreal
<br>and during his stay there, achieved a third place finish in La Liga in his
<br>first season, a Champions League semi final the next season and a second
<br>place league finish in 2007/08. He also transformed Malaga, taking them to
<br>the Champions League quarter finals and had a stint at Real Marid for a
<br>season, amassing 99 points but finishing second in his sole season.
<br>Pellegrini is an advocate of getting the best out of an building around his
<br>more creative players, at Villarreal that was Juan Roman Riquelme and at
<br>Malaga, Isco.
<br>"The Engineer" favoured this 4-2-2-2 formation he has made his own, often
<br>mistaken for 4-4-2, at the Yellow Submarines which allowed Riquelme to
<br>really flourish but was built on fullbacks bombing forward and acting as
<br>wingers, which allowed the wide men to move inside an act as, essentially,
<br>attacking midfielders. At Villarreal, he had Joan Capdevilla and Javi Venta
<br>who were his fullbacks, at the time two of the best at getting forward but
<br>also being defensively sound. Defensive midfielders Marcos Senna and Josico
<br>covered for them if they did bomb forward. Riquelme took one of the
<br>"striker" roles despite really being a midfielder as Santi Cazorla and Juan
<br>Pablo Sorin occupied the "flanks" but drifted inside as fullbacks got
<br>forward.
<br>When Pellegerini left Villarreal to join Malaga, he took Cazorla with him
<br>and it was incoming West Ham director of football and head of recruitment
<br>Mario Husillos that made the masterstroke of brining back Isco to his
<br>hometown when he was languishing in the Valencia B team and turned the now
<br>Real Madrid man into a superstar. Isco was the main focal point of the
<br>midfield, deployed on the left hand side but more often than not, drifting
<br>inside and allowing the fullbacks to get forward, just like Pellegrini did
<br>at Villarreal. Either Santi Cazorla or Joaquin took up the other flank, with
<br>supplying Julio Baptista or Javier Saviola as the strikers.
<br>
<br>With Pellegrini's 4-2-2-2 formation, it allows flexibility when playing
<br>against possession-based teams (Man City under Pep Guardiola the prime
<br>example) and allows him to easily switch to a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 or even
<br>4-5-1. Speaking of Manchester City, Pellegrini arrived at the Etihad in 2013
<br>and went on to win the Premier League in Manchester City with a vibrant,
<br>attacking and free-flowing style of football that followed him from Spain to
<br>England. It was often Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov deployed as his
<br>wing-backs/wingers, with those those wingers moving into the interior of the
<br>midfield in the shape of Samir Nasri and David Silva, supporting Sergio
<br>Aguero and Alvaro Negredo or Edin Dzeko.
<br>
<br>When it comes to the Hammers, Pellegrini has players at his disposal but he
<br>may need to dip into the transfer market to make sure he can get those
<br>disciplined enough. Pablo Zabaleta is unlikely to be able to do the job he
<br>did for the Chilean at the Etihad these days, he certainly has the
<br>capability over on the left though with Arthur Masuaku. Pedro Obiang should
<br>be one of those covering midfielders but who lines up alongside him is up
<br>for debate, it could be Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Edimilson Fernandes,
<br>or someone new. The wide men shifting inside is likely to be Manuel Lanzini
<br>and potentially Marko Arnautovic if Pellegrini prefers him out there as
<br>opposed to a straight up centre forward, with Javier Hernandez (if he stays
<br>at the club) and another striker - potentially Andy Carroll, you never know
<br>- or a new face. Michail Antonio could also play in one of the wide
<br>positions that allows Arnautovic to play in a role he was accustomed to
<br>under David Moyes and excelled in for the second half of last season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham's Adrian doesn't have to prove 'anything to anyone' with future in
<br>balance
<br>JACK ROSSER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says he has nothing left to prove at London
<br>Stadium and will sit down with new manager Manuel Pellegrini to discuss his
<br>future at the club. The Spaniard, who has been left out of his country's
<br>World Cup squad following an inconsistent season, has a year remaining on
<br>his deal and will be the only remaining senior 'keeper with the Hammers
<br>unlikely to make Joe Hart's loan deal permanent. The two exchanged the No1
<br>spot under David Moyes, with Adrian ending the season as first choice and in
<br>good form. With Pellegrini expected to have an unprecedented budget this
<br>summer, there remains a lot to be decided with regards to his squad, but
<br>Adrian remains relaxed over his position. "I have one more year left on my
<br>contract. First, I have to listen to the opinion of my team and if they
<br>trust me," the 31-year-old told Marca. "There have been quite a few
<br>movements since we have been on holiday and they are refreshing the squad
<br>that perhaps is what they wanted. "Now I must see Pellegrini's opinion of
<br>me," he continued. "We have to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
<br>everyone. Let's see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
<br>playing. "I've been there for five seasons and I do not have to prove
<br>anything to anyone. At the moment they have not told me anything."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
<br> By Iain Dale 29 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>The narrative seems to be that we need to strengthen in central midfield.
<br>The two players we have most been linked with are William Cavalho and
<br>Leonander Dendoncker – both are central midfielders who can also play in
<br>central defence. The question is, are they better than what we have got?
<br>
<br>Mark Noble
<br>Mr Dependable certainly didn't let us down last season. In fact, he wasn't
<br>far off getting the Hammer of the Year award. Just when people write him off
<br>he bounces back. he played 29 games, scoring 4 goals, including that
<br>incredible volley. His pace is never going to improve but he reads the game
<br>so well. He's also a great captain. At some stage he's going to run out of
<br>gas, but let's hope he's got at least a couple of seasons left in him at the
<br>top level. It would be almost sacriligious if Pellegrini were to dispose of
<br>his services.
<br>
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate
<br>OK, perhaps Kouyate didn't have his best season in a West Ham shirt but
<br>anyone who wants rid of him needs their head read. He's a midfield
<br>powerhouse, scores the occasional great goal and is an inspiration to the
<br>rest of the team. He's at 28 and should be at his peak. I think we have more
<br>to see from Kouyate and I'd be hugely disappointed if he left.
<br>
<br>Pedro Obiang
<br>Obiang had become a regular in the team before his major injury bit it was
<br>good to see him back in the last game. In his three seasons with us he has
<br>appeared 24, 22 and 21 times. Had he remained uninjured I have no doubt he'd
<br>have played at least 30 games this season. His goalscoring record isn't
<br>amazing. He has only scored three times, including the goal that bagged him
<br>this year's goal of the season. There have been rumours of a move back to
<br>Italy. I'd be sad if it happened, and if it does, surely he'd fetch £20
<br>million. He's probably expendable if we can sign someone proven and better.
<br>
<br>Josh Cullen
<br>Josh has been almost ever present on the bench this season, appearing only
<br>twice in the League and three times in cup games. But he's played well
<br>whenever called upon and is still maybe one for the future. If we sold him
<br>there would be a queue of Championship clubs who would want to buy him for
<br>anything up to £4 million I'd have thought.
<br>
<br>Edimilson Fernandes
<br>I really think we need to hang on to Fernandes. It's a shame he spent aa
<br>large part of the season injured, but whenever he's played he oozes
<br>potential. He can tackle, he can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass. What
<br>more does anyone want from a youngster? He may not be ready to start the
<br>majority of games, but as a utility player he is without exception and can
<br>play in any of the five midfield positions. If we did sell him we'd make a
<br>decent return on the £5 million Slaven Bilic paid for him. There'd be no
<br>shortage of takers.
<br>
<br>Sead Haksobanovic
<br>We haven't seen enough of the 19 year old to reallu judge his potential,
<br>having only made two appearances in the cups. However, when he played
<br>against Bolton I have to say I liked what I saw. One for the future,
<br>hopefully.
<br>
<br>Domingos Quina
<br>Four cup appearances and a host of Premier League bench placements, but
<br>there is still an air of unfulfilled potential about Quina. He needs to grab
<br>his chances when they are presented to him. I still think he can make it.
<br>
<br>Martin Samuelsen
<br>It seems odd to say the least that Martin Samuelsen has played three times
<br>for Norway but has yet to appear for West Ham. He's spent the last three
<br>seasons out on loan to lower league clubs including Burton Albion for the
<br>last half of season, where he played 9 times without troubling the scorers.
<br>He is said to have really impressed. He's a tricky, skilful player, in the
<br>Lanzini mold. He's 21 now. If he's to make the breakthrough it needs to be
<br>soon.
<br>
<br>Marcus Browne
<br>I'm really excited about Marcus. He scored a hattrick for the Under 23s in
<br>the last few weeks of the season, which will have given him a huge amount of
<br>confidence. But he's 20 and next season will be crucial.
<br>
<br>Conclusion
<br>I suspect one or two of the youngsters will find their paths blocked and be
<br>moved on before the end of August, and of the others Pedro Obiang looks the
<br>most vulnerable. We definitely need one, maybe two big midfield signings.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-71513230842415187782018-05-29T07:00:00.001+00:002018-05-29T07:00:19.603+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 29th May 2018Fernandes named in provisional Switzerland World Cup squad
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Edimilson Fernandes moved one step closer to featuring at the 2018 FIFA
<br>World Cup finals after being named in Switzerland's preliminary 26-man
<br>squad. The Swiss became the last of the 32 competing countries to name a
<br>provisional group, with the 26 selected taking part in a training camp and a
<br>warm-up friendly with Spain in Villarreal on Sunday 3 June. Coach Vladimir
<br>Petkovic will name his final 23-man squad the following day, Monday 4 June,
<br>with Fernandes hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West
<br>Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will
<br>face Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E Aside from uncapped
<br>goalkeepers Gregor Kobel and Yvon Mbogo, Fernandes is the least experienced
<br>player in Petkovic's 26-man squad with three caps, all of which have ended
<br>in victory. The versatile 22-year-old made his senior debut in a World Cup
<br>qualifier against the Faroe Islands in November 2016 and has since featured
<br>in a friendly win at home to Belarus and World Cup qualifying win over
<br>Andorra. Former FC Sion player and Swiss Cup winner Fernandes totalled 16
<br>appearances for the Hammers last season, as his campaign was twice
<br>interrupted by ankle problems. He could be one of four West Ham players at
<br>this summer's tournament alongside Chicharito (Mexico), Cheikhou Kouyate
<br>(Senegal) and Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), while loanee Joao Mario (Portugal)
<br>is also Russia-bound.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United Ladies granted WSL status
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United Ladies are delighted to announce that the team has been
<br>granted a licence to play in the FA Women's Super League, the restructured
<br>top tier of women's football, for the 2018/19 season. The Irons will be one
<br>of 11 teams to compete in the 2018/19 campaign of the FA Women's Super
<br>League; the first full-time, professional division for female players in
<br>England. David Sullivan is delighted with the Ladies' successful application
<br>to join the WSL and is eager for the new campaign to begin. "Earning Women's
<br>Super League status is an incredible achievement for everyone involved in
<br>our Ladies team, and I would like to say congratulations and well done to
<br>the side for their hard work in reaching the WSL," the Club's Joint-Chairman
<br>told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "Now, the hard work really begins for everyone involved. I
<br>have every confidence that Managing Director Jack Sullivan and General
<br>Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to the forefront of women's football in
<br>the top division. "Once again, I would like to express my thanks to everyone
<br>involved in our Ladies side for their determination and I look forward to
<br>seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
<br>
<br>The Hammers have enjoyed huge success in 2018, with the side winning two
<br>trophies – the FA WPL Plate and the <a href="http://Goodmove.co.uk">Goodmove.co.uk</a> Women's Cup – while also
<br>claiming wins in 12 of their 15 competitive fixtures this calendar year.
<br>Managing Director Jack Sullivan is hopeful of seeing that success continue
<br>to grow when the WSL campaign kicks off in August. He said: "This is a great
<br>day for the Club and a proud one for all involved. The hard work from
<br>everyone at the Club has paid off and we are really excited for what lies
<br>ahead. We are very happy to be at the top of the women's footballing
<br>pyramid, but we all know that the hard work has only just started. We want
<br>to be competitive, which means a very busy summer on and off the pitch. "We
<br>want to see as many fans as possible to watch our Ladies team and women's
<br>football. This is an incredible opportunity for the Club to galvanise the
<br>local community and West Ham United supporters."On a personal level, I feel
<br>I have learned a lot this year and I am already looking forward to what the
<br>new season will bring for West Ham Ladies."
<br>
<br>The restructure of women's football will see the current FA WSL1 rebranded
<br>as the Women's Super League – West Ham's division for next season – while a
<br>new national league is to be established at tier 2, which will be known as
<br>the FA Women's Championship. Promotion and relegation will be applicable
<br>throughout all tiers of the women's football pyramid. General Manager Karen
<br>Ray has also offered her thanks to everyone who has supported the Ladies
<br>this season and is relishing the challenge of playing in the WSL. Ray added:
<br>"I couldn't be prouder of this achievement for the Club and what an amazing
<br>way to top off an incredible 2018 so far. This process has really
<br>highlighted the unity and togetherness from everyone who proudly works for
<br>West Ham United. "Despite the big step up, I am confident we will rise to
<br>the challenge and relish the opportunity to join some of the best women's
<br>clubs in the world at the top of the football pyramid in England. We know
<br>the hard work that lies ahead and we are extremely excited to begin the next
<br>chapter of the Ladies' journey. "This is the perfect time for us to thank
<br>everyone who has shown a truly vested interest and dedication to the
<br>progression of both West Ham United Ladies and women's football in England."
<br>
<br>Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies' first campaign in the FA Women's
<br>Super League are on sale now from just £15! Follow the link here for more
<br>information!
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Chicharito: We want to create history at the World Cup
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Chicharito is dreaming of creating history with Mexico as El Tri step up
<br>their FIFA World Cup finals preparations by facing a Wales team managed by
<br>his former teammate Ryan Giggs. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 49
<br>goals will earn his 101st cap in the United States as Juan Carlos Osorio
<br>looks to cut his final squad to 23 players for the upcoming trip to Russia.
<br>Speaking to the media ahead of Monday night's friendly in Pasadena,
<br>California, the West Ham United striker would dearly love to lead his
<br>country all the way for the first time in their history. Mexico have been
<br>eliminated at the Round of 16 in each of the last six World Cups – the last
<br>two with Chicharito in the side – and never gone past the quarter-finals in
<br>16 attempts, but the 29-year-old is dreaming of lifting the trophy on 15
<br>July. However, the Little Pea knows circumstances will need to conspire in
<br>Mexico's favour if they are to pull off a major shock in Moscow. "There
<br>isn't one thing that will make us create history," he said. "What we want is
<br>try everything so that the universe conspires in our favour and we can
<br>deserve to win. Even though the beauty of football is that you can't
<br>guarantee that."
<br>
<br>Before his thoughts turn totally to Russia, and Group F fixtures with
<br>Germany, South Korea and Sweden, Chicharito will first tackle a Wales side
<br>managed by a man he knows very well – Ryan Giggs. While the Hammers forward
<br>is looking forward to catching up with Giggs, he is eager to get one over
<br>his old pal as Mexico play the first of three pre-World Cup friendlies, with
<br>warm-up fixtures with Scotland and Denmark also on the agenda. "It's going
<br>to be very good to see Ryan again. Ryan is in a new role now and to be
<br>manager of his country is great. "But the most important thing is we are
<br>preparing well, we know we are going to the World Cup and Wales aren't. But
<br>that doesn't mean we are not taking them seriously, we will be very
<br>respectful and we want to improve compared to our other previous matches.
<br>"It's going to be a very nice moment in Los Angeles where we have a lot of
<br>Mexicans to support us."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Legend recovering after heart op
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Hammers legend Ken Brown is recovering in hospital after having a pacemaker
<br>fitted. The 84-year-old, who was born in Forest Gate and spent 14 years as a
<br>Hammer between 1953 and 1967 is said to be in good shape after undergoing
<br>the operation according to son Kenny, who tweeted the following message:
<br>Ken, who was the latest recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at last
<br>month's Player Awards starred in West Ham's promotion-winning season of
<br>1957/58, the 1964 FA Cup victory against Preston and the 1965 Cup Winners
<br>Cup success against 1860 Munich. A regular visitor to the Boleyn Ground and
<br>the Olympic Stadium in recent seasons, Ken went on to manage Norwich,
<br>Shrewsbury and Plymouth before retiring but always remains most closely
<br>associated with West Ham. And it was not just his family wishing him well -
<br>former players such as Mick Dennis and Martin Betts also took to social
<br>media in order to wish Ken a speedy recovery.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>End of the road for Snodgrass, say Villa fans
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>On-loan winger Robert Snodgrass is unlikely to return to Aston Villa next
<br>season, according to fans of the Championship club - although most would be
<br>open to a second season. The 30-year-old Scottish international spent the
<br>entirety of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Villa Park and received
<br>generally positive reviews for his season's efforts, despite Villa's
<br>campaign ending in hugely-disappointing circumstances following their
<br>play-off final defeat against Fulham at Wembley on Saturday. However Villa
<br>fans posting on popular Forum Villa Talk believe they are unlikely to see
<br>Snodgrass for a second season in the Championship despite him being surplus
<br>to requirements at West Ham, for whom he featured on just 15 occasions
<br>before being sent out on season-long loan. And that's largely as a result of
<br>Villa's parlous financial situation, which will almost certainly mean they
<br>have to part company with high-earners such as Snodgrass and John Terry, who
<br>was costing the Midlands-based club some £60,000-per-week. "Snoddy has been
<br>great but West Ham are unlikely to let him leave for a low fee," wrote Villa
<br>fans Eastie. "So he's probably not going to be here [next season]." "He has
<br>been fantastic for us but the last four weeks have shown that (a) the
<br>Championship or lower Premier League is very much his level and (b) he is
<br>not worth whatever West Ham will want for him, added Ponky. "I doubt he'll
<br>be available on loan again next season which is probably just as well, as we
<br>desperately need some pace out wide."
<br>
<br>Despite having been a success during his season on loan, a lack of speed and
<br>acceleration is one area of Snodgrass' game that has been criticised by
<br>Villa supporters - although at Championship level that isn't necessarily a
<br>huge problem, say some. "He doesn't have pace but it's not a flaw," wrote
<br>skarroki. "But he's a very talented player and should not be in the
<br>Championship. "We were lucky to get him on loan for a season and if he's
<br>not here next season it's because he's got much better options at a higher
<br>level, not because we'd rather risk playing an inconsistent winger from the
<br>Academy. His drive and personality can only have a positive effect on the
<br>dressing room and I will be gutted to see him go."
<br>
<br>Fellow Villain markavfc40 was in full agreement. "If he had pace he would be
<br>starting week in, week out for a top half Premier League side," he wrote.
<br>"Technically he is very good and his work rate is excellent. I'd like him to
<br>stay but he won't and him leaving does allow us to improve on a lack of pace
<br>in the team."
<br>
<br>Yet not all Villa supporters felt that losing SNodgrass will be to the
<br>detriment of the team as a whole. "He often fails to beat his man, his ball
<br>delivery has been disappointing and his free kicks are an abomination,"
<br>wrote sidcow.
<br>
<br>"I know his attitude is great and he gives his all, but ultimately he's
<br>meant to be a winger and therefore should frequently beat his man and get in
<br>a deadly cross. I'm just not seeing what other people are and I won't be
<br>devastated if we cannot get him back."
<br>
<br>Villains on Snodders
<br>
<br>"He is elite level Championship, low level Premier League standard. As you
<br>say, he more than makes up for it with other qualities, but he lacks pace,
<br>which can be identified, exposed and dealt with accordingly, a flaw."
<br>- A'Villan
<br>
<br>"Good player for us but one who won't be with us next year, of all the loan
<br>players I think he has helped the most."
<br>- Jimzk5
<br>
<br>"Love his mentality and he has put some great performances in, but the final
<br>showed how painfully predictable he is with that lack of pace and cutting
<br>inside every single time, holding onto the ball for longer than he should.
<br>He also made the wrong decision in what could have ended up as our most
<br>clear cut chance of the game.
<br>- Tom13
<br>
<br>"I don't see Pellegrini playing him so he may be out on loan again. It's
<br>well documented that his issue as West Ham was he Bilic wouldn't play him on
<br>his favoured side , which we have but it's meant that when things are not
<br>going right we don't switch the wingers over. I do like him though and he
<br>has done well and comes across as a decent character but I think that's he
<br>last of his time here."
<br>- Nabby
<br>
<br>"He monopolieses our set pieces and his delivery isnt that great (must be
<br>better in training), his work rate is excellent and he's a below average
<br>Premier League player but probably one of our better players. Let him go
<br>unless he's cheap."
<br>- tinker
<br>
<br>"Snodgrass' set pieces have gone beyond shocking. I'm sick of seeing him hit
<br>free kicks into a wall and over-hitting corners. He is slow as well. Would I
<br>take him back on loan? Possibly, but for me his lack of pace is a massive
<br>problem. We are shit offensively at counter attacking as our midfield are
<br>like snails."
<br>- Demitri_C
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Hammers promoted in controversial circumstances
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham United Ladies will play in the highest division of the Women's
<br>Super League next season - despite ending the 2017/18 mid-table in the third
<br>tier. It was confirmed this morning that the Ladies, who finished 7th out of
<br>12 in the Women's Premier Southern Division last season have been
<br>controversially granted a place in the newly-named professional Women's
<br>Super League. Controversial because Sunderland, who finished a respectable
<br>7th in last season's Premier Division have been dumped into the Premier
<br>Northern Division in order to accommodate the Hammers, who are one of 11
<br>teams that will be forming the reformatted league.
<br>
<br>In order to become a professional concern, any club must raise a minimum of
<br>£350,000. West Ham, who have satisfied that criteria will begin their new
<br>campaign on the weekend of 18/19 August. West Ham's co-chairman David
<br>Sullivan, whose son Jack was placed in charge of the Ladies in 2016, said:
<br>"Earning Women's Super League status is an incredible achievement for
<br>everyone involved in our Ladies team. "I have every confidence that Managing
<br>Director Jack Sullivan and General Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to
<br>the forefront of women's football in the top division and I look forward to
<br>seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
<br>Sullivan Jnr took control of the Ladies team in October 2016 after former
<br>Chairman Stephen Hunt lodged a formal complaint with the FA. Hunt accused
<br>the club of discriminating against the team who had to pay for their own
<br>transport to games, wear out-of-date kit and train on the side of the road
<br>having been locked out of the club's Beckton training ground.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STICK OR TWIST: THE STRIKERS
<br> By Iain Dale 28 May 2018 at 08:56
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>So far I haven't advocated selling many players. Our squad is thin enough as
<br>it is. However, will this be different with our strikers?
<br>
<br>Andy Carroll
<br>Andy only made 16 appearances, mostly from the bench, last season, scoring
<br>three goals. In his entire career at West Ham he has made 114 appearances,
<br>scoring 33 goals. Season by season, he has appeared 24, 15, 14, 27, 18 and
<br>16 times. On his day he is unbeatable, but each time he returns from injury
<br>it takes him a few games to get into gear. We've never really played to his
<br>strengths, either. He has one year left on his contract, and will probably
<br>play it out. If we could get £10-£15 million for him I'm afraid I'd
<br>recommend selling, but with a lot of regrets.
<br>
<br>Javier Hernandez
<br>Chicarito was bought last summer with much fanfare and started off well,
<br>scoring three goals in his first few games. Since then he suffered several
<br>injuries and then found it difficult to get back into the team once
<br>Arnautovic hit form. He's clearly unhappy and is looking for a move after
<br>the World Cup, where he will be in the shop window. If we keep him, our
<br>forward line would need to be built around him. Is that really likely if
<br>Arnautovic remains at the club?
<br>
<br>Marko Arnautovic
<br>Probably the easiest 'stick' of the lot. He had a fabulous season once David
<br>Moyes was appointed. However, it's entirely possibly that once of the top
<br>six could come in for him, and he might find it difficult to reject the
<br>chance of European football at this stage in his career. Let's hope he
<br>really is as committed to West Ham as he makes out.
<br>
<br>Jordan Hugill
<br>Since he was signed for £10 million in January he's played for all of 33
<br>minutes, despite being on the bench for virtually every game. We might well
<br>recoup much of the money if we sell in the summer, but if we leave it and he
<br>doesn't get much playing time, that's a hell of a lot of money to lose.
<br>Sell.
<br>
<br>Toni Martinez
<br>Back from a loan spell in Spain, where he scored only once in 8 games,
<br>Martinez is hitting the point of no return. He scores for fun in the Under
<br>23s but can't seem to translate that into first team form. Even his loan
<br>periods in the lower leagues haven't been prolific. I think now is probably
<br>the time to sell him to a lower league side for £1 million or thereabouts.
<br>
<br>Conclusion
<br>We need to sign at least one quality striker this transfer window, but given
<br>Arnautovic will be an automatic first choice (you'd think), will it be that
<br>easy to attrach anyone top class? We need to have a pool of five, rather
<br>than four strikers to choose from, in my view. It's a position where we've
<br>always lacked strength in depth.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham set to appoint Mario Husillos as head of recruitment... despite his
<br>involvement in Malaga's relegation from La Liga
<br>West Ham are close to appointing Mario Husillos as new head of recruitment
<br>Husillos' role at Malaga has been under scrutiny after the side were
<br>relegated
<br>Manuel Pellegrini recommended Husillos having worked with him at Malaga
<br>By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline
<br>PUBLISHED: 19:45, 28 May 2018 | UPDATED: 19:45, 28 May 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham are closing in on appointing Mario Husillos as their new head of
<br>recruitment. MailOnline exclusively revealed the Hammers' move for the
<br>Argentine on May 19 and the club are now in advanced discussions about
<br>bringing Husillos to the London Stadium from Malaga. New manager Manuel
<br>Pellegrini and Husillos forged a close relationship during their time
<br>working together at Malaga. And Pellegrini is understood to have recommended
<br>his old colleague to co-owner David Sullivan. Husillos' role at Malaga has
<br>been under scrutiny following the Spanish club's relegation from La Liga.
<br>If, as expected, the South American transfer fixer is appointed, will play a
<br>key role in the club's recruitment policy alongside Pellegrini. It remains
<br>to be seen, however, the level of input the club's owners have in their
<br>forthcoming transfer dealings. Tony Henry, who previously held the role of
<br>head of recruitment, was sacked by West Ham earlier this year following
<br>racist remarks about potential signings of African descent.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-25876490878839640862018-05-28T07:38:00.001+00:002018-05-28T07:38:13.884+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 28th May 2018Noble: I'm relishing Pellegrini's attacking approach
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Mark Noble is relishing the prospect of playing in an attack-minded,
<br>possession-based West Ham United team under Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean
<br>has forged a reputation for putting together sides who play on the front
<br>foot, dominate the ball and score plenty of goals. And the captain, who
<br>regularly leads West Ham's own possession stats, cannot wait to start
<br>working with the man who led a record-breaking Manchester City to the
<br>Premier League title in 2014. "As captain, I am looking forward to welcoming
<br>the new manager to the Club when we return for pre-season training," said
<br>the two-time Hammer of the Year, who launched the I'm Forever campaign for
<br>the Club's new 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away kits on Friday. "I'm sure I'll
<br>have a chat with him before then and I'll definitely give him the lowdown on
<br>West Ham United and what the Club means to its supporters, although I am
<br>sure he has already done his own homework and knows plenty about the Club
<br>and its traditions. "He will be looking to the future, too, and I'm sure he
<br>will bring in his own staff and we will be linked to lots of potential new
<br>signings over the next few weeks!"
<br>
<br>Pellegrini's City scored a record 151 goals in his first season at the club
<br>and Noble believes his forward-thinking approach will go down well, both in
<br>the dressing room and in the stands. "As players, it's always more enjoyable
<br>when you have the ball than when you are chasing the other team around, so I
<br>was pleased when I heard him say he wants to excite the fans and play
<br>attacking football. "West Ham fans love it when we take it to the
<br>opposition, particularly the big boys, and it sounds like we're going to
<br>give it a right go. "I'm already looking forward to getting back to Rush
<br>Green and starting work under him."
<br>
<br>Pellegrini led all four European clubs he has managed – Villarreal, Real
<br>Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City – to the UEFA Champions League knockout
<br>stages, and becomes the first Premier League winner to take charge at West
<br>Ham. The skipper, like so many of his fellow fans, is enthused by his
<br>arrival. "It's an exciting appointment for everyone associated with the
<br>Club, as Manuel Pellegrini has a great record, has managed some top clubs
<br>and is known for playing entertaining football," the No16 observed. "Perhaps
<br>just as importantly, seeing how we are in a results business in the Premier
<br>League, he wins football matches. "To have a manager who has managed Real
<br>Madrid and Manchester City, won the Premier League title and led four
<br>different clubs in the Champions League shows that the Chairmen mean
<br>business. They said they wanted to bring in a top-level manager and that's
<br>what they've done."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Rice ready for end-of-season Ireland friendlies
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Declan Rice is hoping to end a memorable season on a high as he prepares for
<br>two high-profile Republic of Ireland friendly internationals The teenager
<br>played more than 30 first-team matches for West Ham United in 2017/18,
<br>retained the Young Hammer of the Year award and was named Man of the Match
<br>on his senior debut for the Boys in Green in Turkey in March. Before he
<br>heads off on a well-earned holiday, Rice has joined up with Martin O'Neill's
<br>squad for a mouth-watering trip to Paris to face France on Monday 28 May and
<br>the visit of the United States to Dublin on Saturday 2 June. "It's a nice
<br>way to finish off what has been an amazing season for me, personally," the
<br>19-year-old centre-half confirmed. "If you'd told me a year ago that I'd
<br>have achieved what I have achieved, I wouldn't have believed you! "I've
<br>worked hard, listened to my coaches and teammates, tried to learn from my
<br>experiences and mistakes, and I'm happy with what I've achieved so far, but
<br>there is still lots more for me to learn and achieve in my career. I'm still
<br>only young. "These two international games will be another step in my
<br>development. I really enjoyed my Ireland debut and it's been good to meet up
<br>with the boys again, as the atmosphere in the squad is really good. "These
<br>games give us a chance to train together, get to know each other, try new
<br>things and get ourselves ready for our next competitive matches."
<br>
<br>Ireland missed out on this summer's FIFA World Cup final in Russia, losing
<br>5-1 on aggregate to Denmark in a two-legged Play-Off, and will return to
<br>competitive action in September, when they take on the same opposition, and
<br>Wales, in the new UEFA Nations League.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STICK OR TWIST: THE FULL BACKS
<br> By Iain Dale 27 May 2018 at 15:01
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>Players who play at full back are often underrated. But they can make or
<br>break a team. A good full back who can get forward and bang in the crosses,
<br>but doesn't neglect their defensive duties can be worth a lot of money. At
<br>the moment we're possibly a little unbalanced to the left. It was said that
<br>David Moyes couldn't understand the players' determination to play
<br>everything down the left hand side, to the exclusion of the right. That's
<br>probably because on the left we have two full backs who can bomb down the
<br>left, deploy a little bit of trickery, whereas on the right we have the ever
<br>dependable Pablo Zabaletta, who at 33 is not going to rip up any daisies.
<br>
<br>Aaron Cresswell
<br>We bought Aaron Cresswell for a mere £3.5 million from Ipswich in 2014.
<br>Since then he has played 137 games and scored 5 goals. His first season was
<br>perhaps his best, but even when he has patchy form you know it's not going
<br>to be long before he bounces back. Latterly under Moyes he played on the
<br>left hand side of a defensive three, leaving Arthur Masuaku to bomb forward.
<br>He hasn't got the trickery of Masuaku but has pace and a lethal free kick on
<br>his day. Some of his crossing can be sublime. There have been rumours that
<br>he will be one of the players to leave in the summer. This would be utter
<br>madness, unless someone put in a ridiculous offer of £30 million or so. He's
<br>29 in December, though. He's very versatile and every team needs a player
<br>like that. He may not have developed a lot in the last two years – his
<br>absence from the England World Cup squad is a sign of that – but
<br>nevertheless I'd hate to see him go.
<br>
<br>Arthur Masuaku
<br>A £5 million signing from Olympiacos in Greece in 2016 Masuaku took his time
<br>to bed in. Some would say he still hasn't. He vied with Cresswell for the
<br>left ack place in a 4-4-2, and did displace him for a few games. However, he
<br>only really came into his own this season when Moyes started playing a 3-5-2
<br>formation. He started to play as a wing back and took to the position well.
<br>He has great pace and can beat anyone. His crosses were devoured by
<br>Arnautovic and the two developed a great understanding until the moment of
<br>madness which led to him getting a six match ban. It then took time to
<br>rediscover his form, but by the end of the season he was again showing us
<br>what he can do. This season will be a crunch one for him. We must keep him.
<br>Even though he's played forty times and yet to register on the scoresheet.
<br>
<br>Pablo Zabaleta
<br>Zabaleta is Mr Consistency. Mistakes are rare, flamboyance ever more rare,
<br>but you couldn't find a more dependable right back. He was tested towards
<br>the end of the season when he was expected to play as a wing back, but he
<br>certainly didn't let anyone down. He'll turn 34 in January and assuming he
<br>stays, this must surely be his last season playing at the top level. If our
<br>transfer budget is somewhat limited, I wouldn't waste too much money on a
<br>replacement unless someone amaing becomes free at a reasonable price. At
<br>least Manuel Pellegrini knows what he's getting.
<br>
<br>Sam Byram
<br>Am I alone in thinking Sam Byram is being treated very unfairly? Whenever
<br>he's played, he's never let us down. Indeed, I'd say he has often impressed.
<br>The trouble is he has never been given a run of games. He's played a game
<br>here, a game there, but then would get injured. In two and a half seasons
<br>he's only played 27 games. We payed £5 ,illion for Byram. If we're to let
<br>him to to free up funds, we'd need to look at getting £7-9 million I'd have
<br>thought. But if we sell him we'd need a replacement, as I don't see any
<br>obvious replacement in the Under 23s.
<br>
<br>Conclusion
<br>It seems that Byram may be the most likely player to be sold. I think a lot
<br>depends on which formation Pellegrini plays. If it's a wing back system,
<br>then Antonio and Zabaleta may have to compete for a place. I don't see
<br>Cresswell's long term future being in a back three so it may be that he is
<br>sacrificed in order to have the funds to buy a top class central defender.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>A secret agreement & seven months of work - How Manuel Pellegrini became
<br>West Ham's new manager
<br>Things seemingly moved quickly from the outside when the 64-year-old was
<br>appointed but really, it was a long-term project to get him to the capital
<br>Football London
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>11:23, 27 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>It was an appointment nearly seven months in the making. Manuel Pellegrini
<br>let it slip in his first on-camera interview with West Ham, probably
<br>unintentionally, that he had watched a lot of Hammers matches last season
<br>while manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League. There is a
<br>reason for that.
<br>Slaven Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager on November 6 after Karren Brady
<br>arrived at the Rush Green training ground, two days after the 4-1 defeat to
<br>Liverpool at the London Stadium to deliver the news we all knew was coming.
<br>What we didn't know was that very soon after, the wheels were already in
<br>motion to bring former Manchester City manager Pellegrini to east London.
<br>Back in October 2017, Croatian Bilic was clinging to his job in the capital.
<br>The 3-2 win against Spurs in the Carabao Cup bought Bilic some time but it
<br>was not going to be enough. He was eventually dismissed with the Hammers in
<br>the Premier League relegation zone after a dismal start to the season.
<br>Pellegrini engaged in talks with West Ham in the immediate aftermath of
<br>Bilic's sacking to return to the Premier League and to take the reigns in
<br>east London. Numerous telephone and email conversations were exchanged but
<br>Pellegrini didn't meet with West Ham at that time. Before 2017 was out
<br>though, the two parties had met, talks progressed and Pellegrini and the
<br>club had a handshake plus a gentleman's agreement that it would be him that
<br>would eventually take over in east London.
<br>The new manager had already discussed transfer targets, his backroom staff
<br>joining him in the capital and the transfer budget with the club. That is
<br>expected to be fulfilled this summer. Enter David Moyes. The Scotsman was
<br>employed with the sole task of keeping West Ham in the Premier League,
<br>essentially warming the seat until Pellegrini arrived. Moyes was never going
<br>to spend more than half a year at the London Stadium. There was a reason he
<br>was only given a six-month deal. Moyes was always a stop gap between Bilic
<br>and Pellegrini.
<br>The former Sunderland boss held up his end of the bargain and steered West
<br>Ham to a 13th place finish in the Premier League and while he may not have
<br>known it, he wasn't going to be sticking around after May 2018. He was
<br>handed £2.5m for his six months employment in east London. Not bad work if
<br>you can get it.
<br>That also explains why Moyes was somewhat undermined at the end of his
<br>tenure when pictures emerged of Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca
<br>arriving at Hammers co-owner David Sullivan's Essex mansion to have "talks"
<br>with the top brass. Those talks were never going to amount to anything, as
<br>proved by Fonseca signing an extended contract in Donetsk - it was a
<br>smokescreen.
<br>The same applies to Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez. It was all a
<br>ruse. Stories emerged that the Spaniard was proving hard to lure away from
<br>Tyneside but he was never likely to take over thanks to the agreement with
<br>Pellegrini. Pellegrini had said to West Ham back in 2017 that there was no
<br>chance of him leaving the Far East and his incredibly lucrative contract
<br>when he was first approached to take over at the London Stadium. Give it six
<br>months however then a severance deal could be done. Six months later, that's
<br>how it has turned out.
<br>Pellegrini announced his departure from Hebei China Fortune on May 19 after
<br>their 2-1 victory over Chonqing Lifang in the CSL and as quick as a flash,
<br>the 64-year-old was on a flight to London. Before his flight had landed in
<br>the UK, Pellegrini's £8m-per-year contract was officially agreed to take
<br>over West Ham. The manager and co-chairman had a pleasant time in central
<br>London that evening following touchdown for the Chilean, before returning to
<br>Sullivan's home. That was nothing but a formality, the club photographer had
<br>already arrived to capture the moment and contracts were signed that
<br>evening. Pellegrini was announced as West Ham's new manager at 8am on
<br>Tuesday morning. The new manager has spoken of his excitement and the
<br>project in store for him in east London in his first words as West Ham's
<br>17th manager. In reality, that project began way back in November 2017. West
<br>Ham have got their man. It was a process that started some time ago and was
<br>the long-term plan for the club after a torrid 18 months at the London
<br>Stadium that led to Bilic's sacking. Now, we wait and see what the future
<br>holds.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Declan Rice issues response to David Gold's comments about West Ham ace
<br>representing England
<br>Rice is set to feature for Ireland against France on Monday evening
<br>Football London
<br>By Rob Guest
<br>09:25, 27 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham youngster Declan Rice has stated that he is just concentrating on
<br>playing well for Ireland after David Gold's comments about him playing for
<br>England in the future. Having made his debut for the Hammers at Burnley on
<br>the final day of the 2016/17 season, the 19-year-old cemented his place in
<br>the West Ham team under David Moyes towards the end of the campaign. The
<br>youngster's form saw Martin O'Neill call him up to the Ireland senior side,
<br>thus making his international debut against Turkey in March in the process.
<br>However, with the Hammers appointing Manuel Pellegrini as Moyes' replacement
<br>during the week, Gold told talkSPORT that he hoped the Chilean could turn
<br>Rice into an England international. With the player made well aware of the
<br>co-owner's comments, he issued a response as he prepares for Monday's
<br>friendly against France. Rice, speaking to the Irish Independent, said:
<br>"Yeah, it was all over Twitter. He's just come out and said it on the radio.
<br>That's what he believes. "I'm here today with the Ireland national squad
<br>focusing on the two games to prove myself to Martin [O'Neill] and Roy that I
<br>can play well for Ireland. "My phone got bombarded with messages saying
<br>'have you seen this?' He's done an interview on transfers and it was way
<br>off-topic to come out and say 'Declan Rice for England' when I'm here with
<br>Ireland. "He knows that I play for Ireland so it's one of them where I just
<br>forget about it. "I've come here to enjoy myself."
<br>Rice will come up against some of the world's best players tomorrow evening
<br>with Ireland taking on France as Didier Deschamps' side prepare for the
<br>World Cup.
<br>Amid talk of a loan move at the start of the season to gain some valuable
<br>experience, the defender has thanked Slaven Bilic for giving him a chance in
<br>the first team as a memorable year draws to a close. "There's some massive
<br>names there," added Rice. "I played against [Olivier] Giroud and [Paul]
<br>Pogba. But then you've [Antoine] Griezmann and [Kylian] Mbappe. "These are
<br>the players you come up against if you want to be the best in the world.
<br>"You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best. "At
<br>the beginning of the season I was talking about going on loan to a League
<br>One or Championship club and then I had a good pre-season and, all of a
<br>sudden, Slaven Bilic gave me my chance and I was with the first team. "I was
<br>grateful for the opportunity. "I was playing well which obviously granted me
<br>my first-team place here. "Martin thought I was playing well and couldn't
<br>leave me out because I was playing so well. I was with the 21s as well. "I
<br>can't really believe how quick I've progressed."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-66880263868176035482018-05-27T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-27T04:30:42.283+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 27th May 2018Carlton Cole: It's exciting times at West Ham United
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Carlton Cole was in typically enthusiastic mood at London Stadium on Friday
<br>morning, as he unveiled the new West Ham United 2018/19 Home and Away kits.
<br>Cole predicted exciting times ahead under new boss Manuel Pellegrini. The
<br>former Hammers striker, still a huge favourite among the Claret and Blue
<br>faithful, told Sky Sports News that the experienced Chilean possesses all
<br>the right credentials to take the Club forward. "It's exciting times," he
<br>said. "We've got a world-class manager, one of the best in the Premier
<br>League now in my opinion. We know what his credentials are and what he can
<br>bring to the table, he's obviously got the full support of the Board and the
<br>backing to help him take the Club to the next level. "He brings experience
<br>at different levels. He has coached teams like Malaga, who may be considered
<br>lesser teams in their league but have over-achieved to enjoy great success.
<br>He is also going to bring that style of play that West Ham fans want to see.
<br>"He is going to be attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into
<br>the team now. He may let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be
<br>spent wisely. "It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he needs to
<br>galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players who can
<br>bring different angles to the team, and help approach the style of play he
<br>wants. "You have to look at his history – he loves to play the ball on the
<br>floor. He will get some ball players in, and players who will make the team
<br>stronger. "We've always had optimism, but last year we didn't produce in the
<br>way we wanted to. This year we now have a different angle, we're going to
<br>get behind the new manager from the start, and I'm so glad that he has been
<br>appointed so early, so that we can start restructuring in the right way for
<br>next season."
<br>
<br>Cole has been involved in the Club's #ImForever campaign to support the
<br>launch of the new Home and Away kits, and was suitably impressed by the
<br>garment he was asked to model. "I'm loving the new kit," he said. "It's
<br>really light and stylish, a little more Claret with less Blue this time, but
<br>I think it's giving a nice feel to a different era for the Club."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Javier Hernandez delaying decision on West Ham future until after World Cup
<br>Last Updated: 26/05/18 2:10pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>West Ham striker Javier Hernandez says he will not commit his future to West
<br>Ham until after the World Cup this summer. Hernandez, 29, has two years left
<br>to run on the contract he signed with the Hammers following his £16m move
<br>from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. But the Mexico striker's future has been
<br>the subject to speculation after he lost his place in West Ham's first team
<br>under previous manager David Moyes towards the end of last season, even
<br>admitting he had asked to leave the club in January. The Hammers appointed
<br>Manuel Pellegrini as new manager this week, but Hernandez was unwilling to
<br>discuss his future with the World Cup under three weeks away. "Of course I
<br>am a West Ham player still, but we'll see," Hernandez said at a press
<br>conference in Los Angeles ahead of Mexico's friendly against Wales on
<br>Tuesday morning. "Right now what can I tell you? I'm glad there's a new
<br>manager? I'm sad there's a new manager? "It's not the moment to speak about
<br>this. My mind is 100 per cent on the World Cup." Asked if Pellegrini - who
<br>led Manchester City to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double in 2014 -
<br>was a good appointment by West Ham, Hernandez replied: "I don't know."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL DEFENDERS
<br> By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 21:10 WTID
<br>
<br>So, we've done the goalkeepers, now let's look at our crop of central
<br>defenders and see who we should keep or who we should sell. The key thing
<br>here is that we need to improve on what we have.
<br>
<br>James Collins
<br>Much as I'd have loved to retain James Collins's services on a 'pay as you
<br>play' basis, we have to face the fact that he's 35 in August. His departure
<br>has certainly not been handled very well. He's also the sort of player you
<br>might want to retain in a coaching capacity but that was always going to be
<br>difficult with a new manager coming in.
<br>
<br>
<br>Declan Rice
<br>This boy is the real deal and our defence should certainly be formed around
<br>him next season. I don't understand the thinking that he might be played in
<br>midfield. He has certainly played well there on the rare occasion I've seen
<br>him play there but his future is surely as a central defender. His timing is
<br>superb and yes, he's made the odd mistake, but so does anyone who is still
<br>learning their trade. He seemed to combine well with Ogbonna towards the end
<br>of the season. I hope Pellegrini is as impressed y him as the rest of us.
<br>
<br>Angelo Ogbonna
<br>On his day Ogbonna is as good a defender as we have. An big ox of a man,
<br>he's surprisingly mobile. But it wouldn't surprise me if he felt it was time
<br>to move back to Italy so he can impress the new Italy manager Roberto
<br>Mancini. He'd certainly command a fee of in excess of £20 million. I hope we
<br>keep him, though.
<br>
<br>Winston Reid
<br>His constant injuries restricted his appearances last season and given his
<br>age I am not sure that will improve. He's on a long contract and although on
<br>his day he is a superb defender, can he be relied on to play 30 games? In
<br>his 8 seasons with us he's only managed 30 games three times. Last season it
<br>was 17. Given his record last season if we sold him I doubt we'd get more
<br>than £10 million, especially as he's 30 in July.
<br>
<br>Reece Oxford
<br>It's surely time to tell Reece Oxford that he's really wanted at West Ham.
<br>It's three years since he made that stupendous debut against Arsenal, but
<br>he's only made 7 more appearances in the Premier League. His two loan spells
<br>at Borussia Moenchengladbach has supposedly impressed the Germans, but he's
<br>only made 7 starts there. Rumour is he wishes to join them permanently and a
<br>fee of £8 million. I think that would be a crying shame.
<br>
<br>Reece Burke
<br>Burke and Oxford have had similar experiences. Neither has been given a
<br>proper chance, yet whenever Burke has played – either at right back or in
<br>central defence – he has impressed. Wherever he has gone out on loan he's
<br>done well, although injury has restricted his appearances. Personally, I'd
<br>keep him for another year and not loan him out, and let him take his chance
<br>if it arrives.
<br>
<br>Conclusion
<br>With James Collins gone and Winston Reid's injury record we are light in
<br>central defence. I'd like us to buy one top class central defender who would
<br>be first choice alongside Declan Rice, assuming we play a 4-4-2. If we play
<br>4-3-3 there's an argument we need two. But we must not buy central defenders
<br>from relegated sides. It was rumoured we were in for the West Brom duo Jonny
<br>Evans and Craig Dawson. And then there's the chap from Swansea, Alfie
<br>Mawson. No. We ought to be setting our sights at players with a proven
<br>record.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STICK OR TWIST: THE GOALKEEPERS
<br> By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 08:58
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>Over the weekend I'll post a series of articles looking at the different
<br>positions and examine whether we should keep or sell our players who play in
<br>that position. Let's start of with the goalkeepers…
<br>
<br>Joe Hart
<br>Joe was with us on a season long loan. It didn't go well and it resulted in
<br>him losing his place in the England squad. At times he looked capable and
<br>made some great saves, but he was error prone and you could tell the defence
<br>didn't have confidence in him. Hart was dropped under Pellegrini at
<br>Manchester City so it is highly unlikely he would want to keep England's
<br>former number one.
<br>
<br>Adrian
<br>A mixed season for Adrian, which ended well for the crowd favourite. He was
<br>very unhappy to lose his place at the beginning of the season, but once he
<br>played against Manchester City in December he retained the position.
<br>Although Hart won it back, Adrian came back into the side after a
<br>particularly hapless performance by Hart and stayed in the team for the last
<br>few matches of the season. His shot stopping ability isn't in doubt, but he
<br>usually has one rush of blood to the head in each game, and I do wonder
<br>whether Pellegrini will take to him. If we could get £12-15 million for him,
<br>I suspect he might be sold. He won't settle to be number two.
<br>
<br>Nathan Trott
<br>He's been on the bench a few times, but we haven't yet had the chance to see
<br>Nathan in action. I'm told everyone really rates him, but is he ready to
<br>take over as our permanent number two?
<br>
<br>VERDICT
<br>There are rumours in the papers that Pellegrini wants to re-sign the
<br>goalkeeper who replaced Joe Hart at Manchester City, Willy Caballero from
<br>Chelsea. He also played for him at Malaga. He could surely only be a number
<br>two given the fact that since 2014 he's only played 20 Premier League
<br>matches. I'd love us to sign Jack Butland from Stoke, but they are
<br>apparently asking £40 million for him. Tom Heaton at Burnley would be
<br>another option as I can't imagine him wanting to play second fiddle to the
<br>magnificent Nick Pope next season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM CHASING DEAL FOR JOE ALLEN
<br>ALEX MURRAY @Alex_Murray_
<br>ReadWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham are interested in a deal for Joe Allen, with Stoke looking likely
<br>to sell the midfielder after being relegated from the Premier League. The
<br>Welshman, who was pivotal in Wales' Euro 2016 campaign. Was relegated from
<br>the top flight after Paul Lambert was unable to keep the Potters in the top
<br>flight. The Mirror report that Stoke are likely to begin a clearout after
<br>losing their Premier League status, and West Ham could be one of the teams
<br>picking up one of their stars. New Stoke boss Gary Rowett has been tasked
<br>with a clearout by the clubs owners, after many high profile players failed
<br>to perform for the Potters. Allen is one of those set to depart, along with
<br>goalkeepers Jack Butland, who has been linked with a move back to the top
<br>flight. West Ham could be a new home for Allen, who joined Stoke from
<br>Liverpool in 2016.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM HAVE HAD LUCKY ESCAPE WITH MONEYSPINNERFeatured Image
<br> Date: 26th May 2018 at 8:27pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>ForeverWesTHam
<br>
<br>West Ham might not feel like they've had a lucky escape over their potential
<br>pursuit of Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney but when they look back the club
<br>will appreciate missing out on him. It was previously reported by the
<br>Evening Standard, ahead of Fulham's play-off final against Aston Villa, that
<br>the Hammers were very keen on signing the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.
<br>The newspaper claimed that the outcome of Saturday's game could play a
<br>factor, which seems extremely likely, and as Cairney's side won the play-off
<br>final it seems a move for him is off the cards. While some may be
<br>disappointed to hear that, considering the plaudits he receives and the fact
<br>he scored the only goal on Saturday, the Hammers are lucky to miss out.
<br>Cairney may have spectacularly shone in some of his 37 appearances for the
<br>Cottagers this season, but a lot of his displays were disappointing due to
<br>knee issues. These knee problems kept him out of several games but also
<br>affected his performances in a lot of the games he was passed fit for. These
<br>sort of injury issues always have a tendency to resurface and if his knees
<br>are starting to cause him problems at the age of 27-years-old, there is a
<br>genuine risk to investing in his services.
<br>
<br>Especially when it's a big money move, £20million was thought to be his
<br>price tag if Fulham failed to get up, as stated by the Daily Mirror, and
<br>that's no doubt the lowest price they would take for him now after
<br>Saturday's outcome. Therefore West Ham have been handed a lucky escape by
<br>having an opportunity not to welcome Cairney to the London Stadium as they
<br>were reportedly set to make a blunder by considering splashing the cash on
<br>him.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>SNODGRASS PUNCHED HIS TICKET V FULHAMFeatured Image
<br> Date: 26th May 2018 at 6:57pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>ForeverWestHam
<br>
<br>While West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to be firm but fair by giving
<br>everyone an opportunity to impress him in pre-season, he must not waste his
<br>time on Robert Snodgrass. The winger, who apparently is on a £40,000-a-week
<br>deal at the London Stadium as per Spotrac, spent his latest campaign on loan
<br>at Aston Villa and featured for them in the play-off final against Fulham on
<br>Saturday. However while not wearing a Hammers kit at the time, Snodgrass'
<br>performance should have told Pellegrini everything he needed to know about
<br>the winger. The 30-year-old is clearly not good enough to feature at the
<br>London Stadium or in the Premier League next season as he woefully let down
<br>his temporary side on Saturday.
<br>Nothing went right for Snodgrass during the game and he lumbered his way
<br>across the pitch unable to make a positive impact on the match in any way.
<br>It was reported by Claret & Hugh , who specialise in Hammers news, that
<br>Pellegrini would watch the play-off final to see Snodgrass in action as he
<br>was due back at the London Stadium when his loan deal expires. Upon viewing
<br>his display, if the manager's first action wasn't to place him on the
<br>transfer list then it would be a bizarre mistake to make. While seeing a
<br>player firsthand may give a manager a better impression, that won't be the
<br>case with Snodgrass. The winger has had his moments in his latest campaign
<br>with the Villans, during his 42 appearances, but hasn't looked head and
<br>shoulders above the other players in the Championship. The Hammers need to
<br>add top quality players capable of performing in the Premier League this
<br>summer in order to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season,
<br>and Snodgrass' return to the squad will see them in a battle for their
<br>top-flight status if anything. It's not like the £40,000-a-week winger
<br>didn't have a chance at the London Stadium, even if it was a small one, and
<br>he never showed a reason for him to be at the Hammers previously in the 15
<br>times he pulled on the jersey. Therefore after a woeful final outing for the
<br>Villans, Snodgrass has punched his own ticket out of the Hammers and will
<br>not kick another ball while wearing a Hammers shirt if Pellegrini has any
<br>sense.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham eyeing move for Barcelona centre back Marlon Santos after
<br>impressing for Nice on loan last season
<br>Barcelona's Marlon Santos had impressed on loan at Nice last campaign
<br>The 22-year-old West Ham target has also drawn enquiries from Leicester
<br>Santos impressed last season for Nice, featuring 27 times in all
<br>competitions
<br>By Simon Jones for MailOnline
<br>PUBLISHED: 16:58, 26 May 2018 | UPDATED: 17:07, 26 May 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham have expressed interest in signing Marlon Santos from Barcelona.
<br>The 22-year-old Brazilian had impressed on loan at Nice last season and has
<br>drawn enquiries from Leicester City. The centre back featured 27 times in
<br>all competitions for the French side last campaign, helping them to an
<br>eighth-placed finish in Ligue 1. With a lack of opportunities at Barcelona
<br>however, Santos may seek an exit from the Nou Camp to further his career.
<br>And after impressing during his loan spell in France, the Hammers, along
<br>with Leicester, are now looking to acquire the services of Santos. After
<br>joining as West Ham boss on Tuesday, Manuel Pellegrini is eager to make an
<br>immediate impact and is looking to bolster his defensive options following a
<br>disappointing season for the club. West Ham, who finished 13th in the
<br>Premier League, conceded a massive 68 goals last season, the joint-most with
<br>Stoke in the top flight.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-44555930240514745552018-05-26T06:50:00.001+00:002018-05-26T06:50:29.533+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 26th May 2018Pellegrini: West Ham fans are always special fans
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is relishing the prospect of managing West Ham United at
<br>London Stadium next season. The Chilean, who got his hands on the new
<br>2018/18 Umbro Home kit after agreeing a three-year deal to take charge of
<br>the Hammers this week, visited the Club's iconic home for the first time on
<br>Tuesday evening.
<br>
<br>And, after enjoying a Rolling Stones concert, Pellegrini expects the arena
<br>to be rocking again to the sound of the Claret and Blue Army when the
<br>2018/19 Premier League season kicks-off in August. "I managed a lot of times
<br>against West Ham and the fans were always special fans," said Pellegrini,
<br>who managed eight times against the Hammers during his three seasons at
<br>Manchester City between 2013 and 2016.
<br>
<br>Pellegrini visited the Boleyn Ground four times during his time at City,
<br>drawing once and losing once – the latter as Premier League champions – so
<br>he is fully aware of the power West Ham supporters have to inspire their
<br>team on home turf.
<br>
<br>"In the old stadium it was 35 or 36,000 people, but now in the new stadium
<br>we have at least 55 or 57,000 people, so I hope the supporters will be a
<br>very important part of the success we can have next season," the 64-year-old
<br>observed. "I know very well that the West Ham fans are always behind their
<br>team. Maybe they were not so happy last season, but I am sure next season we
<br>are going to, all of us together, celebrate an important thing for this
<br>team."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Sir Trevor Brooking: Pellegrini can deliver stability and progression
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Sir Trevor Brooking believes that the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini can
<br>signal a fresh start and a bright future for West Ham United. The legendary
<br>Hammers midfielder, who is part of the I'm Forever campaign for the Club's
<br>new 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away kits, is confident that the Chilean's
<br>experience – both in the Premier League and across European football – will
<br>be of great benefit and is backing the former Manchester City boss to lead
<br>his new team forward in the right direction. Speaking exclusively to
<br><a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>, Sir Trevor said: "There has been a very positive reaction to
<br>Manuel coming in. I think it's an opportunity to put a tough few months
<br>behind us and look forward with optimism. "The first two years at London
<br>Stadium have brought a number of difficult challenges, which is the case for
<br>any club making a move to a new stadium, and the third year should really be
<br>the point where we can put that behind us and look forward. "It is now a
<br>clean break and a fresh start with the new manager, and we are looking
<br>forward to seeing the impact he can make. His previous experience of the
<br>Premier League is also a big positive. He's not coming into a league – or
<br>the challenges within it – that he doesn't know. "He has good knowledge, he
<br>did well in Spain, and he will have good awareness and contacts when it
<br>comes to identifying potential new players."
<br>
<br>With the summer transfer window always bringing great excitement and
<br>anticipation throughout the Premier League, Sir Trevor admits that much
<br>focus will be placed on Pellegrini's recruitment of new players over the
<br>next couple of months, but urges patience and time when it comes to judging
<br>the new manager's ability to bring success to London Stadium.
<br>
<br>"Four or five new signings have been mentioned, and I think that is what
<br>most fans will be hoping for," he says. "It's not always easy to conjure up
<br>that number, though, and we've got to be sensible, patient, and give the
<br>manager the backing and the time to make the additions he needs. "They have
<br>got to be the right signings longer term. Manuel has got a three-year
<br>contract, and we must give him the opportunity to make progression over that
<br>period of time. "He doesn't need the pressure of being expected to
<br>transform things overnight. It is extremely tough to break into the top six.
<br>Hopefully next season we can establish ourselves in that second tier just
<br>outside the top six, get the supporters enjoying the football that they are
<br>watching, and make steps that take us forward. "I hope that Manuel is able
<br>to be judged on what he does over the course of the three years. Stability
<br>and progression are what is needed and we are all confident he can deliver
<br>that."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Manuel Pellegrini can attract top players to West Ham, says Carlton Cole
<br>By Husmukh Kerai
<br>Last Updated: 25/05/18 2:40pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole expects new manager Manuel Pellegrini
<br>to attract top players to the club during the summer transfer window. West
<br>Ham confirmed the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager on a
<br>three-year deal on Wednesday. The 64-year-old, who has previously managed
<br>Real Madrid and Manchester City, left his role with Hebei China Fortune over
<br>the weekend to join the Hammers. Sky Sports News understands he will earn
<br>around £7m a year, although he will be taking a significant pay cut having
<br>earned around £16m a year in China. Pellegrini has already revealed his
<br>wishlist of up to five players as he promised an attacking revolution at
<br>West Ham during his first press conference. Cole believes the Chilean can
<br>attract top talent to the London Stadium. "Defnitely he is going to be
<br>attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into the team now. He may
<br>let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be spent wisely," he
<br>told Sky Sports News. "It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he
<br>needs to galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players
<br>who can bring different angles to the team. Help approach the style of play
<br>he wants. You have to look at his history - he likes to play the ball on the
<br>floor. He's gonna get some ball players in, maybe a defender, midfielder and
<br>striker."
<br>Cole also says it is imperative that any players bought into the club
<br>complement last season's 'Hammer of the Year', Marko Arnautovic. He added:
<br>"He's our key player at the moment. If we can get a few players to play off
<br>him and bring the best out of him even more, he'll turn out to be one of our
<br>best players again next season."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Steven Gerrard 'targets' James Collins to solidify Rangers backline
<br>West Ham legend left the Hammers earlier in the week and Gerrard is
<br>reportedly keen to bring him to Ibrox.
<br>By Daily Record Sport Online
<br>22:56, 25 MAY 2018UPDATED23:14, 25 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly targeting a move for defender
<br>James Collins. The 34-year-old stopper was released by West Ham and fits the
<br>bills as the Ibrox manager looks to solidify a defence that shipped 50 goals
<br>in the Premiership last season.
<br>A move for Martin Skrtel is dead in the water due to the wage demands and
<br>the fee it would cost to take Gerrard's former Liverpool team-mate to Ibrox.
<br>Wales international Collins was freed by the Hammers earlier this week and
<br>Gerrard would now like to bring him north of the border. The veteran spent
<br>six season with the London side and made 214 appearances for West Ham where
<br>he was adored by supporters. Brighton defender Connor Goldson is still high
<br>on Rangers' summer transfer wishlist and Collins has now emerged as a
<br>target, according to the Scottish Sun . It's been a busy summer already for
<br>Gerrard in the transfer market after sealing deals for Allan McGregor, Scott
<br>Arfield and Jamie Murphy. It's understood he also remains keen on Liverpool
<br>winger Harry Wilson, who impressed during his loan with Hull City last
<br>season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>PELLEGRINI ALREADY TAKING ACTION REGARDING THE ACADEMY IS EXCITINGFeatured
<br>Image
<br> Date: 25th May 2018 at 12:29pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>readWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly set to make changes to the
<br>way the club handles its Under-23s team and his plan could be a game changer
<br>for years to come. The Hammers have a wonderful academy brimming with
<br>exciting prospects but only a handful of talents in recent years have got
<br>anywhere close to the first-team, with even fewer being able to establish
<br>themselves at the club. It's very important that there is a clear path from
<br>the club's youth system all the way through to its first-team, as not only
<br>does that see the best youngsters arrive at the club, it ensures the Hammers
<br>keep all their hidden gems with them.
<br>
<br>Claret & Hugh, a popular Hammers news site with reliable information,
<br>reported on Friday that Pellegrini had plans for the U-23s team to train at
<br>Rush Green in order for them to have much closer contact with the
<br>first-team. The news outlet also revealed that this change would allow the
<br>high-profile manager to keep a closer eye on flourishing talents, so he was
<br>aware of their development.
<br>
<br>It is believed that Pellegrini is currently reviewing dossiers on every
<br>Hammers starlet that have been handed to him by academy manager Terry
<br>Westley, and that he has already visited Chadwell Heath, which is where the
<br>youngsters train. While the Hammers boss may have only been in charge for a
<br>matter of days, with loads of promising reports emerging, this is clearly
<br>the most exciting plan to emerge out of the London Stadium yet. If done
<br>right, which it sounds like it is going to be, the Hammers will have a
<br>constant flow of talent filtering through to their first-team, without
<br>spending a penny on transfers. This would be a game changer for the club as
<br>it would guarantee a situation where the first-team manager was never
<br>depleted of options again, for example see how David Moyes struggled in the
<br>tail end of last season when it came to finding midfielders. Therefore while
<br>it may not directly effect the first-team yet, Pellegrini's reported plan
<br>has the future in mind and will have a major game changing effect on the
<br>club.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM IN POLE POSITION TO SIGN BARCELONA REJECT
<br>JACK DAVIS @JackkDavis88
<br>ForeverWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham are in pole position to sign Marlon from Barcelona B this summer.
<br>Marlon Santos da Silva Barbosa, known as Marlon, joined Barcelona B on loan
<br>from Fluminese in the summer of 2016. Later that year, he made his debut for
<br>the Barcelona first team, whilst they were managed by the now Chelsea target
<br>Luis Enrique. Having joined Barcelona on a permanent deal last summer, the
<br>22-year-old was not included in the plans for the 2017-18 season so he
<br>joined OGC Nice on a two-year loan deal.
<br>Since joining the French side, the Brazilian's form has attracted the
<br>interest of several clubs from the Prem, including West Ham and Leicester
<br>City. The Hammers have already approached Barcelona and Nice to express
<br>their interest in signing the centre-back this summer. West Ham may have to
<br>compete with Leicester City who may feel they have the upper hand with the
<br>player given Claude Puel's Nice connection.
<br>
<br>Despite this it is reported in Spain that West Ham are the favourites to
<br>sign the centre-back as Pellegrini looks to add to his squad ready for the
<br>next season. Barcelona are yet to receive a "formal offer" from the east
<br>London club.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-86227422853155784582018-05-25T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-25T04:30:25.499+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 25th May 2018James Collins to leave West Ham United
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United can confirm that James Collins will leave the Club when his
<br>contract expires on 30 June. Collins will depart having made 214 appearances
<br>across two spells spanning ten seasons in Claret and Blue. The centre-half,
<br>who turns 35 in August, initially joined the Hammers from Cardiff City
<br>alongside close friend Danny Gabbidon in July 2005, making his debut in a
<br>League Cup second round victory at Sheffield Wednesday in September of the
<br>same year. He initially spent four years in east London before moving to
<br>Aston Villa. The former Wales international returned to West Ham in the
<br>summer of 2012 and established himself as a regular starter under Sam
<br>Allardyce following the Club's promotion to the Premier League. Collins'
<br>final appearance saw him don the captain's armband for the last few minutes
<br>of the Hammers' 3-1 Premier League win over Allardyce's Everton on 13 May
<br>2018.
<br>Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We would like to place
<br>on record our sincere thanks for the outstanding service James has given
<br>West Ham United down the years. "His bravery and commitment on the pitch
<br>were never called into question and he has played his part in establishing
<br>the Club in the Premier League since his return in 2012. "We appreciate just
<br>how popular James is among our fellow supporters but, with the appointment
<br>of a new manager, we felt together that the time was right to go our
<br>separate ways. "It goes without saying that we wish James and his family
<br>every success in the future and they will always be welcome at London
<br>Stadium."
<br>Former France defender Patrice Evra will also depart when his contract
<br>expires on 30 June. The 37-year-old arrived on a short-term contract in
<br>February 2018 and made five appearances in Claret and Blue.
<br>The Club will also release youngsters Korrey Henry, Rosaire Longelo and
<br>Rihards Matrevics at the end of their scholarships. West Ham United would
<br>like to thank all five players, and Collins in particular, for their hard
<br>work and commitment and wish them all the best with their future careers.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>The Ginger Pele - James Collins' ten seasons in Claret and Blue
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>James Collins became a true hero to the Claret and Blue Army during his ten
<br>seasons in a West Ham United shirt. The flame-haired defender was just 21
<br>when he swapped his native South Wales and Cardiff City for the bright
<br>lights of east London and the Hammers in July 2005. While the early months
<br>of his West Ham career were affected by injuries, competition for places -
<br>Anton Ferdinand, Tomas Repka, Christian Dailly and his close friend and
<br>former Cardiff teammate Danny Gabbidon were also part of Alan Pardew's
<br>newly-promoted squad - and six losses in his first nine appearances, Collins
<br>waited patiently for his chance to impress, making his debut in a League Cup
<br>second-round victory at Sheffield Wednesday in September 2005.
<br>
<br>Collins' second season also took time to get going but, when it did, it
<br>really took off as he returned to the team for the unforgettable nine-match
<br>'Great Escape' from relegation, which culminated in a typically resilient
<br>display from the defender in the 1-0 final-day win at champions Manchester
<br>United. However, his West Ham career would take a backward step as first new
<br>manager Alan Curbishley chose Ferdinand and Matthew Upson as his
<br>first-choice partnership at the start of the 2007/08 season, then Collins
<br>himself suffered a serious knee injury in a reserve-team game at Portsmouth
<br>in January 2008, ruling him out for nine months.
<br>
<br>Collins forced his way back into the team in October 2008 and stayed there
<br>but, early the following season, joined Aston Villa in a £5million deal.
<br>However, his West Ham career was far from over. After three seasons with
<br>Villa, for whom he appeared in the 2010 League Cup final defeat by
<br>Manchester United, the then-28-year-old returned to the Hammers for a fee of
<br>around £2.5million in August 2012. He made a career-high 30 starts in
<br>2012/13, scoring two memorable headers in an FA Cup third-round tie with
<br>Manchester United under the Boleyn Ground floodlights, and was part of a
<br>strong defensive unit that also included Winston Reid, James Tomkins and
<br>Joey O'Brien. Collins continued to play his part as he moved into his
<br>thirties, signing a new contract on Christmas Eve 2015, and his status among
<br>West Ham supporters grew as quickly as his striking orange beard.
<br>
<br>Nicknamed the Ginger Pele by the Claret and Blue Army, the proud Welshman
<br>helped the Hammers qualify for Europe in back-to-back seasons and featured
<br>25 times as the Club supported by his Essex-born wife Sam and her family bid
<br>farewell to the Boleyn Ground in 2015/16. Collins was named captain for the
<br>Boxing Day trip to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day 2017 and celebrated by
<br>scoring his ninth and final goal for the Club. And it was only fitting that
<br>the 34-year-old signed off his West Ham career by wearing the armband, which
<br>was handed to him by his teammate and friend of the past 13 years, Mark
<br>Noble, in the final-day victory over Everton at London Stadium in May 2018.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United announce backroom staff departures
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United can today confirm a number of departures from the first team
<br>coaching and medical departments. Goalkeeping Coach Chris Woods, Head of
<br>Medical Services Gary Lewin, Club Doctor Ian Beasley and Head of Fitness
<br>Nick Davies have all left the Club with immediate effect. Following the
<br>arrival of Manuel Pellegrini as manager, a restructuring of the coaching and
<br>backroom staff is currently underway, with several new appointments set to
<br>be confirmed in due course.
<br>The Club would like to thank Chris, Gary, Ian and Nick for their excellent
<br>service and commitment. They leave with the Club's gratitude and respect and
<br>West Ham United wish them all the very best in the future.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>David Gold: We've appointed a winner who is still hungry for success
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold has expressed his delight at
<br>securing the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as manager and has described
<br>the Chilean as 'a winner still hungry for success'. The former Villarreal,
<br>Real Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City boss arrived at London Stadium this
<br>week on a three-year deal and has made an immediate impression with his
<br>eagerness to gain knowledge of all areas of the Club and his vision for the
<br>future. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, Mr Gold said: "I think it's
<br>fantastic. Here is a manager of great reputation, who has been there and
<br>done it. A man who I think has won four league titles in four different
<br>countries, which is remarkable. "Let's hope he can do something special - I
<br>think he will. I've only met him a couple of times, but I've found him very
<br>warm and friendly, but very determined. Everything you see about him is
<br>determination - he wants to know about everything. "He is a football man
<br>but, most of all, I get the impression he is a winner. And he is still
<br>hungry to succeed. I think that's terrific, that's what we want to see."
<br>
<br>With the new manager now in place, the focus turns to the summer recruitment
<br>process that will undoubtedly see new faces arrive, but the Joint-Chairman
<br>believes that Pellegrini already has a strong base to build upon. "There is
<br>no question that he is inheriting a decent squad," he said. "We finished
<br>13th, but if we hadn't suffered the awful injuries we had, we could have
<br>finished higher up the league with our full squad. "Yes, of course, we need
<br>to add to it and, to that extent, Manuel is already planning and working on
<br>that. I think he is talking about four or five players - as we were talking
<br>about four or five players, and so straight away we are in agreement about
<br>what should be done."
<br>
<br>The Joint-Chairman spent time with the new manager on Wednesday afternoon at
<br>the Club's Academy headquarters at Chadwell Heath, where the pair met
<br>Academy Director Terry Westley to discuss the £3 million redevelopment plans
<br>at the site scheduled for this summer. "Manuel wants to look at the plans,
<br>he is excited about it and he is impressed," said Mr Gold. "He wants to know
<br>about what it is going to deliver. He talks about the importance of young
<br>players and I like to hear that from a manager. "I've been in this business
<br>for 25 years and most managers talk about the here and now - what are you
<br>going to deliver tomorrow? They don't look too much to the future, but
<br>Manuel did - he was keen to talk about the young players, and to see the
<br>facility and the money we are spending here."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Manuel Pellegrini coming to West Ham is good for English football - Graham
<br>Hunter
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Journalist, author, broadcaster and Spanish football expert Graham Hunter
<br>shares his personal experiences of West Ham United's new manager Manuel
<br>Pellegrini...
<br>
<br>FIRST OF ALL, I AM THRILLED that Manuel Pellegrini is back in British sport.
<br>I like him very much as an individual and I have worked around him quite a
<br>lot, especially at Villarreal, who were the team I covered in the UEFA
<br>Champions League for UEFA.com. Not only did I enjoy his football a lot and
<br>the way they played, but I really liked his integrity and the way he treated
<br>people in general, which was quite old-school. He gives you your due if you
<br>merit it and does not judge you on supposed ideas, but what he finds. I'm
<br>only a journalist, but the way he treated me translates to the way he treats
<br>his players, too. I'm also pleased that he is back because I genuinely
<br>believe is abilities, his attitude and his contacts across European football
<br>have much they bring to the Premier League.
<br>
<br>WHILE I'VE GOT LINKS WITH WEST HAM through being friendly with the likes of
<br>Russell Brand, Tony Gale, Matt Lorenzo and Frank McAvennie, and had huge
<br>respect for John Lyall due to his links with the Scottish island of Lewis
<br>and Harris where my mother was brought up, and therefore I have a soft spot
<br>for the Club, but I'm still not a West Ham fan. My viewpoint is that Manuel
<br>coming to West Ham is good for English football, because I believe he's very
<br>talented. I think he inherited a pretty difficult job at Manchester City
<br>which, even if you look at Pep Guardiola's first year, even with huge
<br>investment, it was hard for him to get it right first time. I also firmly
<br>believe that across many sectors of English football, the news of him taking
<br>the City job was met with scepticism and 'Who is this guy?' which I don't
<br>think he merited. Those I know at Manchester City who had to deal with him
<br>adored him. They found him to be a gentleman, true to his word, bright about
<br>football, and therefore I'm pleased for West Ham as this is a
<br>forward-thinking appointment.
<br>
<br>WEST HAM HAVE NOT WON A MAJOR TROPHY SINCE 1980 and Pellegrini's own
<br>personal trophy cabinet is not full, either, so people can look and say
<br>there is maybe a match there in a Club and a person who want to change their
<br>records of achievement.
<br>
<br>WHAT PELLEGRINI PATENTLY OFFERS IS A SHORTCUT TO PLAYERS and agents across
<br>Europe.
<br>If they see it is a Pellegrini project then, even though they will always
<br>talk about the wages and the budget, they will find themselves persuaded by
<br>who is going to be coaching them, his record and what languages he speaks.
<br>
<br>I USED TO REPORT FROM THE UEFA ELITE CLUB COACHES FORUM IN SWITZERLAND,
<br>which is attended by the top managers from across Europe every September.
<br>You'd see all the big names like Mourinho, Ancelotti, Deschamps, Guardiola,
<br>Benitez, the elite coaches in Europe, and the majority had won a European
<br>trophy. Although Pellegrini had only got to the Champions League semi-finals
<br>with Villarreal at that time, he was invited, too. I remember looking into
<br>the dining room and Sir Alex Ferguson was holding a place next to him for
<br>Pellegrini because Fergie wanted to chat to him. That is a mark of the man.
<br>When he was with Villarreal, they faced Manchester United four times in the
<br>Champions League, were unbeaten and did not concede a single goal.
<br>
<br>OVERALL, PELLEGRINI IS A MAN OF TALENT AND DIGNITY. He is somebody who will
<br>help West Ham improve their squad, can cope with the challenges of managing
<br>the Club and proposes a style of football which is attractive and exciting.
<br>I have my fingers crossed for him.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Hammers represented at Premier League Primary Stars tournament
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United were represented by two local primary schools on Thursday at
<br>the annual Premier League Primary Stars tournament. The two teams - one
<br>boys' outfit and one girls' side, brought together by the Hammers'
<br>Foundation - enjoyed the day at Leicester City's King Power Stadium, which
<br>saw more than 12,500 youngsters take part in the competition. It was a
<br>successful tournament for the girls' team in particular, with the team from
<br>Lincewood Primary School getting all the way to the semi-finals before
<br>losing out 2-0 to eventual tournament winners Everton. The boys - from
<br>Chirchfields Junior School - were knocked out in the group stages, however,
<br>despite an opening fixture victory against Crystal Palace. The 1-0 win over
<br>the Eagles was followed by 2-0 scorelines against Liverpool and Tottenham
<br>Hotspur with a 1-0 defeat against Watford sandwiched inbetween. The girls,
<br>meanwhile, beat both the Reds and the Hornets (2-0 and 1-0) before also
<br>claiming three points against Palace in a 2-0 victory before a goalless draw
<br>with Spurs.
<br>
<br>After the tournament, West Ham Foundation's Ross Williams, the PL Primary
<br>Stars lead, said: "Our two teams came incredibly far to reach the final
<br>stage - with regional qualifiers held throughout the season to represent
<br>West Ham. "We had a fantastic day, and the boys and girls did incredibly
<br>well. It was gutting for the girls to go out in the semi-finals, but both
<br>teams had such a memorable day that it didn't take them long to forget it
<br>and enjoy the experience! "Primary Stars is a brilliant project, and we run
<br>it in over 70 schools across east London and Essex. "It truly is providing
<br>life changing opportunities for our youngsters and these sort of activities
<br>only go to highlight that."
<br>
<br>Bella Holloran, one of the girls from Lincewood Primary School who enjoyed
<br>her day as part of the West Ham United girls team, said" "We had an amazing
<br>time. It was so good to be out playing on the pitch at Leicester, and we all
<br>had a great day. "We do Primary Stars at our school and the lessons are fun
<br>and different, but to be given the chance to represent West Ham in this
<br>tournament was something none of us dreamt of!"
<br>
<br>Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and
<br>professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and
<br>develop important life skills. Available to every primary school in England
<br>and Wales, it inspires girls and boys aged 5-11 in the classroom, the
<br>playground and on the sports field.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham welcome Ghana legend Stephen Appiah
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Stephen Appiah is one of Ghana's greatest footballers, having starred at the
<br>2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. Now, though, Appiah's ambition is to
<br>become a manager, with his ultimate dream being to one day manage his
<br>national side. The 37-year-old is an ambassador for our principal sponsors
<br>Betway was invited to spend a week at the Club to help him kick-start his
<br>coaching career. Appiah, who also played for Italian sides Parma and
<br>Juventus during his career, spent time with the first team and Academy
<br>sides, and spoke to several leading figures at the Club about what it takes
<br>to succeed at the highest level.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>REACTION TO PELLEGRINI AND MOVEMENT IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 24 MAY 2018 AT 5:45PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by Corey Evans (twitter - CoreyEvans83)
<br>
<br>Firstly, I believe that for the first time in a while, the board deserves
<br>praise for the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini. His impressive track record
<br>includes many trophies and also the ability to work with limited budgets
<br>such as Malaga and also at highly demanding clubs such as Man City. Most
<br>importantly, during his time managing in Europe he has never fallen outside
<br>of the Champions or Europe League which is imperative for a club trying to
<br>move onto the 'next level' like West Ham. For me, it is now imperative that
<br>the board give him the funds to manoeuvre this squad and allow him to put
<br>his own ideas into it. If the board fail to carry out this task, we could be
<br>in this same position in twelve months time.
<br>
<br>Moving on to the section in which most Irons fans take most notice at (the
<br>transfer window), I believe we will see many ins and outs with some
<br>extremely exciting signings. Starting in goal, with Joe Hart's loan
<br>finishing means it is essential we get a keeper to push Adrian throughout
<br>the season. Many reports have linked us with Jack Butland and although he is
<br>a fantastic keeper I believe the money would be spent better elsewhere. I
<br>recommend signing Kasper Schmeichel in the region of 15m if we could prize
<br>him away from Leicester. Many would think this is unrealistic but I
<br>personally think that Leicester are being remembered for their title winning
<br>season and not as a mid table team which they are. The chance to potentially
<br>play in Europe again with Pellegrini may tease Schmeichel and with the likes
<br>of Mahrez and Vardy tipped to leave it could be a season of transition for
<br>the 'Foxes'.
<br>
<br>I expect to see many departures within the defence for West Ham this season.
<br>With Collins and Evra coming to the end of their contracts I expect to see
<br>Byram, Burke and Oxford all leave permanently. I hope that 'Ginger Pele'
<br>will return as a coach and I am shocked, embarrassed and disgusted by how
<br>badly he's been treated by the club, as are all fellow Hammers fans. All
<br>three youngsters (Byram, Burke and Oxford) have showed promise at times but
<br>I feel it is the right time for them to move on and free up some cash (maybe
<br>15-20m for the three combined) for better replacements who can add more
<br>quality to our squad.
<br>
<br>I would go all out for Swansea defender Alfie Mawson. I think he has great
<br>leadership qualities and could go on to be England's captain for years to
<br>come. Similarly to Collins, he has the ability to defend (which is a dying
<br>art these days) and put his body on the line. However, he can also play out
<br>from the back which I feel will be a necessary with Pellegrini in charge. I
<br>also think Cedric of Southampton would be a great addition as Pellegrini
<br>demands full backs that have pace and can get up and down the pitch.
<br>Zabaleta was great in my eyes last season but is now another year older and
<br>Cedric would provide much competition for the right back spot.
<br>
<br>Moving onto the midfield, I wouldn't be surprised to see the exits of
<br>Snodgrass (10m), Fernandes (10m) and also youngsters Cullen (1-2m) and
<br>Haksabanovic (2m) leave the club. We also have to consider that Joao Mario's
<br>loan deal has now come to an end.
<br>
<br>Taking this into consideration, I feel we need a two central midfielders and
<br>one wide player. The two central players I think we should move for are
<br>Stoke's Joe Allen and free agent Ki-Seung Yeung (previously of Swansea
<br>City). Allen who would cost roughly 20m has the ability to read the game,
<br>run his socks off and distribute the ball when needed. I believe he is one
<br>of the most underrated midfielders in the Prem and didn't get a fair chance
<br>at Liverpool. Whilst, Ki would be a great addition on a free to add more
<br>competition along with the likes of Noble, Kouyate and Obiang. However, I
<br>would not be surprised to see one of Kouyate/Obiang leave this summer.
<br>
<br>The wide midfielder in my opinion should be either Shaqiri of Stoke or
<br>Traore of Middlesborough. Both have the ability to play on the counter
<br>attack and both possess lightening pace (something which our squad needs).
<br>They would both cost around 15m and I think Traore is more realistic due to
<br>Shaqiri having many clubs monitoring him however he would be a massive coup
<br>for the club and he would be reunited with our 'Hammer of the Year'
<br>Arnautovic.
<br>
<br>With regards to attackers, I believe we will see very little movement unless
<br>Pellegrini decides to move on Carroll. His quality is unquestionable when
<br>fit but with twelve months left on his contract the club may want to cash
<br>in. If so, I would fully expect Rondon of West Brom to be brought in as he
<br>was a key player under Pellegrini at Malaga. Hernandez looks set to stay and
<br>I think this is great news as he is one of the best strikers we've ever had
<br>because of his natural goal scoring instincts. The only player I expect to
<br>definitely leave upfront is Jordan Hugill and if we could recoup around 6-7m
<br>of what we spent I would take it.
<br>
<br>Overall, my signings I believe would cost around 80m and I think this is
<br>attainable with Pellegrini given 50m to spend and an extra 30m through
<br>player sales. I also feel that if we could sign Mawson, Allen or both we
<br>could be looking at our Hammer of the Year for the 2018/19 season.
<br>
<br>Ones to Watch:
<br>
<br>Interestingly, Mario Balotelli, Max Meyer and Oğuzhan Özyakup contracts are
<br>all expiring in the summer and have all previously been linked with us
<br>before. I think Balotelli seems to have calmed down in recent years and his
<br>goal scoring form has improved despite only playing in the French league.
<br>With regards to Meyer, I think this would be a statement of intent from the
<br>board and Meyer has expressed an interest in playing in the Premier League.
<br>Meyer has unbelievable potential and could go on to become one of the best
<br>players within Europe.
<br>
<br>Finally, I think it is a time to be excited ahead of next season. I really
<br>believe we can push on and attain 7th place with hopefully a good cup run.
<br>If the fans can galvanise around Pellegrini and make the London Stadium a
<br>tough place to visit then the good times and the 'West Ham Way' may well
<br>return. Would love to hear your thoughts on this article, COME ON YOU
<br>IRONS!!!
<br>
<br>Written by Corey Evans (twitter - CoreyEvans83)
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>The end for Collins
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Thursday, 24th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>There will be no new contract for long-serving defender James Collins, whose
<br>current deal expires next month. Collins was recently informed by email that
<br>West Ham would not be offering him a new contract, before the club
<br>backtracked and declared that the final decision would be left to incoming
<br>manager Manuel Pellegrini. However the 34-year-old former Welsh
<br>international clearly hadn't done enough to persuade the new boss that he
<br>was deserving of a new deal as it was confirmed this morning that he was one
<br>of two senior players not being retained. Co-owner David Sullivan, who
<br>received heavy criticism last week for the manner in which Collins'
<br>departure was handled thanked the Welshman for his service. "We would like
<br>to place on record our sincere thanks for the outstanding service James has
<br>given West Ham United down the years," he told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "His bravery and
<br>commitment on the pitch were never called into question and he has played
<br>his part in establishing the Club in the Premier League since his return in
<br>2012. "We appreciate just how popular James is among our fellow supporters
<br>but, with the appointment of a new manager, we felt together that the time
<br>was right to go our separate ways. It goes without saying that we wish James
<br>and his family every success in the future and they will always be welcome
<br>at London Stadium."
<br>
<br>The other senior player not being offered new terms is veteran French
<br>defender Partice Evra, who arrived on a free transfer in February and
<br>featured on just five occasions in the Premier League. In addition to the
<br>two seniors, Academy prospects Korrey Henry, Rosaire Longelo and Rihards
<br>Matrevics are also being released by the club at the end of June.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Decks cleared ahead of new arrivals
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Thursday, 24th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham United have bid farewell to several of David Moyes' former backroom
<br>staff. With new manager Manuel Pellegrini set to introduce his own team over
<br>the course of the next few days, a number of medical and coaching staff have
<br>left the club with immediate effect.
<br>
<br>They are as follows:
<br>
<br>Gary Lewin (Head of Medical)
<br>The former England physio was appointed in May 2017. Lewin replaced the
<br>outgoing Stijn Vandenbroucke having moved from Arsenal, where he had been
<br>working with the Ladies squad.
<br>
<br>Chris Woods (Goalkeeping Coach)
<br>Former England international Woods leaves West Ham after three years at the
<br>club, having been introduced by former Everton team mate Slaven Bilic in
<br>June 2015.
<br>
<br>Nick Davies (Head of Sport Science)
<br>Nick first arrived at the club on Alan Curbihley's watch a decade ago,
<br>having followed the manager from Charlton.
<br>
<br>Ian Beasley (Club Doctor)
<br>Formerly employed by both England and Arsenal, Beasley moved to West Ham in
<br>July 2017 to team up with Slaven Bilic and his revamped backroom team.
<br>
<br>The departures follow the news from earlier this month that Moyes and his
<br>entire coaching team of Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinley had
<br>left following the expiry of their short-term contracts.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham thank James Collins for his 'bravery and commitment' as defender
<br>departs after 10 years' service
<br>KEN DYER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>West Ham have confirmed the departure of long-serving central defender James
<br>Collins. The former Wales international, who has been at the club for a
<br>total of 10 years in two spells and made 214 appearances, was hoping for a
<br>new one-year contract but posted a picture on Wednesday of himself leaving
<br>the pitch in the final game of last season, with the caption: "It's official
<br>I will be leaving West Ham on June 30th.Heartbroken."
<br>
<br>A big favourite with fans, Collins, 35 in August, had limited game time this
<br>season because of injuries and with new manager Manuel Pellegrini wanting to
<br>freshen up his squad, the writing was always going to be on the wall for the
<br>defender. There was some ill-feeling about Collins's departure when it was
<br>suggested he had been informed in an e-mail but the club dispute this,
<br>claiming conversations had taken place with officials but that regulations
<br>mean players not retained have to be informed before the third weekend in
<br>May.
<br>
<br>Owners David Sullivan and David Gold said: "We would like to place on record
<br>our sincere thanks for the outstanding service James has given West Ham down
<br>the years. "His bravery and commitment were never called into question and
<br>he has played his part in establishing the club in the Premier League since
<br>his return in 2012. "We appreciate just how popular James is among
<br>supporters but with the appointment of a new manager, we felt together the
<br>time was right to go our separate ways."
<br>
<br>Former France defender Patrice Evra will also depart when his contract
<br>expires on June 30.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Manuel Pellegrini to continue David Moyes' discipline demands at West Ham
<br>JACK ROSSER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>David Moyes ran a tight ship in his short time as West Ham manager, and
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is likely to follow a similar path. The former Hammers
<br>manager demanded a level of discipline which was non-existent under his
<br>predecessor Slaven Bilic, clashing on occasion with the likes of Michail
<br>Antonio and Andy Carroll over time-keeping and attitude issues. It was
<br>something the Scotsman ranked among his highest priorities, and credited as
<br>a key factor in their Premier League survival after players told him
<br>standards had waned under Bilic. Now former Manchester City manager
<br>Pellegrini has taken the reins. With European football once again the
<br>long-term target at London Stadium, he will demand three core principles
<br>from his squad - both on and off the pitch - when they meet for pre-season.
<br> "Usually, the first few days I'm with the players I tell them how I work
<br>with a group, not just on the pitch but off the pitch, too," Pellegrini
<br>wrote recently for The Coaches' Voice. "For me, there are three things that
<br>are totally non-negotiable with players. "First of all, respect. Respect for
<br>everything: the club, fans, journalists, coaching staff, directors. Respect
<br>among the players themselves, that's very important. "Second is commitment,"
<br>he continued. "I think there are a lot of ways to coach, but you have to get
<br>the commitment of the group to your way of coaching. "And third:
<br>performance. For me, it is not up for negotiation at all. I try to be as
<br>objective as possible. I understand players who aren't playing can't be
<br>happy, but my demands of them have to be exactly the same."
<br>
<br>Pellegrini, who spent his first full day as West Ham manager meeting staff
<br>and settling in at the Rush Green training ground, has targeted "four or
<br>five new" signings ahead of his first season and is expected to bring in
<br>Ruben Cousillas as assistant manager to reinforce his mantra.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Pellegrini eyes seven West Ham signings, including Yaya Toure
<br>HITC
<br>Jordan Harris
<br>
<br>A report has outlined how many signings Manuel Pellegrini would like in his
<br>first summer as West Ham United boss. According to a report from The
<br>Telegraph, Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to try and make seven signings during
<br>his first summer as West Ham boss, and would like to bring Yaya Toure to the
<br>London Stadium.
<br>Pellegrini's appointment was confirmed earlier this week, and there was
<br>plenty of excitement that his arrival may be the catalyst for a gradual
<br>ascent up the Premier League table after spending much of David Moyes'
<br>tenure battling to beat the drop. And it appears that Pellegrini has major
<br>plans for the first few months of his tenure, with The Telegraph reporting
<br>that he is eyeing as many as seven additions to the first-team squad during
<br>his first window. And a move for Toure is on his radar. Toure - who has
<br>earned £220,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium this past season, according to
<br>Spotrac - will soon see his Manchester City contract expire and he will be
<br>able to discuss a free transfer to one of City's Premier League rivals if he
<br>wishes to stay in England. The 35-year-old has worked with Pellegrini
<br>before, and certainly made a devastating impact for City while he was
<br>playing under the Chilean. He scored 36 goals in all competitions during
<br>Pellegrini's first two seasons with the club, including 20 in the top flight
<br>during the 2013/14 campaign which saw the Cityzens win their second Premier
<br>League title. He may prove to be an expensive signing in terms of wages, but
<br>he has to be considered to be one of the finest midfielders from the Premier
<br>League era and will be hoping to prove at his next club that he still has a
<br>lot to offer in the twilight years of his career. And with Pellegrini's
<br>ideal summer appearing to involve landing Toure with another six signings
<br>following him through the door, it appears that it may well prove to be a
<br>very exciting window for the Irons.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>RANGERS SHOULD FORGET LANDING BURKEFeatured Image
<br> Date: 24th May 2018 at 4:34pm
<br>Written by: Wayne Howard
<br>Forever WestHam
<br>
<br>Rangers should forget about signing West Ham defender Reece Burke. He is a
<br>promising youngster who has already played 15 times for the Hammers but is
<br>not the answer for the Glasgow giants as they step up plans to reinforce a
<br>defence that was far too porous in the recently completed campaign. Rangers
<br>boss Steven Gerrard and recruitment chief Mark Allen need to set their
<br>sights on battle-hardened warriors who are used to the pressure of
<br>delivering at a big team. There has been speculation of interest in Martin
<br>Skrtel, the ex-Liverpool defender now at Fenerbahce, and he is the kind of
<br>defensive leader they need. In truth, the 54-times champions need three new
<br>centre-backs, as Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso are not up to it, David Bates
<br>has quit for Hamburg and Russell Martin has returned to Norwich City.
<br>Rangers already have a rising defensive star in academy graduate Ross
<br>McCrorie, who has all the tools to be an Ibrox defensive star for years,
<br>provided they can keep him away from clubs south of the border.
<br>
<br>The Mirror have reported that Gerrard wants to make Burke, who Transfermarkt
<br>report stands at 6ft 2in, his next signing following his impressive campaign
<br>on loan at Championship outfit Bolton Wanderers. Intriguingly, the The Times
<br>claim new Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini will listen to offers for the
<br>club's academy product. But Rangers should steer clear. Spending big money
<br>on a rookie for their defence would be a terrible mistake.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM IN FOR MAREGAFeatured Image
<br> Date: 24th May 2018 at 3:24pm
<br>Written by: Guy Giles
<br>ForeverWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham United are in the hunt to sign prolific Porto striker Moussa Marega
<br>this summer, according to Correio de Manha. The leading Portuguese
<br>newspaper, as translated by Sport Witness, report that the Hammers are among
<br>three English clubs who are in hot pursuit of the 27-year-old. Correio de
<br>Manha claim that Porto have set an asking price of £26million, which
<br>represents a £9million slash on the striker's release clause of £35million.
<br>The Mali international hitman bagged an impressive 23 goals in all
<br>competitions this season, with eight assists on top of that.
<br>
<br>Marega had a massively prolific season for Porto as they waltzed to the
<br>Primeira Liga title, and the 27-year-old looks ready for a step up. His
<br>powerful, pacy play up front seemingly suits the Premier League down to a
<br>tee, and West Ham would do brilliantly to win the race for his signature.
<br>One thing that Marega would need to improve quickly is his hold up play and
<br>discipline, but Manuel Pellegrini should be able to drill those in to him
<br>soon enough. A massive bonus for the Hammers here is the £9million reduction
<br>in price, with £26million far more affordable than the previous £35million
<br>price tag.
<br>
<br>Forever West Ham rating: 8/10
<br>
<br>Likely to happen?
<br>
<br>It looks like Marega will move on this summer, but his destination is
<br>anyone's guess. Wolves and Aston Villa are the other English sides in the
<br>hunt, and you would think that the Hammers have the financial might to
<br>outmuscle either of those clubs. All that's left now is to wait and see if
<br>the Irons' interest is genuine, which should come to light in the next few
<br>weeks.
<br>
<br>Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Could Manuel Pellegrini convince Reece Oxford to stay at West Ham United?
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
<br>
<br>West Ham United defender Reece Oxford has been tipped for an exit this
<br>summer. Manuel Pellegrini may be able to help convince Reece Oxford to stay
<br>at West Ham United, if his comments in his first interview are anything to
<br>go by. West Ham published an interview with their new manager on their
<br>official website, and during it the Chilean boss suggested that he wanted to
<br>give more of the club's academy players a chance. Pellegrini stressed how
<br>important bringing through young players was to him, and that could be music
<br>to Oxford's ears. Pellegrini said: "For me, the young players are very
<br>important. Me and my staff will be there with the young players at the
<br>academy. We are going to try and have the same style of football and always.
<br>"I hope in the three years, we can bring a lot of young players to the
<br>first-team."
<br>
<br>If Pellegrini is true to his word, then Oxford could be one of West Ham's
<br>academy graduates who is ready to break into his first-team straight away.
<br>Football.London reported how Oxford was thinking about moving away from West
<br>Ham in search of more regular action. The youngster spent last season out on
<br>loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, and West Ham were reportedly ready to cash
<br>in on him for £18 million. However, Pellegrini's commitment to playing
<br>youngsters could be just what Oxford was wanting to hear. And it may suggest
<br>that the young defender could yet make an impact at the London Stadium next
<br>season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>MANUEL PELLEGRINI LOOKS TO MAKE EDOUARD MENDY HIS FIRST SIGNING
<br>BEN EMMOTT
<br>readWestHam
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini has got his eyes set on signing a goalkeeper as his first
<br>task as West Ham boss. The newly appointed manager is looking to sign Reims
<br>goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The goalkeeper was one of the players of the
<br>season in Ligue 2 as he managed to only concede 22 goals in 34 matches,
<br>racking up an impressive 18 clean sheets. According to the Mirror, the
<br>25-year-old would cost the Hammers around £2 million, which would be cheap
<br>for a keeper who has the potential to get even better. Despite interest from
<br>numerous Championship clubs, Mendy and his team believe he is good enough to
<br>make a name for himself in the Premier League. Joe Hart has returned to
<br>Manchester City after his loan at the London Stadium and Adrian hasn't been
<br>in the best form when he's played for the club, leaving Pellegrini with a
<br>goalkeeping situation on his hands.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>INSIDER RUBBISHES THOMAS REPORTS
<br> Date: 24th May 2018 at 9:37am
<br>Written by: Guy Giles
<br>ForeverWestHam
<br>
<br>Reports suggesting Derby youngster Luke Thomas is set to become Manuel
<br>Pellegrini's first signing at West Ham are "not true whatsoever", according
<br>to a club insider. According to Gloucestershire Live the Hammers submitted a
<br>£1.2million bid for the Rams Young Player of the Year, with former club
<br>Cheltenham Town in line to receive a 15% sell-on fee for the 19-year-old.
<br>However, as reported by West Ham site Claret and Hugh, a club source has
<br>said that these claims are well wide of the mark as Pellegrini seeks his
<br>first Irons incoming. The source is quoted as saying this report was "not
<br>true whatsoever" amid this huge development.
<br>
<br>OPINION
<br>
<br>It had seemed like a deal for Thomas was close between the two clubs, with
<br>reports seemingly adamant that the Hammers had tabled a bid for the
<br>19-year-old. However, this club insider seems to think that is not the case,
<br>and Claret and Hugh are usually spot on with their information. This is not
<br>to say that the Hammers are not interested in Thomas, but they do not seem
<br>to be close to a deal for the youngster. So, the search goes on for
<br>Pellegrini's first signing, and fans will be hoping for a much bigger name
<br>to be Pellegrini's first incoming. The Chilean has spoken about the need to
<br>bring in four or five new players in the coming weeks, with several areas of
<br>the squad needing reinforcements. Defence in particular needs bolstering,
<br>with the Hammers conceding a joint league-high 68 goals in 2017/18, with
<br>midfield also an issue.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>PELLEGRINI AND THE BOARD - A LEAP OF TRUST?
<br> By Blind Hammer 24 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>Blind Hammer looks at Pellegrini's strategic relationship with the Board
<br>
<br>The excitement surrounding Pellegrini's appointment is approaching Messianic
<br>proportions. Sir Trevor Brooking is probably correct to introduce a note of
<br>caution and warn that patience may be required.
<br>
<br>Yet some excitement is certainly understandable. Pellegrini is the most high
<br>profile and successful Manager we have ever appointed.
<br>
<br>This excitement extends to the Board. From what we hear Pellegrini will have
<br>unprecedented control over Transfer Policy. In his first interview
<br>Pellegrini has already talked of the need to bring in 4-5 players. If this
<br>handover to Pellegrini is genuine it represents a remarkable volte face.
<br>This is in high contrast to their relationship with Allardyce, Bilic and
<br>Moyes. Instead of reserving some control they are leaping into a new level
<br>of trust and confidence.
<br>
<br>Whatever the complaints from supporters the numbers of Premier League
<br>Managers who genuinely control transfer policy are vanishingly small.
<br>Wenger's departure from Arsenal makes identifying such Managers even harder.
<br>It is clear, for example, that differences in transfer policy between Conte
<br>and the Chelsea Board is one of the biggest ongoing tensions at Stamford
<br>Bridge. Pochettino has poured pressure on Tottenham by suggesting his
<br>continued management may depend on how well Levy delivers his desired
<br>transfer targets. Pellegrini himself complained of Board interference with
<br>squad recruitment whilst at Real Madrid.
<br>
<br>Whilst Madrid recruitment was distorted by their desire to hoover up Global
<br>attacking talent, neglecting more mundane areas, most Boards interfere on
<br>economic grounds.
<br>
<br>Supporters rail against their Boards because of perceived penny pinching.
<br>The reality is slightly more complicated. There is also an underlying
<br>structural tension. Football managers come and go with alarming frequency.
<br>West Brom had 3 managers last season. West Ham had 2, as did Crystal Palace,
<br>Southampton, Watford, Stoke, Swansea, and Leicester. West Ham now has their
<br>third Manager in just over 6 months, as will Stoke, Swansea and Everton.
<br>Despite their FA Cup win Chelsea appear keen to make a change. Any logical
<br>analysis of this turnover indicates that allowing unfettered control over
<br>squad development invites problems. Manager A invest vast sums assembling
<br>his squad, only to see it fail. Manager B comes along and has a different
<br>view. He feels it is unbalanced. Both Manager A and Manager B and
<br>potentially even manager C have little interest in investing for the longer
<br>term, given their likely restricted tenure. They instead prioritise players
<br>who can perform immediately. This pressure tends to outweigh concerns about
<br>age and development. So players are recruited by Manager B and possibly
<br>Manager C on top of the players recruited by Manager A. Yet shifting on the
<br>failed earlier player investments may be far harder. The result are bloated
<br>squads with expensively acquired but unsuccessful players. These mistaken
<br>investments, often on high wages can prove difficult, if not impossible to
<br>move on. This problem explains why teams like Sunderland and Aston Villa,
<br>despite spending more than average, still managed to spiral into relegation.
<br>
<br>It could be argued that a Board which does not supervise transfer priorities
<br>fail in their duty. The existence of this tension is one of the biggest
<br>motivators for the Director of Football role. Yet if we are to credit the
<br>reports, this caution is precisely what the Board is prepared to jettison
<br>for a make or potentially break new relationship with Pellegrini.
<br>
<br>Starting out this new relationship will not be difficult. It is easy now to
<br>express trust and confidence with a Manager of his outstanding record.
<br>However this trust will come under immediate strain if Pellegrini is, for
<br>whatever reason, slow in delivering the sustained improvement we all crave.
<br>Whether the Board will honour their "hands off" approach then is much more
<br>uncertain.
<br>
<br>Of course Pellegrini has vast experience of dealing with Boards. Probably
<br>the most difficult was Malaga. Malaga has been quoted as a possible template
<br>for Pellegrini's new West Ham project. Yet this project ended in tears.
<br>
<br>Billionaire Oil Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani purchased Malaga in June 2010. He
<br>proceeded to invest millions bringing in top players. To oversee this
<br>investment he recruited Pellegrini in 2011 and allowed £80 million for his
<br>new Manager to recruit stars like Santiago Cazorla and Joris Mathijsen.
<br>Pellegrini duly delivered Champions League qualification for Malaga yet
<br>within a year the club was in what was described as financial meltdown. The
<br>expensively acquired players who had delivered success for Malaga were in
<br>turn then sold on. The reason for this was to "balance the books" and
<br>allegedly comply with FIFA Fair Play regulations. It was reported that the
<br>remaining players and Pellegrini himself were not paid for several months.
<br>
<br>Given the depth of Malaga's financial collapse some may question
<br>Pellegrini's financial acumen. Most commentators have though instead
<br>focussed on the reportedly capricious behaviour of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani
<br>who is alleged to have, in the end, only a paper thin commitment to Malaga.
<br>He is reported to have withdrawn funds because of unhappiness with local
<br>Political factors in the Costa Del sol. In the end the Malaga story probably
<br>warns us of the risks inherent in chasing an illusory pot of gold from an
<br>Oil Rich investor who does not have a history of emotional commitment to a
<br>club.
<br>Pellegrini was probably reassured by the history of Gold and Sullivan's long
<br>term support of West Ham. Whilst having far more limited resources they are
<br>far less likely to pull the more limited resources they can offer.
<br>
<br>We will wait to see whether this new trust can be sustained against the
<br>competitive rigours of the most difficult league in the world. It is a
<br>gamble, but for Sullivan, in particular, this is a gamble which he must feel
<br>he has little to risk losing. West Ham could never deliver the millions
<br>other clubs could offer. They could however offer unprecedented trust and
<br>control. This must have attractive Pellegrini. Sullivan must feel the hand
<br>of history judging his stewardship of West Ham. His stewardship has been
<br>blighted by controversy. In probably the boldest decision of his control he
<br>has made a make or break decision which could determine his legacy. It
<br>provides at least a chance for a historic positive heritage. For this to
<br>emerge may require patience from all, not least from all of us as fans.
<br>COYI
<br>
<br>David Griffith
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-79160989752508715542018-05-24T04:30:00.000+00:002018-05-24T04:31:06.269+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 24th May 2018Exclusive: Manuel Pellegrini's first interview as West Ham United manager
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is excited and energised by the prospect of returning to the Premier League to manage West Ham United. The experienced Chilean has been a success wherever he has been, winning trophies in four different countries, including the Premier League with Manchester City in 2014, and qualifying for continental competition in all but one of his 12 seasons in European football. Pellegrini, who has signed a three-year contract at London Stadium, arrived in east London on Monday to start work immediately on turning West Ham into one of English football's most exciting teams. On the 64-year-old's agenda are the appointment of his backroom staff, finalising the Club's pre-season plans and identifying and recruiting new players to bolster his squad. With the FIFA World Cup finals kicking-off in Russia next month and a shorter than normal summer transfer window, time is of the essence, but the calm and composed South American is confident the Hammers have time to do good business before the 2018/19 Premier League season gets underway in August.
<br>
<br>"We are going to start working today, first of all to prepare a good pre-season which is very important," Pellegrini confirmed. "After that, we will try to finish the squad as soon as we can, but I think we must be patient to find the right players with the amount of money that this club will spend this season. "So, we need to work with every day from now until the start of the season, because the time is a little bit short. But we have time and I am confident that, with hard work, we have enough time to build this squad."
<br>
<br>Having previously managed the likes of River Plate, Real Madrid and Manchester City, Pellegrini is well-versed in handling the expectations of large and passionate fanbases. And the man who led both Villarreal and Malaga to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League also has a reputation for getting the very best out of the players at his disposal. For those reasons, therefore, the Claret and Blue Army can feel confident and optimistic about the future under their new manager. "It's very important to be clear that we are starting a new project. Maybe as soon as you can reach important achievements it's better, but we need time. I think we need to start the new season going game by game and not trying to start with a target, because it's not easy. "Taking it game by game and with the players taking on and practising my ideas, I think we are going to be a good football team."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Hammer of the Year Arnautovic called-up by Austria
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Marko Arnautovic has been called-up by Austria for a trio of international friendly matches. The West Ham United forward, who is the most-experienced in Franco Foda's squad with 69 caps, will welcome Russia, Germany and Brazil in the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. While the Burchen themselves did not qualify, Arnautovic and company will play their part in helping the hosts and two of the pre-tournament favourites prepare for the competition. Russia will visit the Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck on Wednesday 30 May before Germany are welcomed to the Worthersee-Stadion in Klagenfurt on Saturday 2 May. The game will be shown live in the UK by BT Sport 2, with kick-off at 4.45pm. Finally, five-times World Cup winners Brazil will be the visitors to the Ernst Happel Stadion in Arnautovic's home city of Vienna on Sunday 10 May. With 19 goals, the 29-year-old is also the leading scorer in Foda's squad, with Bayern Munich's David Alaba the only other player to hit double figures with 12. The Hammer of the Year made his debut as long ago as October 2008, when he appeared as a substitute in a World Cup qualifying tie in the Faroe Islands. The No7 has fond memories of facing Russia, having tasted victory over the World Cup hosts in two UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. He has faced Germany three times, losing all three, but scoring once and assisting twice in those matches, and tackled Brazil once, but the South Americans ran out 2-1 winners in Vienna in November 2014. Austria missed out on qualification for the World Cup themselves, finishing fourth in a group that also contained qualifiers Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Wales.
<br>
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<br>Birthday boy Ogbonna recalls his favourite West Ham match
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>On the day he celebrates his 30th birthday, Angelo Ogbonna recalls his standout appearance in the Claret and Blue of West Ham United. Unsurprisingly, the Italy defender has selected the night he made the Boleyn Ground rock under the lights...
<br>
<br>The Build Up
<br>
<br>Ground, beating the Reds twice in the Premier League, 3-1 and 2-0. Liverpool's final visit to the Hammers' historic home of 112 years came in the Emirates FA Cup, however, in an epic fourth-round replay played on a clear, cold Tuesday night in February 2016. Eleven days previously, the Hammers had held Jurgen Klopp's side to a goalless draw in the initial tie, with goalkeeper Darren Randolph's man of the match performance earning the visitors a second bite of the cherry with a stupendous triple save from Christian Benteke and Joe Allen.
<br>
<br>"It was a big occasion," Ogbonna recalled. "We were thinking that when we played the first match, if we could have won away it would have been important for us. so when we drew we were a bit disappointed. But I remember thinking on the night that the opponents looked scared and there was no reason for us to fear them. "Before the game, the atmosphere inside the Boleyn Ground was unbelievable, which made us more comfortable. We said to ourselves, we have to go ahead and win! We knew we could beat Liverpool, because we had fantastic players who could keep the ball, like Dimitri Payet, and when you compared our players, we had a very high level and we knew we could win."
<br>
<br>The Match
<br>
<br>Slaven Bilic made three changes to his starting XI for the replay, replacing James Tomkins, Alex Song and Victor Moses with Joey O'Brien, Mark Noble and Michail Antonio. The manager also made a tactical switch from the five-man defence he deployed at Anfield to a flat back four, with Ogbonna partnering Winston Reid in the centre. Liverpool boss Klopp picked a team full of youngsters, aside from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, midfielder Lucas and forwards Benteke and Coutinho, while the likes of Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner were introduced from the bench. Unlike the original tie, the replay was a thriller. "It was a great game," Ogbonna confirmed. "There were many chances and I think the fans loved it!"
<br>
<br>Coutinho and Payet both hit the woodwork before Michail Antonio acrobatically volleyed West Ham into the lead on the stroke of half-time. Within three minutes of the restart, Coutinho levelled with a low free-kick, before Klopp introduced Origi and Sturridge on the hour-mark. Both sides traded chance after chance, with Enner Valencia being denied a clear penalty, but there were no further goals in eight added minutes and a further half-hour of extra time. With a penalty shootout looming large, however, Payet delivered a free-kick into the penalty area and Ogbonna rose above a forest of heads to send the ball arcing into Mignolet's top right-hand corner. The capacity Boleyn Ground crowd erupted, while the West Ham players formed a bundle on the pitch.
<br>
<br>The last-gasp goal sparked wild celebrations on the Boleyn Ground pitch
<br>
<br> "I was lucky because the ball came into that position and I said to myself 'I have to go and get it' and I got it!" the match-winner recalled, smiling as he remembered the moment. "The celebrations were fantastic. In that moment, it was so important for us, not just because of that game but because we had stayed together that season. The most important thing is the group, and it's important to be with your teammates when you achieve something. "For us, we were so happy for that moment and we all wanted to celebrate together, the players, the fans, everyone."
<br>
<br>The Reaction
<br>
<br>Unsurprisingly, the media were caught up in the euphoria of West Ham's dramatic victory. The Sun's Charlie Wyett described the atmosphere at the final whistle as 'terrific and, frankly, a bit bonkers', and the moment Ogbonna's header hit the back of the Liverpool net as 'spine-tingling'. In The Telegraph, Sam Wallace said the goal was 'the kind of moment that supporters remember for the rest of their lives'. Manager Slaven Bilic was caught up too, claiming in his post-match press conference that 'this will go down in history as one of the greatest nights, and greatest games, for our club'.
<br>
<br>Angelo Ogbonna
<br>✔
<br>@OgbonnaOfficial
<br>My graet Men ! ! ! @pedrombaobiang @payetdimitri27 <a href="http://ift.tt/1RnMMcc">http://ift.tt/1RnMMcc</a>
<br>2:42 AM - Feb 10, 2016
<br>748
<br>
<br>Ogbonna himself tweeted two photos, one of him celebrating his goal and a second from the dressing room, where he sat alongside a jubilant Payet and Pedro Obiang. The final word, of course, belongs to the man himself. "I've got a lot of photos and things from that game in my house," he revealed. "It will always be a great memory for me, scoring that beautiful goal in the last season at the Boleyn Ground. "Every time I see that goal, I say to myself 'That moment was unbelievable!'. I think it was really good, for sure my favourite moment in a West Ham shirt."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>'Heartbroken' James Collins to leave West Ham this summer
<br>By Nick Lustig
<br>Last Updated: 23/05/18 6:51pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>James Collins has confirmed he will be leaving West Ham this summer and says he is "heartbroken" by his exit from the club. The 34-year-old is coming to the end of his current contract and seemingly bid farewell to the Hammers fans following their final day 3-1 win over Everton earlier this month. Sky Sports News understands Collins was informed by the West Ham board over 10 days ago that it was unlikely he would be offered fresh terms to remain, but the final judgement would be made by the club's new manager Manuel Pellegrini. The former Wales international was omitted from West Ham's retained list which was sent to the Premier League on Saturday and he is now set to become the first player to leave since Pellegrini took charge.
<br>
<br>As it stands I will be leaving West Ham on June 30th... Heartbroken 💔
<br>A post shared by James Collins (@gingercollins19) on May 23, 2018 at 7:33am PDT
<br>
<br>In a post released on his official Instagram page, Collins said: "As it stands I will be leaving West Ham on June 30th... Heartbroken." Collins first joined West Ham from Cardiff in 2005 and spent four years at the club before leaving for Aston Villa. He returned in 2012 following West Ham's promotion back to the Premier League and has since spent the last six seasons with the east London side. Collins made 214 appearances during his two spells with West Ham.
<br>
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<br>Will Manuel Pellegrini be able to get West Ham playing attacking football?
<br>Last Updated: 22/05/18 5:06pm
<br>SSN
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini insists on playing attacking football but will he be able to transform West Ham? Adam Bate take a look at the veteran coach's credentials for the job and the challenges ahead...
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<br>"I always play attacking football."
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<br>That was the line from Manuel Pellegrini that will have West Ham supporters intrigued about the possibilities next season. The Chilean talked of playing "football that will delight the fans" and that is, of course, precisely what they will want to hear. The 64-year-old coach might not be the freshest of faces but he does come with considerable pedigree.
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<br>For instance, Pellegrini has already done something that neither West Ham as a club nor any of their previous managers have achieved - he has lifted the English title, one of only 10 coaches to do so in the Premier League era. His Manchester City side even scored 102 goals en route to winning that trophy during the 2013/14 season, his first in English football.
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<br>But if West Ham fans are wondering how transferable that achievement is to life at the London Stadium, it is worth remembering Pellegrini has demonstrated an ability to entertain everywhere he has been. After winning titles in Chile and Argentina, he succeeded in producing a plethora of attacking teams during his nine-year stay in Spain.
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<br>"He tries to keep the ball and his teams always play good," Pep Guardiola once said of his predecessor at City. "I would like to be like him. No matter which team he is training, his teams always play in the same way. So his fingerprints, his footprints, his trademark on his teams is always there. It happened at Villarreal, at Malaga and at Real Madrid."
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<br>This is what will be of more interest to David Sullivan. It's not necessarily his 96-point season with Real Madrid, a then record for the club as well as another 102-goal campaign. Instead, it is those top-four finishes with Villarreal and Malaga, clubs at which he showcased an ability to take teams to the next level - vastly improving the style of play in the process.
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<br>Malaga had finished only a point above the relegation zone prior to Pellegrini's appointment in the summer of 2010 with only Osasuna having a worse pass completion record. But aided by significant investment, he succeeded in transforming their approach. Malaga were among the top-six passers in La Liga for each of his three seasons at the helm.
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<br>That is the norm under Pellegrini. Every team that he has coached over the past decade, including, most recently, Hebei China Fortune, have ranked among that top six for passing. As Guardiola suggests, this is a coach with the ability to implement his own style. But that is an ability that will surely be tested to its limits at West Ham given their recent record.
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<br>Last season was a struggle. When David Moyes was appointed in November, his focus was on securing the club's Premier League status. Entertainment was not high on the agenda. In truth, but for a brief period in which Dimitri Payet flourished at Upton Park, it has seldom seemed a priority ever since Sam Allardyce took West Ham back up in 2012.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini revealed his wishlist of up to five players as he promised an attacking revolution at West Ham after being unveiled as the new boss. In each of the six seasons since their return to the top flight, the team has ranked among the bottom half of the table for both passing accuracy and possession. Even when they enjoyed relative success during Slaven Bilic's first season in charge, this was achieved through counter-attacking football rather than possession play.
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<br>Pellegrini will seek to do it differently. How feasible that is with the players currently at his disposal will be a matter for debate. No team in the Premier League conceded more goals than West Ham last season so there is work to do defensively and the midfield will need to be overhauled too. Keeping Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini will be important.
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<br>In his opening address to supporters, Pellegrini referred to bringing in "maybe another four or five players" but while those additions could well be enough to keep the club away from danger, they will need to be high quality to bring about the proposed style changes. Until there is more investment, former West Ham defender Tony Gale is remaining cautious.
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<br>"I will only be happy when West Ham release the funds to buy players because managers are only as good as the players they are working with," Tony Gale tells Sky Sports. "Let's hope this isn't a smokescreen by the West Ham board so that they don't have to buy players. There is a lot of money in those West Ham coffers and they need to spend it.
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<br>"They need major surgery to that football team in the region of £75m to £100m. Money attracts top players. I think they have to back up their position with Pellegrini by giving him that money to spend on players. The whole club needs a turnaround not just the manager and hopefully he is someone who has the experience to convince them of that."
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<br>Gale, part of the West Ham team that finished third in 1986, knows all about the club's tradition for playing attractive and entertaining football. That is what the West Ham owners are attempting to tap into once again with the appointment of Pellegrini. His record suggests he can deliver. West Ham's own record of late suggests that it will be easier said than done.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini's in-tray: what the new West Ham manager must tackle
<br>Jacob Steinberg
<br>The Guardian
<br>The 2014 Premier League winner with Manchester City has to stiffen the defence, rebalance the squad and handle controversial owners
<br>@JacobSteinberg
<br>Wed 23 May 2018 08.00 BST Last modified on Wed 23 May 2018 08.01 BST
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has said he wants to play football that will delight the fans but nobody will be smiling if West Ham's defending does not improve. David Moyes settled on a 3-4-2-1 system because he did not trust his ponderous side to function properly in a more open formation. Yet it was a stop-gap manoeuvre and West Ham still finished with the Premier League's joint-worst defensive record alongside relegated Stoke, conceding 68 goals. Pellegrini will need to sort out that weakness before thinking about a more expansive style. There have been too many humiliations in the past two seasons.
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<br>Adrián is the only senior goalkeeper, there is not enough energy in midfield or cover in defence, Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll are rarely fit, Moyes had nobody to play on the right wing, there is too much reliance on Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini and the bench was often filled by novices and free transfers last season. Pellegrini has spoken about making five signings but the squad requires more surgery. The question is how much money is available, though, and the Chilean will need to sell players. Sam Byram, Jordan Hugill and Reece Oxford, who is wanted by Borussia Mönchengladbach, could all go. Carroll and Javier Hernández should also be vulnerable.
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<br>Help to improve the club's recruitment
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<br>West Ham's signings since moving to London Stadium in 2016 have largely been underwhelming and that has led to David Sullivan, the club's influential co-owner, receiving a lot of criticism. However, Sullivan has handed Pellegrini control of transfers and West Ham are looking for a new head of recruitment. Málaga's Mario Husillos and Leicester City's Eduardo Macià are potential appointments and whoever comes in must implement a more focused scouting system. West Ham are crying out for greater youth and intensity.
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<br>Assess whether Oxford is worth keeping
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<br>The defender spent most of last season on loan at Mönchengladbach and has been a target for Red Bull Leipzig. Oxford enjoyed his time in Germany and was glad to return to the Bundesliga after being briefly recalled by Moyes over Christmas. Yet while Gladbach want to sign the 19-year-old in a £12m deal, Pellegrini should give a chance to a player who announced himself with a fine performance against Arsenal three years ago. Oxford is a versatile talent and although there have been doubts over his attitude, it is debatable whether West Ham should be willing to let one of their academy products leave.
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<br>Deal with an unpopular board
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<br>West Ham have struggled since leaving Upton Park and the board came in for fierce criticism during the home defeat by Burnley in March. With that in mind, perhaps Pellegrini's experience at Málaga will be relevant. The former Manchester City manager dealt with a difficult owner at La Rosaleda and kept his players onside when money dried up, so he might know how to handle Sullivan. Yet whether Pellegrini's appointment on a deal worth up to £7m a year represents value for money remains to be seen. The 64-year-old's predecessors were undermined in the transfer market. Having made a big statement, though, Sullivan has to back it up.
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<br>David Gold wants West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini to turn Ireland international Declan Rice into England player
<br>Gold confused the player's nationality while saying what he wants from Pellegrini
<br>Sports Staff
<br>The Independent Sport
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<br>West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has suggested that he wants new manager Manuel Pellegrini to develop Republic of Ireland international Declan Rice into an England player. Pellegrini was announced as David Moyes' successor on Tuesday, being made the third best paid manager in the Premier League in the process, on a three year contract. With such a pay-packet, coupled with the Hammers having one of the biggest wage bills in the league, there was some worry that West Ham's owners would be expected too much of their new boss.
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<br>Daniel Gabbidon ✔
<br>@Gabbidon35
<br> Ha ha! David Gold hoping Manuel Pellegrini will turn Declan Rice into and ENGLAND player... Already setting unrealistic targets! 😂😂😂
<br>10:51 AM - May 23, 2018 · Malmesbury, England
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<br>And it appears as though that is the case, with co-owner Gold telling talkSPORT his dreams for 19-year-old Rice, who made his debut for the club earlier this season. "I'm looking forward to the new manager turning Declan Rice into a strong English defender for the future of the England team," Gold told the radio station. The only problem with that is that Rice, who played 27 times last season, has represented the Republic of Ireland since under-16s and made his senior international debut in March this year, during a 1-0 win to Turkey.
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<br>Pellegrini poised to land first signing
<br>KUMb.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 23rd May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>West Ham are close to completing a deal for Derby County youngster Luke Thomas. Thomas, 19, was named as the Rams' Young Player of the Year last season but is set to complete a move to West Ham two years after joining the Championship club from Cheltenham Town. Having made his first team debut in a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers last November, Thomas went on to feature on one further occasion for County in the Championship - in a 3-0 win over Bolton last month. West Ham are understood to have had an offer in the region of £1.2million accepted by Derby, of which approximately £180,000 would go to the Robins due to a contractual clause entitling them to 15 per cent of any fee. Derby have deicded to cash in on Thomas having failed to reach the Championship play-off final; despite beating Fulham 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final, Fulham's 2-1 win in the return fixture saw the Cottagers proceed to Wembley at County's expense.
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<br>WEST HAM MUST MOVE FOR MAWSONFeatured Image
<br> Date: 23rd May 2018 at 7:00pm
<br>Written by: Dominic Toner
<br>Forever WesTHam
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<br>West Ham defender James Collins confirmed on Wednesday he is leaving at the end of the season and the club now need to move swiftly to find a replacement.
<br>The 34-year-old revealed on his official Instagram account that he will be exiting the London Stadium this summer when his contract expires. His exit has not gone down well with supporters after 217 appearances for the Hammers and manager Manuel Pellegrini now needs to look at bringing in a new centre-back option as soon as possible. West Ham have already been linked with a move for Alfie Mawson following Swansea's relegation from the Premier League and Pellegrini should step up the interest immediately. The Guardian reported that both West Ham and Southampton were interested in the enforcer and that he is likely to cost £20million. It is understood his value could have been much higher had an injury not ruined his World Cup hopes with England and if the Swans had stayed in the top flight. West Ham need to try wrap up a deal for Mawson quickly and he would be the sort of marquee addition that would be an excellent start to the Pellegrini era. The no-nonsense centre-back was the standout player for Swansea this season and has the quality to be a real force in the Premier League. He has an excellent range of passing that could see him slot in nicely to the Hammers backline and would be an improvement on their existing options. Mawson's £20million price tag looks an absolute bargain in today's market and the 24-year-old would help bring down the average age too.
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<br>WEST HAM SHOULD SWOOP FOR CANCELOFeatured Image
<br> Date: 23rd May 2018 at 5:37pm
<br>Written by: Dominic Toner
<br>Forever WesTHam
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<br>West Ham are set for a busy summer of spending under new manger Manuel Pellegrini and they should get things off with a bang by chasing Valencia defender Joao Cancelo. Co-owner David Gold confirmed that the Hammers are likely to enjoy a record-breaking window of spending this summer and they do need several top-class reinforcements to shoot up the table next season. One area they need to strengthen is at right-back, where they could do with a young option despite an impressive campaign from veteran Pablo Zabaleta. They should consider hijacking reported interest in Cancelo and he could be a brilliant long-term solution at the London Stadium. Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web reports that Wolves are keen on signing the 23-year-old, while Inter Milan are unlikely to activate a £30.7million release clause for him after his loan spell with them this season.
<br>West Ham should enter the running for the attack-minded right-back to improve their side, but it's unclear how much Valencia will demand for him. He is a right-sided flyer with brilliant pace and loves to bomb forward in attack, something that should fit Pellegrini's style of play well. The Portugal international has three goals in six caps for his nation and has the potential to develop into a real star. It would be a real sign of intent if West Ham manager to bring in a full-back of his quality, but it remains to be seen if Pellegrini will bring in high-profile player and splash huge amount of cash..
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<br>Why Manuel Pellegrini's work away from Real Madrid and Manchester City is what really counts for West Ham
<br>ES Football Newsletter
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<br>When West Ham's new manager Manuel Pellegrini was the coach of Real Madrid, the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso among 10 summer arrivals. The team finished his one season in the job in 2009-10 as runners-up to Barcelona. They lost in the Champions League's last-16 against Lyon. They were beaten 4-0 by Second Division Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey. So Pellegrini was sacked because he shouldn't possibly have failed with such an array of new talent at his disposal. What wasn't included in the justification for his axing was the fact that within weeks of his arrival at the Bernabeu, Real sold the Dutch pair Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder against his will. Of course, he will have known beforehand that the club's transfer policy would be run from above the dugout. And that it would largely consist of swapping one set of Galacticos for another. That didn't prevent him from arguing after his departure that for all the wonderful talent he had been given to work with, his squad was unbalanced. Or that the cause was the endless pursuit of new superstars to replace old ones.
<br>"They signed the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position," he said when later ruminating on his time in charge. "It's no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don't have a pianist."
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<br>He will not get to sign Galacticos at West Ham. He will not compete in the Champions League. He won't finish second in the league. But what must be significant for Hammers fans is that Pellegrini has shown such a public understanding of the need for any squad to be balanced. That is because West Ham's squad currently looks like the most flawed and impractical in the Premier League. What will also resonate is Pellegrini's regret that transfer dealings at Real were out of his control.
<br>The fervent suspicion among vast numbers of the supporters in east London is that co-owner David Sullivan has had a disproportionate and malign influence on recruitment.
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<br>This, they argue, is the reason for the unevenness of the squad and the failure of expensive signings like Andre Ayew during the first two troubled seasons at the club's new home. Along with Sullivan's fondness for public pronouncements and publicity, they want it to end. It may be just a perception in the stands that Sullivan dabbles too much. But it is just as important now - after forking out £10million a year to land such a high-profile manager - that West Ham prove they really have turned the corner. They can do this by ensuring that the four or five new arrivals he plans make sense, and address the need to improve the squad in every area in a constructive and thoughtful way. The time for what has appeared to be a scattergun, headline- driven approach to the transfer market is over.
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<br>Pellegrini certainly plays the kind of exciting, attacking football which can make life inside the soulless London Stadium more bearable for the fans. Players like Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio should relish his appointment. But the dramatic change required across the board at West Ham will not happen unless the strength, measure and quality of the squad is vastly improved. So the news that a top-level new head of recruitment is being sought must also encourage the supporters. The new manager may also be able to bring a sense of calm to a club which has made far too many uproarious column inches in recent times. Some may fear that Pellegrini's low-key demeanour suggests a willingness to accommodate the 'idiosyncrasies' of the boardroom. But he has 30 years' experience as a manager, and that must count most of all at West Ham now. At Manchester City, he restored order and success after the turbulent end to Roberto Mancini's reign. The Hammers could certainly do with a similar act now. However, it is not Pellegrini's title-winning work at City or his spell at Real which is important now. It is the work he did at smaller clubs like Villarreal and Malaga which is more significant for West Ham. True enough, during his five years at Villarreal he had players like Juan Roman Riquleme and Diego Forlan to work with - a notably higher calibre than he has inherited at West Ham. But it was still a fine achievement to reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2005-06. They also finished second in 2007-08 thanks to his ability to inspire attacking players and lift his teams by encouraging them to play on the front foot and express themselves.
<br>At Malaga he finished fourth in his first full season and then - despite a massive financial crisis which forced the sale of Santi Cazorla and Salomon Rondon in 2012 - he reached the last eight of the Champions League in 2013. Now West Ham need to match the standard of players Pellegrini worked with at Villarreal and Malaga if his appointment is to be worthwhile. Many supporters remain suspicious of the board's approach to spending; but the appointment of Pellegrini is certainly a big statement of intent. This can be a new beginning after the turmoil of the first two years away from Upton Park. But that is all it is for now - a beginning. One that must be followed up boldly, expansively and, yes, expensively.
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<br>World Cup 2018: Senegal captain Cheikhou Kouyate says squad is ready to make their country proud
<br>Senegal will make only their second World Cup appearance when they compete in Group H at next month's finals in Russia against Poland, Japan and Colombia
<br>The Independent Sport
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<br>Senegal's primary objective at the World Cup is to make their people proud and "write our own story", captain Cheikhou Kouyate told reporters as the squad began training in the beach resort of Saly-Portudal. Senegal will make only their second World Cup appearance when they compete in Group H at next month's finals in Russia against Poland, Japan and Colombia. Their previous appearance in 2002 saw them beat holders France in the opening game and go onto to become only the second African team to reach the quarter-finals. "The World Cup is a competition that takes place every four years and it is not given to everyone to take part," Kouyate said. "We have the chance now to participate and we will prepare well to please the Senegalese people. We want to write our own story. "We are going to play match by match, but the most important thing is to be ready on the day of the game," the West Ham United midfielder added. Senegal's preparations got off to a slow start with just seven players on hand for their first training session at the Diambars academy, some 80-kilometres from the capital Dakar, on Tuesday.
<br>However, they expect a full squad on Thursday, save for Sadio Mane, who plays for Liverpool in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday. "It is our brother who plays and although there are supporters of Real Madrid in our squad, for this final everyone supports Liverpool because we want Sadio to win this trophy," Kouyate added. "We hope he will do it because it will push us to try and win the World Cup."
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<br>WEST HAM RETAIN INTEREST IN FULHAM DUOFeatured Image
<br> Date: 23rd May 2018 at 3:17pm
<br>Written by: Guy Giles
<br>Forever WestHam
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<br>West Ham retain a heavy interest in Fulham duo Ryan Fredericks and Tom Cairney after the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager, according to the Evening Standard. The newspaper report that confirmation of Pellegrini as their next boss has not tempered the club's hunt for right-back Fredericks and attacking midfielder Cairney. The Standard claim that any potential moves will however depend on the outcome of Saturday's Championship play-off final, with Fulham set to face Aston Villa for a place in the Premier League next season.
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<br>Good move for West Ham?
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<br>A move for Fredericks makes perfect sense for the Hammers, with the jet-heeled flyer available on a free this summer. The 25-year-old speed demon would bring more dynamism to the right side of defence, which would suit Pellegrini's style of play, and that one looks to be a no-brainer.
<br>Cairney on the other hand is a different matter entirely, with the classy playmaker set to cost the Hammers a relatively large fee this summer. Previous reports suggested the 27-year-old Scotland international would cost around £20million, and there are surely other, less injury-prone players around who would be better options for the club at this point in time.
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<br>As the report states, the major issue here will be the result of the play-off final on Saturday. Should Fulham win that, then the likelihood will surely be that Fredericks and Cairney will stay at Craven Cottage. However, should Villa win, then both moves would very much be on the cards, with both players known to have designs on playing in the top-flight.
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<br>Jordan Hugill reportedly set for early West Ham exit, move a mistake for all
<br>HITC
<br>Olly Dawes
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<br>West Ham United are reportedly set to sell striker Jordan Hugill. West Ham United are set for a host of changes this summer, and The Times report that a host of players are primed for the exit after Manuel Pellegrini's arrival as manager. The Hammers are reportedly set to let Andy Carroll, Reece Burke, Edimilson Fernandes and Sam Byram leave the club this summer as Pellegrini pursues reinforcements, and Jordan Hugill is also on that list. Hugill, 25, only joined West Ham from Preston North End in January, with the Hammers paying £10m to land the centre forward (BBC Sport), but he could already be facing the exit door. A former non-league striker, Hugill hit 30 goals in 114 games for Preston and impressed in the Football League with his work rate and physical attributes, though technically there were always questions over his suitability for the Premier League. Since being snapped up by David Moyes, Hugill has remarkably played just 22 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham, and didn't feature at all in April or May. Now, it seems that Hugill – who is contracted with West Ham until the summer of 2022 – is now set to leave the London Stadium already, in a move which simply hasn't paid dividends for anybody. Hugill has barely featured and may be forced to up sticks again this summer, just months after heading down to London; West Ham may lose money on their January investment after barely using him, whilst Preston missed out on the Championship play-offs and may just feel that they could have got over the line with Hugill still in their squad. A move back to Preston is almost impossible due to the money now involved, but one of the Championship's big spenders may well be keen on Hugill, and it would appear that West Ham are ready to cut short the striker's stay in what has been a disastrous move.
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<br>Meet Jose Cabello - Manuel Pellegrini's trusted fitness coach set to join him in London
<br>The new manager has yet to name his backroom staff but he is set to bring his trusted sidekicks with him
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>14:00, 23 MAY 2018UPDATED14:09, 23 MAY 2018
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<br>New West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini looks set to bring another trusted lieutenant with him to the capital as he starts to shape his backroom team. The 64-year-old is expected to bring assistant manager Ruben Cousillas to join him as assistant manager at the London Stadium and football.london understands others who have worked with the manager for the last 12 years are set to follow suit. One of those is fitness coach Jose Cabello, who has been with Pellegrini since their days at Malaga. Former fitness coach at the Hammers, Nick Davies, departed the club in the wake of David Moyes leaving east London after a short six-month spell in the capital. Cabello is an important part of Pellegrini's set up and that is not expected to change. Upon taking charge at Manchester City, Pellegrini immediately stressed how important fitness is, saying: "The most important thing at the moment is the fitness and they're working very hard with Jose."
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<br>Cabello, 44, is known for his hard-working sessions where the Spaniard likes to consistently simulate playing conditions within his fitness regime at football clubs.
<br>Pellegrini and Cabello had the City players training three times a day when he first rocked up at the Etihad to whip them in to shape. West Ham were very unfit under Slaven Bilic, that improved a lot under Moyes but it's still not likely to be enough for Pellegrini and Cabello. In a sign of what could be to come, when City jetted off for a pre-season tour in 2013, Pellegrini said: "In terms of football, they're just playing small games of six or seven-a-side with one touch, but nothing more." Pellegrini has yet to announce his backroom staff at the Hammers after agreeing his contract at the London Stadium on Monday.
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<br>West Ham will not sign Yaya Toure this summer as Manuel Pellegrini targets Fulham duo and younger players
<br>KEN DYER
<br>ES Sport
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<br>West Ham will not be signing Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure this summer. The 35-year-old, who is a free agent, had been linked with a move to the club even before Manuel Pellegrini, his former boss at City, was announced as West Ham's new manager. The close links between the pair shortened the odds on the move happening, but it is understood West Ham have no interest in signing Toure. Pellegrini, who has said the club want to sign "four or five players" before the start of next season, is instead keen on attracting younger players with pace to the club. West Ham retain a strong interest in Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks and midfielder Tom Cairney but the outcome may depend on whether Fulham win promotion against Aston Villa on Saturday. The arrival of Pellegrini also means Javier Hernandez is likely to stay. The striker's opportunities were limited last season, as David Moyes employed just one striker most of the time. Pellegrini has favoured a more attacking style with previous clubs and looks likely to offer Hernandez more chances. One of the Chilean's first appointments is expected to be Ruben Cousillas as assistant manager. Another priority is finalising the appointment of a head of recruitment, with co-owner David Sullivan having promised to take a step back from being in charge of player signings. Favourite for the role is Eduardo Macia, who has been at Leicester since September 2016
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<br>West Ham EXCLUSIVE – 'We will spend more money this summer than in any previous window', says co-chairman David Gold
<br>Listen back to talkSPORT's exclusive interview with West Ham co-chairman David Gold
<br>By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
<br>Wednesday, May 23, 2018
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<br>West Ham co-chairman David Gold has promised fans the club will make another huge statement of intent in the summer transfer window following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini was unveiled as the new Hammers manager on Tuesday, with the arrival of a Premier League-winning boss seen as a big step toward the club's goal of competing for European football. There are reports the former Manchester City and Real Madrid boss will get £75million to spend to strengthen his squad, as West Ham look to improve on their 13th-place finish to the Premier League. And, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to talkSPORT host Jim White on Wednesday, Hammers chief Gold confirmed the boss will be given funds. "You can't put a figure on [what Pellegrini has to spend this summer] because you don't know the players who are going to leave, therefore that will add to the kitty, or wont, as it might be," he said. "What I can assure everybody is that we'll probably spend more money in this window than we've spent in any window in the past. "That bodes well for our intent and we must wait and see where it takes us."
<br>Pellegrini has already said he hopes to sign four or five new players this summer, and Gold has revealed the new boss is already hard at work in the transfer market. "He's working on it right now, that's his job, that's why he's been brought in," added the Hammers chief. "He's identified the positions he feels he needs to strengthen and it's up to him now to tell us the players and we'll do everything we can to bring them in."
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<br>F365 Says: Pellegrini needs more than protection money
<br>Date published: Wednesday 23rd May 2018 7:13
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<br>You would expect that the appointment of a former Real Madrid manager and Premier League title winner would get West Ham fans' pulses racing. But even David Sullivan appears to have recognised that suspicion rather than anticipation is the prevailing mood at the London Stadium.
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<br>"We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment," said Sullivan, somewhat more tentatively than many of his previous boasts. Pellegrini undoubtedly possesses the most impressive CV of the five managers Sullivan and David Gold have appointed, but the owners have certainly been made to pay a premium.
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<br>Pellegrini, 64, who since being moved aside by Manchester City has spent the last two years managing Hebei China Fortune in the CSL, reportedly returns to England as one of the Premier League's highest-paid managers.
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<br>The Independent suggests it took a £10million-a-year wage packet to tempt the Chilean to East London, while The Sun and The Mirror both report his salary as being closer to £7million. Even taking the lower figure, it puts Pellegrini on a par with Jurgen Klopp and in a higher bracket than Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.
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<br>It is the price Sullivan, Gold and Karren Brady have to pay for running what has apparently become 'the most dysfunctional club in the Premier League'. Rather than being the catalyst for a Champions League push, the London Stadium move has seen the Hammers sink from Europa League qualifiers to relegation candidates amid a series a protests by fans who have long since realised they have been taken for a ride.
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<br>Since those protests came to a head in March when the atmosphere at the former Olympic Stadium went from one of frustration straight to poison, the owners have at least offered the impression of contrition. That 3-0 defeat to Burnley and the aggro that ensued could well be the lowest point – the board certainly hope so – but three months on, despite the arrival of the club's highest-paid manager, there remains a gaping, unstable void in the West Ham foundations.
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<br>Any manager coming into the club would be smart to seek written assurances over what interference is permissible from above. Since he and Gold took control of the Hammers in 2010, Sullivan has not so much crossed the line but set up camp and moved in his family. Almost literally.
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<br>Sullivan is even listed as director of football in the club's accounts and though he denies holding such sway, the evidence suggests he most certainly does. Years after their Premier League rivals saw the benefit of investment in scouting and analytics, both in terms of performance and recruitment, the Hammers have persisted with a far more haphazard approach.
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<br>The team was unfit for purpose through the first half of the season while their transfer business has too often reflected the manner in which they conduct it. Their transfer committee consisted of Sullivan, Slaven Bilic and Tony Henry, who between them would rule over players mainly brought to them by agents. Sullivan says Bilic preferred older, proven Premier League players, while he wanted younger talent – "the next Mr Stones, who Everton got for £500,000". The now-departed Henry's preferences are well documented.
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<br>Between the hapless trio, there has been no plan, no continuity and no strategy. To David Moyes' credit, he tried to instigate change, despite there being no guarantee over him being around to reap the benefits.
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<br>"We've put together some plans," he said in February. "We are going to try to look at it slightly differently. I'm going to be heavily involved in the process, as will be the chairman. I've not seen a process here, so I'm going to try something.
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<br>"It's going to come a little bit away from the chairman," he continued. "The chairman is going to try to stand aside a bit from it." Three months later, the chairman stood aside from the door and pushed Moyes through.
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<br>Moyes had also identified the need to bridge the gap, or rather offer an added layer of insulation between the manager and the boardroom. "It could be a head of football operations, could be a head of recruitment, could be a director of football."
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<br>Sullivan said before Christmas that he was considering such an appointment. "There's one very good one in the Premier League," he told The Guardian in December. "I would seriously think about taking him on in due course and I know he would come because he's approached me."
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<br>Whether that man is Eduardo Macia, Leicester's head of recruitment who has been linked with the Hammers, we can only guess. But with Pellegrini targeting "four or five" players this summer, the new manager does not have time to waste while Sullivan clings on to his power.
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<br>Pellegrini has worked for an over-zealous boss before in Florentino Perez at Real Madrid. The manager was presented with the finest players – Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso – but they finished his only season at the Bernabeu potless because, as Pellegrini put it: "I didn't have a voice or a vote at Madrid."
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<br>"They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position," he continued. "It's no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don't have a pianist. Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won't be able to do it so well. Perez sold players that I considered important. We didn't win the Champions League because we didn't have a squad properly structured to be able to win it."
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<br>Pellegrini will have a say at the London Stadium, but so too in the past have Sullivan's kids. The new manager needs a buffer in place because until a director of football is appointed, he remains too exposed to the circus that has overseen relegation scraps when the publicly stated ambition upon moving home was the top six and "to feel like a big club… not a tinpot club". Pellegrini cannot realistically make inroads on either target until West Ham make an appointment even more crucial than his own.
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<br>West Ham to sell four to raise funds, Byram & Fernandes included
<br>By Josh Challies - May 23, 2018 0
<br>Forever WestHam
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<br>West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager and their focus will now shift towards the transfer market. The Hammers have struggled to excel with additions during recent seasons and will hope that the experienced Chilean boss will lead the club to better fortunes. However, with funds restricted, the club are ready to offload a number of players to raise the figures that Pellegrini has to splash in the market. The Times reports West Ham are prepared to offload four players in the transfer market – Sam Byram, Edimilson Fernandes, Jordan Hugill and Andy Carroll. Byram has managed just 247 minutes of Premier League football for the Hammers since signing from Leeds but Fernandes is perhaps a surprise, given he's still just 22 and is highly-regarded.
<br>Meanwhile, Hugill has barely featured since signing from Preston in January, and was reportedly only signed in case the Hammers were relegated, while Carroll fell out of favour during David Moyes' tenure and has struggled with regular injury issues.
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<br>The 4 West Ham players set to thrive under Manuel Pellegrini's attacking philosophy
<br>The Chilean has a reputation for attacking football and three players should feel the benefit of his management
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>08:03, 23 MAY 2018
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini is West Ham's new manager in an appointment that has gone down very well indeed with the fans and it should be good news for the players as well. The Chilean has penned a three-year deal worth up to £7m a year to take charge at the London Stadium, taking over from David Moyes who left the club last week. It's straight down to business for 64-year-old, who is expected to be handed a transfer warchest to perform a radical overhaul of a squad that narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League last season and has struggled over the past two campaigns. There will be incomings and probably some outgoings too, but what about the players likely to stay that could thrive under the new manager?
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<br>Manuel Lanzini
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<br>Pellegrini has a superb track record with developing and nurturing creative and attacking midfielders and that is something Lanzini should absolutely thrive on.
<br>The Chilean worked wonders with the likes of David Silva at Man City, Isco at Malaga, Samir Nasri at City and Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal. Lanzini is the creative force of West Ham and if he plays well, the team plays well. The Argentine had a strong end to the 2017/18 campaign after struggling with injuries.
<br>Discussions over a new contract for Lanzini to bring him in line with the loikes of Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez and others have yet to get underway but the appointment of his fellow South American could hopefully accelerate those. Pellegrini's tactics like to play the ball through midfield, allowing someone like Lanzini to get a lot of touches of the ball to be creative and do damamge. His assist numbers should rocket under the Chilean.
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<br>Michail Antonio
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<br>Providing he can get back fit and stay fit, Antonio should be a player to benefit from the appointment of Pellegrini. Antonio is probably the quickest player in the Hammers ranks alongside Arthur Masuaku and the attacking style of the Chilean also relies on pacy wingers to deliver crosses into the box, Jesus Navas at Man City benefited from Pellegrini. With Manuel Lanzini ideally being the creative fulcrum of the team, he can get the ball in the pocket between midfield and defence and look to the wings for his widemen before continuing a run into the box. Pellegrini often plays with a rigid midfield four but they are pressed high up the pitch, not sitting back deep and narrow like we saw the three-man midfield do under David Moyes.
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<br>Arthur Masuaku
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<br>Same as with Antonio, the quick wide man should flourish under Pellegrini and don't be surprised to him pushed into a left midfield role rather than a left back or left wing-back position. One thing Masuaku will certainly have to work on is his crossing and delivery from wide areas, it's too haphazard. He is one of the most skillful players in the squad, electric with the ball at his feet and has the ability to beat a defender with ease. In a midfield four, Masuaku will be needed to ensure width is always there on the left hand side, we have often seen him hug the touchline under Moyes and will need to do the same with Pellegrini. The prospect of Masuaku improving his delivery with low balls into the box for a waiting poacher is quite tantalising. Speaking of which...
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<br>Javier Hernandez
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<br>The Mexican striker didn't get much of a look in last season, particularly when Moyes was in charge but he should be handed a new lease of life under Pellegrini.
<br>Much like Lanzini, the appointment of a fellow South American should be ideal for Chicharito, who will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder next season. Pacy wingers who can deliver low into the box with quality should be absolutely ideal for Hernandez, who obviously is at his best in the 18-yard box. Running in behind as well with Lanzini dropping dimes to him in behind the defence is a mouthwatering prospect. Javier Hernandez is world class when he is played to his strengths and Pellegrini's tactics really do suit him down to the ground.
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<br>Redknapp: Duo would have been better than new West Ham boss Pellegrini
<br>HITC
<br>Will Butcher
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<br>West Ham have appointed Manuel Pellegrini as David Moyes' successor. Former West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp has told BBC Sport, as quoted by the Evening Standard, that he believes the Hammers should have appointed one of two other managers instead of Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini, 64, was appointed as Hammers boss on a three-year deal earlier this week, after the club decided not to offer David Moyes a new deal at the London Stadium. Plenty of names were linked with a move to east London, including the likes of Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez, Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and many more. However, the Hammers opted to go with former Manchester City boss Pellegrini, but Redknapp reckons the club should have considered Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe or Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche. "I don't see it as an exciting appointment, I've got to be honest," Redknapp said. "West Ham's a fantastic club, but see if they can poach Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche. "There's some great young managers in the country who, if given the opportunity, could do the job, but they don't get the opportunities."
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<br>Dyche excelled at Turf Moor with Burnley this season, pushing himself into contention as manager of the season by guiding the Clarets into seventh place, qualifying for the Europa League. Meanwhile, Howe continues to keep Bournemouth afloat in the Premier League, finishing in a respectable 12th place with 44 points from their 38 top-tier matches. However, the Hammers have opted to go with experience, plucking Pellegrini from Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune.
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<br>Pellegrini to land Cousillas a first West Ham addition
<br>By Josh Challies - May 23, 2018 0
<br><a href="http://WestHamWorld.co.uk">WestHamWorld.co.uk</a>
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<br>West Ham are set to enter a new era following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini on a three-year deal at the London Stadium. The former Manchester City boss has plenty of work ahead of him this summer to rebuild his side and has reportedly decided on his first addition, bringing in someone to join the backroom staff.
<br>The Daily Express states Pellegrini will bring in Ruben Cousillas as his assistant with the Hammers, reuniting with a loyal colleague from his experienced career.
<br>Pellegrini has worked alongside Cousillas at River Plate, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga – and the pair are set to join together again at the London Stadium.
<br>Cousillas will join as Pellegrini's first appointment to the backroom team and others are likely to follow in the coming weeks, while the club will also focus their attention on the transfer market.
<br>The Hammers are reportedly eyeing a new central defender, central midfielder, striker and goalkeeper in the summer window to improve their ranks.
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<br>PELLEGRINI GOALKEEPING CONUNDRUM, COULD BE SOLVED WITH TROTTFeatured Image
<br>Date: 23rd May 2018 at 7:00am
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>ForeverWestHam
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<br>One of the first West Ham conundrums Manuel Pellegrini must solve is the club's goalkeeping issues that surfaced in the latest campaign, and the solution could already be at the club. The former Manchester City manager was confirmed to be David Moyes' successor of the club on Tuesday morning, via the Hammers' official Twitter account, and there's lot of problems for him to fix this summer ahead of the new season. One of these problems is the club's goalkeeping situation as neither Joe Hart or Adrian covered themselves in glory on a regular basis in the last campaign. In fact the pair contributed to the club conceding 68 goals in 38 league games and both should suffer the consequences this season. While Hart isn't set to be at the London Stadium for the next campaign, as he was only on loan for one season from Man City, the veteran goalkeeper will no doubt be punished by finding it difficult to get a new club. Adrian, however, looks like staying around and while he has been impressive in the past, letting 31 goals go flying past him in 22 games last season, proved that the 31-year-old isn't the right solution or a long-term fix. Therefore it seems likely that Pellegrini will dive into the transfer market to sign a new goalkeeper, however he shouldn't be so quick to, as the Hammers have a hidden gem of keeper in the form of Nathan Trott. The 19-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2020 according to their official site, has never been afforded a first-team opportunity despite his glowing reputation proceeding him. Trott has featured for England's U-20s and is regarded as having a lot of potential, as the shot-stopper is clearly among his country's best for his age. The teenage gem has regularly featured for the Hammers' set-up, playing 21 times for the U-23s in the Premier League 2 in the latest campaign, and it shouldn't be assumed that he might not be ready. The promising talent tweeted, via his personal Twitter account, shortly after the experienced manager was confirmed as the Hammers' new boss with a simply tweet using a fingers crossed emoiji, implying that he perhaps believes he's ready for his side's first-team.
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<br>At the very least the young promising goalkeeper is hopeful for a chance and why shouldn't Pellegrini hand him one? The veteran manager has all of pre-season to test the goalkeeper out and he will be pleasantly surprise with what he sees, and it would be a quicker solution to his goalkeeping conundrum if the solution was already at the club. Therefore even though Trott has never previously featured for West Ham's senior team, unleashing the unseen gem, who is hoping for a chance based on his social media post, would swiftly see Pellegrini's goalkeeping issues at the club be no more.
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<br>Could Eduardo Macia appointment see Fernando Torres join West Ham?
<br>HITC
<br>Danny Owen
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<br>Eduardo Macia brought Fernando Torres to Premier League giants Liverpool from Atletico Madrid and now he is set to work with Pellegrini at West Ham United.
<br>Manuel Pellegrini has signed a three-year deal to become the new West Ham United manager and the Chilean is not waiting around to get his backroom staff in place. Sky Italia reports that his former Malaga midfielder Enzo Maresca is set to be announced as the Hammers' assistant coach, while Football London has stated that Pellegrini wants Eduardo Macia to follow him to the London Stadium in a director of football role. Macia is an experienced talent-spotter who is currently working at Leicester City. But one signing he made during his time with Liverpool is what he is perhaps best known for in England – the £20 million deal for Atletico Madrid star Fernando Torres back in 2007. According to Marca, Macia was responsible for convincing Torres to leave his boyhood club; something many teams before had tried and failed to do. But, 11 years on, what are the chances of Macia making contact with El Nino again? Torres will be a very high-profile free agent this summer with his second spell at Atletico Madrid coming to an end in dream fashion, via a Europa League title and two goals on his farewell appearance against Eibar in La Liga. Clearly, Torres has still got that touch of class, even if the speed and relentless goal-scoring of his Anfield peak have been left in the past. So, even on a free, he would be a real big-name signing for a West Ham side who could do with a striker, particularly with Pellegrini stressing his commitment to attacking football upon his official unveiling. Can Macia work his magic again?
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<br>Report: West Ham to give Pellegrini £75m to spend; Tarkowski wanted
<br>HITC
<br>Jordan Harris
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<br>West Ham United are reportedly planning to back new manager Manuel Pellegrini with plenty of funds to spend. According to a report from the Daily Mirror, West Ham are planning to back Manuel Pellegrini with a £75 million transfer kitty this summer, with Burnley defender James Tarkowski one of the men that the new Hammers boss is planning to target during the upcoming window. Pellegrini's appointment as David Moyes' successor was confirmed this week, and the Irons hierarchy appear to be determined to ensure that they find themselves in nothing like the trouble that Moyes eventually led them away from this past season.
<br>The Mirror reports that West Ham are expected to hand Pellegrini £75 million to spend, with the Hammers planning to sell Jordan Hugill this summer, while Michail Antonio and Winston Reid could also depart during the coming months. The Mirror hints that strengthening the centre-back options appears to be an important part of Pellegrini's plans as both Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle and Tarkowski are on the club's radar after both impressed for their respective sides this past year.
<br>Like many of the Burnley squad, Tarkowski probably went into this past campaign not getting the credit he deserved. But after helping the Clarets secure European football for next season - an achievement that has led to the centre-back making his England debut and earning a place on Gareth Southgate's standby list for the World Cup - it appears that Burnley's rivals are starting to sit up and take notice. He would arguably be a fantastic addition to West Ham's options this summer, but with Burnley securing a massive fee from Everton for Michael Keane last summer, the Hammers should perhaps not expect the Clarets to make it easy for Pellegrini to bag Tarkowski's signature, especially now that Sean Dyche needs to put together a squad that can also manage a Europa League campaign.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Who is Eduardo Macia? The director of football who could change West Ham with Manuel Pellegrini
<br>The Hammers are reportedly lining up a summer raid for the Leicester City man
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>08:53, 23 MAY 2018
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<br>West Ham have announced Manuel Pellegrini as their fifth manager in eight years. But there will be more change than just a new manager arriving at the club this summer as Hammers co-owner David Sullivan is keen to appoint a director of football to work alongside the Chilean and help transform the club after two seasons of struggle in the Premier League. The name heavily mentioned with taking of a director of football role to help out Sullivan with the day-to-day running of the club and to have a hand in transfer strategy is Eduardo Macia, who is currently at Leicester City in a recruitment chief role. football.london understands that Pellegrini has indicated to Sullivan that he wants Macia to join him in the capital and that the co-chairman has agreed to pursue the Spaniard and endeavour to bring him to the capital.
<br>Sullivan said earlier this year that he will step back from the transfer side of the operation after failed attempts to bring in William Carvalho and Leander Dendoncker, both moves collapsed in a very public way. Sullivan also fired disgraced former head of recruitment Tony Henry after alleged racist remarks regarding African players back in February. But what do we know about Macia? Here's everything you need to know about the man who, along with Pellegrini, could spark the start of a revolution at West Ham.
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<br>Who is he?
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<br>Eduardo Macia is a retired footballer who has been the Head of Senior Player Recruitment at Leicester City since September 2016. The Foxes moved for the 43-year-old to strengthen their recruitment department after the exit of Steve Walsh, who joined Everton as director of football in July 2016.
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<br>Which clubs has he worked with in the past?
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<br>Quite a few. Starting out in La Liga as a scout for Valencia he held a position there for a year before following Rafa Benitez to Liverpool where he was the chief scout until December 2010. Following a spell in England, Macia then became the technical director at Olympiacos and then held a similar position with Serie A outfit Fiorentina. He would have another chief scouting role with Viola before leaving in 2015 and then became the director of football at Real Betis, only to leave a year later for a position with the Foxes.
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<br>What's been said about him?
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<br>Prior to joining City from Sevilla last summer, Vicente Iborra explained the key role Eduardo Macia played. "Eduardo Macia convinced me. He came to find me with his aides and made me feel important within their project," the midfielder said, as reported by Sport Witness. "He's been at Valencia, Betis, Fiorentina and Benitez's Liverpool, and someone important who knows English football well."
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<br>What players has he been credited with for signing?
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<br>Do the names Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt or Raheem Sterling ring a bell? Well, Macia is said to be responsible for those signings during his time at Liverpool. While at Fiorentina he signed over 20 players including ex-Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Stefan Savic, Giuseppe Rossi and Alberto Aquilani. Furthermore, he also oversaw the arrivals of talented players such as German Pezzella and Petros at Betis as well as the return of the legendary Joaquin.
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-91702552130973702062018-05-23T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-23T04:30:19.256+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 23rd may 2018Pellegrini: I am excited about the West Ham project
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has outlined his philosophy to turn West Ham United into an exciting, winning team after being appointed Hammers manager. The Chilean, who has become West Ham's 17th permanent manager on a three-year contract, spoke of his vision for a team which will enthuse the Claret and Blue Army throughout his tenure. Speaking for the first time following his appointment, Pellegrini said he felt wanted by the Hammers and outlined his ambitions for a successful future which he shares with Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and the Club's supporters. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, and I always say the same thing, is the best league in the world, and especially because I come here to West Ham because every time I spoke with the owner Mister Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," said the 64-year-old, whose track record throughout a 30-year managerial career is truly outstanding. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this Club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
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<br>Pellegrini has lifted trophies on two difference continents and led Manchester City to the Premier League title in his first season in English football in 2013/14, scoring a record 151 goals across all competitions in the process. Prior to that, he enjoyed a storied playing career in his homeland and led Spanish sides Villarreal and Malaga to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages and managed La Liga giants Real Madrid. After a successful two-year spell in Chinese football, Pellegrini has returned to Europe, where he enjoyed almost unrivalled success during 12 seasons managing some of Spain and England's biggest clubs.
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<br>Now, the Santiago-born coach's only focus is on improving West Ham's standing in the Premier League – a competition he labelled the 'best in the world'. "I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
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<br>Meet 'The Engineer' – Who is West Ham United's new manager?
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United have appointed one of the finest managerial minds in Premier League history in Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to the title in his first season in English football and ended his three-year spell with the Sky Blues with a 61.4% win percentage – the fifth-highest in the competition's 25-year existence. But Pellegrini's outstanding record in the Premier League is just one of the reasons West Ham supporters are so excited about his appointment as the Club's 17th permanent manager. Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti's football life began 45 years ago in 1973, when he embarked on a one-club playing career in his home city of Santiago with Universidad de Chile – the same institution from which he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1979. A centre-back, Pellegrini the player made 451 appearances for La U between 1973 and 1986, winning the Copa Chile in 1979, and was good enough to earn 28 caps for his country.
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<br>After hanging up his boots, Pellegrini the coach began life with Universidad before making his name in club management in his homeland in the 1990s, taking charge of Palestino, O'Higgins and Universidad Catolica and winning the Copa Interamericana and Copa Chile with the latter. Pellegrini moved across border to Bolivia to manage LDU Quito, leading Los Azucenas to the Serie A title and the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores – South America's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League – in 1999, where they were eliminated on penalties by Argentinian giants River Plate. That run brought the talented manager to the attention of the continent's biggest clubs and he would move to Buenos Aires in 2001, first with San Lorenzo and, the following year, River Plate.
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<br>In 2004, Pellegrini crossed the Atlantic Ocean to join Spanish side Villarreal, where he took a club which had been in the top flight for just five seasons in their history into Europe in five straight seasons, and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on their very first appearance in the competition in 2005/06.
<br>A club from a city with just 50,000 inhabitants, The Yellow Submarine became known the world over for their bright-coloured shirts and the outstanding team Pellegrini moulded, including the likes of Juan Roman Riquelme, Diego Forlan, Marcos Senna and future West Ham striker Guillermo Franco. In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed Real Madrid manager, signing Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso in the months which followed. Under the Chilean, Real amassed a then-record 96 points in La Liga. Pellegrini's next challenge saw him take over Malaga, leading the club to a record-high fourth in the table in 2011/12 and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in his final season in charge.
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<br>Those achievements, among his many others, saw Manchester City move to bring Pellegrini to the Premier League in 2013, and he responded by winning the title in his first season. With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko scoring freely, City netted more than 150 goals in all competitions on their way to winning the Premier League and League Cup. Over the next two seasons, Pellegrini's City finished in the top four and reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, adding a second League Cup in 2016. Two years ago, the South American embarked on a new adventure in the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune in the city of Langfang in north eastern China. There, he led a club which was only formed in 2010 to fourth in the table last season.
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<br>Ten things you probably didn't know about Manuel Pellegrini
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as West Ham United's new manager, becoming the 17th permanent boss in the Club's illustrious history. The 64-year-old brings a wealth of experience to London Stadium. Here are ten facts about the Chilean that you may not be aware of:
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<br>1) He was a one-club player
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<br>A defender during his playing days, Manuel Pellegrini signed for Club Universidad de Chile in 1973, having spent his time as a youth player with Audax Italiano.
<br>Pellegrini would spend his entire playing career with Universidad de Chile, making a total of 451 appearances for the side, scoring seven goals in that period.
<br>Pellegrini says he made the decision to retire in 1986 because a young Ivan Zamorano beat him to the ball in a duel in a Copa Chile contest, although had he known the player Zamorano would become, "I might not have quit so soon".
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<br>2) Why Pellegrini is called 'The Engineer'
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<br>It's not just a nickname given to the manager because of his preferred style of football. Manuel Pellegrini actually has a degree in Civil Engineering, having graduated with a degree from the Pontifical Catholic University in Chile. Pellegrini has put that degree to good use, too. In 1985, earthquakes in central Chile had damaged a large number of buildings, and Pellegrini put his knowledge to work by helping with the rebuilding.
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<br>3) He's a Champions League semi-finalist
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<br>Pellegrini made his first move into coaching in Europe in 2004, when he joined Villarreal, and it took him less than two seasons to guide the side to the Champions League semi-finals. The 2005/06 campaign saw the Chilean's side make it to the last four of the European competition, only to lose out to Arsenal by one goal.
<br>In the 2012/13 season Pellegrini also took Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals, losing out to Borussia Dortmund to a last-minute goal. This achievement means Pellegrini is the only manager to take two different teams to the Champions League quarter-finals, or further, in their debut season in the competition.
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<br>4) He's won four league titles in three different countries
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<br>Pellegrini's managerial career has seen the Chilean coach in his native country, Ecuador, Argentina, Spain, England and China. He has claimed league titles in three of those nations. The first came in Ecuador, when the 64-year-old guided LDU Quto to the Primera Categoría Serie A in 1999. Next, Pellegrini would find success in Argentina, as the coach led both San Lorenzo and River Plate to victories in the Primera División, winning the league title twice in three years. Most recently, Pellegrini took Manchester City to their second Premier League title, winning the English top flight in the 2013/14 season. Overall, the Chilean has won ten trophies as a manager across his clubs.
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<br>5) He was Real Madrid manager when Cristiano Ronaldo was signed
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<br>In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed manager of Spanish giants Real Madrid. With the Chilean at the helm, Madrid went on a recruitment spree that would help the side return to the top of European football. Kaka was brought in from AC Milan, Karim Benzema was signed from Lyon, and Xabi Alonso returned to Spain from Liverpool. The pinnacle of the transfer activity, however, was the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, for a then-world record transfer fee. The Portuguese superstar has gone on to break numerous records for Real Madrid, winning four of his five Ballon d'Ors with the side while also becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer.
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<br>6) Pellegrini set points records with both Real Madrid and Malaga
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<br>Pellegrini would spend one year with Real Madrid, missing out on the La Liga title by three points in that only season, but the Chilean's Spanish side set a club points record in that time. In that 2009/10 campaign, Real Madrid collected 96 points, the most the Spanish side had ever achieved up to that point. Pellegrini would repeat the feat in his next job, with Malaga. In his first full season with the team, the manager took the club to fourth-place in La Liga, earning 58 points.
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<br>7) The first Chilean manager in Premier League history
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<br>Manchester City confirmed Pellegrini's arrival in England in 2013, with the coach taking over from Roberto Mancini at the Premier League side. With the appointment, Pellegrini became the first ever Chilean manager to take charge of a Premier League side, while also being only the fourth coach South America to manage in the division. The other three were Luiz Felipe Scolari, Osvaldo Ardiles and Mauricio Pochettino prior to Pellegrini joining City.
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<br>8) The only non-European coach to win the Premier League
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<br>On the final day of his first season with Manchester City, Pellegrini's team claimed the Premier League title, securing their second trophy of the campaign. At the time, that result saw Pellegrini became the first coach from outside Europe to lift the top title in the English game. It's a record that still stands, with Portuguese, Italian and Spanish coaches winning the Premier League since
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<br>9) Four-time Manager of the Month winner
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<br>During his three years with Manchester City, Manuel Pellegrini claimed four Manager of the Month awards. Two came in quick succession for the Chilean, with Pellegrini being awarded the December 2013 and January 2014 awards after his side won eight of their nine league games in the two months.
<br>Another followed in December 2014 for five wins out of six in the Premier League, while the final one came after four wins out of four in the first month of the 2015/16 campaign. Pellegrini is tied with the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino with four, with only 11 managers in Premier League history claiming more.
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<br>10) He has the seventh-best win record in Premier League history
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<br>Statistically, only six managers in Premier League history have claimed a higher percentage of wins in their matches than Pellegrini. The new West Ham boss has claimed wins in 61.4% of his 114 matches in charge in the English top flight, and when he departed Manchester City in 2016 his win record sat at the fifth highest ever in the Premier League. Since then, Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola have achieved slightly better records at Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but Pellegrini still sits in a more than respectable seventh in the rankings, with only the named duo and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho above him and active in the Premier League.
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<br>Pellegrini is #17
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United FC. The 64-year-old Chilean, who was last in the Premier League with Manchester City has signed a three-year deal to lead the Hammers into the 2020s. And he was welcomed to West Ham by co-chairman David Sullivan, who told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>: "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him.
<br>"It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
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<br>Pellegrini becomes the club's 17th full-time manager - the 10th since KUMB first went online 21 years ago.
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<br>New home shirt revealed?
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>West Ham fans were given a taste of the 2018/19 home kit this morning when new manager Manuel Pellegrini was pictured with what appears to be the club's new replica shirt.
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<br>The 64-year-old Chilean was officially unveiled as West Ham United's new manager this morning, having signed a three-year contract with the club. And deliberately intended or otherwise, he gave Hammers fans a cheeky glimpse of what is thought to be the club's new replica home shirt when posing for one stock image - as you can see above. Emblazoned with the nickname 'Irons', the new shirt appears to follow the new Umbro template as seen below with the new Everton shirt. West Ham United's 2018/19 home kit is expected to be unveiled sometime next month.
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<br>Pellegrini wants 'delightful' football
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>Pele may have brought the beautiful game to the world, but new West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to entertain Hammers fans with delightful football! Whilst the fayre offered by the Hammers last season could in no way be described as o jogo bonito, the club's new manager wants to bring entertaining football to the masses.
<br>Speaking in his first interview since accepting West Ham's offer, Pellegrini insisted that he wants to bring attacking football to east London - with European qualification an immediate target - adding that he wants to introduce "four or five" new signings during the summer transfer window. "West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans," he told the club's website. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
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<br>Pellegrini also revealed that he was delighted to be returning to England, where he won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, is the best league in the world," he added. "And because every time I spoke with Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me."
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini needs funds to improve West Ham squad, says Tony Gale
<br>By Sam Johnston
<br>Last Updated: 22/05/18 9:54am
<br>SSN
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<br>West Ham need to provide Manuel Pellegrini with a transfer budget big enough to significantly improve the squad if his appointment is to be a success, according to Tony Gale. Manuel Pellegrini's appointment will only be successful if West Ham back it up with investment in their playing squad, according to Tony Gale. The Hammers announced Pellegrini's return to the Premier League on Tuesday morning after the Chilean signed a three-year contract. Pellegrini will become the highest-paid manager in the club's history. It is understood he will receive around £7m a year, although he will be taking a significant pay cut having earned around £16m a year in China. "I'll only be happy when West Ham release the funds to buy players because I think managers are only as good as the players that they're dealing with," Gale said. "I just hope this isn't a smokescreen by the West Ham board to sign a 'profile manager', so that they don't have to buy players.
<br>"Okay, he's going to become the highest paid West Ham manager in history but there's lots of money in the West Ham coffers and they need to spend it as well."
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<br>Pellegrini, who won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013-14, has spent the past two years with Hebei China Fortune. He inherits a side which finished a turbulent Premier League campaign 13th, having flirted with relegation up until the final weeks of the season. Slaven Bilic was dismissed in November with the Hammers in the bottom three, before David Moyes was brought in to steady the ship. Moyes achieved his target of steering the east London club to safety, but the way he did it was not deemed enough for the West Ham board to offer him an extension. Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini carried much of the attacking load under Moyes and Gale is adamant his former club must hang on to their star performers, as well as adding new faces. "What they've got to do is not sell their best players," Gale said. "The likes of Lanzini and Arnautovic to maybe fund the surgery of the team. They need to add to those good players. Hopefully, the signing of Pellegrini will make sure that those players stay there."
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<br>A BIG WEST HAM WELCOME TO MANUEL PELLEGRINI
<br> By Iain Dale 22 May 2018 at 09:02
<br>WTID
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<br>It was announced at 8am that Manuel Pelligrini is our new manager. I cannot believe there is any West Ham fan that won't want to join us all on this site in welcoming him to the club. He's a quality manager with a superb track record. Yes he's proved to be quite an expensive acquisition but if you want quality you have to pay for it. We know he plays the type of football we like and it will be interesting to see who he recruits in the next couple of months.
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<br>Announcing the signing on WHUFC.com, Co-chairman David Sullivan said…
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<br>"I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him. It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
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<br>Given some of the managers we have endured in our recent history, this really is a move towards the so-called 'next level'. But let's have a bit of patience. It wll take a bit of time for him to bed in and get the players he wants. If we finish in the top half next season, that would be a result. We cannot expect instant success. So let's get behind our new manager and wish him well.
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<br>And it's not often that this is said, but well done to David Sullivan. He's played a blinder here.
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<br>WHO TO KEEP AND WHO TO SELL?
<br> By Tony Hanna 22 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
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<br>I am writing this week's article assuming Manuel Pellegrini will be announced within the next few days as the new manager of West Ham United. If rumours are to be believed the new man will get around a 60m transfer kitty plus any incoming monies from player sales to spend on new arrivals. Some fans have called for a mass clear out within the squad but I doubt very much whether that will happen – at least to the degree some might wish for. Others, like myself, can see the validity of moving on a more manageable number of players and here are my thoughts on which ones we should keep and which ones we should move on. It is all hypothetical so feel free to agree or disagree. When the window shuts prior to the first game of the season I will follow up this article with one that critiques the present views.
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<br>Goalkeepers
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<br>I would keep Adrian. It will depend on the full transfer kitty available whether there is value in paying 20-30m for a new keeper when there are much greater priorities with regard to strengthening the team. We will definitely have to spend some dosh on at least an understudy unless Pellegrini identifies a good loan or a free transfer move in the market. Despite Hart enjoying some of his best years under Pellegrini at City, it would be a huge surprise if his loan deal at the Hammers was renewed by his old boss. Youngster Trott will inevitably be kept as third choice.
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<br>Defenders
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<br>Zabaletta still has one year to go on his contract. He is another player who played in Man City's title win under Pellegrini. It makes little sense to sell at this point of time as even if the manager wants to sign a first choice right back, Zab would make a great back up – keep. I doubt any West Ham fan wants the club to sell Rice but there may be quite a few that would move Reid on given his injury record. However, with a lucrative long term contract in his pocket I doubt very much that he is going anywhere, but we did manage to move both Fonte and Ayew to pastures new in the last window so never say never! I would sell – if the opportunity arose. Players who have hamstring problems, especially later in their careers, will spend more time in "physio room" than on the pitch. Antonio, who will feature later in this article is another player who falls into this category. Ogbonna had an excellent season and will be a keep for me. There is a lot of sentiment for James Collins at the moment and quite rightly so. On a small contract with bonuses for appearances, I would – keep. Based on tweets from ex players in the past few days though, confirming Ginge was let go, I doubt he will be in the equation for next season. Cresswell is an interesting one. He has been poor at full back in recent times but can deliver a good cross and free kick. Since moving next to Ogbonna in a back three he has performed much better and he does seem to have built a good understanding with Masuaku. I am on the fence a bit with "Cressy" but I have my suspicions that the new boss may want to play four at the back and on that basis I would – sell. On to Masuaku and before his indiscretion at Wigan he was fast becoming a fan favourite. Arthur had been in most fans top three picks for HOTY at the time. We missed his drive forward for six matches but he is no left back either and if he is to remain a first team regular under Pellegrini it would probably be as a left sided midfielder – keep. Byram comes under the Reid and Antonio banner – sell.
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<br>Midfielders
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<br>Noble will not be sold but if Pellegrini spends big on two quality midfielders it could relegate Mark to becoming a fringe player. It will be interesting to see how this situation pans out. Kouyate was one of the first names on the team sheet a few seasons ago but since Payet's departure his performances have become inconsistent and erratic. There is no doubt he still has the engine but whether he has the ball control and skills required in a Pellegrini midfield is doubtful. There is still a good fee to be had so – sell. Pellegrini's arrival will almost certainly whet the appetite of fellow South American Lanzini. In an advanced role behind Arnautovic, and when fully fit, it is an exciting combination. Keep. Mario's loan deal is now over and if we can get the player on another loan deal, or buy at around 20-25m I would – buy. Young Fernandes is another who missed much of the season with injury. We did see what a good player he could become in the match at home to Southampton, but there have been too many other games where he has not delivered. He still makes a good squad player – keep. Obiang is another who has had injury problems over the past two seasons. Fit and at his best he is ok, but is he really at the level we need to be if we want to become a top ten team? I doubt it –sell. Antonio is bordering on the midfield or the striker section. I was excited with his arrival from Forest after seeing his rampaging runs, tearing apart Championship defences. We have seen some cameos of the same at West Ham but too often he has been played out of position. Right back or right wing back exposes his defensive weaknesses and whilst he scares the death out of centre backs when he has played as a striker, his finishing and final ball options are often poor. He reminds me a bit of Ayew in that – 'what really is his best position' – and for me it is wide right of an attacking three and I doubt we will ever play that formation. Given he would command a good fee and taking into consideration his hamstring problems –sell. Robert Snodgrass has been on loan at Aston Villa and I would be surprised if West Ham knocked back any acceptable offer considering certain unwise twitter comments that were made public earlier on in the season. Sell.
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<br>Forwards This will be interesting! Arnautovic, our top scorer and HOTY is an obvious keep. I doubt too many will disagree. Hugill is one of the strangest signings since Savio. Good judges I know who have actually seen him play more than late substitution roles tell me his control and first touch is to put it mildly, not that good. Perhaps he was a security blanket signing should we have got relegated, I don't know. Whatever we can get for him – sell. Now to the two players who will probably cause the most disagreement between our readers. Andy Carroll. We all know his injury record and we all know how good he can be at his best. The much maligned striker only has one more year of what was initially a very lucrative contract to run. He will be a free agent after this next season and I would suggest any suiter's would have to cough up around 10-15m should they want to buy during this summer window. This really is one I am on the fence with but at a push I would – keep. Hernandez is probably one that will divide opinions even more. Right from day one I was one of the few that doubted he would be a success at West Ham. I wrote the same in an article at the time and even made bets with fellow fans that he would not achieve goal targets. Yet some fans believe he is the best striker we have had in years and it was down to Moyes and Bilic not playing him in the right position or system that saw him have a season he would like to forget. In reality, in today's PL is he ever going to be anything more than a super sub? That is what football is often all about – opinions. My opinion is –sell. I doubt either Carroll or Hernandez will be happy at the thought that they probably won't be automatic starters next season. It was doubted that the latter would stay at the club because of this and he would push for a move but under Pellegrini I think it more likely that AC may be sold and Hernandez be assured of more game time. I watched a youtube clip of Pellegrini the other day and he stated that he believed that there were three things he needed to install in the players minds at clubs he managed. One of those things was to make all players in the squad realise and accept that they all had an important role in the team, even if they weren't being selected. All the players need to believe in a common goal, where everyone feels important. The video is below.
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<br>Youngsters Oxford and Burke are ones where I would grab any reasonable fee we can. The former's attitude appears to be a problem and the latter needs to be moved on for the good of his own career in my opinion. Cullen, Haksabanovic, Browne and Quina will most likely be given more time as squad players and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Samuelson and Martinez. In my "sell" choices there are only two players who played regularly in the second half of the season, Cresswell and Kouyate and I would imagine we would get around 30m for the pair. Senior players who either spent too much time on the bench or in the physio room could command up to 65m. They were Reid, Obiang, Antonio and Hernandez. Out on loan player Snodgrass may fetch 10m. Fringe players and youngsters in Byram, Hugill, Oxford and Burke could possibly collect 25m. I doubt all those players mentioned would be moved on, but if they were Pellegrini's 60m transfer kitty would be bolstered to around 190m to buy around eight or nine new players. Considering that I would imagine we would also still be looking for a few loan deals and possibly some "frees", I reckon our new manager has got a good platform from which to work from.
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<br>West Ham transfer news: Insider reveals one player who will be at the club next season
<br>WEST HAM boss Manuel Pellegrini won't sell Javier Hernandez this summer, according to a club insider.
<br>By JACK WILSON
<br>PUBLISHED: 18:15, Tue, May 22, 2018 | UPDATED: 18:23, Tue, May 22, 2018
<br>Daily Express
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<br>West Ham transfer news: Javier Hernandez won't be sold by Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers completed the £16million signing of Hernandez from German club Bayer Leverkusen last summer, handing him a three-year contract. But it was a season to forget for the Mexican with 12 of his 28 appearances coming from the bench. It's led to questions over his future but those may have been put to bed by respected Twitter in-the-know @ExWHUemployee. Asked whether Hernandez was staying, @ExWHUemployee replied: "Yes apparently he will do as he wants to make him in important player for us." Pellegrini has targeted "four or five" signings to launch a blueprint of attacking football at West Ham. The former Manchester City manager has signed a three-year deal as West Ham boss, succeeding David Moyes at the Hammers' helm. Now the 64-year-old will set to work on dragging West Ham back up the Premier League table, following this season's 13th-place finish. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season," said Pellegrini. "So I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team. "I am excited about this project. I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season."
<br>Former Manchester United boss Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic in November and led the Hammers away from the relegation zone to a 13th-place Premier League finish. But West Ham's board quickly opted not to retain the Scot's services, and have now installed Pellegrini instead. The Hammers' new Chilean boss led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2014, with the Citizens blasting a record 151 goals in all competitions that season. Pellegrini believes he shares a common vision for West Ham's future with the club's joint chairman David Sullivan. "Every time I spoke with the owner Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," Pellegrini told West Ham's official club website. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. "We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
<br>Pellegrini left Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and Sullivan has hailed his appointment in east London. "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United, he is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him," said Sullivan in a West Ham statement. "It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding - not only of the teams and players we face - but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious; we hope they agree it is an exciting appointment."
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<br>Why West Ham star Manuel Lanzini should be delighted at Manuel Pellegrini's arrival
<br>The Chilean boss is renowned for developing creative and attacking midfielders - just like Lanzini
<br>Football London
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>16:22, 22 MAY 2018UPDATED16:33, 22 MAY 2018
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<br>West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini should be thrilled at the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the new West Ham manager more than any other player as it gives him a chance to really flourish. The Argentine star is currently celebrating his richly-deserved call-up for his national team's World Cup squad for the tournament in Russia this summer but has yet to agree a new contract in east London. Lanzini is under contract in the capital until 2020 but is not on the same pay scale as the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez or even Andy Carroll. football.london understands that talks between the player and his representatives are likely to be of great priority this summer and throughout the season to try and tie him down long-term to the Hammers. If he needed any encouragement to sit down with the top brass to negotiate a new deal then seeing Manuel Pellegrini on the training ground at Rush Green every day should be the perfect tonic for the 25-year-old. Pellegrini has a great track record with getting the best out of creative, attacking midfielders such as Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal, Isco at Malaga and David Silva at Manchester City to name but a few.
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<br>With another Argentine in the shape of the mercurial Riquelme when the duo were together at the Yellow Submarine, Pellegrini allowed the midfielder to not track back and thus save his energy for the final third of the pitch where he could do the most damage. Riquelme was allowed a certain leniency off the pitch as well but the player took it a bit too far before a very public fallout in 2007.
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<br>Riquleme became the hipsters midfielder back in those days, the Argentine flair coupled with an eye for goal, he topped the assists charts in La Liga in 2006 and bagged 12 goals to boot, he was happy-go-lucky, charming, almost innocent in a way before he got too big for his boots and Pellegrini snapped, banishing him from the team. By that time though, Riquelme was one of the best of the planet.
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<br>At Malaga, Pellegrini has Isco under his wing, with the manager saying he has "great affection" for the Spaniard having mentored him through the early stages of his career at Malaga before the big move to Real Madrid arrived for the midfielder.
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<br>Pellegrini had rescued Isco from the Valencia reserves, brought him back to his hometown and allowed him to flourish. Back in 2013, Isco said of the Chilean: "He's been my footballing father and I know that he likes me and, for me, of course I would like to continue with him because he's given me all the confidence in the world." Pellegrini had left for the Etihad but Isco went to the Bernabeu instead.
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<br>At Malaga though, Isco made an immediate impact and won the prestigious Golden Boy award for the game's most promising young player in 2012. He stepped up further after Santi Cazorla departed for Arsenal, leading Malaga to the last eight of the Champions League and struck 12 goals. At Manchester City, David Silva was viewed as the player to bring the X-Factor the Etihad, with the Spaniard saying in 2014: "It's been really good for me. He's suited me down to the ground. "My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He's helped me develop as a player. You always want to improve as an individual."
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<br>Pelelgrini said that Silva, who arrived in Manchester in 2010 from Valencia, was a "gift" to English football. Pellegrini was the man who allowed Silva to essentially play with unlimited freedom to simply cause havoc wherever he was on the pitch and in a similar way to Riquelme and Isco, also allowed them to diminish some of their defensive responsibilities.
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<br>David Moyes lambasted Lanzini after the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the London Stadium for shirking defensively, which is not the Argentine's game. While he is going to be allowed to get away with murder under Pellegrini, Lanzini will be able to do more of what he does best - sit in the pocket between the opposition defence and the Hammers midfield and create chances.
<br>
<br>If the 24-year-old is allowed to play his natural game, which he should under Pellegrini, it's a tantalising prospect for West Ham fans. They already know "The Jewel" is crucial to the teams success but we may see his game develop even more under "The Engineer" in east London.
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<br>West Ham United wanting Phil Foden should encourage Martin Samuelsen to leave
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
<br>
<br>West Ham United midfielder Martin Samuelsen has now reached an age where he needs to be playing regularly. According to a report in the Daily Mirror, West Ham United are planning to sign Manchester City's Phil Foden and that should tell Martin Samuelsen that he needs to depart. West Ham are reportedly keen on bringing Foden to London Stadium on loan, with Manuel Pellegrini eager to use his past contacts at City. And those transfer plans look like terrible news for Samuelsen's chances of breaking into West Ham's first-team. The Norwegian international has been one of West Ham's more promising performers at youth level in recent times, but his performances at senior level have been questionable. Samuelsen was sent out on loan to Burton Albion last season, and he was unable to hold down a place in their first-team. And if West Ham are now turning to 18-year-old attacking midfielders on loan ahead of him, then the omens do not appear good for Samuelsen back at the London Stadium either. Foden would simply be another obstacle in Samuelsen's pathway to West Ham's starting line-up, and it may be best that the attacking midfielder moves on now, as he has reached the age of 21 and needs to be playing regularly to aid his development.
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<br>How Yaya Toure could spearhead Pellegrini's attacking philosophy at West Ham
<br>HITC
<br>Jamie Watts
<br>
<br>Having appointed Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United, here is why the club should pursue Yaya Toure to usher in a progressive footballing era. West Ham United have today confirmed the appointment of former Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini on a three-year deal (Sky Sports News), ushering in, what fans will hope, is a new era of progressive and attacking football at the London Stadium. Chairman David Sullivan has emphasised the ambition to play attacking football and believes the Chilean is the right man to shake things up. First comes new recruitment, and the priority signing is staring the club in the face.
<br>
<br>West Ham United
<br>✔
<br>@WestHamUtd
<br>Replying to @WestHamUtd
<br>It's official... <a href="https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/may/22-may/manuel-pellegrini-confirmed-west-ham-united-manager#2zZlvKfCJvDEdTXB.99">https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/may/22-may/manuel-pellegrini-confirmed-west-ham-united-manager#2zZlvKfCJvDEdTXB.99</a> …
<br>8:06 AM - May 22, 2018
<br>Manuel Pellegrini confirmed as West Ham United manager
<br>West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the Club's new First Team Manager.
<br><a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>
<br>4,444
<br>2,641 people are talking about this
<br>
<br>Three-time Premier League winner and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure should unquestionably be on the Hammers' wish-list this summer as the marquee signing, with the Ivorian having decided to part ways with his beloved club after eight years. The veteran midfielder may not be the player of 2013 anymore - having scored 20 goals en route to lifting the league title under Pellegrini - but he still possesses elite quality and, placed alongside industrious midfielders like Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, his creative play and exceptional vision would keep West Ham ticking over and dominating possession in ways they have not seen in recent years. Toure is essentially the perfect player to spearhead a shift in philosophy, representing exactly what Pellegrini expects from his sides and, more so, his experience would assist in the translation of the manager's ideas onto the pitch. The 35-year-old may have been on a staggering £220,000-a-week at the Etihad (via Spotrac), but he surely cannot expect to continue earning that kind of money these days, and especially not in England. The chance to become the main man for West Ham and to be reunited with a beloved manager is surely an incredibly attractive prospect for Toure also.
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<br>Arnautovic is proving to be Payet's ideal replacement at West Ham
<br>Alex Caple
<br>
<br>Payet was incredibly difficult to replace but Arnautovic can give West Ham United what they never got from the Frenchman. Dimitri Payet lit up West Ham United during his 18-month stay with the club, demonstrating the ability that rarely gets seen outside of England's top six. Payet had carved out a decent reputation for himself in France, but his explosion in the Premier League came out of nowhere. He was, after all, an £11million 28-year-old with roughly a dozen France caps and signed without competition. He was brilliant, exciting and charismatic in his football until it fell away. He may have been the star at West Ham but he did not settle long enough, nor show the right attitude, to have the team built around him properly, robbing the club of an opportunity to get the most from their find. Marko Arnautovic's £20million signing from Stoke City was relatively similar; the Austrian arrived as a 28-year-old with a good but not great reputation and, much like Payet, was known for an attitude that teams could be sure to see both good and bad from. His slow start to the season originally made the switch look like a mistake but his second-half turnaround saw Arnautovic named 'Hammer of the Year' as well as become the first West Ham player to reach 11 Premier League goals in over a decade. He has quickly developed into a player the team can truly rely upon, not just game by game, but long term, too. Arnautovic recently talked about his development over the season, crediting both the fans and former manager David Moyes. "First of all, I want to apologise for the first three months!" he said. "I tried to work hard and give everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything. Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Those are the words of someone West Ham can build a team around. He wants to be there, he wants to improve, and he is ready to acknowledge where he went wrong. The Hammers attacker may not quite generate the excitement or wow-factor of Payet, but Arnautovic is giving West Ham something far more important - an opportunity to progress.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini chooses Enzo Maresca as West Ham assistant
<br>HITC
<br>Danny Owen
<br>
<br>Former West Brom ace Enzo Maresca is heading back to England with Premier League outfit West Ham United. Two years after being shoved out by Manchester City to make way for Pep Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini has returned to English football. The 64-year-old has been announced as the successor to David Moyes at the London Stadium, signing a three-year contract worth up to £10 million a year which makes him one of the best paid managers in English football, according to the Evening Standard. And it seems that Pellegrini has already chosen his assistant.
<br>According to Sky Italia, Enzo Maresca will follow the Chilean to the English capital – a man Pellegrini knows very well. The Italian, now 38 years of age, spent the 2011/12 season under Pellegrini at Malaga, scoring nine goals in 19 games as the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history after finishing fourth in La Liga. Maresca also played for Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla during a lengthy playing career and, strangely enough, started his professional journey at West Brom back in 1998. The former midfielder worked as an assistant coach at Sevilla recently alongside the now-deaprted Vincenzo Montella. Second coach of Sevilla FC Enzo Maresca (L) abd Head Coach of Sevilla FC Vincenzo Montella looks on during the training session prior to their UEFA Champions League match against Bayern... And obviously Pellegrini saw a sharp tactical mind in Maresca during their time together at Malaga because it seems that he is set to return to England, 18 years after he left West Brom for Juventus.
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<br>Simon Jordan suggests West Ham as future destination for Brendan Rodgers
<br>HITC
<br>Subhankar Mondal
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<br>West Ham United have just appointed a new manager, but could Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers be at the London club in the future? Arsenal? Tottenham Hotspur? Chelsea? According to former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, it is West Ham United that would suit former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who is currently in charge of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. According to a report in The Daily Star in April, Chelsea and Arsenal have been looking at Celtic boss Rodgers. The Times recently asked the former Swansea City boss about a potential move to Tottenham in the future, while rock and roll legend, Sir Rod Stewart, suggested to talkSPORT in February that he would be great for Spurs when manager Mauricio Pochettino leaves. According to former Palace chairman Jordan, it is West Ham that would suit Rodgers.
<br>Jordan said on the Kick Off show on talkSPORT on Monday evening (9:43pm, May 21, 2018) while discussing Rodgers's future: "I think he could suit Arsenal, but I think Brendan's style is probably a little bit samey as Arsene Wenger and not enough of a departure. "I could see Brendan at West Ham. I could see Brendan at West Ham because I think his philosophy of football would appease the fans. His management-style, he would be able to handle Gold and Sullivan and keep them at arm's length. And I think also he has got enough cache to be able to bring players in."
<br>
<br>Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has just been appointed as the West Ham manager and Rodgers is not going to leave Celtic anytime soon, but Jordan's comments are quite interesting and intriguing. Leaving Celtic for West Ham would probably be a step down for Rodgers, but it would give him the chance to return to the Premier League. The Hammers are an ambitious club, and the former Liverpool boss could relish the challenge of pushing them into the Premier League's elite. However, for now, Celtic fans should not worry about losing Rodgers, while West Ham supporters should look forward to life under Pellegrini.
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<br>West Ham could pull off superb deal signing Lukasz Fabianski
<br>HITC
<br>Jordan Harris
<br>
<br>West Ham United are amongst the group of Premier League sides interested in signing Lukasz Fabianski during the summer. Amongst the key issues that Manuel Pellegrini must address in his West Ham squad during the coming weeks is the goalkeeper situation at the London Stadium with Joe Hart returning to Manchester City following a disappointing loan spell and Adrian struggling to prove that he was the kind of number one that the Hammers could rely on. No team in the Premier League conceded more goals than the Irons this past season. And while it would be incredibly unfair to simply blame Hart and Adrian as the defence also let the pair down at times, signing a new number one needs to be right near the top of Pellegrini's list of priorities following his arrival. It appears that one of the names that the Hammers are considering is Swansea City stopper Lukasz Fabianski. The Guardian reported last week that West Ham had joined Newcastle, Watford and Crystal Palace in the race to sign the Poland international who looks set to leave the Liberty Stadium following the club's relegation. The Guardian adds that Swansea are likely to want around £5 million for the 33-year-old who has one year left on his deal with the club. It is perhaps a steep outlay for a player who may be edging towards the twilight of his career and does not have long left on his contract, but it could arguably prove to be a superb piece of business for West Ham if they manage to win the race. Fabianski has been one of Swansea's best players over the last few years and arguably has to be considered one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the Premier League this past year. His reliability and consistency could make him the perfect addition to a West Ham side that has a lot of ability at the back. And with Fabianski perhaps able to carry on playing for a number of years yet, it is difficult to think of many better players that the Hammers could get for £5 million - especially when you consider how much their goalkeeping situation has been an Achilles heel for the club this past year.
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-68688390325186930292018-05-22T07:08:00.000+00:002018-05-22T07:09:03.535+00:00Daily WHUFC News - PellegriniManuel Pellegrini confirmed as West Ham United manager
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Manuel
<br>Pellegrini as the Club's new First Team Manager. The former Villarreal, Real
<br>Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City boss - a Premier League title winner and
<br>Champions League semi-finalist - has signed a three-year contract at London
<br>Stadium after leaving Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune.
<br>Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "I am delighted to welcome Manuel
<br>Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected
<br>football coaches and we look forward to working with him. "It was important
<br>that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier
<br>League, who already has an understanding - not only of the teams and players
<br>we face - but of West Ham United and our ambitions.
<br>"Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out
<br>of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium
<br>as well as improving the current squad. "Above all, he is a winner, who
<br>knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to
<br>continue that success. Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a
<br>Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality
<br>and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is
<br>successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We
<br>hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. "Manuel will shortly announce
<br>the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to
<br>shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
<br>
<br>Chilean Pellegrini returns to England just two years after leaving
<br>Manchester City, where he enjoyed the fifth highest win percentage in
<br>Premier League history during his three years in charge, and arguably helped
<br>lay the foundations for the stunning success subsequently enjoyed under Pep
<br>Guardiola, having signed the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and
<br>Nicolas Otamendi in 2015
<br>
<br>In a magnificent debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium in 2013/14, Pellegrini
<br>led City to Premier League glory, becoming the first coach from outside of
<br>Europe to win the title, and also lifted the League Cup in the same season.
<br>City finished that campaign having scored 151 goals in all competitions -
<br>still an English record.
<br>
<br>Pellegrini won another League Cup in his final season in Manchester, before
<br>making way for Guardiola in the summer of 2016. For the past two years,
<br>Pellegrini has been in charge of Chinese Super League club Hebei China
<br>Fortune, but recently stated his strong motivation to return to the Premier
<br>League if the right opportunity came along.
<br>
<br>The 64-year-old's managerial career stretches back 30 years to his early
<br>days coaching in his native Chile and then Argentina, where he managed the
<br>mighty River Plate in 2002/03, before heading to Europe a year later. In his
<br>first season in Spain with Villarreal, he led the club to Champions League
<br>qualification after finishing third in La Liga, and repeated the feat in his
<br>first full year with Malaga in 2012 - reaching the competition for the first
<br>time in their history.
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<br>West Ham: Manuel Pellegrini named new manager at London Stadium
<br>By Simon Stone
<br>BBC Sport
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini has been appointed West Ham manager on a three-year deal.
<br>The 64-year-old former Manchester City and Real Madrid manager flew in for
<br>talks after leaving his job with Hebei China Fortune over the weekend. Final
<br>negotiations were concluded on Monday night, allowing Pellegrini to return
<br>to the Premier League. He succeeds David Moyes, who was released at the end
<br>of his contract after guiding the Hammers to a 13th place finish. Chilean
<br>Pellegrini will be joined at London Stadium by assistant Ruben Cousillas.
<br>
<br>West Ham had explored the possibility of hiring Newcastle United manager
<br>Rafael Benitez but quickly concluded it would be hugely difficult for the
<br>Spaniard to leave St James' Park. Pellegrini, who was on a huge contract in
<br>China, has agreed to take a pay cut but it is anticipated he will become the
<br>highest paid manager in West Ham's history. Chairman David Sullivan had
<br>previously said he intended to hire someone who had experience at the
<br>highest level. He will hope Pellegrini, who won the 2013-14 Premier League
<br>title and two EFL Cups during his three years at Manchester City, in
<br>addition to qualifying the club for the Champions League semi-finals for the
<br>only time in their history, can bring some stability to West Ham. The club
<br>have experienced huge problems during their first two seasons after leaving
<br>their legendary home at Upton Park.
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini's Premier League record
<br>Club Season Win % Points per game
<br>Man City 2013-14 71.1% 2.26
<br>Man City 2014-15 63.2% 2.08
<br>Man City 2015-16 50.0% 1.74
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-21583498287747145142018-05-22T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-22T04:30:33.802+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 22nd May 2018Lanzini selected for Argentina's World Cup squad
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has been named in Argentina's final 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup tournament in Russia. The 25-year-old has made three appearances for the Argentinian side since his debut last year, scoring his first goal for his nation in a 2-0 win over Italy in March. The No.10's performance have clearly been enough to Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli, who has included the Hammer in his squad for the World Cup finals, which are due to begin on June 15. Argentina have been drawn in Group D for this summer's competition, and will take on Iceland on Saturday 16 June, Croatia on June 21, and Nigeria in their group closer on June 26. Lanzini played 29 times in all competitions for West Ham this season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists, including two excellent finishes in our final match of the season at home to Everton.
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<br>Haksabanovic selected for Montenegro friendly internationals
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Sead Haksabanovic has been named in the Montenegro squad for international friendly matches with Bosnia & Herzegovina and Slovenia. The talented attacking midfielder has been named in Ljubisa Tumbakovic's 29-man selection for the two end-of-season fixtures, which will be played in Zenica on Monday 28 May and Podgorica on Saturday 2 June respectively. Montenegro will be seeking to end the 2017/18 campaign on a high after narrowly missing out on a place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification Play-Offs, finishing third in Group E behind Poland and Denmark. Haksabanovic, who made his senior debut in a 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Armenia in June 2017, will also hope to cement his place in the squad ahead of the inaugural UEFA Nations League tournament, which kicks-off in September. Montenegro have been placed in League C Group 4 alongside Serbia, Romania and Lithuania, starting their challenge with a trip to Romania on 7 September, followed by a home game with Lithuania three days later. The Swedish-born former Halmstads player, who turned 19 on 4 May, featured 20 times for West Ham United at all levels in his first season in English football, making his first-team debut in the 3-0 EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers at London Stadium in September 2017.
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<br>Academy U9s sign schoolboy terms
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>The latest batch of exciting, young footballing talents put pen to paper at the West Ham United Academy recently as the U9s signed their first schoolboy terms with the Club. The youngsters were invited to London Stadium for an induction evening, where they were shown around the Hammers' home prior to the Academy of Football's U23 London derby fixture against Arsenal. The schoolboys, who arrived with their parents in east London, were first shown to the Media Lounge where they enjoyed food and drinks with their parents before embarking on a Stadium Tour. The first stop was the home team dressing room, where the U9s were presented with the famous Claret and Blue jersey, freshly printed with their own surnames. Next, the youngsters were taken pitchside, posing for photos before taking in the surroundings where they will one day hope to make their Hammers debut. Proud parents were later brought out to the pitch and their children were once again in front of the camera as they put pen to paper in a mocked-up contract scenario, having already officially signed days earlier. Finally, as the Club's U23 walked out for their final Premier League 2 fixture, the U9s accompanied the young stars as mascots before, at half time, taking to the field for small-sided matches. The young lads' contracts will see them work under the tutelage of the Academy coaches next season as they look to improve their skills and progress to the next level of their young careers.
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<br>Ray: Sunday's finale was my best day as Ladies coach
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United Ladies ended the season in style with a 7-1 victory over QPR Ladies, according to Karen Ray, with the side displaying their quality in front of 1,333 supporters at the finale celebrations. A hat-trick from Ellie Zoepfl, along with finishes by Rosie Kmita, Jasmine Auguste and Rebecca Dunning, saw the Irons end the campaign with a dominant performance, beating QPR 7-1 in the sunshine at Rush Green. The victory caps a remarkable 2018 for the Ladies, who suffered just one defeat in 15 competitive contests, while also lifting two trophies in the <a href="http://Goodmove.co.uk">Goodmove.co.uk</a> Women's Cup and the WPL Plate. And Ray is delighted with how the entire day played out, having enjoyed the pre-match festivities as well as her side's dominant performance. "We've had one of the biggest turnarounds in women's football in 2018," Ray told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "I couldn't be prouder of all the work that went into making the day such a big celebration. We're looking to move on from our league, something we find out about next week, and it was nice to celebrate what we've accomplished while also looking to the future. "I always push the girls to be ruthless. Our saying is 'be consistently excellent', and I think in the second half we showed that. They gave everything they could and they gave the crowd that came a brilliant game to watch. "It was amazing to see 1,333 fans supporting the Ladies. To give the girls a nice end of season send-off was brilliant."
<br>West Ham Ladies headed into Sunday's on the back of their only loss of 2018, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Lewes, and Ray recognised the challenge in getting her side back to winning ways She continued: "The hardest part was that we've had a two-week break from games during that time. It was about trying to keep our players motivated during training, so the first thing we did after the game was put on a fun, but competitive, training session. "It's tough to go from winning to suffering a loss, but we had to keep the girls mentally strong and preparing them as best as possible. With the set-up we have, there was no doubt in my mind the girls would be ready for the challenge, and they proved that."
<br>For Ray, Sunday's victory doesn't just spell the end of the season, but also the end of her tenure as West Ham Ladies head coach. Ray took charge of the team, initially on an interim basis, back in December following the departure of Greg de Carnys, but has led the side to an incredible turnaround in both form and performance. Ray will now step back into her role as West Ham Ladies general manager, a task she is relishing ahead of the new season. "The plan is to hand the role over to someone Jack Sullivan and I can trust; someone that we know can go on to build the team even more," Ray continued. "It's been tough, it's been long hours, but this experience has definitely given me my love back for coaching. Seeing the girls enjoy the celebrations on Sunday and also getting the results they fully deserve made it all worthwhile for me. "I'll be reverting back to my general manager role and helping Jack and the team off the pitch as we look to build the Club even higher. It's going to take a lot of hands on deck and will require me to be more focused on one role, rather than the two. "I'll be helping the girls from a player care aspect, which as I've alluded to before is very poignant in what I'm trying to do with West Ham. "It's definitely been a journey. It's been so good and I wouldn't have wanted to do it with any other players or a different staff. For me, this is a happy ending. "I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been an integral part in supporting the Ladies. All the players, the staff, each club department at West Ham, and of course the fans, have all played an essential role in getting us to where we are today. We couldn't have done it without you."
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<br>Adrian: I want to be West Ham United's No1 next season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Adrian is aiming to cement his position as West Ham United's No1 again next season. The Spaniard ended the 2017/18 campaign in fine form, helping the Hammers to collect seven points from their final three matches with a series of impressive displays. And the No13, who has become a hugely popular figure during his five years in east London, is targeting a regular starting place when the new Premier League season kicks-off in August. "I like to play, I like to enjoy playing and I want to be the No1, but I have to deserve it as well," said Adrian, who kept six clean sheets in 19 Premier League appearances last term. "If the team can help you with their defending as well, that's much better. "This past season for me has been a bit disappointing and frustrating at times, but I have one more year on my contract and we will see more when the season has finished. "I hope that I can continue to show I am here to help West Ham, as I enjoy it here at London Stadium and I want to keep enjoying it. "The West Ham fans welcomed me with open arms from day one and I feel their love every time that I play."
<br>
<br>Alongside his close relationship with the Claret and Blue Army and his teammates, there is also the ambition to represent his country to think about. In August 2016, Adrian was called into the senior Spain squad for the first time, but has yet to make his debut. Manchester United's David De Gea, Napoli's Pepe Reina and Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga have been named in Spain's FIFA World Cup squad, but that does not mean he has given up on his chance of representing La Roja in the future. "I'm only 31 and I feel every time that, as a goalkeeper, I want to play as many games as possible because I am at an age when I need to play.
<br>"The opportunity with the national team is also there. It's too late for the World Cup because I didn't play enough games, but I know that when I am playing I am in their minds. "I will just continue to try my best here and hopefully more opportunities will come, both for West Ham and then for Spain."
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<br>Club launches West Ham Help Centre on beta release
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>The Club is delighted to beta release West Ham Help, a brand new service created for all Hammers fans with the aim of proactively assisting with any feedback and enquiries from our supporters.
<br>
<br>The Help Centre is a self-service portal, available 24/7, and designed to help with as wider range of enquiries as possible. There is also an additional mechanism on the site to make contact with our Supporter Services team directly.
<br>
<br>West Ham Help has been created to enable supporters to find the answer to their question quickly and easily, with eight categories to choose from on the homepage, Ticketing, Membership, Accessibility, Supporter Services, West Ham Store, Matchday, London Stadium and Club London.
<br>
<br>A Most Popular Articles section is also featured on the homepage to provide supporters with a fast and effective means of accessing real-time information and current trends in feedback across our supporter base.
<br>
<br>The evolution of West Ham Help is driven by the feedback we receive from supporters, so if you can't find the answer to your question, contact the Supporter Services team directly by selecting the 'Submit an enquiry' button in the top right of the page.
<br>
<br>If your question is frequently asked by supporters, we'll add it to the Help Centre in order to assist fellow Hammers fans who may have a similar enquiry.
<br>
<br>The more feedback we receive, the larger the Help Centre will become!
<br>
<br>In addition to being able to contact Supporter Services directly via the site, contact details for the relevant department can be found at the bottom of most articles to ensure fans aren't kept waiting any longer than is necessary.
<br>
<br>West Ham Help is now in its final development stages, so we would welcome any feedback via the Help Centre itself or to <a href="mailto:supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk">supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk</a>
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<br>MY OPINION ON WEST HAM FROM A NON WEST HAM SUPPORTER
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 20 MAY 2018 AT 9:33PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by @footballtyper
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<br>As I do every day, probably like most, I woke up and immediately reached for my phone to check the latest goings on from the world of Twitter. I've got notifications for Ex (@ExWHUemployee) turned on because, even though I don't support West Ham, I like to keep up to date with what's happening at as many football clubs as possible. One tweet in particular caught my eye for all the wrong reasons and it was the one concerning James Collins, known to most as Ginge.
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<br>Collins, 34, has played over 200 games for West Ham in two separate spells, with the latest being since he rejoined the club from Aston Villa back in the summer of 2012. It's a well-known fact, even to a non-West Ham fan like myself, that Ginge is West Ham through and through. I recall seeing Ex and others discussing when he recently watched an away game in with he fans, and then during the final game of the season there were chants of "sign him up" from the West Ham fans.
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<br>So, waking up and seeing the news that Ginge had been informed his contract would not be renewed by the club via email was concerning, especially after around a decade of service to the club. While the club do not owe the player a new contract, while the player has had injury problems, what the club do owe a long serving player and a man who clearly loves West Ham is respect and the decency to discuss the matter with him face to face.
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<br>Moving away from the Collins situation slightly, after enduring a poor campaign in the eyes of many, West Ham did manage to finish the season with a couple of good wins against Everton and Leicester which saw them secure 13th place in the Premier League. While this may not have been the season most expected, especially the fans, it was a positive end to the campaign in some ways.
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<br>David Moyes had been brought in by West Ham on an initial short-term deal after the club struggled in the opening stages of the campaign under Slaven Bilic. His remit was to keep West Ham in the Premier League, which he did successfully, and it did look like he would therefore stay in the role for next season too, but this has proven not to be the case. While many reasons have been cited for his exit, one of them is said to be down to leaks from inside the club and the "culture of West Ham."
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<br>I just want to point out where leaks are concerned, even though Ex releases "information" I really don't think this applies to him. As someone who does hear things from inside football clubs myself, you learn what you can and can't repeat very quickly. While there are people who hear bits hear and there and they immediately head to their social media accounts to post it, often for attention, when you have been in the ITK game a while, you learn to respect what you are told, and those telling you.
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<br>This all really got me thinking about West Ham, and as an outsider maybe it's a good place to judge as I have no emotional connection to the club. The club really does reek of unprofessionalism, and the main problem is that it starts at the very top. I remember writing an article for The West Ham Way a while ago and talking about how David Sullivan seemed to do a lot of talking, but not a lot of doing. I recall him mentioning their ability to sign big name strikers such as Alexandre Lacazette, but never delivering on it.
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<br>There have also been cases where David Sullivan has made comments to the press which have not only made him look unprofessional, classless and disrespectful, but this then puts the club in a bad light by proxy. An example of this is when he discussed Jose Fonte and claimed his kids advised him not to sign the former Southampton centre half. A club's hierarchy set the tone, and West Ham's do a very good job of setting a negative one.
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<br>It's as if the club at times are looking to take steps forward, but they seem to always shoot themselves in the foot and find themselves two paces behind once again. The search is currently on for a new manager, and with Manuel Pellegrini set for talks, this should be seen as a positive time for West Ham as Pellegrini is a very good manager with an impressive record at numerous clubs in a raft of different countries.
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<br>However, the Ginge situation in many ways could take the gloss off of his appointment, if he is indeed the man to replace the departed David Moyes. Ex has also hinted at further news that is due to break, which again doesn't sound too good. West Ham ideally need the board to take a complete step back, they need to take stock of the situation and look to not only correct mistakes but prevent them reoccurring in the future too.
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<br>While I'm neither board in, or board out, as this isn't my football club, I do feel the pain of a poorly run football club with a penchant for shooting itself in the foot repeatedly. While owners and the board of a club are well within their rights to speak publicly I would urge those at West Ham just to think before they speak, or before they type columns in newspapers. Consider the consequences before it's too late, and when it comes to transfers, less talk and more action, but leave it to the professionals.
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<br>MANUEL PELLEGRINI: THE NEXT LEVEL
<br>AUTHOR: KEVIN SLADE. PUBLISHED: 20 MAY 2018 AT 9:26PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
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<br>For the first time since we left the Boleyn Ground, i'm starting to feel extremely positive with the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini now looking imminent. "Attacking football!", "European experience!", are the attributes of which our fan base are requesting from the board in the hunt for a new manager; and Manuel Pellegrini boasts the two in abundance. 'Attacking football' is what every supporter wants to see if they've paid their money to watch a game of football, right? I believe Manuel Pellegrini holds that key to unlock the shackles of our existing attack at West Ham United. Lanzini, Antonio, Arnautovic, and Javier Hernandez – are you telling me there's no goals in that attack? I've said many times before that we could have Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero playing as striker for us, they still wouldn't score goals because the link up play between the midfield and the striker was non existent. A striker relies on service, and its no coincidence that Simeone Zaza, an Italy international, who we signed from Serie A champions Juventus, has been scoring for fun since joining Valencia when he couldn't hit a barn door for us! Chicharito is another example: pushed out to the wing under Bilic, couldn't get a game under Moyes, but scored goals left, right, & center at every other club he's played for. This is a player with our best goals to games ratio we've seen at the club in years… If we can manage to keep hold of Hernandez this summer, I guarantee he will be the main man under Pellegrini and we will see the best of him.
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<br>Lanzini is a brilliant player for us on his day, but just isn't consistent enough. The final game of the season against Everton reminded us all just how good he can be when he's allowed to roam free in the attacking third and express himself. Does Pellegrini have what it takes to get the best out of Lanzini? Time will tell, but Manu is definitely Pellegrini's type of player.
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<br>Since 'The next level' is always the topic of discussion, Manuel Pellegrini is without a shadow of a doubt the managerial appointment which will live up to what is vast becoming a serial term on the lips of West Ham supporters. However, it's up to the board whether they will allow him to take us there. This is the perfect opportunity for the board to build bridges & deliver all of those hopes and promises which all ended in failure since the big transition, and that will cost money. Although Manuel has an impressive managerial record with Villarreal and Malaga, both of whom he led to European football on tight budgets, this is the Premier League and we can't afford to scrape by again for another season. Its all well & good appointing a manager with Pellegrini's CV, but without the tools & resources, he won't be able to carry out his job in bringing us to that next level. What i like about Pellegrini is he has an eye for a player in the Spanish market; Isco, Antonio Valencia, and Santi Cazorla are just three players that instantly come to mind of who he spotted, albeit some time ago now. In order for our new man to be a success, he needs to be able to do his job, his way – full control over transfers, and full backing of the board. If either of these aren't met, then it'll be groundhog day yet again in the West Ham United hot seat!
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<br>Since the news of Pellegrini has come to light, we've yet again seen a split of opinion on social media between the fan base. We didn't want Moyes, we wanted a manager that plays an attacking game with European pedigree. We've practically got that, but theres still some moaners out in full force which absolutely startles me. Does Pellegrini only possess a silver card on FIFA or something? Because i'm gobsmacked on why anybody wouldn't want a manager that has qualified for the Champions League with two different clubs on a shoe string budget, and has won the Premier League and the League cup in England! Manchester City supporters enjoyed his tenure with them, and have recently expressed that he will be the perfect fit for us if we want to progress in the Premier League.
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<br>Yaya Toure is a name that has immediately been thrown into the mix for a reunion with Pellegrini. i'd welcome Yaya Toure at West Ham with open arms, purely because he's a winner with a winning mentality which is something we've lacked since having Payet at the club. his age and wages is a concern, but having him around for just 6 months would help alot of our current players up their game – Kouyate being one of them. There's a real good feel factor at the moment, so long may it continue!
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<br>Boleyn sold - but set to stay
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>The Boleyn Tavern has been sold to new owners - but is expected to remain as a public house. The popular street corner pub, situated at the junction of Green Street and Barking Road played host to many thousands of Hammers fans over the years when it was the closest pub to the Boleyn Ground. Since West Ham United moved to Stratford, the pub has struggled to remain as a going concern having lost a substantial source of income overnight. And although recent rumours incorrectly suggested it was set to close, KUMB can reveal that the pub has been acquired by Remarkable Pubs - a chain that specialises in restoring what the company refers to as "traditional boozers". Remarkable, who already run long-established, traditional venues such as The Virgin Queen in E2, the Prince George in Hackney and Harringay's Salisbury Hotel - itself not dissimilar in appearance to The Boleyn - maintain that their establishments are "are full to the rafters" and feature "great wine, even better beer and the hum of witty conversation".
<br>So good news on the face of it for those locals and visiting Hammers fans who wish to see this well-established institution remain very much at the heart of the local community - especially since so many of its former competitors, such as the Earl of Wakefield and the Green Man have disappeared in recent years.
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<br>West Ham to break the bank for Pellegrini
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>West Ham are preparing to pay Manuel Pellegrini a higher salary than Antonio Conte or Jurgen Klopp. Conte, who won the Premier League last season and Klopp, who had led Liverpool to the final of the Champions League are believed to earn slightly less than the £10million annual salary West Ham are preparing to offer the 64-year-old Chilean to become the club's next full time manager. And according to writer Ken Dyer, the sum is more than four times the salary paid to temporary boss David Moyes, who left the club last week despite steering the Hammers to 13th spot in the Premier League. Only two Premier League managers are believed to earn more than Pellegrini will be paid as the next manager of West Ham - they being Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, who led their teams to first and second spot in the league last season respectively. The former manager of Chinese Super League side Hebei Fortune is expected to hold talks with West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan this afternoon (Monday). Should all proceed as planned, Pellegrini should be named as West Ham's new manager within 24 hours.
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<br>West Ham are also hoping to reunite Pellegrini with Ruben Cousillas, who has worked as Pellegrini's assistant since they first teamed up at San Lorenzo more than 20 years ago. Meanwhile Eduardo Macia, 44 - who is currently at Leicester and previously worked with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool - is understood to have been recommended by Pellegrini for the newly-created Director of Football role.
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<br>Fans' favourite keen to stay
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>Popular goalkeeper Adrian has revealed that he wants to extend his stay at West Ham. The Spanish goalkeeper has frequently been linked with a return to former club Real Betis since initially being dropped by David Moyes for on-loan 'keeper Joe Hart. However having fended off the challenge of former England international Hart and regained his place in the starting XI, a candid Adrian insists that he wants to remain at West Ham and cement that first team slot. I like to play, I like to enjoy playing and I want to be the number one, but I have to deserve it as well," he told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "This past season for me has been a bit disappointing and frustrating at times, but I have one more year on my contract and we will see more when the season has finished. I hope that I can continue to show I am here to help West Ham. "I enjoy it here and I want to keep enjoying it. The West Ham fans welcomed me with open arms from day one and I feel their love every time that I play. I'm only 31 and feel that I want to play as many games as possible because I am at an age when I need to play."
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<br>And although he felt disappointed at having been overlooked for the Spanish World Cup squad - something that he feels was not helped by sitting on the bench for West Ham at times - Adrian believes he still has time to make a mark at international level. "It's too late for the World Cup because I didn't play enough games, but I know that when I am playing I am in their minds," he surmised. "I will just continue to try my best here and hopefully more opportunities will come for West Ham and Spain."
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<br>Adrian joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of 2013, initially signing a two year deal with the option of a further two years. In 2015 when he was awarded an identical 'two plus two' contract, with the additional two-year clause triggered by West Ham last summer.
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<br>Close but no cigar
<br>KUMb.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>West Ham's youngsters were just one step away from taking silverware at the weekend's Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament. The Hammers - who entered the competition as reigning champions following their 2017 success - ended up as beaten Shield finalists after a weekend of mixed results, in which they qualified from the group phase as runners-up in Group A before losing to Glasgow Rangers (winners of Group C) in the main competition's semi final.
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<br>That left West Ham chasing a trophy in the Shield competition by way of consolation and having beaten Brighton comfortably, it were looking promising. However Aston Villa, who always perform strongly in the HK7s narrowly edged out the Hammers to take the trophy.
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<br>The main competition was won by Newcastle Utd, who beat West Ham's semi final conquerors Rangers 1-0 in the Final.
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<br>Hong Kong Soccer Sevens 2018
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<br>Group A Results
<br>West Ham Utd 2-0 Yau Yee League Select
<br>West Ham Utd 0-3 Kashima Antlers
<br>West Ham Utd 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
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<br>Group A Table
<br>1. Kashima Antlers 3-9
<br>2. West Ham Utd 3-6
<br>3. Wellington Phoenix 3-3
<br>4. Yau Yee League Select 3-0
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<br>Quarter Final
<br>Rangers 2-0 West Ham Utd
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<br>Shield Semi Final
<br>West Ham Utd 3-0 Brighton
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<br>Shield Final
<br>Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham Utd
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<br>SOSC to take legal action
<br>KUMb.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>The Save Our Supporters' Club campaign have announced plans to take legal action against the current Supporters' Club's Executive Committee to prevent its dissolution. A Special General Meeting, held at the Bolyn Pub on Sunday lunchtime ended in farce after 43 members were refused entry to the meeting and subsequently prevented from voting. And as a result, the SOSC have announced that they will be seeking legal advice in order to prevent the existing Committee from closing the club and sharing the proceeds of the sale between them. The vote for dissolution of the West Ham United Supporters Club under clause 32 of the Club's constitution went ahead earlier today," read a statement realsed by SOSC on Sunday evening. "The Club's Executive Committee did not allow 43 of the Club's fully paid up, verified members to attend the vote. The Executive Committee who have made a series of unfounded claims against the validity of their membership, sanctioned a vote of 18 for and 6 against to dissolve the club. "The committee of the SOSC then arranged an impromptu meeting of the members unscrupulously denied admittance to the dissolution vote and have agreed to take legal action against the Executive Committee to safeguard the Supporters Club Institution and the assets of the club."
<br>It was also confirmed that whilst the legal wrangling continues, the Supporters Club will continue to be hosted at Stour Space, a stone's throw from the club's new Stratford ground. "Memberships, which will allow access to the successful Supporters Club Matchday Bar at Stour Space for the forthcoming season, will now be opened and fees received will be used to take the legal fight onwards," continued the SOSC's staement. "Your SOSC committee will continue to fight against this injustice and we look forward to receiving your continued support."
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<br>KUMB member Eltham Hammer was one of the 43 members denied access to Sunday's meeting. "The WHUSC Committee, which ran and owns the old club in Castle Street (plus has other assets) is looking to wind it up, sell all the assets and then distribute it between specific members," he told KUMB. "They've laid down what seem to be very arbitrary rules about who actually is a qualifying member that contradict previous rules and regulations. The current WHUSC committee seem to have forgotten that they are custodians of an institution for the supporters. "They are trying to cheat the members out of the use of the assets that have been accumulated over a number of years and they want to make anybody who wants to continue the club to do so without the existing assets - which will become money in their pocket, if the dissolution happens. "The committee of WHUSC are also arguing that anyone who signed up at Stour Space didn't sign up to be a full member of WHUSC. So its not just a case of trying to save the building in Castle St, it's about saving the entity and helping it get a new permanent home in Stratford."
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<br>Pellegrini agrees three-year contract
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini is set to be named as the new head coach of West Ham United after agreeing a three-year contract with the club. The 64-year-old met the club's co-owner David Sullivan this afternoon and agreed to become the club's 16th full-time manager, following the recently-departed David Moyes. The Chilean is set to earn an incredible £30million during the course of his contract, having agreed a salary in the region of £10million per year. He has also been promised full control of recruitment. West Ham are expected to confirm Pellegrini's appointment within the next 48 hours, once lawyers representing each party have completed the necessary paperwork.
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<br>West Ham United: previous managers
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<br>16. David Moyes (2017-18)
<br>15. Slaven Bilic (2015-17)
<br>14. Sam Allardyce (2011-15)
<br>13. Avram Grant (2010-11)
<br>12. Franco Zola (2008-10)
<br>11. Alan Curbishley (2006-08)
<br>10. Alan Pardew (2003-06)
<br>9. Glenn Roeder (2001-03)
<br>8. Harry Redknapp (1994-01)
<br>7. Billy Bonds (1990-94)
<br>6. Lou Macari (1989-90)
<br>5. John Lyall (1974-89)
<br>4. Ron Greenwood (1961-74)
<br>3. Ted Fenton (1950-61)
<br>2. Charlie Paynter (1932-50)
<br>1. Syd King (1902-32)
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<br>WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM PELLEGRINI?
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 MAY 2018 AT 9:11PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by @kaz7289
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<br>So after our most recent car crash of a season, now is the time for a fresh start, new ideas and a new sense of optimism. The first hurdle is obviously the manager and will obviously be a huge indication of what direction we will be going in and whether the fans get on board or not. So it seems one is now all but officially done reasonably early on in ex Real Madrid and Man City manager, Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini is a massive step in the right direction doing fantastic jobs at both Manchester City and Real Madrid winning multiple trophies in the process but also the less talked about incredible work he done at Malaga and Villarael turning lower mid table clubs in to Champions league clubs winning more trophies and going on long European runs in the process.
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<br>What can we expect from Pellegrini if he is appointed? I think we can expect an experienced manager who demands respect, quality total football and hard work from the players. He usually plays 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 (of sorts) but isn't afraid to adapt. He likes attacking players that are fast, defend from the front and can pass and can hold on to the ball, Usually has his full backs stretching the opposition and creating space which his midfielders and/or fast tricky wingers can move or pass into. He usually plays with tall physical strikers (ie Rondon, Negredo and Jovetic most noticeably in the past) whom are strong, good in the air (where set pieces are pivotal to his style), can play on the ground, good reading of the game and can finish but again this can adapt as he has also used smaller strikers like Rossi and Aguero who still don't lack in the physical part but have that extra pace which can kill teams. I'd like to see Hernandez get another go as he is the best finisher we have had and cried out for in years but needs to work harder off the ball. Pellegrini's approach to attacking football could help get the most out of the likes of Lanzini and Arnautovic, whilst maybe actually trying to kill off games instead of sitting deep and watching the inevitable happen. Now although he does appear to focus on attack more than defence he does rely heavily on his defenders especially in opposition counter attacks where they need to be quick, strong and read the game well. He normally plays with centre backs that can pass and play from the back with quick well rounded full backs. Rice, Og and Masuaku fit the bill perfectly, under the right management should thrive imo.
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<br>What sort of players could we expect to be brought in? (So this is purely guess work based on Pellegrini's past and a few names I'd like to see come in) I do feel like Arnautovic, Lanzini, Ogbonna, Rice, Masuaku and potentially Obiang (if they can stay fit) could have key rolls next season leaving us to focus on a younger more energetic right back, someone to partner Arnie up front, a physical central midfielder who can pass, a fast tricky winger, Hart replacement and maybe even a set piece specialist.
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<br>In right back someone that's been linked in Fredericks could defo be an option and something we haven't had in a while with his pace and work rates.
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<br>In midfield I have a feeling we could be seeing Yaya or as I like to call it, "a Sully wet dream". With him playing in a crucial part for Pellegrini before, ex team mates with Zaba and perhaps the sort of midfielder we've been crying out for it would be a big coup on "a free" if the wages come down (a lot). Someone else I'd like who'd perhaps be a younger option is Shelvey who supports the club, big and physical but also knows how to split a team with his passing and can add goals from midfield.
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<br>Up front another name that will probably be doing the rounds (if Pellegrini is appointed) is Rondon, he played a huge part under Pellegrini at Malaga, scoring a goal nearly every 2 games. He's fast, physical and can finish playing for recently relegated WBA, we could get him in for a cut price fee. Balotelli another one on a free now who's most recently torn France apart earning him a call up back to Italy and friends with Arnautovic. They could be the most "basterdry" duo we've ever had upfront! I'd personally like to see a Vardy type of player alongside Arnautovic whose fast, strong can finish, excellent reading of the game and just the complete player in the name of Josef Martinez (research him).
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<br>On the wing I think Adama Traore would be an exceptional signing with Boro in the Championship and him at just 22 yo there is still time to develop and has dramatically improved this season under Pulis. He has most dribbles and take ons in Europe and is incredibly fast but is improving in other areas now too, I think with players like Lanzini and Arnautovic around him he will thrive and cause defenders chaos.
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<br>I feel like we need a "creator", Our set pieces and distribution in general have been poor even resulted in giving other teams goals on the counter and shows just how crucial it is to the game. We miss Payet big time and although it will be hard to replace him we need someone who can make things happen, create chances, take set pieces and whip in a ball from the left again. Any suggestions let me know!
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<br>Thanks for reading, sorry if it was a bit rushed but I have been busy so thought I'd get all my thoughts about the potential appointment in one article instead of clogging up your timeline with my tweets. Let me know your thoughts! @kaz7289
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini set to be best-paid West Ham boss as deal nears
<br>By Kaveh Solhekol
<br>Last Updated: 21/05/18 4:44pm
<br>SSN
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini looks set to become the highest-paid manager in West Ham's history if, as expected, he joins the club in the next 48 hours. Pellegrini will be taking a significant pay cut, however, having been earning around £16m a year in China. Sky Sports News understands lawyers are still working on the final drafts of West Ham's offer to the 64-year-old, who left his job with Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and flew into London. The former Manchester City title-winning manager is due to meet co-owners David Sullivan, David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady later on Monday. Sky Sports News reported last week the Hammers were closing in on Pellegrini despite retaining an interest in long-term target and Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez. Pellegrini has been a leading candidate to replace David Moyes, after the Chilean took Manchester City to the title in 2013-14. He began his managerial career in South America and winning national leagues in four different countries. He has been in charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain.
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<br>Reece Oxford confirms West Ham return after loan spell in Germany
<br>The Hammers teenager will be heading back to London after he has been on holiday
<br>Football London
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>20:15, 21 MAY 2018
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<br>West Ham teenager Reece Oxford has confirmed he will be heading back to West Ham this summer after his loan spell in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach came to an end. Oxford spent two spells on the continent this season, having been recalled to the capital in January when David Moyes was able to bring him back and made a couple of appearances in the FA Cup in claret and blue. However, he was hampered by an injury and we barely saw anything of what the 19-year-old can offer before it was agreed he could head bach to Gladbach for the remainder of the campaign. It wasn't the best of spells for the defender, who was seemingly wanted permanently by the Germans and another Bundesliga side in RB Leipzig, who both made offers for the player in January but were turned down and he was recalled to England. Writing on Instagram, Oxford said: "My time at Borussia Monchengclacbach has come to an end and I would like to thank all the staff players & fans for supporting me & making me feel so welcome. "I've enjoyed my time and have some good memories that will stick with me. "I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future."
<br>Oxford made only eight appearances for Gladbach during his time in east London but made quite an impression as sporting director Max Eberl reiterated consistently that he'd like to sign the youngster permanently. However, it appears that a deal will not be forthcoming as the player has confirmed he will be heading back to London once he has finished his end of season holiday. Oxford has three years remaining on his four-and-a-half year contract he signed when he turned 18 in east London.
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<br>Pellegrini recommended Rondon to West Brom; West Ham move makes perfect sense
<br>HITC
<br>Olly Dawes
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<br>West Ham United are reportedly set to appoint Manuel Pellegrini as their new boss. Less than a week since parting ways with David Moyes, West Ham United are poised to confirm their new manager in Manuel Pellegrini. The Guardian report that Pellegrini is the man called upon to replace Moyes, with the Chilean allegedly set to pen a three-year deal worth £10million-a-year in a blockbuster deal. Pellegrini will inherit a poorly-balanced and underperforming West Ham squad, and he will no doubt get to work quickly on lining up new signings to boost his chances next season. With Andy Carroll's future never certain and Jordan Hugill already a forgotten man just months after arriving from Preston North End, another physical striker may be targeted to lead the West Ham attack alongside Marko Arnautovic. With that in mind, a move to reunite Pellegrini with West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon would make sense, after the pair worked together in Spain with Malaga. Rondon, now 28, hit 22 goals in 60 goals under Pellegrini before leaving Malaga for Rubin Kazan in 2012, and the Venezuelan found his way to the Premier League with West Brom in 2015. As reported by the Daily Mail, Pellegrini – then in charge of City – recommended Rondon to Premier League rivals West Brom, heaping praise on the striker to convince the Baggies to sign him. Rondon has blown hot and cold, but did hit 10 goals in all competitions last season, and with relegation to the Championship confirmed, Rondon may jump at the chance to return to the Premier League. The Telegraph reported last month that West Ham wanted Rondon thanks to his £16.5million release clause, and with Pellegrini now calling the shots at the London Stadium, that move would not be a surprise at all.
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<br>Sullivan's biggest gamble yet
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018
<br>By: Paul Walker
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<br>As gambles go, bringing in Manuel Pellegrini is pretty high up there as far as West Ham owner David Sullivan is concerned.
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<br>Under intense pressure to make a significant appointment as manager, and as quick as possible with the transfer window already up and running, Sullivan has gone for broke by bringing in the 64-year-old former Real Madrid and Manchester City chief.
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<br>Pellegrini has now agreed a three-year deal, with the finer points being sorted out by the lawyers.
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<br>For Sullivan, an owner not known for throwing cash around, bringing in Pellegrini with wages between £7m and £10m a year - depending on which source you read - could even smack of panic here.
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<br>Any other candidates would have taken time to install. Paulo Fonseca used us to get an improved deal at Shakhtar Donetsk, Rafa Benitez can't make his mind up and will get a better deal at Newcastle, the likes of David Wagner at Huddersfield is getting a better deal there... and so it goes on.
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<br>Sullivan hasn't got that amount of time. The longer it continues without a replacement for David Moyes, the longer the shambles and chaos of last term will spread into the close season, with the transfer window closing on August 9.
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<br>You sense, too, that Sullivan's actions these past days suggest he has taken control of the club, intent on getting something big done. He has ignored, we are told, the advice of David Gold and Karren Brady to give Moyes a further contract.
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<br>Now we know that Moyes was dragging things out, looking to milk the situation for a better deal, having held fire on a suggested contract seemingly offered a few weeks back. Sullivan was ruthlessly having none of that.
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<br>So he has gone for broke. The appointment of Pellegrini certainly ticks the boxes of fan power, who wanted someone to play attacking football more in keeping with our supposed traditions (last seen, if I recall correctly, in the days of the Harry Redknapp/Billy Bonds reign).
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<br>But, and there's always a but with West Ham, is Pellegrini's pedigree now too far behind him to be relevant? Yes, he has had a fine managerial career and is by far the most qualified and decorated (in terms of football achievements) manager we have ever employed.
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<br>But the nagging question is, did the Chilean move to China for the vast amounts of silly money - or because he could not find a post in Europe in keeping with what he had become accustomed?
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<br>It is believed he was on £400,000 a week to manage Hebei China Fortune, that's over £20million a year, and now he is back in English football likely to be paid more than everyone in the Premier League apart from Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.
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<br>So Sullivan has found that this is the cost to placate fans pretty fed-up with two dreadful seasons at the London Stadium, and threatening more unrest next term if things don't start being done to their liking.
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<br>It's pretty obvious now that Sullivan is riding solo here; Gold looks to have been sidestepped, and not in the loop when he suggested Moyes should be re-hired less than 24 hours before Sullivan put the boot into the former Everton man, who was more than upset with the way he was treated.
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<br>Brady, too, wanted Moyes, although we are also being told she had earlier suggested Sean Dyche, who just happens to be represented by the agency that her husband Paul Peschisolido works for!
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<br>That is now water under the bridge. Sullivan is giving the fans that bit of glamour, excitement and quality that a manager of Pellegrini's esteem can bring. More to the point, we are being told that Pellegrini will have no interference from the board on transfers, and Sullivan will step into the background.
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<br>We will all, I reckon, be more than happy with that but believe that when we see it.
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<br>Rumour had it that Sullivan was recommending players to Moyes in January that nobody had scouted or even heard of, so Pellegrini should not drop his guard for a second.
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<br>He will have almost certainly his former Manchester City and Hebei assistant, Ruben Cousillas, alongside him, with the likelihood of Eduardo Macia as his new head of recruitment. Interesting guy this, he has been at Leicester City of late but worked extensively with Benitez at Liverpool from 2006.
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<br>He has also done a similar job at Real Betis, Fiorentina and Olympiacos, and is also believed to be the man Sullivan eluded to during the season as being keen on moving to West Ham.
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<br>There are several backroom appointments on the fitness and medical staff to be sorted, one being a replacement for head of fitness Nick Davies, who left this month. He was previously with Norwich and a recommendation from Alan Irvine, who was also boss at Norwich.
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<br>The big question, though, is whether Pellegrini can replicate his achievements firstly in Spain and then with Manchester City, where he won the Premier League in 2013-14. Some of that is a long while ago, is he still as hungry or is this just another massive pay day?
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<br>But you can't argue with his Spanish career. With Villareal from 2004-09, he finished third, seventh, fifth, second and fifth in La Liga, taking them to the Champions League semi-finals. Then there was a spell at Real Madrid when he missed the title by three points to Barcelona despite 96 points and 100 goals. After being axed there he complained about the club not buying the players he wanted, just the Gallacticos.
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<br>Malaga followed, from 2010-13, finishing 11th, fourth and sixth, with more European success at a club who have just been relegated, and never really recovered from being punished for breaking financial fair play rules.
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<br>Then came Manchester City, a title and two league cups. He calmed the troubled waters following the exit of the impossibly difficult Roberto Mancini. It started well but the final year of his three seasons there was progressively ruined by the knowledge that he was going to be replaced by Guardiola.
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<br>Everyone knew it, and the players lacked motivation and at some point even fitness, Sami Nasri being a particular culprit. But City were good enough to beat us 9-0 on aggregate in a league cup semi-final, a depressing embarrassment many of us who witnessed both legs have failed to erase from our memory.
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<br>He was labelled "The Charming Man", taken from a song by Manchester band The Smiths, which was not truly accurate. In his final months he was considered charmless, frustrated and full of pent-up rage. Maybe knowing he was going played a part.
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<br>Then he was off to China, the land where managers, coaches and players go to be forgotten. Looking at his squad there, the vast majority were Chinese with a couple of Spanish imports. He clearly wanted to come home to Europe.
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<br>Now he has to turn West Ham around, taking the heat off Sullivan in the process. Clearly he will have his own players coming in to play his favoured 4-3-3, with Yaya Toure seemingly high on his list. And he may well have enough charm and stature to keep Manu Lanzini, Adrian and Javier Hernandez happy, while maybe finding a role for James Collins and acquiring Joao Mario. Who knows?
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<br>But we will all be optimistic, believing that there is a rainbows end even in Stratford. How much will he have to spend, likewise, who knows?
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<br>There is the little matter of FFP which everyone tends to forget these days. We are in the final season of a three-year cycle where clubs can add £7million to their previous season's budget plus any income generated from the commercial side. I fail to see that being over £100million, so players will be sold.
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<br>Welcome to east London, Manuel, we are all praying for you to succeed.
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<br>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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<br>West Ham handing Manuel Pellegrini control of transfers is smart move
<br>HITC
<br>Jordan Harris
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<br>West Ham United are reportedly ready to hand Manuel Pellegrini the chance to have full control over the club's transfer policy. According to a report from the Guardian, West Ham are on the verge of appointing Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager and David Sullivan is ready to step back from transfers and hand the Chilean full control over the club's recruitment. It is a major show of faith in the former Manchester City boss, and based on the Hammers' transfer record in recent years, it appears to be one of the smartest moves that the club could make. It is difficult to know who was responsible for each transfer that has taken place at the London Stadium and Upton Park previously, but the record is certainly extremely mixed. For every Marko Arnautovic, there is a Patrice Evra and Jordan Hugill - and the Austrian seemingly needed a change of manager to avoid being placed into the transfer flop category. It has arguably been an underwhelming record for a number of years and their most recent summer window helped almost put them in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship this past season.
<br>Pellegrini has not got everything right during his managerial career, but he has experience of elevating sides and winning honours having signed several exciting players along the way. That not only suggests that he will have a good grasp of which players to target in the market, but it should also help convince marquee names that West Ham is a club that is progressing and can compete in the latter stages of cup competitions while maintaining a solid league position.
<br>After a campaign where many of the fans clearly grew tired of what was happening at their club, handing control of transfers to a marquee manager like Pellegrini is undoubtedly a positive step. Now the owners must make sure that they back the 64-year-old when he produces a list of targets for the Irons this summer.
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<br>West Ham agree Manuel Pellegrini deal worth up to £7m a year
<br>Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
<br>21 MAY 2018 • 6:51PM
<br>Telegraph
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini has agreed a deal to take over as manager of West Ham United worth up to £7 million-a-year including bonuses. An announcement will be made this week.
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<br>The 64-year-old Chilean will be the highest-paid manager in West Ham's history, earning more than twice the amount paid to his predecessors, with a £5m-a-year basic salary. Bonuses will be paid on top of that, including one for qualification for European competition.
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<br>Pellegrini flew to London on Sunday and was given a tour of West Ham's London Stadium and the club's training facilities before agreeing terms with co-owner David Sullivan, whom he knows.
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<br>The length of the deal has not been confirmed but it is understood to be for up to three years with West Ham pleased that Pellegrini signalled his desire to join them by quitting Chinese club, Hebei China Fortune.
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<br>West Ham do not have to pay any compensation for Pellegrini and had been been concerned at the £6m Newcastle United would have been due if they agreed to release Rafael Benítez. The Spaniard was not necessarily West Ham's first-choice – they had made it clear they wanted to speak to Pellegrini and others.
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<br>Last week it was suggested by senior sources at West Ham that a shortlist of four high-calibre, trophy-winning managers had been drawn up. Whether the club actually got to speak to all four of the managers is a moot point but that list was Pellegrini, Benítez, Paulo Fonseca, who did meet with Sullivan but who subsequently agreed a new contract at Shakhtar Donetsk, and Unai Emery who has been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain and would like to move to the Premier League rather than return to Spain.
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<br>Another option beyond that list was Claudio Ranieri who has left French club Nantes, but he was regarded only as an outside possibility.
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<br>West Ham believe the salary they are paying Pellegrini represents the going rate for a manager of his experience – all the other candidates were expecting the same level of remuneration following the departure of David Moyes after his short-term, incentivised contract expired.
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<br>Moyes had hoped to stay on but wanted an overhaul of the way West Ham operated, not least when it comes to the recruitment of players. However it became obvious that the club wanted to speak to other managers and with Moyes out of contract the decision was taken that he should move on. The appointment of Moyes also felt like a short-term fix to suit both parties and the Scot will hope after his work at West Ham that he will get another Premier League job.
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<br>West Ham still have to replace Tony Henry, who was sacked as head of recruitment, and there have been suggestions that they are interested in Malaga's Mario Husillas or Leicester City's Eduardo Macia. Both are known to Pellegrini. It remains to be seen how much control any replacement is given and it is unlikely they will hire a director of football at this time.
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<br>Pellegrini has spent two years in China after leaving Manchester City where, in three seasons, he won the Premier League title in 2014 and took the club to the Champions League semi-finals. He also won the League Cup twice.
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<br>FERDINAND DELIVERS VERDICT ON PELLEGRINIFeatured Image
<br> Date: 21st May 2018 at 5:53pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>ForeverWestHam
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<br>Rio Ferdinand delivered a positive verdict on Manuel Pellegrini's reportedly imminent arrival and revealed what West Ham needed in the process.
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<br>The BT Sports pundit and former Hammers defender praised the former Manchester City boss' CV but suggested that it was different kettle of fish being in charge of the Hammers.
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<br>"Listen he's got pedigree, someone who is actually been at big clubs, managed big players, big personality, so he has got the main ingredients to take care of people in that sense," said Ferdinand in an interview with talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams, uploaded to SoundCloud.
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<br>"But whether he can do it at West Ham, it's a different kettle of fish, different proposition there.
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<br>"It's a club that needs some guidance, needs someone leading from the front to give that message across, translated from the players to the fans what's going.
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<br>"There needs to be a strategy to be worked out at the club."
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<br>Claret and Hugh, the reliable Hammers news site, reported on Monday that the Hammers could appoint Manuel Pellegrini as their next manager within the next 48 hours.
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<br>OPINION
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<br>Ferdinand certainly knows the Hammers well, having risen through the club's youth system all the way to featuring in the first-team. The current BT Sports pundit knows the expectations surrounding the club and what a manager must do in order to make supporters happy, aside from the obvious. It's nice to hear Ferdinand issue such a positive verdict on Pellegrini, even if he suggests doing well as manager at the Hammers is different compared to other clubs. Hopefully the experienced manager is the one arriving at the London Stadium shortly to sit in the dugout as all signs suggest he will be a success at the club. However only time will tell as it's hard to know whether any manager will be successful in the Premier League at this point, even if they've achieved success in the past. While Pellegrini may have won England's top-flight with Manchester City, every season the league evolves to be a different challenge and the manager will have to adapt to some changes that have occurred during his time away.
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<br>HERNANDEZ COULD STAY FOLLOWING PELLEGRINI ARRIVALFeatured Image
<br> Date: 21st May 2018 at 5:42pm
<br>Written by: Wayne Howard
<br>ForeverWestHam
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<br>Javier Hernandez is in line to remain at West Ham following the imminent appointment of Manuel Pellegrini, according to the Evening Standard.
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<br>The newspaper claim the Mexico international looked "certain" to quit London Stadium this summer after slipping down the pecking order under ex-boss David Moyes.
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<br>The Standard report that Pellegrini, who's set to be confirmed as the new manager, could be instrumental in a shock U-turn for Hernandez due to his desire for a more attacking style of play.
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<br>OPINION
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<br>It would certainly represent a major shock were Hernandez to return for a second season with the Hammers. The first did not go well for the goal poacher, even though his return of eight goals from 33 matches – all of them in the Premier League – was far from disastrous. Moyes preferred a more powerful spearhead who could play with his back to goal, something that has never suited Hernandez, whose game is based on artful dodging in and around the penalty box. Given Hernandez's one-dimensional style and astronomical wage packet (Spotrac report that his £140,000-a-week salary comfortably makes him the club's top earner), West Ham would be better off cashing in on him at a time when he could still yield a decent fee. He has scored goals throughout his career and has a sensational international record of 49 from 100 appearances, but he turns 30 in June and his best days are behind him. Pellegrini would be better off sourcing a more rounded front man.
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<br>WHUISA RESPONSE TO BRADY'S NEWSPAPER COLUMN
<br> By Dan Coker 21 May 2018 at 09:00
<br>WTID
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<br>WHUISA Chair Mark Walker pens a reply to Karren Brady's newspaper column
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<br>After our home defeat to Burnley in March, when a few supporters invaded the pitch and others protested angrily under the Directors' Box, our Chairman David Sullivan called for unity. His reasoning was that the team couldn't survive if the fans were at war with the Club. Supporters could see the sense in that and an uneasy truce followed. We more than upheld our end of the bargain, put our lack of faith in the current board to one side and rallied behind the team as we limped over the line with the joint worst defensive record in the division.
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<br>And then that truce was broken, not by fans, but by Karren Brady. Her latest column took a side swipe at fans by blaming the largely self-induced problems at the London Stadium on "malcontents and keyboard warriors". We are struggling to understand how fans expressing legitimate criticism can be held to blame for the stadium being unsuitable for football, or for the substandard stewarding, the lack of adequate policing, the mediocre catering or the way the whole move was mis-sold to supporters.
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<br>For some time now, Brady has appeared focused on her own brand ahead of West Ham, even inviting her Twitter followers to watch her new TV programme which was showing at the same time we were kicking off a vital televised home game against Stoke. Her part-time role at West Ham still commands just shy of a million pounds a year, yet her business interests away from West Ham continue to expand.
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<br>Her column managed to directly impact the team in January when Leicester refused to do business with us, and instead loaned Islam Slimani to relegation rivals Newcastle. This came as a result of ill-judged suggestions she made around the firing of Claudio Ranieri. Those comments caused the club reputational damage and unnecessarily hampered January's recruitment efforts.
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<br>We are fed up of being treated dismissively when the club's situation is crying out for dedicated leadership. Characterising that reasonable criticism as abuse misses the mark by a mile. WHUISA completely condemns personal abuse of any kind. We are proud that our club employs women in leading positions and has a Ladies team that has been all-conquering this year. But that does not mean that Karren Brady's statements should escape criticism when it's due.
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<br>It was not West Ham fans who spoke of the Champions League and then assembled a team that spent just one day of this season in the top half of the table. The stadium is a huge problem and will only be solved by working closely with WHUISA and other fan groups to address the concerns of supporters. We, after all, represent the only people that actually pay to be there. Giving up this unnecessary and damaging column might help Karren to focus less on Brand Brady and more on West Ham United.
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<br>Mark Walker
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<br>Chair – West Ham United Independent Supporters Association
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<br>WHUISA has launched a petition calling on Karren Brady to give up her Saturday newspaper column. You can sign the petition by clicking here.
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<br><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BradySunColumn">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BradySunColumn</a>
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-29378381327917566602018-05-21T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-21T04:30:53.916+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 21st May 2018Academy Manager Westley reflects on 'terrific campaign'
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Academy Manager Terry Westley reflects on a terrific 2017/18 season for everyone associated with the Academy of Football...
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<br>The close-season is a chance for everyone to look back on what has been a terrific Academy campaign, on and off the pitch. First of all, I'd like to offer my congratulations to the two Academy award-winners from our annual Player Awards evening two-and-a-half weeks ago; well done to Declan Rice, who was named Young Hammer of the Year for the second successive season and Conor Coventry, who picked up the Dylan Tombides Award As we review 2017/18, we must start with our most senior team – the U23s – who finished in the top half of Premier League 2 Division 1. This is a fantastic achievement, given last season, the side won promotion from the league below via the play-offs. To not only compete, but finish fifth, in their maiden term at this level is brilliant. An U21 side also competed in the Checkatrade Trophy for us, the second time we have been involved in the competition. Once again, we found all our fixtures against senior Football League outfits extremely valuable for the development of our young players. To reach the knockout rounds, along with only three other Academy sides, is a success to be celebrated.
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<br>In the second half of the season particularly, we've seen a number of players go out on loan, with many impressing and showing how valuable their time at the Academy of Football has been as they experience first team football week-in, week-out. Reece Burke, Moses Makasi, Reece Oxford, Martin Samuelsen and Toni Martinez all became important players at their loan clubs and have been a credit to West Ham United.
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<br>Staying with senior football but instead looking at our own first team, Declan is the obvious success to come out of the Academy this term, with the 19-year-old making 31 first-team appearances this past season. The defender has become an important player in the first-team squad, showing his quality and versatility throughout the season, acting as a model professional at all times. Our captain at U23 level last year, Dec has made everybody at Chadwell Heath proud with his achievements, and we hope more are to come in the future. There were also first-team debuts for Nathan Holland, Sead Haksabanovic and Toni Martinez, who joined Mark Noble, Josh Cullen, Reece Oxford, Reece Burke and Domingos Quina as Academy graduates or players who have turned out for the first team this term, while many others were included in matchday squads.
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<br>Internationally, over 30 Academy players across all age-groups were called-up by national teams, including many of the already mentioned names, with Declan also winning his first senior Republic of Ireland cap. The Academy has a wider role to play than just the progression of our young players, however. Over the year, many of our staff have earned their own qualifications and badges, furthering their knowledge of the game; a huge positive in the Club's future. The redevelopment of the Academy's Chadwell Heath site will also massively benefit us in the long-run, and we thank the Board for their continued support on this project and throughout the season. The success of the inaugural Official Coaching Association scheme and the continued mentoring of our young players by the likes of Matt Upson and Paul Konchesky are also worth mentioning.
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<br>But at this point, I'd like to thank every supporter for their support of the Academy this season, and wish everyone a fantastic summer.
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<br>Seven is heaven for Ladies in season finale
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United Ladies ensured their campaign ended in style on Sunday as they were 7-1 winners over London rivals Queens Park Rangers at Rush Green.
<br>Goals from captain Rosie Kmita, teenage forward Kelly Wealthall, left-back Jasmine Auguste, a hat-trick from Player of the Year Ellie Zoepfl and a penalty from Rebecca Dunning secured the victory over the west Londoners, which saw the Hammers leapfrog above Chichester Ladies into seventh place in the FA Women's Premier League. The hosts – cheered on by a 1,333–strong crowd – were on the front foot from the first whistle and went close after three minutes when midfielder Molly Clark lashed an attempt just over. On 12 minutes, Wealthall had her first effort on goal, though it was turned away by a defender, while Kmita volleyed over at the back post in the same move. Just before the half hour mark, Karen Ray's side thought the lead must have been coming but striker Zoepfl's centred cut-back was just behind the onrushing Wealthall. But it was 1-0 on exactly 30 minutes. Kmita, picking the ball up in a wide right position, cut-back onto her stronger left foot and whipped the ball past Dolbear in the QPR goal to put the Hammers in front. And that lead was doubled just before the half time whistle, as Wealthall broke forward from a Kmita pass, only to hit the post before scoring as the ball rebounded kindly back to her.
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<br>Early in the second period, defender Chenise Austin rose highest in the penalty area from a corner kick but saw her effort turned away on the goalline, while Zoepfl suffered similar hard luck from the resulting set piece. The American had an even better opportunity to grab a third on 58 minutes, but despite hitting the target from six yards as the Hammers broke, Dolbear was on hand to keep it out. However, a five-minute flurry saw QPR go from having slim hopes of getting back into the game to none at all as the Hammers raced into a five-goal lead. First, August got herself on the scoresheet. The left-back raced down the flank and got to the byline, crossing deep towards the far post. The ball instead, however, drifted over the keeper's head and into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0 to the Hammers. Zoepfl – the Ladies' Player of the Season – was next to get in on the action. Played in down the right, the American closed down on Dolbear before calmly slotting past the keeper into the far corner with ease. Moments after, again the No4 found herself in the box, and taking it round the keeper, she could barely miss as Ray's side raced into a five-goal lead. With just over 15 minutes of play for the Ladies' campaign remaining, Zoepfl capped a dominant performance by bagging her hat-trick goal. Auguste, already on the scoresheet, was again heavily, seeing the keeper deny her powerful attempt before Zoepfl reacted quickest in the six-yard-box to nod in a sixth. With around five minutes remaining at Rush Green, Helen Ogle grabbed a consolation strike for the Hoops, turning past Staunton after a mistake from Hannah Wheeler. But there was time for one final celebration of the season as Rebecca Dunning, on as a substitute, smashed into the net from the penalty spot after Dayna Chong had been fouled in the box. 7-1 for West Ham, and seventh spot in the FA Women's Premier League confirmed.
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<br>West Ham United: Staunton, Mackie, Wheeler, Sampson, Austin (Dunning 80), Auguste, Clark, Mabey (Burr 80), Zoepfl, Wealthall (Chong 69), Kmita
<br>QPR: Dolbear, Glynn, Hennessey, Anes, Chimbima, Peacock, Ogle, Bytyqi, Lawrence, Maggs, Petit
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<br>Subs not used: Lynch, Hogan, Knell
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<br>Collison happy to be part of 'exciting' Academy of Football project
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Jack Collison is enjoying his football again. The former West Ham United and Wales midfielder went through tough times before and after a knee injury forced him to hang up his boots at the age of 27. After a spell coaching at boyhood club Peterborough United, where Matty Etherington has this week taken over Collison's old role with the U18 side, the Academy of Football graduate returned to east London last July. Since then, the popular Collison has impressed as lead coach of West Ham's U14 and U16 teams, imparting his considerable experience and wisdom on the next generation of Hammers hopefuls.
<br>Nine months into his coaching career at Chadwell Heath, the 29-year-old walks onto the training pitch every morning with a smile on his face, and reflects positively on his first season coaching at the Academy of Football, and is looking forward to recharging his batteries before embarking on his second campaign in July. "On a personal note, I've had a thoroughly enjoyable first year with the West Ham Academy," he said. "Working with all the age groups, I've had a real eye-opening experience into the Club's youth set-up and I've been so impressed with the level of ability and the long-term plan for the Academy. "It's an exciting project that that I'm proud to be part of, and I hope I can help it continue to improve year-on-year."
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<br>Collison cares deeply for his players, who are juggling the demands of their school work with those of becoming the skills to play in the Premier League in Claret and Blue. For that reason, their coach has encouraged them to rest and recharge over the summer break before returning fresh and focused for pre-season training. "I don't believe the importance of the upcoming off-season can be understated. It's a chance for the boys to completely switch off for a couple of weeks, which I think is the most essential thing for our lads to do. "The daily grind of life in football can really take its toll on a young person, both mentally and physically, with players always having to think about the game. Even on days off, they have to be considering their recovery or their next match. "For example, the U16s are in training four days a week, they play their games on weekends, and sometimes they have to stay longer at school because we need them for training during the day. It's a tough programme so this summer will give them an opportunity to rest, enjoy a little break, catch up with family, and generally unwind. "You tend to find, within a couple of weeks, that players will start getting itchy feet and a lot of them will be looking to get back to doing what they love – playing football. Lots of them will be working hard this summer to ensure they come back for pre-season in the best possible shape."
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<br>James Collins: West Ham defender set to leave club
<br><a href="http://BBC.co.uk">BBC.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>Former Wales defender James Collins is set to leave West Ham after 10 years and two spells at the club. The 34-year-old, whose contract ends next month, has not been offered a new deal. A final decision on his future will be made by the next manager, after the Premier League club opted to part company with David Moyes.
<br>It is understood West Ham co-owner David Sullivan spoke to Collins before an email was sent to the player. Collins, affectionately known as the 'Ginger Pele', is a cult figure with Hammers fans. He is the club's longest-serving player behind captain Mark Noble, with 217 appearances. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, 64, is set for talks with West Ham about the vacant managerial position.
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<br>Brady has 'sold the club down the river'
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Sunday, 20th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Karren Brady has been heavily criticised by a Sky Sports panel - who accused the vice chairman of "selling the club down the river". Journalist Henry Winter, whose 2008 testimony was considered key in the decision to award damages in favour of Sheffield Utd during the Tevez affair attacked Brady and her fellow Boards members on this morning's Sunday Supplement. "I don't think it helps the club when you have three three main individuals at the club talking all the time," he said. "Certainly two of them talking all the time - one in a set piece situation and Sullivan with his various interviews, or whatever. "I think that's not good for the manager - whoever it is."
<br>And Winter's criticisms were supported by fellow scribe Oliver Holt, who claimed that vice chair Brady had "destroyed" West Ham United's loyal fan base by moving the club to Stratford with little thought for the consequences. "She writes a newspaper column that occasionally scuppers transfers in and out," said Holt. "But my problem with her is that she thought she'd got the deal of the century - as she called it - by moving to a stadium which had robbed West Ham of its character, destroyed the fan base and destroyed the atmosphere. "She thought she was getting a deal on the cheap and she's ended up selling the club down the river."
<br>However Brady was defended by Sun journalist Sean Custis, whose newspaper publishes her controversial and heavily-criticised weekly column. When asked whether he felt Brady was "part of the problem" at West Ham, a tetchy Custis snapped: "What do you mean, part of the problem? "It's a newspaper column that more than occasionally says it how it is. What's wrong with that? She engages with football people about what is happening in football. Surely that's an interesting aspect?"
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<br>The philosophy of Pellegrini
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Sunday, 20th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham United's manager-in-waiting says he expects his his staff to meet three key criteria. Manuel Pellegrini, who resigned from his post with China Super League side Hebei Fortune yesterday is expected to fly to London within the next 48 hours in order to ratify his move to West Ham. And in the following video from the Coaches' Voice channel, the 64-year-old Chilean outlines his three key tenets as manager - which are as follows:
<br>
<br>1. Respect - for fellow players, staff, supporters, media etc.
<br>2. Commitment - to the managers plans
<br>3. Performance - full commitment
<br>
<br>"Usually the first few days I'm with the players I tell them how I work with a group," explains Pellegrini. "Not just on the pitch but off the pitch too. I understand players who aren't playing can't be happy but my demands of them must be exactly the same."
<br>
<br>And in the following short, Pellegrini explains how he got the better of West Ham United's last manager - David Moyes - when the two went head-to-head in a 2013 Manchester derby, won 4-1 by Pellegrini's City side. "The system is not really important," he says. "What is important for me as a manager is my idea about football - and not compromising it just because you have a high-quality opponent. "Of course you have to take your opponent into account as far as the main characteristics of the game are concerned, but if you consider what the opponent does as a priority over your own system then you'd be changing the team week in, week out."
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<br>Collins deal on hold
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Sunday, 20th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>James Collins has been told that club's new manager will determine whether he is to be granted a contract extension. It was claimed earlier this week that the 34-year-old defender had been informed via email that he would not be granted a new contract. And whilst that particular story turned out to be wide of the mark, it is the case that Collins is yet to be offered new terms, despite his existing contract being set to expire in a matter of weeks.
<br>Instead, the club have chosen to defer the decision until a new manager is appointed - with the final decision to be left to the new man. Collins, who is the club's second-longest serving player first signed for West Ham in July 2005 as part of a £3.5million double-swoop that also saw fellow Cardiff defender Danny Gabbidon arrive at the club. Four years later he joined Aston Villa in a deal worth £5million as West Ham's crippling financial situation necessitated the sale of several frist team squad members. However he was on his way back to east London in the summer of 2012 in a deal worth around £2million - and has remained at West Ham ever since.
<br>
<br>James Collins: Stat Zone
<br>
<br>West Ham United (first spell)
<br>
<br>2005/06: Pld 19, Bkd 1, Gls 2.
<br>2006/07: Pld 17, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
<br>2007/08: Pld 5, Bkd 0, Gls 0.
<br>2008/09: Pld 21, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
<br>2009/10: Pld 3, Bkd 1, Gls 0.
<br>
<br>Aston Villa
<br>
<br>2009/10: Pld 37, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
<br>2010/11: Pld 37, Bkd 7, Gls 3.
<br>2011/12: Pld 34, Bkd 7, Gls 1.
<br>
<br>West Ham United (second spell)
<br>
<br>2012/13: Pld 32, S/Off 1, Bkd 9, Gls 2.
<br>2013/14: Pld 29, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
<br>2014/15: Pld 30, S/Off 1, Bkd 6, Gls 1.
<br>2015/16: Pld 29, S/Off 2, Bkd 5.
<br>2016/17: Pld 25, Bkd 4, Gls 2.
<br>2017/18: Pld 16, Bkd 3, Gls 1.
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<br>Sunday Supplement: Watch journalists' fiery debate on West Ham owners
<br>Last Updated: 20/05/18 3:20pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>Henry Winter, Oliver Holt and Shaun Custis debate whether or not West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady is right to have a column in Custis' newspaper, The Sun.
<br>Sparks were flying in the Sunday Supplement studio as journalists Henry Winter, Shaun Custis and Oliver Holt discussed the current situation at West Ham.
<br>
<br>The Hammers are close to agreeing a deal with Manuel Pellegrini to become their new manager, according to Sky sources, which triggered a debate about the current hierarchy, which includes Karren Brady, David Sullivan and David Gold.
<br>
<br>West Ham vice-chairman Brady writes a column for Custis' newspaper, The Sun, but while he defended her right to "say it how it is," Winter claimed all football owners should be "seen and not heard".
<br>
<br>Watch a classic Sunday Supplement exchange in the video at the top of the page and read the transcript below.....
<br>
<br>Winter: There are two problems with West Ham - they have got a charmless, dreadful board - one of them thinks he can pick the squad. And, they've got a completely soulless stadium. Those supporters are fantastic if they feel they are being served up decent football - there aren't many plusses. They should not be playing in that ground - it is the complete antithesis of Upton Park. They should have knocked it down and started again. Daniel Levy was right - they should have knocked it down, but the Olympic board got involved.
<br>
<br>Shaun, what about your columnist? Karren Brady. Is she part of the problem or part of the solution?
<br>
<br>Custis: What do you mean, part of the problem?
<br>
<br>Winter: She's on the board - she's driving this through.
<br>
<br>Custis: She more than occasionally says it how it is. I've seen journalists say, 'how dare Karren Brady write this in a newspaper - she should have done it on the official website'. Why? What is wrong?
<br>
<br>Winter: Does it help the club? Do the fans like it?
<br>
<br>Custis: She engages with football people about what is happening in football. Surely that's an interesting aspect?
<br>
<br>Winter: So, it's nothing to do with self-promotion?
<br>
<br>Custis: You have a big problem with it? Ollie, you're advocating people at football clubs shouldn't be doing things in a newspaper.
<br>
<br>Holt: Don't start having a go at me!
<br>
<br>Custis: It's alright for Jordan Henderson to sit down with you and talk however he wants to talk, but it's not alright for the vice-chairman at West Ham?
<br>
<br>Holt: My problem with Karren Brady has got nothing to do with her column in your paper. My problem with Karren Brady is regarding what Henry said about the board. My problem with her is that she thought she got the deal of the century by moving to a stadium that has robbed West Ham of its character and destroyed the fan-base. She thought she was getting a deal on the cheap and she's ended up selling the club down the river.
<br>
<br>Custis: But she is allowed to have her point of view - she thinks she didn't sell the club down the river. It wasn't solely her decision either. She had Gold and Sullivan on board with it.
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<br>Holt: Are you her mouthpiece, Shaun? You're her mouthpiece, Shaun.
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<br>Winter: Board members should be seen and not heard.
<br>
<br>Custis: You were happy to see Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere talk on social media - but you're not happy to see Karren Brady say what she wants to say. She's entitled to say what she wants to say.
<br>
<br>Winter: I don't think it helps the club when you have three main individuals at the club talking all the time. One in a set-piece situation and Sullivan with his various interviews. I think that is not good for the manager - whoever that is.
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<br>West Ham signing Ahmed Hegazi for £2.5m would be superb deal
<br>HITC
<br>Jordan Harris
<br>
<br>West Ham United are reportedly amongst the sides keen to hand Ahmed Hegazi a swift return to the Premier League. While West Brom ensured that they went down with some momentum ahead of their relegation to the Championship, it was undoubtedly a very bleak season until Darren Moore's appointment as interim head coach. However, one player arguably managed to look impressive for much of the campaign. Ahmed Hegazi was fairly consistent throughout the season. Signed initially on loan, the Egyptian was snapped up permanently before the January window began and continued to often be a shining light in a Baggies side that gave the fans little to smile about. The Sun's goals section (19/05; page 7) recently reported that both West Ham and Leicester are now keen on signing the centre-back, and will be able to do a deal for just £2.5 million due to a relegation release clause. For the Hammers, it is arguably a fantastic opportunity for the club to land a very talented defender for a fraction of the fee that a player of his calibre would normally cost. Hegazi should not be the most exciting addition the Irons make this summer. But he may well prove to be one of the shrewdest signings the Hammers secure if they manage to see off the challenge from the Foxes or any other side that decides to join the race. The 27-year-old was an ever-present in the Premier League for West Brom despite having a very concerning injury record when he was with Fiorentina earlier in his career, and his style of no-nonsense defending made him a hugely important member in the side - and it could make him an extremely popular player at the London Stadium if he moves. No team let in more league goals than West Ham this term, so adding to the defensive options has to be a priority when the new manager arrives. But with other areas of the squad also needing serious addressing, finding some bargains has to be a target also. In Hegazi's case, the £2.5 million release clause means that there is the potential for West Ham to land the kind of bargain that proves to be a masterstroke
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini arrives at West Ham for manager role talks
<br>March 17, 2018
<br>Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
<br>20 MAY 2018 • 7:09PM
<br>Telegraph
<br>
<br>West Ham United are confident of naming Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager this week. The 64-year-old Chilean has travelled to London for talks, having informed Hebei China Fortune, his current club, that he is leaving. The Chinese club then announced Pellegrini's departure, ­expressing their "sincere gratitude" for his contribution. There was a delay last week while West Ham struggled to speak to Pellegrini, but negotiations are now under way.
<br>
<br>It is likely Pellegrini will be offered a three-year deal at West Ham following the decision not to retain David Moyes, who left last week ­after his short-term deal at the club expired. West Ham held talks with Paulo Fonseca, after he flew to London to meet co-owner ­David Sullivan, but the Portuguese then signed a new, ­enhanced two-year deal with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. Depending on which version of events is to be believed, Fonseca either had misgivings about taking the job or the club deemed him too big a risk given the other candidates he was up against, including Pellegrini, who had previously worked in the Premier League. What was interesting was that Fonseca's agent, Jorge Mendes, also travelled for the talks, suggesting that a deal was on the table.
<br>
<br>West Ham were always intent on speaking to other candidates and Pellegrini, who spent three years at Manchester City, winning the Premier League and taking them to the semi-finals of the Champions League, has always been a coach they admired. Pellegrini has won league titles in four different countries and has previously been in charge of Real Madrid, Villarreal and Malaga.
<br>
<br>West Ham also explored the possibility of hiring Rafael Benitez from Newcastle United, with the Spaniard having come close to joining the club before Slaven Bilic was appointed in June 2015. Indeed, Benitez had agreed to take over until Real Madrid came in for him. It is understood Newcastle would expect £6 million in compensation to release Benitez from his contract, while he would want to bring a large backroom staff with him, making the deal expensive.
<br>
<br>West Ham have insisted they had a four-strong shortlist of managers to succeed Moyes, with all of them having won trophies and of the highest calibre. It is understood that list was Pellegrini, Benitez, Fonseca and Claudio Ranieri, who has left French club Nantes. It had been possible that West Ham might hire Ranieri and reunite him with Steve Walsh – who he worked with at Leicester City – as chief scout. Walsh has been replaced by Marcel Brands as director of football at Everton.
<br>
<br>If Pellegrini is appointed it would appear to raise the likelihood of West Ham signing Yaya Toure, who is a free agent, having been released by City at the end of his contract. The 35-year-old held talks with West Ham previously, when his wage demands were prohibitive, but now a deal may be more manageable, especially given his good relationship with Pellegrini.
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<br>Ginge Was NOT Told He Was To Leave By E-Mail By West Ham
<br>Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 20/05/2018 - 12:51
<br>WestHamFans.org
<br>
<br>Contrary to earlier reports by the 'let's give West Ham a kicking' media with an agenda, James Collins was not told that his services were no longer required with a 'cold' e-mail, far from it. The e-mail in queston was sent as a matter of legal requirement from the club's H R department and was necessary in order to comply with various insurance policies in place, something that is in common with all Premier League clubs.
<br>
<br>Far from 'getting rid' of 'The Ginger Pele', the club have put any further decision as to what happens with 34 year old James Collins until the new manager is in place! It may well be that Collins does move on, but every avenue of retaining his services is being explored includig a possible coaching role albeit on vastly reduced wages. Of course the incoming manager might well have their own opinions, it isn't as if the club is overflowing with central defenders so perhaps a one year contract extension would be in order, if only as cover.
<br>
<br>As that well known benevolent group of people, the Bookies, have ceased to accept any more bets with regards to the impending arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, it is safe to asume that the Chilean will be takingover from David Moyes. In the fulnesss of time the details will emerge as to exactly what went on behind the scenes between Moyes and particularly David Sullivan, it appears that Moyes misjudged the water and assumed, incorrectly as it transpires, that he had done enough to warrant a new contract, however it seems that the demands made by Moyes were too much for Sullivan. The strength of Moyes' hand in the discussions was based on the assumption that Sullivan shared co-owner David Gold's desire to retain the 54 year old Scot, when he realised that the co-owners were not seeing eye to eye about a new contract he realised his time was up, hence the recent derogatory comments attributedn to Moyes made on social media.
<br>
<br>Ironically the first thing Manuel Pellegrini will do after signing his purported three year contract will be to go on holiday for a couple of weeks! - Ed
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<br>PELLEGRINI: APPOINT 'THIS CHARMING MAN' OR A CASE OF SULLIVAN'S 'BIGMOUTH STRIKES AGAIN'?
<br> By Dan Coker 20 May 2018 at 09:00
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>On Wednesday morning my article requesting West Ham United end the unprofessionalism and appoint David Moyes as manager was published. Four hours and 39 minutes later, the club issued a statement confirming Moyes' departure from the club!
<br>
<br>It appears as though this was Moyes' decision rather than the board's. The Scot had seemingly had enough of the lack of appetite within the club to rid it of the media leaks, culminating in Sullivan's hardly-secret meeting with Paulo Fonseca early last week. David Gold went public on Tuesday, saying he wanted Moyes to stay – perhaps he should have a meeting with his Joint-Chairman (y'know, communicate..!) and discuss exactly what it is they want from the club's present and future. It is highly concerning when the two men at the top of the club are not singing from the same hymn sheet.
<br>
<br>And so, for the second time in six months, we are contemplating the possibilities of a new manager – hardly the West Ham Way. The new appointment will be the sixth permanent boss to work under Sullivan and Gold since they bought the club eight years ago. After the initial club statement vowed "The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed", supporters were 'treated' to an update just 28 hours later which promised a "high-calibre" manager with "a proven record of success at the highest level of the game". Why Sullivan felt we needed to know this before an appointment is made is beyond me – he must learn that actions count, not words. Incidentally, well done to those who picked up The Smiths references in this piece's headline!
<br>
<br>My personal choice of those mentioned would be Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean took Villarreal from eighth place before he arrived at the Estadio de la Ceramica to third place in 2004/05. He finished seventh and fifth in the following campaigns before recording a second-place finish in 2007/08, finishing above Barcelona. The club finished fifth in Pellegrini's final season with them, in 2008/09. Pellegrini also took Villarreal to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2005 and the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2006, where they were defeated by Arsenal. The Gunners would again defeat Pellegrini's side in the quarter-finals of the 2008/09 Champions League.
<br>
<br>Pellegrini joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, with president Florentino Perez signing (among others) Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. The club were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 and finished second in La Liga. Pellegrini, in words that should echo in the ears of David Sullivan, said of his time at the Bernabeu:
<br>
<br>"I didn't have a voice or a vote at Madrid. They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position. It's no good having an orchestra with the ten best guitarists if I don't have a pianist. Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won't be able to do it so well. He [Pérez] sold players that I considered important. We didn't win the Champions League because we didn't have a squad properly structured to be able to win it."
<br>
<br>As an aside, herein lies the rub. If West Ham are going to appoint a manager of Pellegrini's ilk, they are going to have to up their game in terms of professionalism throughout the club and they are going to have to provide significantly greater funds over time to allow him to be a success, as well as allowing Pellegrini and his management/recruitment team to have control over who comes in and who goes out.
<br>
<br>Upon departing Madrid, Pellegrini moved to Malaga in November 2010, the club having just finished 17th in 2009/10. Under the new ownership of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani and the management of Pellegrini, the club finished 11th and moved up to fourth in his first full season. Pellegrini took Malaga to the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2012/13 and finished sixth in La Liga. He left the club with mounting financial problems and excluded from Europe due to Financial Fair Play rules.
<br>
<br>Many West Ham United supporters will remember Pellegrini for his time at Manchester City, particularly their 9-0 aggregate win over Sam Allardyce's side in the 2013/14 League Cup semi-finals. The Hammers did beat Pellegrini's champions 2-1 at Upton Park in October 2014 though, with Slaven Bilic's Irons recording a 2-1 win at the Etihad the following season. Pellegrini won the Premier League title and two League Cups at City before departing two seasons ago, with Joe Hart a key figure in his success in Manchester. He has been manager of Hebei China Fortune since August 2016, leaving the club yesterday. He finished fourth in 2017 and leaves the club, including former Hammer Javier Mascherano, in eighth position.
<br>
<br>I would not be disappointed if Rafa Benitez were to rock up at the London Stadium but I really don't see Sullivan paying the £6m release fee. Personally, I don't see why a board of directors would be happy to pay £20m for Andre Ayew and £10m for Robert Snodgrass but baulk at £6m for a manager – then again, this is the same board of directors who have not paid a permanent transfer fee for a first-choice goalkeeper since they took over the club (Stephen Henderson being the only custodian who has cost the club a fee in that time). Reports this morning suggest that Zenit St Petersburg could move for Benitez as a replacement for Roberto Mancini. My preference is for Pellegrini as he's known for more attacking football. In addition, Benitez oversaw three different sets of four league defeats in a row last season, something neither Slaven Bilic nor David Moyes experienced during 2017/18.
<br>
<br>As for Marco Silva, I think he has his head too easily turned which, at a time when we are craving stability, rules him out for me. After hoping on Wednesday morning that the club would show a desire to end its unprofessionalism and appoint Moyes, I now hope that the new incumbent is appointed swiftly so we can begin planning for next season and beyond. If it is Pellegrini or Benitez, their vast experience will hopefully put an end to West Ham being run as a "basket-case club", as I read in one publication yesterday. It's going to be an interesting week…
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-38922666173123115572018-05-19T21:30:00.001+00:002018-05-19T21:30:46.350+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 20th May 2018Arnautovic: I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>A lot can happen over the duration of a football season, and that was
<br>certainly the case for Marko Arnautovic. Back in August, the Austrian made
<br>his West Ham United debut at Manchester United, cutting a frustrated figure
<br>as he left the Old Trafford pitch after the Hammers' humbling 4-0 Premier
<br>League defeat. On his next appearance, Arnautovic was sent-off as West Ham
<br>fell 3-2 at Southampton, earning him a three-match ban and leading some
<br>supporters to question why the Club had spent a record fee on bringing him
<br>to east London. Two assists in an EFL Cup third-round win over Bolton
<br>Wanderers aside, the No7 struggled to make an impact in his opening three
<br>months in Claret and Blue. In December, however, everything has changed and
<br>Arnautovic went gone from zero to hero in the minds of those same
<br>supporters, who voted him Hammer of the Year at the recent Player Awards.
<br>Put simply, without the 29-year-old's eleven goals and six assists, West Ham
<br>would have celebrated their Premier League safety with two games to spare
<br>and finished in the relative comfort of 13th place. "I remember my first
<br>game for the club was at Old Trafford in August, we lost four-nil and it was
<br>not a good experience for me or for the team," reflected Arnautovic, who
<br>also scooped the Signing of the Season and Players' Player of the Year
<br>trophies at last month's Player Awards. "A lot of things have changed since
<br>then for me. The manager told me that if I didn't work, I wouldn't play, so
<br>I have given everything every time I have been on the pitch and I am
<br>thankful that I have scored so many goals and got some assists for the team.
<br>"It was tough at the start for me, for sure, but I have worked hard and
<br>found my form and I love being part of this Club and playing for these fans,
<br>who have shown me so much love."
<br>
<br>After signing-off the season with a goal and an assist in Sunday's 3-1 win
<br>over Everton at London Stadium, Arnautovic told the supporters they too had
<br>inspired his return to top form. "First of all, I want to apologise for the
<br>first three months!" he said, with a smile. "I tried to work hard and give
<br>everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything.
<br>Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Arnautovic has done just that, jetting
<br>off with his wife Sarah to sunnier climes, but he will soon be pulling on
<br>his boots again, as Austria will provide pre-World Cup opposition for
<br>Russia, Germany and Brazil over the next three weeks.
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<br>Wheeler backs Ladies to bounce back in season finale
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Hannah Wheeler says the West Ham United Ladies are determined to end the
<br>season strongly and bounce back with three points against QPR this Sunday.
<br>The Hammers saw a 13-game unbeaten run, started with the first match of
<br>2018, come to an end in their last fixture after falling to a 2-1 home loss
<br>to Lewes. The disappointment of that defeat is still raw for defender
<br>Wheeler, but the centre-back is determined for that loss to serve as
<br>motivation to return to winning ways in the season finale on Sunday. "It
<br>hurt to lose that unbeaten run," Wheeler told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "The atmosphere
<br>after the game was very unpleasant. Everyone felt so disappointed, and for
<br>me disappointment is the worst feeling. Up until that Lewes game, we had
<br>worked really hard. I really do believe we should have won but it was our
<br>fault that we didn't. "I feel though that we will bounce back this weekend.
<br>We're training hard, everyone is putting in everything they've got, so
<br>there's no reason we can't go out on Sunday and get three points to end the
<br>campaign. "That defeat is in the past now and we leave it there. It's wiped,
<br>we get a clean slate, and we go again! That first training session after
<br>Lewes, we all knew we had to put our best foot forward and show why we
<br>deserved to be in the squad for the last game of the season."
<br>
<br>The Irons have played QPR twice already this season, coming out triumphant
<br>in both contests. The first was a 3-1 home victory in the WPL Plate, before
<br>the Ladies earned a sensational 10-0 away win last month in the league. For
<br>Wheeler, however, those results cannot be considered when heading into this
<br>weekend's contest, with the defender aware of the threat Rangers possess.
<br>She continued: "You cannot underestimate QPR at all. When we played them
<br>away they did have players missing from their team. They've scored some big
<br>goals and got some good results this season. We know they hold a threat and
<br>we cannot afford to be complacent. "If we can beat QPR it still equates to
<br>an amazing 2018, despite the last result. We want to go out with a bang. We
<br>have to work hard for each other and prove what we're about. We have to show
<br>our run in 2018 wasn't a fluke and we are able to perform at the best
<br>level."
<br>
<br>Sunday's contest will also feature a celebration of West Ham Ladies'
<br>achievements this campaign, with fans invited to join in the activities
<br>pre-game at Rush Green.
<br>With gates opening at 12pm, supporters can enjoy the company of club legend
<br>Carlton Cole, take photos with the two trophies won this season, and also
<br>make use of inflatable games and other activities. Wheeler is eager for the
<br>team to show their appreciation to the excellent supporters with a
<br>performance against QPR. "We know a lot of people are coming down for the
<br>season finale and the activities before the game. Families and friends are
<br>all going to be with us for the game, which will be amazing! "We've got to
<br>perform and give everyone a reason to cheer and be happy for the final match
<br>of the season. We can't wait to welcome everyone down for the game."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Ray: Ladies have come so far in 12 months
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United Ladies General Manager Karen Ray reflects on a successful
<br>season and looks ahead to a bright future...
<br>
<br>
<br>Everyone at West Ham United has shown how invested they are in the Ladies,
<br>they have been instrumental in our transition to becoming a self-sustaining
<br>department.
<br>
<br>In 12 months we have built an infrastructure that supersedes most; we want
<br>to become part of the FA's strategy as they revolutionise Women's football
<br>in England and lead the way as pioneers.
<br>
<br>Being a fully-fledged part of the football club has afforded us the
<br>opportunity to expand and align ourselves with the elite pathways from the
<br>men's side as we strive to be 'The Academy of Football' for Ladies. We can
<br>now offer a player pathway for girls aged eight through to 38, with
<br>employability opportunities for those who have ambitions of working within
<br>our realm.
<br>
<br>Twelve months ago, West Ham United fans would have been forgiven for not
<br>knowing that the Club had a Ladies team. We had only just been brought in
<br>house, having been an independent set up, with no real future.
<br>
<br>Now as the 2017/18 season comes to an end, optimism and excitement around
<br>the progression of West Ham United Ladies is thriving. The implementation of
<br>a solid infrastructure has afforded us the opportunity to apply for a
<br>license in the reformed Women's Super League, setting our sights on an
<br>ambitious journey to the top of the women's game.
<br>
<br>In 2018 we have seen the capabilities of a club on the rise, not only have
<br>we succeeded in building a solid infrastructure we have seen our results
<br>flourish on the pitch. The biggest positive is the recognition the players
<br>have rightly earned. Ultimately, they are the ones who show up to every
<br>session with great intensity and work hard. Now, they get to see all of that
<br>effort come to fruition.
<br>
<br>Success is no easy feat in the FA Women's Premier League but we have shown
<br>it is possible. A moment of quiet contentment over the past 12 months creeps
<br>in as we stop and look at how far we have come during our small season
<br>break.
<br>
<br>Jack Sullivan's appointment as the Ladies Managing Director has been the
<br>most prevalant change, his hard work and innovative ideas have allowed us to
<br>build a professional environment, on which success is being achieved.
<br>
<br>What a great year it has proven to be. I couldn't be prouder of the
<br>achievements so far; the ladies have really turned their season around and
<br>we don't have any plans to take our foot of the pedal any time soon. This
<br>group of players and staff are all willing to fight for each other, we are
<br>determined and resilient in all areas of the pitch, as the coach I can't ask
<br>for anything more. We hope you will join us in our season finale as we take
<br>on London rivals QPR at Rush Green on Sunday 20 May.
<br>
<br>Winning is developed in the most difficult moments, there is certainly no
<br>denying we had a difficult 2017 but everyone came together and decided we
<br>had to be accountable and prove we were winners. We are almost there. Of
<br>course, I want the player to cherish the memories of our current victories,
<br>but we won't settle there. We are more games to win and most history to
<br>make. This takes character, something we have in abundance with this group.
<br>
<br>There is something very unique about our players, they challenge me every
<br>day to keep raising my standards and expectations. The professionalism that
<br>every member of the first team is adhering too is inspiring, they all hold
<br>each other accountable which makes my job easier. Playing at such high
<br>intensity is no easy feat, but no one is willing to let 90 minutes of the
<br>gruelling physical demands beat them. Before we leave the changing room I
<br>always say, "empty the tank", I am yet to discover someone who hasn't.
<br>
<br>Lastly, a huge thank you to my staff; Myles, Neo and Dan. I wouldn't want to
<br>be on this journey with anyone else and I look forward to another chapter in
<br>the Ladies' book.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>SWANSEA BUY OR AVOID
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 8:59PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by @Bobstonian
<br>
<br>Swansea were eliminated on Championship Sunday. Below is a list of players
<br>that the club should or should not pursue in the transfer window. I have
<br>included my thoughts under each player's name. I have excluded Britton,
<br>Rangel, and Routledge based on their age. Britton, Rangel, Ki and Gorre are
<br>out of contract in the summer. I have also excluded the Ayew brothers as I
<br>do not believe they would join/rejoin the club after Andre's sale in
<br>January.
<br>
<br>BUY:
<br>Fabianski
<br>
<br>"There is only one Flappy Hand-ski" – Me. He saved the most penalties, and
<br>recorded the 2nd most saves in the league. Lack of attack was the reason
<br>behind Swansea's demise, as they finished tied for the 11th best defensive
<br>record in the league. Fabianski was a big reason more shots didn't find
<br>their way into the back of the net. His wages are reasonable, and this
<br>calibre of keeper should be playing in the top division.
<br>
<br>Either Mawson or van der Horn
<br>
<br>No one can argue that our defence was any better than Swansea's, and these
<br>center-halves performed admirably in a losing campaign. Mawson played every
<br>minute this season, but just underwent knee surgery. He represents somewhat
<br>of a riskier option here. The club should wait to see how he recovers from
<br>his recent operation. Mawson is the better in the air. Van der Horn averaged
<br>more successful tackles per game, and Mawson has the reputation of a
<br>relatively poor tackler. If available, van der Horn could be a cheap
<br>addition to the back line. He is versatile enough to play on the right side
<br>of defense.
<br>
<br>Narsingh
<br>
<br>I consider him a cheap reclamation project. He is a Dutch champion, and a
<br>threat on the right side. He produced numerous goals and assists in the
<br>Eredivisie, and has scored goals in both European club competitions. I hope
<br>the club at least consider enquiring about him.
<br>
<br>AVOID:
<br>
<br>Bony
<br>
<br>Bony's best days are behind him. Unfortunately, he has not been the same
<br>goal threat since leaving Swansea the first time around. He is one of the
<br>most expensive players on the squad, and is approaching 30 years of age.
<br>
<br>Fernandes
<br>
<br>Fernandes completed a higher percentage of his passes than Mawson and van
<br>der Horn. However, for his size (180cm) he loses too many aerial duals. He
<br>is older, and receives a higher wage than the other two center-halves that I
<br>want the club to consider.
<br>
<br>Ki
<br>
<br>I went back and forth on Ki while writing this article. He will be leaving
<br>the club in the Summer on a free, and plays in a position of need for the
<br>club. When he is healthy, his manager usually selects him. However, except
<br>for a successful run of games in February/March he was kept off the
<br>scoresheet completely. His stats at Celtic are far superior to his record in
<br>the Premier League.
<br>
<br>Clucas
<br>
<br>The left-side of the field is already congested, and Swansea paid an
<br>outrageous fee for this player last summer.
<br>
<br>Naughton
<br>
<br>Similar to Craig Dawson, he represents a cheap alternative and plays in a
<br>position of need for the club. However, just like Dawson, I question his
<br>ability to play farther outsides as a wingback.
<br>
<br>Carroll
<br>
<br>He is cheap, relatively young and English, but he is more of a box-to-box
<br>midfielder. I do not rate him highly.
<br>
<br>Fer
<br>
<br>Suffered an Achilles injury in the middle of the season. He is 28, and has
<br>already been relegated from the premier league three times.
<br>
<br>Olsson
<br>
<br>He is a versatile defender and Swedish International, but he would be a
<br>surplus if Masuaku and Creswell were to stay at the club.
<br>
<br>Dyer
<br>
<br>No goals in 20 apps. Stay away.
<br>
<br>I do not want the club to pursue any midfielders from the Swans. There are
<br>some options in the back for the club to consider, and there is always a
<br>chance that Narsingh pans out on the right wing if given a chance.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>SILLY SEASON: A WORD TO THE WISE.
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 9:08PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by an anonymous writ
<br>
<br>Another torrid campaign is finally over. There have been highs, there have
<br>been lows, but there have been enough lows that it's clear how badly we need
<br>change. I think Mark Noble spoke for everyone when he said 'I don't want
<br>another season like that'. We need a restructure from top to bottom. How
<br>much of this restructure will we see come August? Who knows. As much a
<br>possible I hope. Which leads me nicely onto talking about managing this
<br>silly season. This isn't an article bemoaning the board, Karren Brady or
<br>player choices. There'll be plenty of time for that. It's about managing
<br>ourselves during this time.
<br>
<br>I have/had an addiction. In the intentionally misguided humour of Russell
<br>Brand, it's not a 'cool addiction'. I had an addiction to visiting/talking
<br>to psychics. Now, say what you like about that world, you're entitled to. I
<br>spent horrendous amounts of money on this pastime and the bottom line is- I
<br>wasn't in control. Of my life, my actions, my self-esteem etc etc. It boiled
<br>down to feeling like I couldn't take decisive action for myself. This is
<br>because life wasn't going so well. Now life is going well, I have no need to
<br>do this. Hurrah!
<br>
<br>So why am I telling you this? Nice story, but what's the point? Well, when I
<br>spoke to these people on such a regular basis, about anything really,
<br>something became very, very clear. Things change. Your mate Bob, last time
<br>you spoke to him, he was going to Marbella. Now he and the family are going
<br>caravanning in Shropshire because his missus' mum isn't doing so well and
<br>she needs to be able to get back easily if she's needed. Does that make Bob
<br>a f****** liar? No. Things changed. I spoke to these people so much that I
<br>became deeply unhappy because life kept changing in very small ways and I
<br>had to accept that I couldn't control everything. This is what will happen
<br>this window
<br>
<br>We of the West Ham Way following are in a very privileged position. We get
<br>told things that nobody else would ever hear about the club. We get up to
<br>the minute news about anything and everything we ask- for free too! It's a
<br>lovely little position we've got ourselves in. So, without sounding preachy,
<br>because I'm firmly in this boat too, we sometimes require a little bit of
<br>blind faith and also the acceptance that things can change. If they do,
<br>let's not get angry at those who give the information- we know the guys I'm
<br>talking about and we know that they're 100% right at the time of giving the
<br>information. I didn't get angry, in my case, because I knew it was very much
<br>up to me to stop. Like those gambling ads, 'When the fun stops, stop'. If
<br>it's getting frustrating, have a breather. Yes, we care, but let's not turn
<br>into the wrong type of keyboard warriors and malcontents. Sorry, couldn't
<br>resist.
<br>
<br>If we are linked with a player/manager and it takes three weeks to get over
<br>the line, then we know it's complicated. It might turn out okay. But we also
<br>must know that it can change. Speaking of a situation that happened last
<br>night, which got me very riled up (and no doubt 99% of the west ham twitter
<br>world); I tweeted left, right and centre and (in good faith) asked those in
<br>the know what on earth was going on! When the mist had cleared a little, I
<br>realised that if anything had drastically changed, our West Ham Way pals
<br>would've told us. No news is good news. So, let's wait for the show to hear
<br>about that one.
<br>
<br>Whilst I pack away the chairs in the church hall and tell people to take a
<br>slice of cake and a few sausage rolls (I'm not taking them all home!), I
<br>just want to thank you all for listening with an open mind. Addiction can
<br>affect anyone. Even top footballers like our friend and hero Matty
<br>Etherington has had his troubles but come through. I hope you all can kind
<br>of see what I'm getting at when I share my experiences and apply them to
<br>this situation. West Ham isn't an addiction, it's a bloody life sentence!
<br>So, let's make this lifetime of support all the more manageable. COYI.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Hebei confirm Pellegrini departure
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Saturday, 19th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini has parted company with Chinese Super League club Hebei
<br>Fortune - opening the door for a move to West Ham. KUMB revealed on Friday
<br>how the Chilean manager was being lined up to succeed David Moyes, with an
<br>announcement confirming the 64-year-old's appointment expected early next
<br>week.
<br>And this afternoon the Chinese Super League club confirmed that they had
<br>parted company with Pellegrini, who has been working for Hebei since 2016.
<br>"From May 20, 2018, Mr. Pellegrini will no longer serve as team manager of
<br>Hebei Football Club," read a brief statement. "The club would like to
<br>express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Pellegrini for his contribution to the
<br>team's success."
<br>The announcement was made shortly after Fortune beat Chongqing Lifan in
<br>their final match ahead of a two-month break for the World Cup Finals. West
<br>Ham will have to pay Pellegrini's current club circa £6million to free the
<br>manager from his contract, which was due to expire in the summer of 2019. He
<br>is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Hammers, tying him to the
<br>club until 2021.
<br>
<br>We'll bring you more on this story as it happens...
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Manuel Pellegrini close to agreeing deal to take over at West Ham
<br>Hebei China Fortune have announced that Pellegrini will leave his position
<br>as their manager on Sunday.
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>West Ham are close to agreeing a deal with Manuel Pellegrini to become their
<br>new manager, according to Sky sources. The former Manchester City boss is on
<br>his way to London and will hold talks with co-owner David Sullivan on
<br>Monday. Current club Hebei China Fortune announced the Chilean's departure
<br>as their manager on Saturday, expressing their "sincere gratitude" for his
<br>contributions to the team. However, West Ham are also still seeking to speak
<br>with Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez this weekend. The Hammers are looking
<br>for a replacement for David Moyes, who left the club earlier in the week
<br>after completing a six-month contract, and the 64-year-old Premier League
<br>title-winner Pellegrini has emerged as the leading candidate. He guided
<br>Manchester City to the title in 2013-14, having began his managerial career
<br>in South America and winning national leagues in four different countries.
<br>Prior to joining City, he had spells with Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga
<br>in Spain. Benitez has been a long-term candidate for the West Ham job but is
<br>currently in charge at Newcastle and remains a very popular figure at St
<br>James' Park, after guiding the Magpies to a 10th-place Premier League
<br>finish.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham favourite Manuel Pellegrini leaves Hebei China Fortune paving way
<br>for London Stadium move
<br>STANDARD SPORT
<br>3 hours ago
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini's path to West Ham appears clearer after he was released
<br>by Hebei China Fortune on Saturday. The 64-year-old former Manchester City
<br>boss is the frontrunner to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. West
<br>Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said the club needed to move in a
<br>"different direction" with a "high-calibre figure". There has already been
<br>contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a
<br>face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the coming
<br>days. Despite being under contract at Hebei through to the end of 2018 and
<br>with a reported £5.3m release clause, the CSL club confirmed on Saturday
<br>Pellegrini was no longer in his role. And, in a statement on their Weibo
<br>account on Saturday, Hebei China Fortune said: "We have reached an agreement
<br>with Manuel Pellegrini that he will no longer serve as team manager. "Here,
<br>the club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr Pellegrini for
<br>his contributions and we wish him well in his future work life. Pellegrini
<br>coached at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain before taking charge
<br>of Manchester City in 2013, going on to win the 2013/14 Premier League title
<br>as well as the League Cup twice before his departure. The 64-year-old
<br>Chilean left the Ethiad Stadium in June 2016, where he was succeeded by Pep
<br>Guardiola, but was soon back in work at Hebei.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM TARGETING HUSILLOSFeatured Image
<br> Date: 19th May 2018 at 4:16pm
<br>Written by: Guy Giles
<br>ForeveWestHam
<br>
<br>West Ham are looking to appoint Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos
<br>alongside touted new boss Manuel Pellegrini, according to the Daily Mail.
<br>The newspaper claim that the Hammers are hopeful of announcing Pellegrini as
<br>their new manager next week, with talks between the two parties at an
<br>advanced stage. The Mail report that the club are also looking to reunite
<br>the Chilean with Husillos, 59, whose position at Malaga is not clear after
<br>their relegation from La Liga. This would be an interesting move from West
<br>Ham, with Husillos not a well-known figure at all on these shores.
<br>Pellegrini and the Argentine did have a highly successful spell together at
<br>Malaga though, and the club are likely looking to replicate that at the
<br>London Stadium next season. Pellegrini led Malaga to the knockout stages of
<br>the Champions League before he left for Manchester City in 2013, and Hammers
<br>fans can only dream of achieving such success. Pellegrini had actually
<br>looked like a plan B for Hammers bosses, with Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
<br>seemingly their first choice, but in truth this should be a great
<br>appointment for the club. The Chilean will bring the stability that is
<br>needed for the club to push on from a disappointing season, and also the
<br>know-how to climb the table next season. If the club also bring in
<br>Husillos, then expect a very busy summer in the transfer market, with the
<br>Irons sure to bring in some real talents.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>talkSPORT sources: James Collins told he has been released by West Ham after
<br>11 years of service... VIA EMAIL
<br>James Collins has left West Ham after being told of his release via email
<br>By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
<br>Saturday, May 19, 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham defender James Collins was unceremoniously released by the club
<br>after 11 years of service VIA EMAIL, talkSPORT understands. The 34-year-old
<br>Welshman is a popular figure at the club and a fan-favourite after spending
<br>11 years, split across two spells, with the Hammers. The centre-back
<br>re-joined West Ham in 2012 after a spell with Aston Villa, but he has now
<br>left the club without ceremony or tribute. According to talkSPORT sources,
<br>Collins - who has made over 200 Hammers appearances - was told by email that
<br>his contract will not be renewed this summer. The 51-cap Wales international
<br>was in tears after West Ham's final game of the season against Everton - his
<br>last outing in a claret and blue shirt. West Ham have a different opinion of
<br>the chain of events. A West Ham spokesperson told talkSPORT the club did
<br>speak to Collins to make him aware of the situation before sending
<br>confirmation that his time at West Ham had come to an end. But talkSPORT
<br>believe Collins, one of West Ham's longest-serving players, is disappointed
<br>by the nature of how his Hammers career has concluded. It's another PR
<br>disaster for West Ham and unpopular co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan,
<br>with supporters reacting with anger and outrage to the news on social media.
<br>And some are even fighting for the club to hold a testimonial match for the
<br>centre-back after over a decade of loyal service.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-80470271072944328592018-05-19T05:42:00.001+00:002018-05-19T05:42:27.920+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 19th May 2018Alese and England U17s suffer shootout heartbreak
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United Academy star Ajibola Alese and England suffered penalty shootout heartbreak at the hands of the Netherlands in the UEFA European U17 Championship semi-finals. After a hard-fought goalless draw, England were edged out 6-5 on spot-kicks to miss out on a place in the final in the cruellest circumstances. The Hammers defender was part of head coach Steve Cooper's starting XI as the Young Lions, who lost in a shootout to Spain in last year's final and won the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup, were edged out by their Dutch counterparts in Chesterfield on Thursday evening. Alese, 17, missed England's opening two group-stage fixtures before being drafted into the team for the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. He kept his place for the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Norway and was again involved from the kick-off against the Oranje. The Netherlands will take on Italy in the final in Rotherham on Sunday evening.
<br>
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<br>Zabaleta: We will learn from this season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Pablo Zabaleta says his West Ham United team will learn from the experiences gained over a course of a rollercoaster 2017/18 season as they aim for improvement next term. The Hammers were unable to find the level of consistency required to push them into the top half of the Premier League table, but still finished with a flourish by collecting seven points from their final three games. Zabaleta, who was a model of consistency in his first campaign in east London since leaving Manchester City, was delighted to finish the year on a positive note and is now aiming for more following the summer break. He said: "We played really well against Everton and it was fantastic to finish the way we did, especially playing in front of our fans. "Hopefully we can learn from this season, not repeat the same mistakes, be more consistent as a team, and have the right ambition and attitude to fight for a European place. "Let's try to be in the top eight, which in my point of view this Club should be every season. "It's just about having the right mentality and every single player has to come here thinking West Ham is one of the greatest clubs in England. "And believe me, it is. We have a great stadium, we play every time in front of 50, 60,000 fans and the support is one of the best in England. "Everybody needs to be proud, because this is a great football club with a great tradition in English football. They have to give everything to bring success to this Club."
<br>
<br>After such a long and successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, Zabaleta knew leaving Manchester would be tough, but he is thrilled to be with the Hammers – especially after missing just one top flight game all season. He added: "Coming to West Ham was a great decision for me. I'm not getting any younger, I was thinking to play for a few more years and West Ham was the right place to come to. I'm enjoying my football. "I played 37 Premier League games this season and missed only one, which was due to suspension, [and to play so many games] was great. "Thank you to the fans too because they have always been there to support the team, and now it's time to have a break, enjoy the World Cup and come back stronger next year."
<br>
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini: West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City manager
<br>By Simon Stone
<br>BBC Sport
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<br>West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini about their managerial vacancy. There are reports in his native Chile that Pellegrini has signed a contract - but a deal is not yet done. The 64-year-old, who manages Chinese Super League side China Fortune, has been identified as a possible replacement for David Moyes, whose contract as not been renewed. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez also remains of interest to West Ham. The Spaniard has 12 months remaining on his Newcastle contract and there is an acknowledgement from West Ham that getting Benitez out of St James' Park is difficult. Pellegrini managed Manchester City between 2013 and 2016 and won the Premier League title in his first season in charge. The former Real Madrid manager also guided City to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2016, the only time the club has reached that stage in their history. West Ham chairman David Sullivan has pledged to appoint a manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level".
<br>Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca had been heavily linked the job - including reports he met Sullivan on Monday - but he signed a new contract to stay at the Ukrainian club on Thursday. Fonseca had also been linked with the vacant Everton manager's position.
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<br>Pellegrini to be next West Ham manager?
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Friday, 18th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>A South American source is claiming that Manuel Pellegrini is set to be named as West Ham United's new manager. According to Chilean media outlet Pauta, the 64-year-old has agreed to leave his current club in China in order to take the reins vacated by David Moyes last week. And it is further claimed that Santiago-born Pellegrini - who last managed in the Premier League during a three year spell at Manchester CIty between 2013 and 2016 - will be confirmed as West Ham club's 16th full-time manager this coming Monday.
<br>Although he fails to fit the 'young, vibrant, inventive coach' category that many supporters were hoping would follow David Moyes, Pellegrini would nevertheless bring a vast wealth of experience to the post. His appointment would also demand an unprecedented financial commitment from West Ham, with reports that he - like Rafa Benitez - has a significant release clause in his contract with Hebei China Fortune, whilst his salary alone would cost the club in the region of £8million per year. When he appointed as manager of Chinese Super League club Fortune in 2016, it was Pellegrini's 13th role in management since he took up his first position at Universidad de Chile 28 years earlier, in 1988. Since then he has managed some of Europe and South America's most successful clubs, including River Plate (with whom he won the 2002/03 Primera Division), Real Madrid and Manchester City (Premier League and Carling Cup, twice).
<br>David Sullivan, addressing the fanbase via a statement posted on West Ham United's website on Thursday evening stated that the club were "preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
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<br>West Ham new manager: Jorge Mendes at centre of controversy as Benitez makes big demands
<br>JORGE MENDES is at the centre of controversial claims over who will be appointed the next West Ham manager.
<br>By JACK WILSON
<br>PUBLISHED: 14:56, Fri, May 18, 2018 | UPDATED: 15:11, Fri, May 18, 2018
<br><a href="http://Express.co.uk">Express.co.uk</a>
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<br>Super agent Mendes represents Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca, who flew in for talks with the Hammers on Monday. Mendes and Fonseca met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and discussed the possibility of him replacing David Moyes. But Fonseca has since committed his future to Shakhtar by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. It's left West Ham fans incensed with claims that Mendes' client used West Ham to negotiate a better package with Shakhtar. One fan wrote: "Paulo Fonseca literally pulled our pants down. Used us to get a better deal at Shakthar, and I can't help but think Benitez is going to do the exact same... I'll take Pellegrini though, no doubt about it."
<br>Another said: "We went for Fonseca after failing to get Silva the first time and failed but it seems we've kept an interest in Silva and have gone for him. Fonseca used West Ham to try and flush our interest out but we're not Cos we have Silva lined up." The theme continued with another writing: "Fonseca was never serious about coming to England, only used the links with us and West Ham as leverage. Think he'll regret that, his stock will never be higher than it is now."
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<br>While a fellow supporter added: "Seems to me Paulo fonseca has used clubs to get a new contract at shakhtar." Fonseca, 45, is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
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<br>It now leaves Rafa Benitez as the frontrunner for the job. The Spaniard wants to stay at Newcastle but only if he is satisfied the club can match his ambitions - and they have yet to convince him. Benitez has 12 months left on his contract and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of owner Mike Ashley, for several weeks but little progress has been made. Benitez wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend whatever cash he is given any way he likes. Ashley wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-toface talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court, and if they do not accept his terms it will prove to him they do not want him to be in charge in the long term.
<br>While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year in, year out is not what he is looking for. West Ham, who did not renew David Moyes' contract, have also approached Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, at 30 the youngest coach in the Bundesliga, and who has guided them into the Champions League group stages for the first time, but have been told he is staying put. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, looks to have priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, plus £5m compensation.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini leading candidate to be next West Ham manager despite Rafael Benitez contract situation
<br>Pellegrini ticks virtually every box for what the West Ham board want in a manager
<br>Ed Malyon Sports Editor
<br>The Independent Sport
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini is preparing for talks with West Ham United, and his willingness to take over the east London club make him the most likely person to replace David Moyes as Hammers boss. A Premier League-winning coach, Pellegrini has a glittering CV which includes taking Villarreal and Manchester City to the final four of the Champions League for the first time in their respective histories as well as guiding Malaga to the quarter-finals of European football's premier club competition.
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<br>The only significant blot on Pellegrini's career was his sacking by Real Madrid, largely the product of a Copa del Rey elimination by third-tier Alcorcón, but the Chilean also managed to guide the Bernabeu club to their highest-ever points total in La Liga. His main rival for the top job at West Ham also endured a shortened spell in charge at Madrid, but despite Rafael Benitez's frustration with the ownership at Newcastle United, there remain a number of obstacles to his appointment and a feeling that the Hammers are being used to generate leverage in contract negotiations.
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<br>Benitez has 12 months remaining on his contract on Tyneside but it is understood that the Spaniard's entourage believe he would win a case for constructive dismissal should he walk out on the Magpies, allowing him to walk out for free. That said, fan favourite Benitez is not expected to go to such extremes and is understood to be willing to extend his Newcastle contract should new transfer budgets be agreed.
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<br>For his part, Pellegrini is currently manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League but would be allowed to leave the club for nominal compensation. He is analysing a number of offers, according to sources with knowledge of his affairs, and would welcome a return to European football. The 64-year-old coach would be expected to ask for a significant say in transfers, and should West Ham grant that then formal talks should go fairly smoothly.
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<br>Crystal Palace make move to sign West Ham's Michail Antonio
<br>• Roy Hodgson admires Antonio's versatility
<br>• Palace fear West Ham could price them out of move
<br>David Hytner and Dominic Fifield
<br>Fri 18 May 2018 13.17 BST Last modified on Fri 18 May 2018 13.22 BST
<br>The Guardian
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<br>Crystal Palace have made a move for West Ham United's Michail Antonio, as they look to build on their end-of-season momentum by completing early transfer business. Antonio, 28, can play in wide midfield, up front or even at full-back – versatility that has impressed Roy Hodgson – and the Palace manager would most likely use him off the wing to cover the departure of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whose season-long loan from Chelsea has expired.
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<br>Palace fear that West Ham could place too high a price for them on Antonio, although the east London club's intentions are not yet clear as they prioritise the appointment of a successor to David Moyes as manager. Antonio has been called up by England but he is yet to win a cap. Palace finished the season with five wins and two draws from eight matches to secure 11th place and Hodgson will be busy in the coming weeks. He will talk to Yohan Cabaye, Joel Ward and Bakary Sako about new contracts; the trio are set to become free agents in the summer.
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<br>Cabaye, who is wanted by Marseille, would prefer to remain in London but may have to accept a wage cut. Palace have explored midfield contingencies, such as Stoke City's Joe Allen, and they also like Leander Dendoncker of Anderlecht. Palace have an interest in the right-backs Almamy Touré and Ryan Fredericks of Monaco and Fulham respectively and will sign the Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita on a Bosman free transfer. They have offered fresh terms to their long-serving goalkeeper Julián Speroni.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini favourite to be West Ham manager and could be key to keeping Manuel Lanzini
<br>KEN DYER
<br>ES Sport
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini is emerging as the favourite to succeed David Moyes as manager of West Ham. The Chilean boss of Chinese Super League club side Hebei Fortune is keen on a return to Europe, where he has managed in England and Spain. There has already been contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the next few days. Rafa Benitez is still in the frame but his protracted negotiations with Newcastle could work against him since Sullivan announced last night he is confident of making an appointment before next Thursday.
<br>Chilean sources are confident the deal will be done and it is understood West Ham believe his Latin American roots could help to keep Argentina midfielder Manuel Lanzini at the club. There are fears the fans' favourite could be on the move with Liverpool among the clubs showing interest but Pellegrini's arrival could play a part in persuading the 25-year-old to stay. West Ham's Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta was also part of Pellegrini's Manchester City team that won the Premier League in 2014. Pellegrini managed a number of clubs in South America, including Argentine outfit River Plate, before moving to Spain, where he led Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga before joining City in 2013.
<br>Although Pellegrini is now the leading contender, Benitez is still under consideration. Benitez almost became West Ham's manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce in 2015 but pulled out of the proposed deal when Real Madrid approached him. The Spaniard said he respected the club for the professional way they reacted to his change of heart. The main hurdles to Benitez joining West Ham are the time it is taking for his future at Newcastle to be settled and the £6million compensation the Hammers would have to pay.
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<br>Inside the misery at West Ham and Everton - how can they put things right?
<br>Chris Bascombe Sam Dean
<br>18 MAY 2018 • 10:53AM
<br><a href="http://Telegraph.co.uk">Telegraph.co.uk</a>
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<br>After disappointing seasons, Everton and West Ham sacked their managers within hours of each other this week. Sam Allardyce and David Moyes may have gone but doubts remain over whether the rifts between club and fans can be healed. Chris Bascombe assesses Everton's plight and Sam Dean looks at West Ham's.
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<br>How big is the rift between the club and the fans?
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<br>Chris Bascombe on Everton: It would have resembled the Grand Canyon had Sam Allardyce been retained. His exit will bring the club and fans nearer together. In fact, the targeting of Allardyce rather than the board by a section of Goodison's support demonstrates the reluctance of most fans to allow wounds to fester. It was much easier focusing on the man who accepted the job than those who offered him it. Had Farhad Moshiri stuck with Allardyce for another season, the majority shareholder would have been subject to greater ire at the start of next season. There has been a timely boardroom reshuffle, so a fresh start beckons. There is unlikely to be much schism between fans and club by pre-season, albeit healthy cynicism remains and judgement will be reserved.
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<br>Sam Dean on West Ham: Enormous. The chasm has been growing ever since a difficult opening few weeks in the London Stadium last season, and only widened this season. The dissatisfaction towards the club's owners manifested itself most dramatically during West Ham's 3-0 defeat by Burnley in March, when hundreds of supporters hurled abuse (and coins) towards the directors. Many West Ham fans believe they were sold a lie when the club conjured images of a grand future in the new stadium. Only genuine progress on the pitch, and heavy investment off it, will soften their anger towards David Sullivan, David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady.
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<br>Are they in danger of losing their identity?
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<br>CB: No-one in the current regime has ever defined Everton's 'identity'. David Moyes was thought too negative. The fans chanted 'the School of Science is back' under Roberto Martinez, but lost patience when idealism stopped yielding positive results. Pragmatic Ronald Koeman was disliked because of suspicions he saw Everton as a stepping stone. Which manager of any club beyond the Champions League elite does not? Allardyce was more 'Dogs of War' than 'School of Science' but was mismatched due to his personality. The word 'identity' is overrated. What Everton need first and foremost is a good manager to impose his own vision, relate to the fans and make going to games enjoyable. If he signs talented players who score lots of goals, few will care if it's total football or a more direct style.
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<br>SD: Huge numbers of West Ham supporters would argue that they already have lost their identity. The London Stadium feels soulless compared to Upton Park, the club's home for 112 years, and the final few weeks of the season were pockmarked by stories of long-time supporters revealing they will not be returning for the new campaign. The fabled 'West Ham Way' has not been seen on the pitch since the relocation, with the side only producing a handful of impressive home performances in two seasons. David Moyes, the former manager who left the club this week, was seen by many to have an approach that was too negative.
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<br>What needs to happen to put it right?
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<br>CB: Better recruitment. Steve Walsh was a disaster as director of football. Allardyce was never going to be tolerated beyond the short-term. The arrival of Marcel Brands is already feeding optimism, as will Marco Silva if – as anticipated – he becomes the manager. Then it is all about the players signed. Everton need pace, creativity and goals. So does every side, but given the investment into the club there is no excuse for its absence. There has been a chronic lack of dynamic forward players, although Theo Walcott showed promise after his arrival in January. Beyond that, Everton finalising their stadium plans and starting construction will restore some of the hope that followed Moshiri when he first invested in the club.
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<br>SD: Firstly, Sullivan and Gold desperately need to make the right appointment when selecting their new manager as the dismissal of Moyes means that they no longer have a reliable, safe option to fall back on. The general air of chaos around the club is likely to prove a hurdle to hiring the "high-profile" figure the club wants. The nature of Sullivan's haphazard control over transfers may also deter potential managers, while there is an urgent need to refresh an ageing squad.
<br>Despite the anger of the supporters, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that an upturn in results (and performances) would galvanise the entire club.
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<br>Is there any faith that those in charge will make the right decisions?
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<br>CB: The jury is out. Moshiri's judgement so far is questionable, as he has been prone to pander to public opinion when he hears the crowd turn. Many will argue he was right to dismiss Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman when he did, but in another era Everton would have been more patient. A club once hailed for its stability has been through too many coaches. The Allardyce recruitment proceeded as expected. He would never last. Despite the club's desperate need in November, caving in and offering an 18-month contract smacked of weak leadership. It has cost the club too much sacking managers. New chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, alongside Brands, give Everton a more modern look in the boardroom. They will buy the club time to fix the mistakes of the last few years.
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<br>SD: To put it simply, no. Sullivan and Gold have failed to present a unified image this week, when Gold said that he hoped Moyes would be staying hours before the club revealed the manager had left. There is a perceived lack of professionalism. Fans have been unhappy with Sullivan's son revealing club news on social media, while there is general discontent — inside and outside the club — about Brady's column in the Sun newspaper. Brady angered supporters recently by writing that "malcontents and keyboard warriors" had caused problems at the new stadium, and also allegedly cost the club the chance to sign Islam Slimani because she had offended the Leicester City owners in one of her articles.
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<br>What is the best outcome from this summer, what is the most likely - and what would constitute success next season?
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<br>CB: For all their problems, the speed of change earlier this week bodes well. The announcements were blunt and welcome. The shifts in boardroom power must be reflected with equally forceful action to fix the team, getting rid of average players and recruiting those who will change perceptions of how Everton play. If, or when, Silva arrives he will need time to rebuild, but so long as the direction he is taking is clear he will get it from fans craving hope. Realistically, a league position similar to this season – seventh or eighth – should not be lazily dismissed as more of the same. It was never about where the club finished now, but how they got there and where they are going longer-term. Everton must perform better in the cup competitions and play with more promise and purpose. They will be thrust back into a development phase, but that is better than this year of stagnation.
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<br>SD: The best outcome would be for the club to find an ambitious manager who will bring some verve back into the side, with Manuel Pellegrini now looking the man most likely. It would help if the transfer window was free of any public fallouts with other clubs — Sullivan was labelled a "parasite" by the Sporting Lisbon director after last year's failed pursuit of William Carvalho — and if West Ham were able to recruit three or four exciting, young players. At this uncertain stage, with no manager in place, the reality is that next year would probably be considered a success if the situation simply does not get any worse. Still, an injection of enthusiasm could go a long way to changing attitudes.
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<br>Adrian gave West Ham Moyes ultimatum, Betis still keen
<br>HITC
<br>Will Butcher
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<br>Adrian's West Ham future will be an interesting topic come the summer window. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo have claimed that West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian gave the Hammers board an ultimatum over his future, claiming that he would leave the club if David Moyes remained in charge. The 31-year-old has been used in tandem along with loanee Joe Hart at the London Stadium, making 19 Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side as they finished in a decent 13th place. The former Real Betis goalkeeper started the Hammers last four Premier League matches, helping the Hammers notch seven points and clean sheets against Leicester City and Manchester United. But Adrian is said to have become frustrated as Hart was given chance after chance despite a number of mistakes between the sticks under Moyes, and it is believed that if Moyes had remained, Adrian would have left. Moyes was sacked by the Hammers on Wednesday afternoon despite taking them from the relegation zone to comfortable 13th place, but fans' discontent with the Scot in charge is likely to have played a part in his dismissal. Adrian has a year remaining on his contract which the Daily Star claim is worth £35,000 a week, but his former side Betis remain interested in luring the goalkeeper back to Spain.
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<br>BENITEZ MAKES ULTIMATUM TO NEWCASTLE BOARD AS WEST HAM MOVE BECKONS
<br>GEORGE ROGAN
<br>ReadWestHam
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<br>Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez wants to remain with the club, but needs assurances over his transfer budget, reports the Telegraph. West Ham are expected to make an approach for him to become their new manager, as they themselves report a deal to appoint a new manager is close. There is a £6 million release clause in the Spaniard's contract, with the Hammers appearing willing to pay it for someone who has the knowledge and success off Benitez in this league.
<br>However, no agreement has been reached yet and Benitez would be keen to remain on Tyneside. Rafa sees the club only improving with him in charge, but wants money guaranteed to back his plans for the Magpies. The Irons are looking for improvement after a 13th placed finish, and appointing the Spaniard would go a long way to ensuring the wildest dreams of West Ham fans are realised. West Ham showed they aren't afraid to spend when signing Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez last summer, so Benitez would perhaps be happier with the board in East London than in the North East.
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<br>LEND ME YOUR EAR – AND YOUR TWEEZERS
<br>By Goatygav 18 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
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<br>So I've sat on the fence until now regarding the question of who is going to be managing us next season. Now that David Moyes has moved on I want to throw my thoughts in to the mix regarding our next first team boss.
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<br>I'm all for progression. Looking forwards, not back, is the only way to go.
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<br>Please don't get me wrong. I really appreciate what David Moyes, Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and the rest of the management team have done for the last few months. If that team had have stayed in place I would have got behind them and supported them one hundred percent. I think that there's more to David Moyes than many have made out. I genuinely think he has learned and grown from his experiences with Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland and is a person who is open, and dedicated, to learning. This is the big difference between him and many of the other managers who were brought in to save clubs from relegation this season. In my view the likes of Mr Allardyce have a rigidly set way of doing things whereas David Moyes can, and will, adapt to, and incorporate, more modern approaches to the game. I'm of the genuine belief that, should he have stayed at West Ham, we'd have seen far more of this 'modern' thinking from Moyesey next season. He had a job to do, in the short space of time he had with us, which he got done under difficult circumstances. For that I'll remember him with gratitude. On a personal level I quite liked the guy's style too. He's a deeply respectful football man with a great passion and belief in what he does. He's also a terrific man manager who knows how to get the best out of the more temperamental and sensitive players.
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<br>On the subject of managers who are more modern in their approach to the game, and by this I mean playing styles, tactics and patterns on the pitch rather than scientific analysis of fitness, athleticism and areas to 'hit' with balls, it's high time we had a manager in place who's at the leading edge. No fence sitting now (although, to be fair, my refusal to vote or comment beforehand was a deliberate choice – not indecision) – that manager should be Marco Silva.
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<br>Should Everton's bid for Silva be blocked then Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan need to do everything in their power to bring this man to our club. For me he is the one to take West Ham to the next level (regular top half finishes & knocking on the Europa League door every season). Everywhere Marco has gone he's had a positive impact. Taking over a hopelessly woeful Hull team from Mike Phelan, who were bottom of the league, he got the Tigers playing a completely different style of football that gave them a shout of survival with a 36% win percentage. Speaking of winning he won the cup in Portugal with Sporting and the Greek title with Olympiacos. Away from the obvious appeal of a cup win, for all us success starved Hammers, it's the way he sets his teams up and his tactical nous that appeals most. Everton fans and West Ham fans share the same desire for good, technical football. The Toffees faithful are desperate to bring Silva in because they know he's 'their' kind of manager. He's our kind of manager too.
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<br>Silva's tumultuous final weeks at Watford were widely reported. Were Everton out of order for the manner of their approach to the Portuguese boss? Probably. They could certainly have handled the situation far better IMO. Either way we'll soon know whether Everton will just have to pay compensation to Watford or will be blocked in their attempt to appoint "Mini-Mourinho."
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<br>I genuinely don't think Rafa Benitez will come to East London. Even if the owners promise to spend the kind of money, on the transfers and wages, that "Rafa the Gaffer" would demand I believe that their track record of non-delivery will put him off. Sorry to be negative but it's an opinion. Similar with Manuel Pelligrini. No brainer in a multiple choice – he went to China to either..
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<br>A. Further his career?
<br>or
<br>B. The cash?
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<br>Serious selling job to do on the successful Chilean for my money.
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<br>Wouldn't mind Eddie Howe being given a chance but I doubt he'd come either. It would be a risk on the parts of both the club and Eddie himself. He's built a squad at Bournemouth that know and respect him. West Ham have more difficult characters to manage within the squad and it's that aspect of the Bournemouth manager's capabilities that I'm unsure of. I believe he has all the other attributes, including the modern approach to the game, that I'd want to see in a West Ham manager.
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<br>Whoever I'd like to see is, ultimately, irrelevant. I had a punt on Fonseca – shows how much I know.
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<br>Lastly I'd just like to go on record with my thanks to David Moyes for a job well done. The Scot's definitely gone up in my estimation – especially when you consider that I commented that he'd 'take us down' if appointed. Very much like the "cut of his jib," for those Blackadder fans out there, and wish him all the best for the future. Cheers Moyesey – mind how you go fella!
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<br>COYI!
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<br>Agent of Gianluigi Buffon hints Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United
<br>HITC
<br>Aiden Cusick
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<br>West Ham United are short between the sticks. The agent of Gianluigi Buffon has hinted the Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United.
<br>Buffon confirmed this week that he will leave the Italian champions this summer, after 17 years in Turin. But despite having turned 40 in January, Buffon has not yet decided whether to quit football altogether, and is said to have Premier League interest should he choose to continue his career. One English club who could be in the market for a new shot-stopper ahead of the new campaign is West Ham United, having allowed Joe Hart to return to Manchester City after his season-long loan spell. And an ambitious move for Buffon may not be out of the question, his representative, Silvano Martina, has told the Sun newspaper. Discussing the veteran's future, Martina said: "I don't know if it will be a total farewell to football. He wants two weeks to talk to his family and come to a decision. "In England, he always really admired West Ham supporters, and even wrote about it in his book."
<br>West Ham, who were linked with a move for the Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week, can still call upon Adrian San Miguel in the meantime
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini to hold further talks with West Ham as they look to appoint new manager quickly following David Moyes' departure
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is the closest to succeeding David Moyes as West Ham boss
<br>But there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile
<br>Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice to take over as manager
<br>Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan
<br>By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
<br>PUBLISHED: 22:49, 18 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:31, 19 May 2018
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<br>West Ham are set to hold further talks with Manuel Pellegrini this weekend. The former Manchester City manager, 64, is the closest to succeeding David Moyes but there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile. Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice but Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan. Pellegrini spent three years with City and won the Premier League in 2014. He also won the EFL Cup twice during his time in England. The Chilean guided City to their first and only Champions League semi-final in 2016, where they were defeated to Real Madrid. The Hammers are searching for a new manager after parting company with Moyes on Wednesday. The Scot was appointed as West Ham boss in November, with the team in the relegation zone, before guiding them to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.
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<br>West Ham turn their attention to Manuel Pellegrini as Newcastle block Rafa Benitez move
<br>WEST HAM have turned their attentions to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini as they bid to get a new manager in place by the end of next week.
<br>By MATTHEW DUNN
<br>PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, May 19, 2018 | UPDATED: 00:16, Sat, May 19, 2018
<br>Express
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<br>Rafa Benitez remains very much on the radar but with Newcastle set to dig in their heels, club owner David Sullivan is looking at other options. The wage demands of the 64-year-old, who won the title at the Etihad in 2014, may prove a stumbling block after representatives met with the Chilean on Wednesday and another candidate, Paulo Fonseca, ruled himself out of the running by signing a new two-year extension at Shakhtar Donetsk. Nevertheless, Sullivan remains confident of fulfilling his vow of recruiting a new manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level". They chose to dispense with the services of David Moyes earlier this week after he lifted the club from the relegation zone in November to 13th at the end of the season. Relegated Swansea yesterday confirmed they would not be renewing the contract of Carlos Carvalhal after their seven-year spell in the Premier League came to an end. Graham Potter is now the leading contender to be their seventh manager in just over four years with the club preparing to approach the Ostersunds boss early next week. Potter has guided Ostersunds through the Swedish divisions and led his team to victory over Arsenal in the Europa League this season. The 42-year-old Englishman fits the bill for a Swansea team whose relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season last Sunday.
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<br>West Ham United fans respond to Jack Wilshere's latest tweet
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
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<br>West Ham United are said to be preparing a contract offer for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. West Ham United fans have told Jack Wilshere to join them to guarantee his place in the England squad from now on. Wilshere wrote on Twitter how he was gutted to have missed out on the England squad for the World Cup.
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<br>Jack Wilshere
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<br>@JackWilshere
<br> Think its about time I had my say...
<br>It goes without saying that I'm naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I've felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!
<br>8:58 PM - May 17, 2018
<br>72.8K
<br>23.8K people are talking about this
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<br>Jack Wilshere
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<br>@JackWilshere
<br> And given the chance i could have made a real inpact.
<br>However, I have to respect the manager's decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation 🦁🦁🦁
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<br>And West Ham supporters took the opportunity to use Wilshere's disappointment in their favour. The Arsenal midfielder has still not sorted out his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and West Ham are thought to be one of the clubs who want to sign him. The Daily Star claim that West Ham are preparing a £120,000-a-week offer to bring Wilshere to the London Stadium. And the central midfielder was inundated with messages encouraging him to make the switch to West Ham to ensure he got back into Gareth Southgate's plans. West Ham are unlikely to finalise any transfer moves until their new manager is in place. The Hammers have parted ways with David Moyes and are currently on the look out for a replacement for the Scot.
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-90969945152908512952018-05-18T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-18T04:30:37.921+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 18th May 2018Joint-Chairman provides update on manager search
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates. Joint Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
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<br>Phillips: It's about getting players through the ranks
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>U18s coach and co-manager Mark Phillips takes a look back at the 2017/18 season at the West Ham United Academy...
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<br>It is always important to remember, when considering the season as a whole, that it's not about results or where you are in the league at this level, although obviously it's always nice to be near the top.
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<br>For us, Steve Potts and myself, as coaches of the West Ham United U18s, it's about getting players through the ranks, and this season I'm delighted to say we've had four players consistently representing the U23s in Ben Johnson, Domingos Quina, Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis. Each has consistently played for the U23s this campaign, and that's what the job Steve and I do is all about.
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<br>When I think about the ups and downs of the season, I think my most disappointing day of the campaign came in our very first game. We were away to Brighton & Hove Albion, and we'd looked at the fixture as one that we could take points from, but our side lost 3-1 and, to be honest, didn't play all that well.
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<br>However, that result was the beginning of a real learning curve for our lads and, slowly but surely, we began to get to grips with our competition, and really started to show what they were about towards the end of 2017.
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<br>From there, our team went on a very good run, winning five consecutive matches. That run came on the back of a change in style.
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<br>The quality we possessed at centre-back, along with the presence of two natural wing-backs in Jeremy Ngakia and Reece Hannam, meant that it was natural for us to move to a three-man defensive formation.
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<br>It was a move that proved highly successful for us. We didn't allow our playing philosophy to be compromised, but we just shifted slightly to a system that benefited our available personnel. All the credit goes to the players for quickly adapting, as they only had three days to learn the formation before the first time we used it. Winning that match against Leicester City in early February proved to all of us that it was the right move.
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<br>In the midst of this run and switch came my favourite game this season – the 2-0 home victory against Tottenham. Make no mistake, Tottenham are an exceptionally strong team and were one of only two sides to beat Chelsea, who have finished top of our division.
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<br>We entertained Spurs in a midweek contest in March and, to be fair, they were the better team in the first half. However, our boys showed their resolution and determination, containing Tottenham to only a handful of chances, before goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry gave us the win. That spirit and drive made this the most satisfying result, at least for me personally.
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<br>A few of our U18s have been in Zurich for the FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup, where they finished a creditable sixth, while a handful will also be involved in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens competition in Hong Kong. It's a very prestigious tournament and an excellent way for our players to showcase their ability at the end of the campaign.
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<br>The off-season is very important now. Undoubtedly, our lads need time to unwind, but it's essential that they come back in good shape, ready to hit the ground running.
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<br>The coming pre-season is a great opportunity for our U18s to prove themselves ahead of the new campaign. There will be some players who have done well at U16s level that will be looking to make an impact now they are with us. No doubts about it, it will be harder and we will expect more from them, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the new season holds for us at the West Ham United Academy.
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<br>Obiang delighted to return to action
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Seven points in three matches and a return to action after injury equalled a 'beautiful' end to the season for Pedro Obiang. The midfielder, who had been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic at the end of January, made his return to the field with a brief cameo in the closing minutes of West Ham's 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday. The appearance came after Obiang had been on the bench in the prior two matches, meaning the Spaniard watched on as the Hammers beat Leicester City 2-0 away before claiming a credible draw with Manchester United. With seven points claimed in the final run-in, Obiang was thrilled with how the Irons ended the 2017/18 campaign. "It was a perfect way to end the season," Obiang told West Ham TV. "It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season. But, sometimes it's beautiful to wait. "It's always important because we have to keep positive. In the last three games, we've played really good football and taken a lot of points, so to finish with three points is one of the most important things. You have to finish with something at the end."
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<br>A tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Wigan seemed to have ended Obiang's campaign at the start of 2018, with it originally believed that the 26-year-old would be back in time for pre-season. However, the midfielder insists he always believed he would be back on the pitch again this season.
<br>"For even me, today was exciting because I was expecting this moment for a couple of weeks," he continued. "Even if I didn't feel 90 or 100 per cent, I have to be with the squad. I waited for my time and they gave it to me, which was really nice."
<br>The midfielder has now called on the side to take the form from the final week of this season into next year, as the side looks to improve on the 13th placed finish achieved. Obiang added: "We have to take the summer but I think in the last month we've improved a lot. We have to continue that way."
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<br>West Ham to appoint boss with 'proven record of success at highest level'
<br><a href="http://BBC.co.uk">BBC.co.uk</a>
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<br>West Ham say they will appoint "a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game" within the next seven days. The Hammers are looking for their fourth manager since 2015 after David Moyes left the club on Wednesday. Joint chairman David Sullivan said the Hammers had left "no stone unturned" in choosing the person they believe is the "right man to take West Ham forward".
<br>Sullivan added they "are now very close to reaching an agreement". Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez are the bookmakers' favourites for the post. "This is an exciting time for our football club," Sullivan said. "We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
<br>A West Ham statement on Thursday said the club was "extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football".
<br>Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract in November with the club in the relegation zone. He presided over nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as the Hammers finished 13th in the Premier League, nine points clear of the drop zone.
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<br>David Sullivan says West Ham 'very close' to appointing new manager
<br>By Rory O'Callaghan
<br>Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:22pm
<br>SSN
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<br>West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists the club is "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. Moyes parted ways with the Hammers on Wednesday after coming to the end of his six-month contract with the club, who have since held talks with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini. Sky sources understand West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, while Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca has also been linked with the vacant role.
<br>A statement released on West Ham's website on Thursday, read: "West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. "The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates."
<br>Sullivan insists the club's efforts to recruit a new manager are "progressing entirely to plan" and that an agreement will be reached in the coming days. "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward," added Sullivan. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
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<br>Newcastle United confident of keeping manager Rafa Benitez
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 17/05/18 7:41pm
<br>SSN
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<br>Newcastle are confident manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club, despite reports linking him with a move away, Sky sources understand. United believe they have a water-tight contract with Benitez, which includes a large release clause. The Spaniard, who has one year remaining on his current deal, almost became West Ham boss in the summer of 2015 before joining Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez and said on Thursday that the club were "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. The club have since held talks with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini in their search to replace the Scotsman.
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<br>Paulo Fonseca signs new two-year deal with Shakhtar Donetsk
<br>Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:38pm
<br>SSN
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<br>Paulo Fonseca has committed his future to Shakhtar Donetsk by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. Fonseca first joined Donestk in 2016 after leaving Portuguese side Braga and has since guided the club to successive league and cup doubles in Ukraine. The 45-year-old had been linked with the vacant managerial role at West Ham but is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca, in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
<br>Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov has been impressed with Fonseca's impact since his arrival from Portugal in 2016. He said: "You remember how, two years ago, we invited Paulo to Shakhtar and everyone shouted: 'What will happen, what now with Shakhtar? Now everything will be bad with Shakhtar. Everything is bad, there will be problems. We do not know what to expect.' "And what do we see? Two championships, two Cups, one Super Bowl and a brilliant game in the Champions League. "This indicates that Shakhtar made the right decision two years ago, inviting Paulo and his assistants to the team. Now we have signed a new contract, and I am confident that new successes will await us. Paulo is a professional. "He is an ambitious man. An industrious man. And he has good ideas. He knows what to do."
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<br>No decision from Fonseca
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Thursday, 17th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca is yet to determine his future, despite reports suggesting that he has agreed to sign a new contract with the Ukrainian club.
<br>The 45-year-old Portuguese manager met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan on Monday to discuss a potential move to West Ham, since when it has been reported that he is set to turn his back on West Ham and sign an extended contract with his current club. However those reports are thought to be wide of the mark, with Fonseca instead set to announce his intentions within the next 48 hours.
<br>Meanwhile representatives of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini have also met West Ham's co-owner, with reports suggesting that the 64-year-old is demanding a salary worth in the region of £8million per year. And that's in addition to the compensation West Ham would have to pay Pellegrini's current club Hebei China Fortune, to whom he is contracted until summer 2019.
<br>The third leading candidate for the role, Rafa Benitez, remains in contract negotiations with current club Newcastle United; the 64-year-old former Real and Liverpool boss has little more than a year to run on his current agreement with the North East club. However in order to land the Spaniard - or either Fonseca or Pellegrini - Sullivan would have to break his policy of refusing to pay compensation for a manager already employed elsewhere.
<br>Avram Grant, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic and David Moyes - his four signings since purchasing a controlling share in West Ham - were all free agents when joining the Hammers. With that in mind, Claudio Ranieri's decision to leave Ligue 1 outfit Nantes by mutual agreement this morning - after just a single season in charge at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau - will no doubt raise a few eyebrows across the water. Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title two seasons ago may well be viewed as the perfect solution to West Ham's current needs, given his record of making the most of clubs with limited budgets.
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<br>West Ham set to move for Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 17/05/18 11:02am
<br>SSN
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<br>West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, according to Sky sources. The Spaniard almost became Hammers boss in the summer of 2015 before they were gazumped by Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez. Benitez is believed to have a £6m release clause in his Newcastle contract and wants assurances about his transfer budget before committing his long-term future to the club. The 58-year-old remains in discussions over a contract extension in the north-east, as his present deal has only 12 months left to run. Benitez has earned plaudits for guiding the Magpies to an impressive 10th-place finish in the Premier League, capped by a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on the final day.
<br>Sky Sports News also reported on Wednesday that West Ham had met with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, although it is understood wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed earlier in the day that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next 10 days."
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<br>West Ham are also interested in Paulo Fonseca, manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
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<br>Rafa Benitez to West Ham: Newcastle boss demands £100m transfer kitty plus full control
<br>RAFA BENITEZ has outlined his terms to become West Ham's new manager: he wants a £100million budget, total control over transfers, and a £6m a year contract.
<br>By TONY BANKS
<br>PUBLISHED: 22:30, Thu, May 17, 2018
<br><a href="http://Express.co.uk">Express.co.uk</a>
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<br>The Hammers have made Benitez their No 1 choice to replace David Moyes, while Russian giants Zenit St Petersberg have identified the 58-year-old as Roberto Mancini's successor. Both would be willing to meet the £6m buy-out clause in his contract, with the Hammers ready to make a formal approach given any encouragement from Benitez' people. Benitez wants to stay at Newcastle - but only if he's satisfied the club can match his own ambitions. And Newcastle so far have yet to convince him the two parties share the same goals.
<br>Benitez has just 12 months left on his current deal and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of Ashley for several weeks, but little progress has been made. The former Liverpool manager wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend what cash he is given how he likes. Ashley has said that he wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-to-face talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never previously walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court and if they don't accept his terms, it will prove to him they don't want him to be in charge in the long-term. While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year is not what he is looking for. West Ham have also approached Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann but been told he is staying, while Manuel Pellegrini, currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, has priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, on top of £5m compensation. Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery have also had talks.
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<br>Paulo Fonseca and Manuel Pellegrini favourites to be next West Ham manager
<br>By Billy Cundall
<br>Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:54am
<br>SSN
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<br>Who could be West Ham's next manager? Sky Bet takes a look at the favourites following David Moyes' departure from the London Stadium. Moyes left the club on Wednesday despite steering them clear of relegation amid issues with the new stadium, fans, owners and players. Here's a look at the most likely candidates to be tasked with filling the vacancy...
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<br>Paulo Fonseca - 8/11 with Sky Bet
<br>Early odds-on favourite for the vacancy is Shakhtar Donetsk's Paulo Fonseca, who has captured admirers with impressive displays both domestically and in Europe. The 45-year-old has also been linked with the vacant Everton job, although reports suggest that the Hammers have a head start by opening discussions prior to Moyes' departure. However, it remains to be seen how suited the Portuguese boss, who lacks any Premier League experience, would be to dealing with the pressures at the London Stadium.
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<br>Manuel Pellegrini - 7/4 with Sky Bet
<br>A man that knows all about what it takes to compete in England's top tier is Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to their second Premier League title, as well as collecting two League Cup trophies along the way. The Chilean boss left the Etihad Stadium with his stock high and is currently managing in the Chinese Super League.
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<br>Rafael Benitez - 5/1 with Sky Bet
<br>Rafael Benitez is a man in demand again thanks to his impressive work at Newcastle. The Spaniard steered the Magpies to the Sky Bet Championship title before retaining Premier League status in their first year back, ending with a respectable top half finish in 10th. However, while David Gold may be able to appeal to the 58-year-old with a bigger transfer budget, another volatile environment might cancel out the financial offering.
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<br>Unai Emery - 10/1 with Sky Bet
<br>The recently departed PSG boss could look for a quick route back into football via the Hammers. Emery struggled to satisfy the high expectations of the Parisian club's owners and, after splashing cash on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the board terminated the 46-year-old's contract.
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<br>Claudio Ranieri - 20/1 with Sky Bet
<br>After narrowly avoiding relegation, West Ham fans will be hoping for more next season. That is exactly what Claudio Ranieri did at Leicester, taking over following Nigel Pearson's great escape to achieve the unthinkable. While such aspirations of Premier League title glory might even be beyond the Hammers' ambitious owners, they could be forgiven for daring to dream that the 66-year-old, who has led Nantes to back-to-back top-half Ligue 1 finishes, could provide them with the sort of optimism desperately lacking at the London Stadium.
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<br>Eddie Howe - 20/1 with Sky Bet
<br>Some might suggest that Eddie Howe's work at Bournemouth has been just as impressive. The 40-year-old has transformed a low-budget Bournemouth side into an established Premier League outfit. Howe achieved three promotions in five years, as well as winning Football League Manager of the Decade (2005-2015), to add to his already impressive list of achievements.
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<br>Alternative options
<br>Next Everton manager favourite Marco Silva follows in the betting, with ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal another outsider for the job at 22/1 alongside Slavisa Jokanovic, although his availability is likely to be subject to Fulham's Sky Bet Championship play-off fortunes. Alan Pardew, Brendan Rodgers, Claude Puel, David Wagner and Martin O'Neil are all priced at 25/1 to get the role.
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<br>Sky Bet odds correct as of 0900 on 17/05/18 and subject to change.
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<br>Rafa Benitez interested in becoming the next West Ham manager and is Hammers No1 target
<br>KEN DYER
<br>TONY EVANS
<br>ES Football Newsletter
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<br>West Ham are poised to bring Rafa Benitez to the London Stadium - providing they make the right offer. The Spaniard is top of the club's short-list to replace David Moyes as manager and the 58-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at Newcastle. Benitez is in talks about his future with Lee Charnley, the managing director at St James' Park, but is not receiving the assurances he needs to remain in the north east. The former Liverpool manager is weighing up a number of offers but prefers to remain in the Premier League. If West Ham present the right package, Benitez would be willing to move south. It will cost West Ham more than £6million in compensation to get their man. Zenit St Petersburg are one of a number of clubs who are interested in Benitez but his preferred option would be to move to London. Benitez, a popular figure on Tyneside after guiding Newcastle to promotion last season and then to 10th in the Premier League, has a year left to run on his deal and West Ham would have to pay compensation of at least £6m - Benitez's annual salary. It is understood he is looking for an £80m transfer budget at St James' Park this summer. The east London club, who decided not to award Moyes a longer deal, despite the fact he guided them to 13th place in the Premier League final table - two points behind Newcastle - have other names on their short-list should Benitez decide to stay in the north east.
<br>Co-owner David Sullivan (above) has already interviewed Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca and intends also to talk to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is in charge of Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune. Salary could be a problem but it is understood that the 64-year-old Chilean is keen to return to Europe. Unai Emery, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is also on the Premier League club's list, as is former Hull and Watford manager Marco Silva, who is also wanted by Everton.
<br>West Ham are also among a number of clubs who have been impressed with the work of Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham. The Serbian looks likely to stay at Craven Cottage should they beat Aston Villa in the Championship Play-off Final but could be considering other options should Fulham not win ­promotion. Benitez, though, remains West Ham's first choice and there remains a degree of mutual respect following the club's failed attempt to land him in 2015, following the departure of Sam Allardyce. West Ham were close to landing their man then but Real Madrid joined the chase and the deal fell through. Benitez has since said: "I have a lot of respect for West Ham because, when I was in contact with them, they were really good and professional."
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<br>West Ham news: Rafa Benitez Newcastle exit claim made by BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin
<br>WEST HAM managerial target Rafa Benitez could leave Newcastle this summer - but not for the Hammers.
<br>By JAMES BENSON
<br>PUBLISHED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018 | UPDATED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018
<br><a href="http://Express.co.uk">Express.co.uk</a>
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<br>That's the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, who says he can see a top club making a move to recruit the Spaniard. West Ham are currently looking for a new manager after getting rid of David Moyes at the end of his short-term contract. And Newcastle boss Benitez has emerged as London Stadium chiefs' No 1 choice to replace the Scotsman in the dugout. Talks with Benitez are said to be on the cards next week as West Ham look to give themselves a jumpstart ahead of next season. Nevin sounds pretty convinced the former 58-year-old will not join Newcastle's Premier League rivals. But he says the former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid gaffer could leave St. James' Park for yet another elite side. "I'd be amazed if Rafa decided to go to West Ham," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "In terms of Rafa's history, where he's been, what he's done, what he's done recently. "But I wouldn't be surprised if a very, very, very big-name club showed interest in Rafa Benitez. He's done a phenomenal job [at Newcastle]."
<br>Nevin's comments came after Newcastle hero Chris Waddle suggested it would take a mammoth offer to tempt Benitez into jumping ship for West Ham. "Benitez might look at it and think, 'You know at Newcastle, I've got that budget which is not obviously great' and he wants more and rightly so," said Waddle. "But going to West Ham it might be a very similar budget and he says at Newcastle, he's absolutely loved, the fans love him, and rightly so, he's one a great job. "He could go to West Ham, lose the first five games and it's like, 'What [are] you doing here?' "So for him to move it would have to be an unbelievable sort of deal to say, 'I'm allowed to spend a lot of money to bring certain players in I've identified who I'd probably like to bring to Newcastle, who are even bigger players.' "Where do you wanna be? That is the question for any manager going into West Ham. Where do you want to be? "Will it be a relegation battle? Will it be a mid-table or… Where actually does the club wanna go?" Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery are thought to be targets if West Ham fail to land Benitez.
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<br>West Ham United fans want Gianluigi Buffon
<br>HITC
<br>John Verrall
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<br>Gianluigi Buffon has previously stated that he would like to play for West Ham United, and his contract is due to expire. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus speaks to the media during the Juventus Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Gianluigi Buffon has previously told the Independent that he wanted to play for West Ham United, and supporters at the London Stadium feel that they have a chance of landing the Italian legend now. Buffon has announced he is leaving Juventus, with other offers now flooding in for the goalkeeper. With West Ham needing a stopper, some of their more ambitious supporters are hoping that he is offered a contract with the Hammers.
<br>Buffon would almost certainly have to take a wage cut to join West Ham, and he is likely to have interest from higher placed clubs. However, Buffon has previously suggested that he wants to play for West Ham because of the fans. He said to the Independent: 'I wanted to play for West Ham because of their supporters, they follow the Hammers with an extraordinary energy.'' If West Ham could get a deal over the line for Buffon it would be their most remarkable signing of the summer. The Hammers re known to be looking for a new goalkeeper, with both Adrian and Joe Hart struggling at the London Stadium over the past campaign.
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<br>MOYES DEPARTS – ZOLA AND GRANT REVISITED?
<br> By Blind Hammer 17 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
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<br>Blind Hammer questions David Sullivan's expectations.
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<br>Expectations are the most dangerous element in football. Every club should have ambition but the tricky thing is adjusting these ambitions to achieve progress. Inappropriate expectations underlie the disasters which have seen many clubs tumble from the Premiership to protracted periods in the championship or even lower.
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<br>Three weeks ago a multi web site poll revealed only a small minority of West Ham supporters wanted to extend Moyes contract. Given he was, at appointment, a remarkably unpopular choice, this was not that surprising. He had much to do to win over some of us.
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<br>Nevertheless the picture by Sunday was less straightforward. A strong end to the season saw the Irons pick up a crucial 7 out of 9 points, and equally surprisingly turn on the style in the games against Leicester and Everton.
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<br>I give no credence to anybody who downplays these performances. The more I look at the Leicester game the more impressive it seems. This was a Leicester team that West Ham dominated and largely nullified. Our much vilified defence, criticised by me as much as anybody, barely gave them a sniff. Yet this was a Leicester team that, only a few days later, convincingly put 3 goals past Arsenal to win and spoil Wenger's final week. This same Leicester, so ineffectual against us, then romped into a 3-1 lead against Tottenham at Wembley. In the end their efforts against Arsenal only 72 hours earlier, caught up with them. They became leggy and suffered a late collapse. The fact is that, however, we had made a team look impotent which had then proceeded to score 7 goals against Arsenal and Tottenham in the space of 3 days.
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<br>Talking of late collapses and fitness, the lack of this discussion in relation to West Ham is an indication of the transformation that Moyes and his team have engineered. No pundit talked of tiredness against Everton despite performing only 72 hours after a high intensity battel against Manchester United. Mourinho had responded to Thursdays' exertions by making 9 changes. Moyes, in contrast, went with the same 11. Yet at no time did West Ham seem more leggy or unfit despite the advantage Everton enjoyed of a full week to prepare. More significantly nobody, to my surprise, even mentioned it as an issue. Whatever else Allardyce would have done he would not have allowed slackness in fitness. I am convinced that a West Ham team 12 months earlier would have struggled with the demands of playing 2 games within 72 hours.
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<br>What I have never had any doubts about is Moyes's abilities and experience as a man manager. I personally would prefer a Man like Bilic to manage me in any work situation. Yet the ever loyal Julian Dicks had revealed that when Bilic asked him where he had gone wrong, he simply said "you were too good to them". Dicks was obviously disgusted by the attitude of some in the squad who he felt had let Bilic down. In contrast Moyes and indeed his entire coaching team bristled with no nonsense man management skills. The result has been that when the inevitable tantrums of the spoilt and over paid emerge, these are dealt with in straightforward fashion and have not been allowed to developed into protracted soap operas and dramas. There have been plenty of opportunities for these to have advanced within Moyes's short tenure, from Arthur Masuaku irresponsible spitting to Carroll's juvenile throwing of his toys out of his pram. The calm management of these issues along with the transformation of Marko Arnautovic from wild boy to responsible club professional all testified to Moyes as a safe pair of Management hands. This is a much undervalued management virtue. The most striking aspect of Pardew's disastrous tenure at West Brom was his complete inability to instil any team discipline with terminal results. Even those who are considered allegedly the best managers in the world can struggle. José Mourinho was driven out of Chelsea by his inability to control his squad; Antonio Conte has had similar issues.
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<br>Of course there were question marks against a Moyes appointment. Apart from Mario's recruitment the January window was hare brained and risky. We gambled on selling a central defender and selling Ayew to a relegation rival. These gambles could easily have come back to haunt us. Hugehill shows no sign of confirming any inspired talent identification. Yet Moyes has identified talent in the past and judging on one Window seems unfair. The other main concern was that Moyes had not repaired the worst defence in the league. However this was a structural problem which has persisted for 2 years and patience had been earned with recent encouraging improvement. My final concern was whether Moyes had the tactical flexibility to adjust to the modern demands of the Premiership. Despite this the displays against Leicester, Manchester United and Everton persuaded me that Moyes was not as tactically limited as I feared. He was not a one trick strategic pony. The midfield interchange between Lanzini and Mario did not arrived spontaneously but would have been born out of hours of sessions at Rush Green.
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<br>So if I had been David Sullivan I would have knocked on Moyes's door at 6pm on Sunday and offered an immediate 1 year extension. Whether Moyes would have accepted this or held out for a 2 year deal we will never know. My instincts is that he would have accepted. I would have honestly explained the reservations and improvements I wanted and indicated my patience to see the progress we had made this season consolidated. If by January Moyes had continued realistic progress I would have then entered discussions for a further extension. The Moyes project had delivered safety but my gut feeling is that it would have offered stability and probable further progress. If expectations had not been met December would have been the time to seek a new Manager. For me the main agenda for West ham is to cease performing as a club in danger of relegations, a club which no longer yo yos regularly from Premiership to Championship and which can provide entertaining football without the constant stench of fear.
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<br>Instead in his wisdom David Sullivan has decided to take another path. Whether this path leads to the ever elusive glory which some believe is just around the corner is certainly a moot point. I am uncomfortably reminded of the similar minds set which saw the sacking of Zola and his replacement by Avram Grant. I was in the small minority at the time which regretted Zola's sacking. His removal was supposed to clear the way for West Ham to advance to the "next level". Whilst Zola never pulled up trees elsewhere I still feel he could have built a project with us. What is clear is that appointing Grant was a gamble which backfired massively. Instead we spiralled out of control with a demoralised and alienated squad into relegation and the championship. Grant's appointment was driven by ambitions and expectations of the club delivering a quick fix to an unrealistic timescale. I sometimes think nothing is learnt.
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<br>I desperately hope that I am proved wrong but replacing Moyes with a similar level Manager of proven calibre is not at all straightforward. I fear the new incarnation of Avram grant. Whoever is appointed will be in a hurry, with a contracted transfer window, with a need to engage positively with the existing squad to identify weaknesses strengths and opportunities. We are entering a period of high risk transformation. I hope that this time the wager the Board has made on our future is not as disastrous.
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<br>COYII
<br>David Griffith
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-50927957728016347722018-05-17T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-17T04:30:51.419+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 17th May 2018West Ham United Statement: David Moyes departs
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
<br>Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. "Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days."
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<br>The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed.
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<br>Adrian: All the players gave everything until the end
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Adrian was proud to have played his part in helping West Ham United retain their Premier League status in style. The Spaniard impressed on his return to the starting XI for the final three weeks of a challenging 2017/18 campaign, keeping two clean sheets as the Hammers collected seven points from victories over Leicester City and Everton and a hard-fought goalless draw with Manchester United. The popular goalkeeper admitted the squad had not hit the targets they set themselves at the start of the season, but was proud of the way they stuck together to secure a 13th-place finish, nine points clear of the bottom three and just two adrift of Newcastle United in tenth. "Of course, when you finish on top, you feel well, and in the last three games we played well," he told West Ham TV. "We kept two clean sheets and then we scored three goals at home in front of our fans in the last game. "I think this is the best way to finish after a season that everyone knows wasn't easy. All the players gave everything until the end. "I have said many times, I was really positive about my players and my teammates because I saw they are great players. We started the season not well enough, then we had many changes and injuries so, at the end of the day, we saved our position in the Premier League, which was the most important thing from the start of the season. "We finished with three points and a win at home, so we now need to enjoy our summer with our families."
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<br>Overall, Adrian conceded 29 goals in his 19 Premier League appearances, keeping half-a-dozen clean sheets and ending up on the losing side just six times. "I am happy to finish the season strongly, because this season was not the best for me," he continued. "I was not in the team from the beginning, so I was waiting to play against Man City, then a few more games. "I am happy to be playing and helping my teammates with my saves. That makes me feel proud, as I feel like I'm here helping West Ham, like I have for the last five seasons. That's it. That is my job."
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<br>Having hung up his gloves for the next seven weeks, Adrian and his wife and two young sons will fly back to their home city of Seville to spend some welcome time with their families and friends during the close-season. "We need to rest and recover our bodies and minds with our families and friends. I'll go back to Spain, with the good weather there, and relax!"
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<br>Shortest reign ever - official!
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
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<br>David Moyes' seven-month stay at West Ham United is the shortest reign of any manager in the club's history. Although debate will rage over whether he should be considered, given the nature of the short-term contract he accepted back in November, there is no doubt that Moyes' reign is the shortest of any manager to have taken on a full-time role in the club's history. At just 191 days, Moyes tenure lasted exactly 40 days less than the previous record holder Lou Macari, who was sacked in February 1990 - exactly 231 days after being handed the role vacated by club legend John Lyall. The only other full-time manager to stay in his position for less than a calendar year is Avram Grant, who was fired three weeks shy of his first anniversary. By contrast the longest-serving manager in West Ham United's history is Sid King, who lasted an impressive 30 YEARS in the managerial hotseat!
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<br>West Ham's shortest-managerial reigns
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<br>1. David Moyes: 191 days, contract expired (2017-18)
<br>2. Lou Macari: 231 days, sacked (1989-90)
<br>3. Avram Grant: 347 days, sacked (2010-11)
<br>4. Franco Zola: 610 days, sacked (2008-10)
<br>5. Alan Curbishley: 631 days, left of own volition (2006-08)
<br>6. Slaven Bilic: 880 days, sacked (2015-17)
<br>7. Glenn Roeder: 838 days, sacked (2001-03)
<br>8. Alan Pardew: 1,149 days, sacked (2003-06)
<br>9. Sam Allardyce: 1,454 days, contract expired (2011-15)
<br>10. Billy Bonds: 1,630 days, left of own volition (1990-94)
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<br>Time to move on, says Sullivan
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham United have confirmed that David Moyes has left the club. A brief statement posted via the club's website on Wednesday lunchtime thanked the 55-year-old Scot for his assistance, whilst confirming that he and his back room staff of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have also departed. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," co-chairman David Sullivan told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. "They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the club with our best wishes. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. "We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days." "The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
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<br>Now let's see what you are made of Mr.Sullivan
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2018
<br>By: Paul Walker
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<br>Not really been your day, mate, has it? Not even your last few months really. But let's just concentrate of the week in hand. You may have wanted the eventual departure of David Moyes and all his staff to be a controlled, dignified exit, with you seemingly in full control. Chance would be a fine thing. In fact, it looks like just another day in the circus that is West Ham. No manager, no coaching staff, no director of football/recruitment officer. Not even a board all singing from the same page. Oh, and one of your potential new managers, the one that Jorge Mendes offered up for you on a plate, seems to have decided to stay where he is in war-torn Ukraine, seems safer there than Stratford. All I can say now pal, is you had better have this next bit under control, because the transfer window is about to open and it looks like you are standing on your own at the sharp end of the Titanic singing 'My heart will go on' in best Celine Dion style.
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<br>You just knew something was afoot when Ken Dyer's exclusive in the Evening Standard mid-morning said Moyes would tell you to stick any offer of a job because he felt he had been very poorly treated. (At this point I refer you to the KUMB piece last week about saying thanks.) Ken is the best around when it comes to West Ham, he has been covering the club since the more dignified days of John Lyall. So the piece was spot on.
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<br>It took what looked like an hour for the club to push out a statement saying Moyes, Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay had also left. And this less than 24 hours after your fellow joint chairman David Gold had said he would be happy if Moyes stayed on because he admired his professionalism. You wonder sometimes who writes these scripts. And no wonder Moyes got the hump. He was dumped out "on the street" as he put it at midnight on Sunday, with the euphoria of the win over Everton still fresh in all our minds.
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<br>Probably few of us really expected Moyes to get the gig full time even at that point, so much poison had been put down in previous weeks. But it could have been handled so much better. First we are told, via Sky (who else) that you have had a meeting with Moyes on Monday and it was highly unlikely he would get the job. Some media outlets suggested that the meeting was your usual one of the manager on a Monday, ignoring in fact that you didn't actually employ him any longer.
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<br>Other outlets said it was a "thank you" chat and to come back in a week, just in case we hadn't managed to land the big name to take us to the next level. Then we find out it was just a phone call. And guess what, it was leaked. You made that call to Moyes, and guess who was on air that morning, well Jim White of course. Just saying. No wonder Moyes wanted a change of culture. And not long after that call, Paulo Fonseca was being driven into Sullivan Towers for a chat, with Mendes in tow. That may well have been the point when Moyes lost the plot. He knew, however, that he was probably soon to be history on Sunday evening; he's a big boy, he knows the game so nothing should surprise him. Sullivan was looking for a replacement. That's life. But then Gold is on his feet telling folk he would be happy for Moyes to stay. Then the Standard's story followed by West Ham's statement.
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<br>Now we have all been wishing and hoping for a brave new world, a top manager, to take us on. Moyes may well have earned another year or two, but that's life, as I said. Fonseca was interesting. No really big time experience, but seemingly well thought of and with a very influential agent who has helped Wolves to win promotion who could easily have opened the way to some decent signings for us.
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<br>Fonseca has done well at Shakhtar Donetsk, admittedly with a big club in a very ordinary league. Dynamo Kiev and that's about it. Not able to use their stadium because of the war does not seem to have handicapped Fonseca, who more importantly did well in the Champions League and registered a win over Manchester City. He had an OK spell at Porto before being axed for being third… but then did well to turn Braga into a force. That's the club with the rock face behind one goal, a small town but one that acquired a reputation under Fonseca for flowing, attacking football helped by an abundance of Brazilian talent. But after his chat with Sullivan, Fonseca returned to Ukraine and now there's stories that he has agreed a new two year contract there. Was Sullivan about to appoint him in the wake of Moyes' departure? We will never know.
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<br>So now it looks like another crack at Rafa Benitez, with Manuel Pellegini seemingly too expensive and not in the bright, young, exciting category. But then neither is Rafa!
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<br>We can only hope that Sullivan now gets this right and has someone with class, integrity and skill in place sometime next week before the World Cup build up starts in earnest. Blimey, there's so much to do. Players going, lots needed, season tickets to sell, experienced old hands at the club to be placated. And Sullivan needs to do one thing, as far as I am concerned. He must dispel the suggestion that he is acting on fans' advice. He is supposed to have told Moyes on Monday that it was the fans who wanted a new face. I have touched on this before, fans' forums, blogs, polls, even pressure from fans' groups, are all well and good.
<br>Polls are fun. We have done one, several of our website colleagues have done them. They are fun. They should not be leading the club's owner by the nose as if he is frightened to make a decision without upsetting someone.
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<br>But tomorrow's another day. Another manager as a target, more players being linked. Tedious isn't it?
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<br>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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<br>Manuel Pellegrini team meet West Ham over vacant manager position
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 16/05/18 6:46pm
<br>SSN
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<br>West Ham have met with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini but Sky Sports News understands wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed on Wednesday that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. The announcement arrived barely 12 hours after club co-owner David Gold said he hoped 55-year-old former Manchester United and Everton boss, Moyes, would remain in charge. However, it seems former Manchester City boss Pellegrini is firmly on West Ham's radar despite the salary demands. The 64-year-old is currently managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune.
<br>The Chilean spent three years in England as Man City manager, winning the Premier League and two League Cups. He has previously spent time in charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga. Sky Sports News understands Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez and Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca are also on West Ham's shortlist.
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<br>MOYES BECOMES SULLIVAN AND GOLD'S FIFTH MANAGERIAL VICTIM IN EIGHT YEARS
<br> By Dan Coker 16 May 2018 at 12:48
<br>WTID
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<br>David Moyes has left the building. The club's official statement reads:
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<br>"West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes has left the Club following the end of his short-term contract. The 55-year-old arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' Premier League status. The Club can also confirm that his assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have departed with immediate effect.
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<br>"Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: 'I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. Throughout his time here, David has carried himself with dignity and honesty and we have all found him to be a pleasure to work with. He, Alan, Stuart and Billy accepted the challenge and attacked it head on, turning around a difficult situation. They deserve great respect for the job they have done and they leave the Club with our best wishes. When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future. Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction. We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions. We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the Club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next ten days.
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<br>"The Club will be making no further comment until a new managerial appointment is confirmed."
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<br>The Evening Standard is reporting that "Moyes ruled himself out of taking the job on a permanent basis after growing unhappy at his situation and treatment by the club".
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<br>'I'm really fearful over what is going to happen' - Tony Cottee slams West Ham United board over managerial mishaps
<br>By Joe Coleman - @JoeColeman1508
<br>Wednesday, May 16, 2018
<br>TalkSport
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<br>Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee has slammed the board for their handling of the current managerial situation. It was confirmed by the club on Tuesday morning that David Moyes would not be getting the job full-time, despite delivering a 13th-place finish after taking control when the club were in the bottom three. To make matters worse, Shakhtar Donestk manager Paulo Fonseca was pictured leaving David Sullivan's plush Essex mansion on Monday after holding talks about taking control of the club – even though Moyes had yet to be officially sacked. And Cottee, who scored 115 times during two spells for the Hammers, could not contain his frustration while appearing on the Hawskbee and Jacobs Show.
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<br>"Who on earth is going to appoint the new manager?" Cottee asked. "There is not one person on that board who has got any football experience or any knowledge about football. "They haven't got a Trevor Brooking anymore to advise the board, who is making the decision on who's going to be the next manager? "I'm reading they want a manger to take them to the next level; well the next level is to have some stability at the club, surely? "If you want stability, David Moyes is the man for the job. "I just don't understand it, I really don't understand what is going on at my football club. "And before anyone says anything about me just being a media pundit, I've got two season tickets, I pay a lot of money, I go to watch the team – I've got as much right as the average fan to give an opinion on it. "I'm so fed up of what is going on at my club; it's getting on my nerves now."
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<br>Although Moyes' contract had technically expired, the former Manchester United manager was still being considered for the role. Slaven Bilic was sacked in November 2017, with the club firmly entrenched in the bottom three. And although his successor kept the club in the Premier League, Cottee challenged the triumvirate of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady to find someone to take the club to the next level. He said: "We want someone to come in who knows what is expected at the club and can take the club forward. "We don't want someone to come in who's got no idea about English football and perhaps doesn't even speak the language! "Honestly, I'm really fearful about what is going to happen, they're saying ten days. "I'm really fearful over what is going to happen now."
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<br>After clashing with the fans and the board, Sam Allardyce was replaced with Bilic – and the success was instant. A seventh-placed finish in the final season at Upton Park seemed to suggest better times were just round the corner with a move to the Olympic Stadium around the corner. The move to the Olympic Stadium has alienated supporters from the club - and seen several flashes of violence But broken promises have left Hammers fans disenchanted with their club, and Cottee is not sure what the future now holds. "Anyone who comes to West Ham has got to be prepared to work with the current board," Cottee added. "I think history has proved that it can be very difficult to work under those board members. "So things aren't going to change, it's not going to happen overnight in terms of the football club changing round. "I think all West Ham fans toady were all scratching their heads and wondering where the club goes from here."
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<br>Joe Hart furious at World Cup snub and blames West Ham manager David Moyes for his failure to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for Russia
<br>Joe Hart has been told that he will not be named in England's World Cup squad
<br>Manchester City goalkeeper Hart spent the season on loan at West Ham United
<br>Hammers boss David Moyes left Hart on the bench for their final three games
<br>Hart is furious at his England snub and believes that Moyes has cost him his spot
<br>By Sami Mokbel and Matt Lawton for the Daily Mail
<br>PUBLISHED: 22:30, 15 May 2018 | UPDATED: 23:28, 15 May 2018
<br>
<br>Joe Hart is furious after being ruthlessly axed from England's World Cup squad. Hart took the call from manager Gareth Southgate graciously, but is devastated by the news. However, the goalkeeper is believed to be angry with West Ham manager David Moyes for leaving him out of the club's final three games of the season — which is understood to be a key reason behind Southgate's shock decision.
<br>
<br>England's probable World Cup squad
<br>GOALKEEPERS
<br>Pickford, Butland, Pope
<br>
<br>DEFENDERS
<br>Stones, Cahill, Jones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Young, Rose
<br>
<br>MIDFIELDERS
<br>Dier, Henderson, Alli, Lallana, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Sterling, Delph
<br>
<br>FORWARDS
<br>Kane, Vardy, Welbeck, Rashford
<br>
<br>Hart began qualification for this summer's tournament as first-choice keeper and has won 75 caps during a 10-year international career. He had seemed likely to go as back-up for Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland. But Southgate phoned the 31-year-old on Monday night to inform him he had not made the cut. Hart's absence means that Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will be rewarded for his excellent breakthrough season. Southgate will also show his ruthless side on Wednesday when he leaves out Jack Wilshere from his 23-man party to travel to Russia next month. The England coach rang the Arsenal midfielder to let him know on Tuesday morning. Although listed in Southgate's larger 35-man squad, which was submitted to FIFA on Monday and revealed by Sportsmail last week, he will not be named on the standby list.
<br>Fabian Delph is also set to be named in the squad following an impressive season for Manchester City. Ashley Young of Manchester United and Danny Rose of Tottenham will be England's recognised left backs, which means Southampton's Ryan Bertrand will be on the standby list. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent the season on loan at Crystal Palace, is set to gain a place in the squad, and Adam Lallana of Liverpool has assured Southgate of his fitness following a hamstring injury and should be named in the final party. Chelsea's Gary Cahill may make it at the expense of West Brom's Jake Livermore, who joins defenders Michael Keane of Everton, James Tarkowski of Burnley and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the standby group.
<br>
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<br>West Ham will not receive extra money from transfer clause if Dimitri Payet wins Europa League with Marseille
<br>Dimitri Payet will represent Marseille in Wednesday night's Europa League final
<br>The 31-year-old is fit to take on Atletico Madrid at the Stade de Lyon in France
<br>Marseille paid West Ham United £25m when Payet moved in January 2017
<br>Deal included performance-related clauses but none related to Europa League
<br>By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
<br>PUBLISHED: 00:03, 16 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:03, 16 May 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham will not be due a fee from Marseille for Dimitri Payet reaching or potentially winning the Europa League final because of a lack of clause in his contract.
<br>The 31-year-old playmaker is set to star in the final against Atletico Madrid in Lyon on Wednesday night after leaving the Hammers in 2017. Payet has clauses in his contract but Sportsmail has been told winning Europe's second most prestigious competition is not among them. West Ham got £25million when they sold Payet and he signed a four-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year. Payet has scored 15 goals in one and a half seasons since leaving the Hammers. He was seen as a minor fitness doubt for Wednesday's game after sitting out Marseille's 3-3 draw at Guingamp last week, but he trained on the eve of the final.
<br>Speaking on Tuesday, Payet said: 'I feel a lot better. Yes, I feel I can play tomorrow. I've been feeling very good, especially since the beginning of 2018. 'I haven't changed anything except I have been injured less and when you have no injuries it's must easier to play and feel better on the pitch.'
<br>
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<br>West Ham rebuffed in attempts to sign Inter Milan wonderkid on loan next season - report
<br>Latest West Ham transfer news includes an update on Yann Karamoh
<br>Football London
<br>By Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
<br>07:00, 16 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham United have reportedly seen a loan bid for Inter Milan forward Yann Karamoh rejected. The 19-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Caen on a two-year loan spell during last summer's transfer window and has gone on to make a total of 16 first-team appearances across all competitions so far this season.
<br>An injury to club captain and first-choice striker Mauro Icardi at the beginning of the year afforded the teenager more playing time in the senior team. He made his first league start during the 2-1 victory over Bologna back in February and marked the special occasion with the winning goal just after the hour mark at the San Siro. Inter have an obligation to sign Karamoh on a permanent basis once his loan deal expires at the end of next season, but that hasn't stopped talk that the winger could be on the move again this summer. According to According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers have attempted to sign Karamoh on loan for next season. However, it has been claimed that the Nerazzurri have rebuffed those attempts as it is understood that they aren't willing to let the teenager leave even on a temporary basis. The report does go on to state that due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Inter might just have consider a permanent offer for Karamoh, amid alleged interest from Ligue 1 side Monaco who could look to replace Keita Balde Diao. This would be the second straight summer in which the Irons have missed out on the starlet as it was reported that they had an £8.7m bid rejected from Caen a year ago. It's also been reported that Chelsea and Barcelona are keen admirers of Karamoh and are willing to do battle over the £25million-rated youngster.
<br>
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<br>First David Sullivan's sons...now David Gold's daughter is talking about West Ham's transfer business online
<br>HITC
<br>Damien Lucas
<br>
<br>One of the biggest grievances of West Ham United fans has been the all too public way the club's affairs are played out in the media. West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been criticised for their public profile in the past. The majority of Hammers fans want vice-chairman Karren Brady to cease her column in The Sun where she regularly discusses club affairs and even takes pot shots at supporters. Supporters grew tired of constant interviews on intimate West Ham dealings from Sullivan and Gold and demanded Sullivan's sons Jack and Dave stopped posting about transfers and the like on Twitter. But Brady's column aside things have been awfully quiet from the West Ham boardroom since fans highlighted it as one of their biggest grievances during protests and meetings this season.
<br>However it appears that there is another voice revealing club business online in the form of Jacqueline Gold, the daughter of David. Speculation has been building that West Ham star Manuel Lanzini is interesting Liverpool, as reported by the likes of The Sun. The rumour has been gathering momentum on social media with claims and counter claims that the Argentine would be moving to Anfield today. But Jacqueline Gold took to Twitter to shoot down such talk in what appears to be the first time she has got involved in transfer discussion.
<br>
<br>Jacqueline Gold CBE
<br>✔
<br>@Jacqueline_Gold
<br> Not true <a href="https://twitter.com/exwhuemployee/status/995358767997947904">https://twitter.com/exwhuemployee/status/995358767997947904</a> …
<br>1:54 PM - May 13, 2018
<br>151
<br>
<br>While many fans were exasperated at seeing yet another voice from the club airing business in public at least it was good news on this occasion. Lanzini is arguably West Ham's best player and signed off the season with a brace in the 3-1 win over Everton. Liverpool are believed to be looking for a player to replace Philippe Coutinho and Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the 25-year-old.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>HAMMERS ON HEAT West Ham chase Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart and solve goalkeeper problem
<br>Hammers hoping to nab England star from Burnley after Nick Pope established himself at Turf Moor this season
<br>The Sun
<br>EXCLUSIVE
<br>By Duncan Wright
<br>15th May 2018, 2:10 pm
<br>
<br>WEST HAM want England keeper Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart next season. The Hammers have targeted the £10million-rated Burnley star as they look to solve the problem position which has dogged them for the past two years. Hart's season-long loan from Manchester City turned into a major disappointment with the stopper being axed from the side and eventually losing out on a World Cup place this summer. Now West Ham are hoping to finally land a consistent top class stopper by pushing Burnley to let them sign highly-rated Heaton. The 32-year-old started this season as first choice and pushing for a place on the plane to Russia 2018. But he suffered a badly dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the campaign which sidelined him four five months - handing Nick Pope the chance to come in and establish himself. Boss Sean Dyche would prefer to keep the pair at Turf Moor, especially now the club faces the extra demands of Europa League football having finished seventh this season. But Dyche will struggle to keep both happy, and the Hammers believe they can tempt Heaton to the London Stadium with the offer of being first choice next season. Heaton has two years left on his existing deal and is understood to have been happy to stay at Burnley to see out the remainder of his contract.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham to table offer for £15m-rated Man City's Patrick Roberts
<br>HITC
<br>Will Butcher
<br>
<br>West Ham and Leicester are expected to make bids for the England youth international. The Daily Express have claimed that Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City will table bids for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts in a matter of days. The 21-year-old remains on loan with Scottish champions Celtic and the Hoops face Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday. It is believed that after the match, bids will be made. Celtic are also said to remain keen on keeping the former Fulham ace north of the border with the Hoops, but Roberts admitted himself that he wants to be playing football in the Premier League last week. Now, the Hammers and the Foxes are keen on doing a deal for the £15million-rated trickster, who has failed to replicate the kind of form that saw him shine throughout the 2016-17 campaign. A number of injuries, including a long-term hamstring injury, limiting him to just 18 appearances with the Hoops. But after two and a half years with Celtic, Roberts has been involved in 44 goals in 78 games. Scoring 18, he has provided 26. Despite his injuries this season, Roberts has still managed to lay on five assists and scored a crucial Champions League goal against Anderlecht in the 3-0 win in Belgium. Roberts joined Man City on a permanent basis in 2015 and still has two years on the five-year deal he signed as a teenager. But it remains to be seen if he is in Pep Guardiola's plans, with City boasting plenty of attacking options
<br>
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<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-30089251277835816192018-05-16T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-16T04:30:56.293+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 16th May 2018Chicharito and Lanzini take step closer to World Cup
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Chicharito and Manuel Lanzini have been named in their respective nations'
<br>provisional 2018 FIFA World Cup squads. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer
<br>Chicharito is in his country's 28-man selection, which will be whittled down
<br>to the final 23 following warm-up matches with Wales and Scotland in Los
<br>Angeles and Mexico City respectively. With 100 caps and 49 goals for his
<br>country, the 29-year-old is almost certain to be named in the final 23,
<br>barring injury. Mexico face Denmark in Copenhagen in their final warm-up
<br>fixture before tackling Germany, South Korea and Sweden in Russia.
<br>
<br>Lanzini has far less international experience, with three caps and one goal
<br>for Argentina to his name. The 25-year-old, who scored twice in West Ham
<br>United's 3-1 Premier League win over Everton at London Stadium on Sunday,
<br>has been named in Cesar Sampaoli's star-studded 35-man provisional group.
<br>Lanzini, who scored on his last appearance for Argentina in a friendly win
<br>over Italy in March, will hope to impress in the South Americans' one and
<br>only warm-up fixture against Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 29 May. The
<br>two-time winners and 2014 runners-up face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in
<br>the World Cup group-stage.
<br>
<br>Edimilson Fernandes is still awaiting news of Switzerland's squad
<br>announcement, while on-loan midfielder Joao Mario will learn if has made
<br>European champions Portugal's squad on Thursday.
<br>
<br>Away from the World Cup, Declan Rice is in the Republic of Ireland squad for
<br>friendly internationals with France in Paris and the United States in
<br>Dublin.
<br>
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<br>Mario hails 'amazing day and amazing experience'
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United's final day victory over Everton capped an "amazing" six
<br>months in London for Joao Mario, who has described his time with the Hammers
<br>as "amazing experience". Two finishes from Manuel Lanzini and a Marko
<br>Arnautovic strike secured the points for the Irons in Sunday's win against
<br>the Toffees, earning West Ham seven points in their final three matches of
<br>the campaign. Mario, who scored twice in 12 Premier League showing this
<br>season for the Hammers, was delighted with the manner in which he and his
<br>teammates secured a win in their season finale. "It was an amazing day and
<br>an amazing game," Mario told West Ham TV. "The team played really well for
<br>our supporters. Everyone is happy, and so are we. "It's definitely better
<br>to end climbing up the table, so we're happy. Congratulations to everyone.
<br>We've worked hard this season so everyone is happy."
<br>The Portuguese midfielder had kind words for Sunday's goalscorers, Lanzini
<br>and Arnautovic, hailing the quality of the two attackers. Mario also spoke
<br>highly of the incredible Hammers support, who cheered the Irons to victory
<br>before participating in the lap of honour after the contest. "They are two
<br>really good, amazing players," Mario said of Lanzini and Arnautovic. "They
<br>help us a lot and get a lot of goals, so for us it's perfect. "The West Ham
<br>fans are incredible. Since I've arrived I have seen that they are fantastic.
<br>They support the team so well and for us, as players, it's the best thing."
<br>Having signed on loan from Internazionale in January, Mario has thoroughly
<br>enjoyed his time in London with West Ham and is looking forward to what the
<br>future holds. He added: "For me it's been an amazing experience. I want to
<br>say thank you to West Ham for everything they've done, my teammates, and my
<br>coaches.
<br>"I'm really happy with the last six months and we will see what happens."
<br>
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<br>Declan Rice 'proudly' reflects on first full season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>There are not many West Ham United players that can look back on the 2017/18
<br>campaign with as much fondness as Declan Rice. The defender, playing in his
<br>first full season for the Irons after making his first team debut on the
<br>final day of last season, made 31 senior appearances this campaign,
<br>including 26 in the Premier League. The 19-year-old played in 18 of West
<br>Ham's 19 Premier League contests in the second half of the season, something
<br>Rice admits he is still pinching himself about. "I can't believe it," Rice
<br>said. "I've been around some great players. We've had a change of manager
<br>and luckily enough he's given me the chance to express myself and improve,
<br>and I've thrived on that and now I can't wait for next season to start.
<br>"When I was going into the last two minutes of the game (vs Everton) and we
<br>were enjoying a bit of the ball, I was thinking 'I don't want this to end'.
<br>It's been a great season for me personally. It's one I can look back on very
<br>proudly."
<br>Seven points earned in the final three games of the season, including a 3-1
<br>win over Everton on Sunday, was a strong end to the campaign for the
<br>Hammers, and Rice is thrilled with how he and his teammates closed the year.
<br>The Young Hammer of the Year is now keen to continue his own personal good
<br>form next season, and push West Ham higher up the league after this
<br>campaign's 13th placed finish. "It's been a season full of ups and downs,"
<br>he continued. "We've ended the last week strongly with the win at
<br>Leicester, getting a good result against Manchester United, and then winning
<br>against Everton was the icing on the cake. "It's not a bad finish, but if
<br>you look at the points we've dropped late in games we could have been much
<br>higher. We will take 13th. It's been disappointing but there's also been
<br>some highs, so now we just look forward to next season."
<br>Having graduated from the West Ham Academy, after joining the Club as a
<br>14-year-old, Rice has been fully embraced by the fantastic Hammers
<br>supporters, with the Republic of Ireland international thanking the fans.
<br>The centre-back is now eager to kick on in the new season and continue to
<br>develop with the Irons, committing himself to the side. Rice added: "The
<br>fans have been excellent. At the start of this season they didn't really
<br>know who I was but now they are singing my name and asking for stuff. It's
<br>special. "I want to stay at West Ham. I want to keep playing for this club
<br>and hopefully next season I can keep playing and make more appearances."
<br>
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<br>MARK NOBLE – CLUB LEGEND?
<br>AUTHOR: RICHARD DIXON. PUBLISHED: 14 MAY 2018 AT 9:53PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>There is a lot we don't agree on as West Ham fans at the moment, but one
<br>thing we would all agree is that this has been a terrible season, both on
<br>and off the pitch. When times are bad we football fans tend to look back and
<br>remember happier times. At West Ham that will bring up a number of familiar
<br>names, Moore, Hurst, Di Canio, Peters, Bonds and Brooking. So whilst there
<br>may be some debate, these players are generally accepted as legends at our
<br>club.
<br>
<br>Now I'm willing to bet when you read that you were mentally adding more to
<br>the list, Devonsonshire, Dicks, Cottee, McAvennie… I could go on and on. The
<br>point being, that with certain notable exceptions club legends are
<br>subjective and based on your own personal experience. It could be something
<br>from your first West Ham game or maybe Modibo Maïga gave you his shirt after
<br>a game where he scored (really really unlikely) or some other random act
<br>that just chimed with you in some way. We all have our favourites, but few
<br>make it to true legendary status.
<br>
<br>It seems like a long time since we have had a widely accepted club legend, I
<br>suppose Dimitri Payet was on course to achieve this accolade, mostly because
<br>he was just so damned good. However, we all know what happened there, so
<br>lets not dwell on our French ex-girlfriend, the man we just love to hate.
<br>Payet is a lesson to those who throw the 'legend' title around lightly (or
<br>worse get a tattoo!). What about our 2107/18 squad? The current fan
<br>favourite is clearly Arnautovic. He has a long way to go, as stated, one
<br>season does not a legend make, and the dour amongst us suspect that he won't
<br>be here long enough to reach legendary status. A couple of other names pop
<br>into your head as future legends, Collins, Rice and Lanzini are contenders,
<br>but really there is only one name that really fits, and that is of course
<br>Mark Noble.
<br>
<br>Our current club captain is not going to be remembered as a skipper who
<br>shepherded us to glory, it seems unlikely that he will ever lift a cup of
<br>any note. Also there is much debate about his abilities on the pitch. If you
<br>had no idea about him and tried to learn from Twitter I suspect you would
<br>find out that his is brilliant, but his legs have gone and he is an awful
<br>player and probably 50 other contradictory opinions. There is certainly no
<br>consensus on his ability, but surely no one can argue about the man's
<br>commitment to club? He now has over 400 appearances for the club, scored 50+
<br>goals and been Hammer of the Year twice. What ever you think of his skills
<br>this man is a West Ham player through and through. He made his senior debut
<br>at 17 years old, back in August 2004, but after this his career at West Ham
<br>faltered and he spent most of 2006 out on loan, first to Hull and then
<br>Ipswich. It was under Alan Curbishley in the 2007/08 season that he really
<br>established himself as a first team regular and he hasn't looked back since.
<br>
<br>Coming right up to date his passion for the club, and temper, has been on
<br>display this season. At the now infamous Burnley game Noble split opinion
<br>with his "handling" of a pitch invader. We spoke to Mark briefly after the
<br>game and when asked if he thought the club would fine him his response was
<br>bullish, "they better fucking not!". I think his actions that day and his
<br>subsequent response show that he feels the frustrations of the fans, others
<br>may say they show he is a "thug". In the Manchester United "bore-draw"
<br>Noble's tussle with Pogba again showed that he can let his feelings get the
<br>better of him. I've seen comments that state this is why we love him, and
<br>others saying that as Captain he should be above that type of behaviour.
<br>However when I think of this season I prefer to think of his stunning right
<br>footed volley against Leicester which put the game out of their reach and
<br>ensured the Hammers Premier League survival. When that ball hit the back of
<br>the net there was a look on Noble's face that told everyone what it meant to
<br>him, and where did he run to celebrate? To the fans of course.
<br>
<br>There has been the occasional rumour about other clubs wanting him, but can
<br>anyone imagine him in anything except a West Ham shirt? He may not be our
<br>greatest talent, but who amongst can deny that we would hate to see him pull
<br>on another shirt? My suspicion is that as much as much as we wouldn't want
<br>to see this, the person who would be the most pained is Mark Noble himself.
<br>Mark Noble is a local boy (born in Canning Town) who has been granted the
<br>freedom of the Borough of Newham and his heart is with us.
<br>
<br>At 31 he is still going strong, the 'legs gone' comment is often made about
<br>Mark, but he is still capable of galvanising the team, putting in a shift
<br>and giving a great performance. It is clear that as the seasons progress he
<br>will become a fringe player on the pitch, but off the pitch his influence
<br>will continue. I am prepared to put it in writing I do not believe that he
<br>will leave us for a lesser team to see out his career or move to the
<br>USA/China for the money. It is my belief that he will stay at his beloved
<br>West Ham and take a coaching role.
<br>
<br>So considering it all, at this time I don't think Mark Noble is a legend,
<br>but I have no doubt whatsoever that he will become one. Not because he has
<br>won anything, or scored important or impressive goals, but because he is one
<br>of us. Mark Noble is a destined to be a West Ham legend because he loves the
<br>club as much as we do, and for that I salute him. Mark Noble is "Mr West
<br>Ham".
<br>
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<br>Hart axed from World Cup squad
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Joe Hart, who spent the duration of the 2017/18 season on loan at West Ham,
<br>will not be part of England's squad in Russia this summer. The 31-year-old
<br>goalkeeper, who ended the season on the bench at West Ham behind first
<br>choice stopper Adrian has been told by England boss Gareth Southgate that he
<br>will not be included in his 23-man, World Cup squad for Russia. Hart, who
<br>has endured a second-successive difficult season following a year on loan in
<br>Italy with Torino was handsomely paid by the Hammers but failed to offer
<br>value for money, as a series of high-profile mistakes saw him dropped for
<br>the Spaniard. And the consequence of two poor seasons is that Hart - who at
<br>one stage was expected to be the nation's first choice goalkeeper for many
<br>years to come - has slipped behind the likes of Nick Pope, Jack Butland and
<br>Jordan Pickford (even though the latter had a particularly poor afternoon
<br>against the Hammers on Sunday).
<br>Hart represented West Ham on 24 occasions during his season-long stay in
<br>east London, keeping just three clean sheets in the process. He has already
<br>returned to his parent club, Manchester City, following the culmination of
<br>his loan.
<br>
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<br>WE NEED TO SORT OUT OUR DEFENCE!
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 8:39PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by Nick Moore
<br>
<br>(Written before the Man Utd game)
<br>
<br>Although social media around West Ham has been viciously negative throughout
<br>the season it does seem that most supporters always thought we would stay
<br>up.
<br>The line generally was that we should be much higher, that we have a good
<br>squad and we are not delivering. I don't agree with this. This squad without
<br>significant work will get us relegated. In every year, bar one, since the
<br>premier league reduced to 20 clubs the team conceding most goals has been
<br>relegated. We have conceded 67 goals in 36 games along with Stoke who have
<br>played a game more. The truth is we can't defend. We have been leaking goals
<br>since the back end of the final season at the Boleyn. Since then the
<br>defenders we have brought in to change this have been
<br>
<br>2016 -17 Masuaku, Arbeloa and Fonte.
<br>2017 -18 Zabeleta and Evra.
<br>
<br>Arbeloa and Fonte have come and gone and James Tomkins was sold. This is not
<br>serious recruitment, given our growing defensive problems. Masuaku is
<br>talented but his defending – being kind – is not his strong suit. The other
<br>two are aging as is the whole squad. The squad lacks pace, mobility and
<br>stamina.
<br>
<br>Declan Rice – a great prospect – has emerged. Unusually for us he has come
<br>through the youth system. But going into next season Ogbonna, Reid and
<br>Chicharito will all be thirty. Noble will be thirty one. Zabeleta is 33.
<br>Collins – should he stay- will be thirty five in August. Evra – brought in
<br>to give us better defensive capabilities against City – will be 37.
<br>
<br>However attack minded you are defending is half the game. Manchester City
<br>are an attacking team full of creative players. They pressed us and squeezed
<br>the space better than we did. None of these players will get any better.
<br>Reid and Collins – both great servants – can't stay fit.
<br>
<br>In midfield Mark Noble has been admirable and no one deserved to score the
<br>goal that kept us up more. He said after the game he doesn't want another
<br>season like this one. It will be exactly the same if the defensive side of
<br>the game is not addressed both in defence and in midfield. The midfield
<br>don't tracks runners. Defensively Obiang and Kouyate have been dreadful this
<br>year. Where is the Kouyate who joined the club with the great motor, getting
<br>up and down? Obiang defensively has consistently failed to win the ball
<br>where he did before.
<br>
<br>There is a goal we concede against teams with pace where you look up the
<br>pitch and can see them jogging back. They'll be here in a minute…. Any
<br>moment now….
<br>
<br>Our goalkeeping troubles are well known. Hart came in on loan, proving that
<br>none of our scouts watched the Euros. Randolph departed. Adrian has been
<br>relegated to number two for much of the season. So we may well need two new
<br>goalkeepers. Please do not sign Jack Buckland. We may have all been
<br>distracted by Hart's present for Crouch but in the same game Buckland was
<br>unconvincing. He flapped on crosses and has been throwing them in this year.
<br>
<br>The defensive side of the game needs to be the focus for our recruitment. It
<br>will be hard to get signings to fit all our short comings. Without changes,
<br>some pace defensively, some younger players we will struggle. With better
<br>defending we will be able to play further up the pitch which will help our
<br>better attacking players.
<br>
<br>It worries me that we are linked with older defenders and midfielders from
<br>the relegated clubs. Maybe the odd one will strengthen us, but in general
<br>the players linked looked like the same as what we have. The squad that gets
<br>old together will get relegated together (as Stoke and WBA have already
<br>shown).
<br>
<br>One last point it's not about the stadium. We have won three games away all
<br>season compared to six at home. Neither is good but it's so much easier to
<br>win football matches if you don't concede nearly two goals a game.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>THE LOW DOWN ON PAULO FONSECA FROM A NON WEST HAM FAN
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 15 MAY 2018 AT 9:11PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by Matt Brown @footballtyper
<br>
<br>So, I was trawling through Twitter last night and came across an exclusive,
<br>I think by Mail Online, which suggested that Paulo Fonseca had met with West
<br>Ham regarding the manager's job at the club. After speaking briefly to Ex,
<br>who everyone reading this will know is the most credible source when it
<br>comes to West Ham United, it seems that this was the case and that Paulo had
<br>impressed David Sullivan during their meeting.
<br>
<br>With this, I felt like I would do another guest article for The West Ham Way
<br>on a man I know a bit about and why I personally feel appointing him as the
<br>next West Ham manager could be a very shrewd move by the club. While it's
<br>understandable that some fans would be sceptical at such an appointment,
<br>especially as many are wanting a proven name, there are a few reasons as to
<br>why Fonseca makes sense.
<br>
<br>I first became aware of Paulo through my own club, Sheffield Wednesday, in
<br>2015. That summer our new owner Dejphon Chansiri decided that he wanted to
<br>appoint a new manager at the club, and our main target was indeed Paulo
<br>Fonseca, who had left his post in charge of Pacos Ferreira in Portugal. He
<br>turned the chance to manage us down and instead took control at Braga and I
<br>followed his progress from there.
<br>
<br>In his sole season in charge at Braga, Fonseca managed to guide them to 30
<br>victories from 57 games, which included 14 draws and 13 defeats. In
<br>Portugal, the top three sides are Benfica, Sporting and Porto and aged 42
<br>Fonseca did well steering Braga to a 4th place finish. He also managed to
<br>guide them to Taca de Portugal success too, leaving the club with a win % of
<br>50.88, averaging 1.82 points per match.
<br>
<br>Looking a bit deeper into Paulo's history as a manager before he made the
<br>move to Shakhtar, the only spell he will probably look back on with a bit of
<br>disappointment is his second time in charge of Pacos de Ferreira where his
<br>win ratio was 35.90%. He was extremely impressive in his other roles: Aves
<br>(42.11%), Pacos de Ferreira (53.66%) and Porto (56.76%). Now, it would have
<br>been quite easy for him to stay in Portugal, probably take up a role at one
<br>of the top 3 sides, but instead he had bigger ambitions.
<br>
<br>I think it's common knowledge that Portuguese managers aim to ply their
<br>trade in one of Europe's top leagues eventually, with the Premier League the
<br>target for most. Some may be quick to suggest that the job at Shakhtar is
<br>easy or whatever as they are seen as comfortably the best side in the
<br>division, but you have to remember that with that comes a lot of pressure
<br>too.
<br>
<br>Paulo didn't just go to Shakhtar and do what was expected of him, he
<br>absolutely ripped it up there. He's managed them for a total of 93 games,
<br>winning 73, drawing 8 and losing 12. His side have won league titles, cups
<br>and this season narrowly missed out on making the Champions League quarter
<br>finals, losing on away goals to Roma. Shakhtar under Fonseca have been
<br>extremely impressive. They scored 205 goals in 93 games, conceding just 81.
<br>They amassed a points haul of 227 and a points per match ratio of 2.44.
<br>
<br>So, with his contract expiring next month, what can one of the game's most
<br>promising managers bring to West Ham United? Well, first of all, he has the
<br>personality and charisma that I feel will help once again reconnect the fans
<br>with the club after what's been a pretty turbulent period. You only have to
<br>watch Paulo dressed as Zorro after beating Manchester City in the Champions
<br>League to see why fans will take to him immediately. Don't let that fool you
<br>though, as he's a very professional manager too. He's not scared of saying
<br>his piece either, especially when he feels the team hasn't performed.
<br>
<br>Chopping and changing managers is something that every club should be aiming
<br>not to do, and with Paulo being 45, he could well be at the help for a few
<br>years which can only be beneficial for West Ham. It's highly likely that he
<br>would be looking to get the club into a position where they can qualify for
<br>Europe, and with his tactical nous, and backing from the board, there's no
<br>reason why this shouldn't be possible.
<br>
<br>It has already been suggested to me by some West Ham fans on social media
<br>that the board won't spend money and that they will expect someone like
<br>Fonseca to come in and work with what they've got. If Jorge Mendes is indeed
<br>representing Fonseca, this could potentially open up a few more doors for
<br>West Ham when it comes to transfers, which I'm sure the fans would be very
<br>pleased about.
<br>
<br>Mendes has his finger in many pies so to speak, with the ability to do
<br>business with clubs in Portugal, while he also has ties to the likes of AC
<br>Milan and Monaco. His work at Wolves is evident and while he wouldn't have
<br>the same role at West Ham, Fonseca's connection to him would certainly be
<br>advantageous and could help the board to be more successful in their
<br>transfer dealings, both in and out.
<br>
<br>If Paulo is appointed as manager, West Ham fans can expect nice, free
<br>flowing, attacking and expansive football. They can expect a manager that
<br>will do everything in his power to make a success of things with a Premier
<br>League job his big chance to impress. He'll also be the kind of manager that
<br>fans want managing their club personality wise.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>David Gold 'hopes' David Moyes remains manager of West Ham
<br>By Rory O'Callaghan
<br>Last Updated: 15/05/18 9:08pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>West Ham co-owner David Gold says he "would like to think" David Moyes will
<br>be the club's manager next season. Moyes guided the Hammers to Premier
<br>League safety after replacing Slaven Bilic midway through the season.
<br>However, Sky sources understand the Scot is unlikely to remain at the London
<br>Stadium after holding talks about his future with the club. Gold insists
<br>nothing has been decided and hopes Moyes will remain with the club for a
<br>second campaign. "I've enjoyed David Moyes, I've enjoyed his company, I've
<br>enjoyed working with him, he's a proper professional - his record speaks for
<br>himself," said Gold. "As we speak David Moyes is on the list of managers and
<br>we'll be selecting one in due course. I'd like to think it was David Moyes,
<br>I really hope so."
<br>Gold believes West Ham's slow start to the season can be partly blamed on
<br>injuries and insists the club would have finished further up the table with
<br>a fully-fit squad. "We were disappointed at our performance right the way
<br>through the year. We changed our manager which is always a difficult time
<br>for us," Gold added.
<br>"When I look back, I'm looking to see why did it happen? Was it because of
<br>the manager situation, was it because the players weren't good enough? "In
<br>actual fact, what I have discovered, if you look at the injury list right
<br>the way through the season, there was a time just before Christmas we had 12
<br>senior players injured, unavailable for selection. "No team can suffer that
<br>kind of situation."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp to force West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini
<br>into decision
<br>LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp could give West Ham star Manuel Lanzini a big
<br>decision to make, according to reports.
<br>By JACK OTWAY
<br>PUBLISHED: 07:56, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 08:54, Tue, May 15, 2018
<br><a href="http://Express.co.uk">Express.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for West Ham star Lanzini ahead
<br>of the summer transfer window. The Argentina international blossomed at the
<br>weekend as the Hammers signed off a turbulent Premier League campaign with a
<br>3-1 victory over Everton on Sunday. Liverpool are primed to pursue a
<br>playmaker having lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona back in January.
<br>Lanzini would fit the bill having established himself as a Premier League
<br>star during his three seasons in English football. And the Mirror say Klopp
<br>could give him a big decision to make.
<br>West Ham are likely to overhaul their squad this summer after a turbulent
<br>campaign under both Slaven Bilic and David Moyes. Fresh reports have claimed
<br>another managerial tinkering is in the offing with Paulo Fonseca
<br>interviewed. Uncertainty at the London Stadium could play into Liverpool's
<br>hands when it comes to Lanzini, the Mirror add. The forward has long been
<br>linked with a move to Anfield, with interest first surfacing back in 2015.
<br>Meanwhile, the Liverpool target has praised West Ham supporters for their
<br>backing this season. "I always say that the West Ham fans are amazing,"
<br>Lanzini told WHUTV. "All season they have followed us at every Stadium and
<br>for this has been really good for us. I want to say thank you to them. "I am
<br>really happy because we've finished like this. We deserve this. "It was a
<br>long season – sometimes good and sometimes not good – but we finished good.
<br>"This is good for us and good for the people, for all of us."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Unai Emery set to hold West Ham talks after Paulo Fonseca discusses
<br>replacing David Moyes as boss
<br>Moyes is set to leave the Hammers after guiding the club to safety
<br>By Rob Guest
<br>09:19, 15 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham are set to hold talks with Unai Emery before the weekend about
<br>potentially becoming their new manager, according to reports. With the
<br>Premier League season concluding on Sunday, the Hammers are now stepping up
<br>their search to find a replacement for David Moyes. Having signed a contract
<br>until the end of the season when he was appointed back in November, the
<br>Scotsman is expected to depart the London Stadium after guiding the club to
<br>safety. Shakhtar Dontesk boss Paulo Fonseca, who has been linked with the
<br>Everton job, held talks with co-owner David Sullivan at his home on Monday
<br>after jetting into Luton Airport. Joined by super agent Jorge Mendes for the
<br>75-minute meeting, Mirror Football understands that the Portuguese boss then
<br>viewed a luxury property in the surrounding area following positive talks.
<br>After speaking with Fonseca about the job, Emery is set to have discussions
<br>regarding the position over the coming days. The Spaniard is rated very
<br>highly in the game and has enjoyed success with Sevilla and Paris
<br>Saint-Germain in recent years. The 46-year-old is currently in charge of the
<br>Ligue 1 club, although he will depart at the end of the season with Thomas
<br>Tuchel confirmed as his replacement. However, the only concern with Emery is
<br>his lack of English. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is the
<br>current favourite for the job at 4/5 with BetVictor, with Fonseca priced at
<br>2/1. Emery is 8/1 to be in charge in east London come August.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham next manager: Jorge Mendes flies in for talks with Paulo Fonseca in
<br>frame for job
<br>WEST HAM have held positive talks with Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca
<br>as they look to replace David Moyes.
<br>By JACK WILSON
<br>PUBLISHED: 10:11, Tue, May 15, 2018 | UPDATED: 10:27, Tue, May 15, 2018
<br>
<br>The Portuguese, 45, flew into Luton yesterday with super agent Jorge Mendes
<br>- one of the most powerful men in world football. They were driven to the
<br>Essex mansion of Hammers chairman David Sullivan where the possibility of
<br>taking charge of West Ham was discussed. Fonseca is one of a number of names
<br>on the club's wish-list with Unai Emery, Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez are
<br>also in the frame. And it appears discussions with Fonseca went well,
<br>according to club insider @ExWHUemployee. The respected in-the-know Twitter
<br>user wrote last night: "Apparently it [the meeting with Fonseca] went well
<br>but they have other managers lined up to be met with this week too so they
<br>will judge the success on those."
<br>Fonseca enjoyed a modest playing career where he turned out for the likes of
<br>Maritimo, Vitoria Guimaraes and Estrela Amadora in Portugal. He retired
<br>early, hanging up his boots at the age of 32, before moving into management.
<br>Fonseca made his name at Pacos Ferreira and got the chance to manage
<br>Portuguese giants Porto in 2013 - only for his reign to last less than
<br>season as he was sacked after a poor run of results. Fonseca returned to
<br>Pacos Ferreira, moved to Braga and then was plucked up by Shakhtar in 2016.
<br>He won the league and cup double in his first season in Ukraine and was
<br>handed the country's 'best coach' award.
<br>Fonseca followed that up by winning the Ukrainian Premier League this season
<br>and reaching the last-16 of the Champions League by beating Manchester City
<br>2-1 in the group stages. He followed that by wearing a Zorro mask at his
<br>press conference - fulfilling a promise he made at the beginning of the
<br>competition if his side were to reach the knockouts.
<br>David Moyes appeared to wave goodbye to Hammers fans on Sunday and has been
<br>asked to put his future on hold because the club want to speak to other
<br>candidates. Having appointed Moyes only until the end of the season, the
<br>West Ham board have made it clear that they want to see what other names
<br>might be available before a meeting between him and West Ham co-owner
<br>Sullivan next week. But this could backfire, as early indications are that
<br>Moyes is now prepared to wait to see what other opportunities become
<br>available as opposed to remaining at a club where he is not truly
<br>appreciated. One club source has put the chances of Moyes extending his stay
<br>at just one in four. Moyes met the demands made of him by the owners when he
<br>was appointed as successor to Slaven Bilic in November with the team
<br>lurching towards a disastrous relegation just 15 months after moving to the
<br>London Stadium. Not only did he steer West Ham to safety, but the final-day
<br>win over Everton swelled the coffers by a further £4 million as the club
<br>leapfrogged Watford and Brighton to finish 13th.
<br>Dyche is top of the Hammers' wish list but there is an acceptance that it
<br>will be hard to trade the stability of the project he has built at Burnley
<br>for a move to a club still beset with so many off-field issues regarding the
<br>fans and stadium ownership. Spaniard Benitez, however, is thickskinned
<br>enough to tackle any environment and the board plan to ascertain whether he
<br>is ready to leave the frying pan of Newcastle.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>The five-man wishlist for West Ham to replace David Moyes as manager
<br>One candidate has already met with David Sullivan but he would like to catch
<br>up with four others as well
<br>By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
<br>10:19, 15 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>Paulo Fonseca is the early front runner to be West Ham's next manager after
<br>meeting with David Sullivan at his mansion on Monday for 75 minutes to
<br>discuss replacing David Moyes. The Portuguese boss is out of contract with
<br>Shakhtar Donetsk at the end of the Ukrainian league season and according to
<br>our friends at Mirror Football, has already viewed some luxury apartments in
<br>London after talks went well. Fonseca, who was also wanted by Everton when
<br>the binned Ronald Koeman and still want him now, is the bookies favourite
<br>but he is not the only manager that Hammers co-owner David Sullivan wants to
<br>meet. Unai Emery, the former Paris St Germain manager, is set to meet with
<br>Sullivan later this week though there are concerns over the Spaniard's lack
<br>of English if he does take the job. He has pedigree though, having been boss
<br>at PSG and winning trophies while also having a successful stint in charge
<br>at Sevilla as well. Emery was also interested in taking the West Ham job
<br>before Bilic got it three years ago.
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini is also on the list but it will prove extremely difficult
<br>to entice him away from a lucrative contract in China with Hebei Fortune. He
<br>signed a three-year contract with the Chinese Super League outfit in
<br>September 2016. Also, the CSL season is currently in full swing with only
<br>ten games of the season played so far and 20 still to go. There is a break
<br>from the end of this week until July 11 in the CSL but Pellegrini is still
<br>unlikely to leave and his club won't let him go without a big compensation
<br>pay-off.
<br>
<br>Marco Silva is in the frame as well but with Sam Allardyce seemingly on his
<br>way out of Everton, the Portuguese boss is back in the frame to take over at
<br>Goodison Park after he was blocked from doing so when they sacked Koeman by
<br>his then club, Watford. Sullivan is a fan of Silva, who he wanted to take
<br>over when Slaven Bilic was sacked last November but failed in his quest to
<br>bring him to east London. Rafa Benitez is the one Sullivan really, really
<br>wants. As with Pellegrini though, it might prove extremely difficult to lure
<br>him away from Newcastle, where he is revered with God-like stature after
<br>what he has achieved on Tyneside.
<br>
<br>Benitez's representatives are asking Mike Ashley to bump the Spaniard's pay
<br>up to £8m from the current £6.5m he earns as he enters the final year of his
<br>contract with the Toon. So that's the asking prcie for Sullivan if he wants
<br>to get the Spaniard to the capital. Then, of course, there is David Moyes,
<br>who is set to meet with the owners early next week. While it's not 100 per
<br>cent decided yet, it's seemingly clear that West Ham are going to head in a
<br>different direction and away from the manager who kept them in the Premier
<br>League this season.
<br>
<br>The transfer window opens this Thursday and West Ham want a new manager in
<br>place within the next eight days so they have enough time to work some magic
<br>in the much-shortened window to overhaul the squad ahead of the 2018/19
<br>Premier League season.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Who is Paulo Fonseca? Shakhtar boss profiled after holding talks with West
<br>Ham over replacing David Moyes
<br>The 44-year-old, currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, is in
<br>contention to replace David Moyes
<br>By Chris Beesley Jon Livesey
<br>10:23, 15 MAY 2018UPDATED10:24, 15 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham have held talks with Paulo Fonseca over replacing David Moyes this
<br>summer. Fonseca is currently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and
<br>has been linked with the Everton job. But he has met with the Hammers
<br>hierarchy this week as they look to replace Moyes, despite him leading the
<br>club to a 13th place finish. Mirror Football understands he even had a
<br>viewing at a luxury one bedroom property in the surrounding area after
<br>concluding positive talks.
<br>
<br>But just who is the Portuguese boss? Here is all you need to know.
<br>
<br>Fonseca learned his trade working relative wonders with one of Portuguese
<br>football's lesser lights before a short spell with a major domestic club and
<br>then winning a league title in a foreign country. His coaching career has
<br>been more nomadic – he held no fewer than eight senior posts in Portuguese
<br>club football before moving overseas.
<br>His list of positions reads as follows:
<br>1 de Dezembro 2007-08;
<br>Odivelas 2008-09;
<br>Pinhalnovense 2009-11;
<br>Aves 2011-12;
<br>Pacos Ferreira 2012-13;
<br>Porto 2013-14;
<br>Pacos Ferreira 2014-15;
<br>Braga 2015-16.
<br>
<br>Although his only trophy at Porto was the Portuguese Super Cup, Fonseca –
<br>who like former Everton and Liverpool man Abel Xavier was born in the former
<br>Portuguese colony of Mozambique – steered Braga to only their second
<br>Portuguese Cup success in 2016. He promptly quit for Shakhtar Donetsk where
<br>he promptly completed a clean sweep of honours in his first season in
<br>Ukrainian football. Fonseca secured the Premier League, Cup and Super Cup
<br>which unsurprisingly prompted him to be voted the Best Coach in the division
<br>for 2016/17. Last month – before Koeman was sacked – Fonseca, who is
<br>believed to have been a fellow contender for the Blues post in 2016
<br>alongside the Dutchman after Roberto Martinez's dismissal, reiterated his
<br>desire to work in the English game. He told the Telegraph: "I have this
<br>dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If
<br>it's soon or not, I have this dream. "I have a big, big passion about the
<br>game and the atmosphere in England is amazing. I hope one day to live it.
<br>It's the biggest league in the world. For any coach, to work in England can
<br>be amazing. You have the best coaches and the best players."
<br>
<br>A fluent English speaker, Fonseca was asked on the timescale of when he
<br>would want to come to the Premier League and added: "I hope soon, but I
<br>don't know when. "I finish my contract with Shakhtar at the end of this
<br>season. They start to try to speak with me and we will see what happens. "At
<br>this moment I am focused on our league and the Champions League."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>LET'S THANK DAVID MOYES, BUT SAY GOODBYE...
<br> By Iain Dale 15 May 2018 at 08:00
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>As I write this on Monday evening, it looks pretty certain that David Moyes
<br>will be leaving West Ham. In a strict contractual sense, he has already left
<br>given that his contract apparently finished at midnight on Sunday. So, in
<br>some ways it is entirely right and proper that the West Ham board should
<br>cast their net far and wide in order to start next season with the best
<br>manager possible. Moyes has tried to put a little pressure on David Sullivan
<br>with some of his comments at the weekend, but if he is expecting it to work,
<br>it looks as if he's mightily mistaken.
<br>
<br>Moyes did what was asked of him. He ensured West Ham avoided relegation.
<br>Seven out of nine points in the last three matches of the season saw to
<br>that. And yet…
<br>I'll put my cards on the table. I didn't want Moyes to replace Bilic. I
<br>remember emailing David Sullivan almost pleading not to appoint him. But
<br>we're a fickle lot, we supporters, and he actually won me around. He seemed
<br>to inject a new, and some would say, much needed discipline into the team.
<br>Their fitness levels seemed to improve, and after a rather dodgy start, we
<br>started to win a few games. I'm sure we all remember the 1-0 victory against
<br>Chelsea. There were some half decent performances too, even if the results
<br>weren't always what they might have been. However, Moyes has always been
<br>known for his 'let's get the defence right first' approach to football. But
<br>he never really did that. We shipped goals like there was no tomorrow. The
<br>results don't lie. We let in more goals over the season than any other club
<br>in the league. Luckily we scored twelve more than Burnley, who finished 7th.
<br>Of the 31 matches Moyes managed, six were lost by three goals or more. Yes,
<br>he could cite defensive injuries, but when you sell one of your experienced
<br>defenders in the transfer window when several of your other defenders are
<br>injury prone, be careful what you wish for. Just imagine where we'd be if
<br>young Declan Rice hadn't risen to the challenge.
<br>
<br>It was in mid-March that I began to wonder whether my new found faith in
<br>David Moyes had been misplaced. It was the Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal
<br>matches which really did it for me. The team selections seemed to defy
<br>logic. How he could think the same formations and lineups for Stoke at home
<br>and Arsenal away beggared belief.
<br>
<br>It was around that time that it emerged that at least six West Ham players
<br>were hacked off with the manager. OK, there will always be players who are
<br>unhappy for various reasons, but when you have such diverse characters as
<br>Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice, Manuel Lanzini, Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll
<br>and a couple of others all saying the same thing (apparently), you know
<br>there is a problem. I don't believe in player power overruling a manager,
<br>but it was hardly the best environment to launch a run in of very difficult
<br>games, which, had we lost all of them, could have ended up with relegation.
<br>In the end we missed relegation by 9 points, but it could have been very
<br>different.
<br>
<br>The fact that we got two wins and a draw against three decent teams in our
<br>last three games shouldn't mask the inherent problems at West Ham. We got
<br>those points against three teams with nothing to play for. Unlike us. I'll
<br>admit to being surprised at the quality of the team performances in each of
<br>those games, but it's easy to play well when the other team isn't operating
<br>at 100% firepower. We have some outstanding individual players who often
<br>play as if they have never met their teammates. That happened under Bilic
<br>and it has happened far too often under Moyes. And too often he hasn't been
<br>able to change tactics to get the best out many of the players, albeit with
<br>one exception.
<br>
<br>That exception has been Marko Arnautovic. I'd love to know what triggered
<br>his transformation from a journeyman who couldn't be arsed under Bilic to
<br>one of the Premier League's best players under Moyes. He scored for fun and
<br>became a world beater. He clearly seemed to think he had a point to prove to
<br>all of us, and he proved it with some panache. He's a player I've grown to
<br>love watching. Is that down to David Moyes? I don't know.
<br>
<br>When Slaven Bilic left we had 9 points from 11 games. Moyes has got 31
<br>points from 27 games. In a full season that would have been a total of 43
<br>points. Hardly earthshattering. If Bilic's record had continued we'd have
<br>had 32 points and been relegated.
<br>
<br>My honest feeling is that David Moyes isn't a West Ham kind of manager and
<br>frankly never will be. I think it was the 3-0 capitulation at Wigan in the
<br>FA Cup that started the rot in terms of him losing the fans. In truth,
<br>though, we never took to him.
<br>
<br>I know there are many people who believe he should be given a two year
<br>contract. My fear is that we will have another Allardyce on our hands. He'll
<br>do OK but won't play the kind of football we want to watch. I'll never
<br>forget the despair I felt at various points during Allardyce's reign. It's
<br>the only time I've actually dreaded going to a match because I knew I'd be
<br>bored.
<br>
<br>Having said that, when did we last have a West Ham kind of manager? Zola?
<br>Pardew?
<br>
<br>Looking at the candidates to replace Moyes, there are one or two who I doubt
<br>would offer a different kind of football to Moyes. Benitez's teams, for
<br>example, have never been at the cutting edge of entertaining football.
<br>
<br>Talk of attracting the likes of Emery, Pellegrini, Nagelsmann or Ancelotti
<br>is all well and good but are we really going to attract any of them? Really?
<br>I'd love to believe it, but I have my doubts. But we should certainly be
<br>aiming high if the club's ambition really is to proceed to the next level.
<br>The fact that Paulo Fonseca, the Shakhtar Donetsk manager was seen being
<br>driven into David Sullivan's Essex mansion yesterday evening is certainly an
<br>encouraging sign.
<br>
<br>There are, however, plenty of good managers already operating in England or
<br>Scotland who would fit us well, if we can't get one of the top managers.
<br>Brendan Rodgers would surely welcome a return to the Premier League. Would
<br>Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche not be persuadable and relish a new challenge?
<br>Could David Wagner be enticed away from Huddersfield? Marco Silva, the
<br>former Watford manager, is said to interest the board. He did a cracking job
<br>at Watford until his head was turned by Everton. He was never quite the same
<br>again, and Watford eventually lost patience with him.
<br>
<br>My conclusion is that David Moyes should be thanked for his work at West Ham
<br>but we should then bid him farewell. There is, however, a but. If there
<br>really is no one on the managerial market who fits the job better than
<br>Moyes, then we may have to ask him to stay on. He may regard that as
<br>insulting, and tell us to do one unless he is offered the job within the
<br>next week. So be it. But the board owes it so us to get this appointment
<br>right. We can't contemplate another Avram Grant situation. Time is rather of
<br>the essence, given that the transfer window opens on Thursday.
<br>
<br>Whoever becomes our next manager is going to need to start with a fairly
<br>blank sheet of paper. There will be quite a few departures from the club
<br>over the summer and I suspect we will be buying quite a few players. So
<br>while there is no imperative to appoint a manager this week, we should
<br>certainly be making an offer well before the World Cup finals start.
<br>
<br>Nostrovia.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-3481005043615506292018-05-15T06:17:00.001+00:002018-05-15T06:17:21.851+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 15th May 2018Lanzini thanks West Ham fans for support this season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Two-goal hero Manuel Lanzini has thanked the West Ham United fans for their
<br>incredible support throughout the 2017/18 season. Lanzini scored two
<br>excellent goals for the Hammers in Sunday's finale, taking his tally to five
<br>in the Premier League for the campaign, as the Irons saw off Everton 3-1 at
<br>London Stadium.
<br>The Argentinian expertly tucked home from the edge of the area with his left
<br>foot in the first half to put West Ham ahead, before curling home an
<br>exquisite finish to secure the three points for the Irons.
<br>The 25-year-old was given a standing ovation by West Ham supporters when he
<br>was substituted in the second period, and Lanzini has personally expressed
<br>his gratitude to the fans for their continued encouragement. "I always say
<br>that the West Ham fans are amazing," Lanzini told WHUTV. "All season they
<br>have followed us at every Stadium and for this has been really good for us.
<br>I want to say thank you to them. "I am really happy because we've finished
<br>like this. We deserve this. It was a long season – sometimes good and
<br>sometimes not good – but we finished good. This is good for us and good for
<br>the people, for all of us."
<br>
<br>Lanzini's two goals saw the midfielder named the Betway Man of the Match in
<br>Sunday's finale, but the South American has praised the quality of the
<br>passes into him for the goals, with Cheikhou Kouyate setting him up for the
<br>first finish. Lanzini added: "I think the finishes were good because the
<br>passes to me were good, and then I tried to do what I could with them."
<br>The No10 has also offered praise for manager David Moyes. The Scotsman
<br>joined the Hammers in November, with the Club in the relegation zone, and
<br>has guided the team to a 13th placed finish and 42 points, with the Irons
<br>collecting seven points in their last three matches. "He's a good coach and
<br>a good person. He's done a good job and we will stay in the Premier League,
<br>and that's down to his good work. But first he's a good person as well."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Noble: Sunday was just a brilliant way to finish the season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Mark Noble thanked the Claret and Blue Army for sticking with him and his
<br>West Ham United teammates until the very end of a tough season. The Hammers
<br>signed off the 2017/18 campaign with seven points from their final matches
<br>to climb to 13th in the Premier League table, having at one stage sat in the
<br>bottom three with just 14 points from the first 17 top-flight matches. The
<br>finale came on Sunday, when two outstanding goals from Manuel Lanzini and a
<br>rocket from Marko Arnautovic secured an emphatic 3-1 win over Everton amid a
<br>feelgood atmosphere at London Stadium. "Brilliant, the way we played from
<br>start to finish," said the skipper, reflecting on the victory. "They came on
<br>strong at the start of the second half, but with our quality going forward,
<br>we put the game to bed.
<br>"We definitely should have been two or three up in the first half. With my
<br>chance, I thought I was offside but I should just have worried about
<br>finishing it. But it's just a brilliant way to finish the season. The season
<br>we've had has been tough, but I can finally go on holiday and enjoy myself."
<br>
<br>"We've got special players. We were in a bad position because we didn't show
<br>that. I honestly think we can really compete with the best when we play that
<br>way and we've proven it this season in some of the games. "It happens every
<br>year that I look at the table after we've finished and I see we are five or
<br>six points off the top eight or nine. When you see the games we've chucked
<br>away and the points we've lost this season, it could have been us, but
<br>that's football for us. The last few weeks, the training ground has been
<br>fantastic. It's been a good place to play football."
<br>
<br>Noble was grateful to the tens of thousands of supporters who stayed after
<br>the final whistle to show their appreciation to the players who, in turn,
<br>thanked the fans for their loyal support throughout a challenging campaign.
<br>"I'm just really happy for everyone. Thank you to everyone who stayed behind
<br>and clapped the boys because we played at Leicester away last week and we
<br>saw there weren't many people left. There were loads left for us and it was
<br>fantastic for them to stay and clap the boys."
<br>
<br>Noble, his wife and two children, as well as every player and their family,
<br>will now enjoy some well-earned time off before returning for pre-season
<br>training in early July. The No16, for one, is relishing the opportunity to
<br>recharge his batteries before embarking on his 15th season as a first-team
<br>player. "There are a few big, big decisions to be made over the summer but
<br>that's the last thing on my mind at the minute. I can't wait to go on
<br>holiday with my family and enjoy the time off and come back raring to go
<br>next season."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Sir Trevor: My final West Ham game was an amazing and emotional experience
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Sir Trevor Brooking brought down the curtain on his illustrious West Ham
<br>United career on 14 May 1984. The gifted midfielder pulled on a Claret and
<br>Blue shirt for the 643rd and final time as the Hammers hosted Everton at the
<br>Boleyn Ground. However, unlike the season just ended, West Ham failed to
<br>rise to the occasion, losing 1-0 to complete a disappointing end to the
<br>1983/84 campaign which had begun with five consecutive First Division wins
<br>but end with John Lyall's side losing four of their last six matches to slip
<br>to ninth in the table. The last game of the season might have ended in
<br>defeat, but it was still an occasion to celebrate the career of Brooking,
<br>who had scored 102 goals across 17 seasons as a first-team player. Then 35,
<br>the five-time Hammer of the Year had made just one appearance in the 1982/83
<br>season – on the final day against Arsenal – after undergoing successful
<br>surgery to rectify a longstanding groin injury.
<br>However, he had returned, pain-free, for the start of the 1983/84 campaign
<br>and started 35 of West Ham's 42 First Division matches, scoring what turned
<br>out to be his final goal in a New Year's Eve win over Tottenham Hotspur,
<br>five League Cup ties and three FA Cup matches. The penultimate game of
<br>Brooking's career came on Saturday 12 May, when Nottingham Forest were the
<br>visitors to Upton Park. Despite West Ham taking the lead, Forest fought back
<br>to win, but it was still an unforgettable occasion for the Barking-born
<br>playmaker. "There was a surprise for me before the match when the Forest
<br>manager Brian Clough made a presentation to me on the pitch – a cut-glass
<br>bowl to mark the end of my career," Brooking wrote in his autobiography My
<br>Life in Football. "It was a nice gesture. "An even bigger surprise followed
<br>when my six-year-old son Warren walked out as our match-day mascot. I had no
<br>idea he'd been selected for the job."
<br>A little more than 48 hours later, the Hammers were beaten again by FA Cup
<br>finalists Everton, angering manager Lyall, Brooking recalled. "John Lyall
<br>was furious in the dressing room afterwards. He launched into us and accused
<br>us of complacency and missing a great opportunity," he wrote. "He said we
<br>should have finished in the top four, instead of which we let it slip in the
<br>last weeks of the season. He was probably right." Having received a dressing
<br>down, Brooking began to get changed out of his kit for the final time, but
<br>then there was a knock on the door from Chairman Len Cearns. "He looked at
<br>John, then he looked at me. 'Sorry John," he said, 'but the crowd won't go
<br>home until Trevor goes out and says goodbye'. So I put my gear back on and
<br>went onto the pitch amid great cheering.
<br>"I ran around the pitch, waving to the crowd and picking up the scarves they
<br>threw at me. It was an amazing and emotional experience, but what surprised
<br>me more than anything was that it seemed virtually everyone in the stadium
<br>had stayed behind to bid their farewells. "Quite unforgettable. I was
<br>lapping it up while the rest of my teammates were getting a rollicking from
<br>the manager!"
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Alese and England progress to Euro semi-finals
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United defender Ajibola Alese progressed to the UEFA U17 European
<br>Championship semi-finals on Sunday as his England side were 2-0 winners over
<br>Norway in the last eight of the tournament. The teenage centre-back, who
<br>broke into the Hammers' U23 side this season, has played the Young Lions'
<br>last two matches in the campaign and will be hoping to help his team – the
<br>competition's hosts – claim silverware this summer. Also with a spot in the
<br>semis already booked are Italy – who England beat 2-1 in the group stages –
<br>and Belgium, while the winner of Monday night's Republic of Ireland vs.
<br>Holland tie will also join them. Either side of the 2-1 victory over the
<br>Italians was an opening contest win against Israel and a 1-0 defeat to
<br>Switzerland. Upon securing a spot in the last four, 17-year-old Alese told
<br><a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>: "The whole team are really excited for the semi-finals. There is
<br>a sense of confidence within us, now. "I think we were mostly in control
<br>against Norway and we scored an early goal, which confirmed our dominance in
<br>the game. "Overall in the tournament so far, we've played really well. We've
<br>show resilience to come back from losing positions and we've shown that we
<br>can play good football against good oppositions."
<br>
<br>Bobby Duncan – cousin of former Three Lions senior team captain and current
<br>Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard – got England off to a good start in
<br>their first knockout-round game before Arsenal's Xavier Amaechi put the
<br>result beyond doubt. Though Alese was left out as England secured their
<br>qualification to the quarters with two wins from as many games, the defender
<br>has been pleased with his performances since coming into the side and is
<br>hoping to continue his good form. "I think I played well in the game against
<br>Switzerland," he explained, "and we were unlucky to lose. In the quarters,
<br>it was a different kind of game but it was difficult. "We all have
<br>confidence, the whole team, that on our day we can beat most teams. If we
<br>face Italy again, they will be looking for revenge though so we have to be
<br>ready and play even better. "For me personally, if I was able to cap off
<br>this season with a medal, it would be nice after the campaign I've had. "We
<br>are playing as hosts and the support is amazing, so hopefully we can do
<br>that. Every tackle, every piece of skill, good play or goal is cheered very
<br>loudly. "It's great to have thousands of people cheering you on, wanting you
<br>to win so hopefully we can keep going and win twice more."
<br>
<br>The two semi-final fixtures will both take place on Thursday 17 May, with
<br>the final scheduled three days later on Sunday.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham to enter transfer window manager-less
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 14th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham are set to enter the transfer window without a manager as the Board
<br>ponder who to appoint as the club's next full time head coach. David Moyes'
<br>short-term contract expired last night just a matter of hours after he
<br>guided the Hammers to a respectable 13th-place finish in the Premier League,
<br>with the club apparently no closer to announcing their new choice. And
<br>whilst the Scot remains in the running to continue the job he began last
<br>November, West Ham have revealed that they may not have a man in place until
<br>the beginning of next month - which happens to coincide with the season
<br>ticket renewal deadline. The 2018 summer transfer window opens this Thursday
<br>(17 May) as a result of the decision to move the deadline forward to 9
<br>August - 48 hours ahead of the start of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign
<br>(on Saturday 11 August).
<br>
<br>The leading candidates to follow Moyes in the West Ham hotseat are as
<br>follows...
<br>
<br>Manuel Pellegrini (64, Hebei Chinese Fortune)
<br>
<br>The Chilean cut his managerial teeth in South America with clubs such as San
<br>Lorenzo and River Plate before trying his luck in Europe with Villareal,
<br>Real Madrid and Malaga. In 2013 he arrived in England and won the Premier
<br>League with Manchester City in his first season. He has been in China since
<br>2016.
<br>
<br>Paulo Fonseca (45, Shakhtar Donetsk)
<br>
<br>The former Portuguese central defender has been coaching since retiring as a
<br>pro at the age of just 32. Having led relative minnows Pacos de Ferreira to
<br>the Champions League, he was hired by Porto -but fired before the season was
<br>out with the Dragões in third place in the league. Successful spells at
<br>Pacos (again) and Braga led to Fonseca moving abroad for the first time to
<br>manage Shakhtar in 2016, since when he has won the domestic double and taken
<br>the Ukrainians to the last 16 of the Champions League.
<br>
<br>Rafa Benitez (58, Newcastle Utd)
<br>
<br>One of the most well-known faces in the Premier League, Benitez worked at
<br>Liverpool and Chelsea before moving to Newcastle where he is adored by the
<br>fans having led the Magpies to instant promotion from the Championship and a
<br>top ten Premier League finish. Wanted by West Ham when Sam Allardyce left,
<br>West Ham's Board were unsuccessful but hope once more to lure the former
<br>defender - who has also enjoyed spells with the likes of Real Madrid, Inter
<br>and Napoli - to east London.
<br>
<br>Unai Emery (46, Paris St Germain)
<br>
<br>Emery has alerady confirmed that he will be leaving Paris this summer, which
<br>will no doubt have been music to the ears of West Ham's Board who are not
<br>know for paying compensation for managerial staff. However Arsenal are
<br>likely to have first dibs on the Spaniard, who spent much of his playing
<br>career in the Spanish second division.
<br>
<br>David Moyes (55, out of contract)
<br>
<br>Moyes exceeded all expectations at West Ham having succeeded Slaven Bilic at
<br>the tail end of 2017 by steering the Hammers clear of relegation and into a
<br>13th-place finish, largely as a result of taking seven points from United's
<br>final three matches. An experienced Premier League manager, he is the safe
<br>choice should the Board choose to go British.
<br>
<br>A number of other names have been linked with the vacancy in recent days,
<br>including Ronald Koeman, Carlo Ancelotti and Marcelo Bielsa.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>David Moyes: West Ham manager could be set to leave
<br>By Simon Stone
<br>BBC Sport
<br>
<br>David Moyes could be set to leave West Ham despite guiding the club to
<br>Premier League survival. The Scot met senior Hammers figures on Monday and
<br>while a final decision on his future is yet to be made, the indications are
<br>the two sides will go their separate ways. Moyes took over at West Ham in
<br>November with the club in the relegation zone. But the former Manchester
<br>United manager has experienced difficulty getting to grips with the club. He
<br>has complained about the amount of leaks to the media and also had to deal
<br>with the aftermath of the events of 10 March, when fans ran onto the pitch
<br>during a home defeat by Burnley and children went to the Clarets dug-out for
<br>safety following widespread protests against the club's hierarchy. Moyes is
<br>credited with getting the best out of £25m forward Marko Arnautovic.
<br>Although the Hammers flirted with relegation after a run of two wins in 12
<br>Premier League games, seven points out of the last nine allowed the club to
<br>finish in 13th spot, nine points in front of the drop zone.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>No role for Moyes as interview process begins
<br>KUMb.com
<br>Filed: Monday, 14th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham's desire to sign a big name manager means that David Moyes is
<br>unlikely to be offered a full time role at the club. The 55-year-old Scot,
<br>who led the Hammers to 13th spot in the Premier League last season met with
<br>the Board earlier today in order to hold discussions with view to landing a
<br>permanent role at the club. However it is reported that Moyes was told he is
<br>unlikely to be offered the position on a permanent basis, despite having met
<br>all the targets set of him last season. Representatives of West Ham have
<br>also met with at least one other candidate today, as the Board seek to
<br>secure the club's 16th full-time manager. Rafa Benitez, whose future at
<br>Newcastle United remains in doubt, and former Manchester City title-winning
<br>boss Manuel Pellegrini remain the club's leading contenders to replace
<br>Moyes.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Bilic, Moyes, Hugill, protests & Carroll - West Ham's 2017/18 Premier League
<br>season rewind
<br>The 2017/18 campaign was quite the rollercoaster for the Hammers - when has
<br>it ever been different though?
<br>By Sam Inkersole
<br>West Ham Correspondent
<br>11:35, 14 MAY 2018UPDATED11:37, 14 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>After 38 games, ten months, two managers and a flirtation with relegation,
<br>West Ham ended the 2017/18 Premier League in fine style on Sunday afternoon
<br>as they breezed past Everton 3-1 at the London Stadium. The final 13th place
<br>finish may well paper over the cracks somewhat, it's only two places below
<br>where the club ended last term, but the battle against the drop this season
<br>was very real and only avoided after beating Leicester City a little more
<br>than a week ago.
<br>
<br>Back in August 2017, there was cause for optimism. West Ham had signed Marko
<br>Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Joe Hart - Premier League proven players -
<br>and the deadwood had also been binned that had underperformed the season
<br>before. But the warning signs were there from early at the start of this
<br>season. If you can stomach it, let's take a look back at the campaign and
<br>the good points, as well as the bad.
<br>
<br>The first three away games
<br>
<br>Thanks to the London Stadium being used for the World Athletics
<br>Championships last summer, West Ham had to play their first three games of
<br>the season on the road at Manchester United, Southampton and Newcastle. West
<br>Ham lost all three and Slaven Bilic offered his resignation after the 3-0
<br>drubbing at St James' Park, which was declined by the Hammers co-owners and
<br>the Croat stayed on. The warning signs were already alarming as Bilic's side
<br>shipped ten goals in those three games and scored just two goals of their
<br>own.
<br>Declan Rice had a confidence hit after Bilic subbed him at half time against
<br>the Toon following a mistake, Marko Arnautovic had thudded an elbow into the
<br>face of Saints defender Jack Stephens and was banned for three games - it
<br>wasn't an ideal start.
<br>
<br>The first home win
<br>
<br>West Ham comfortably beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 at the London Stadium in
<br>their first game back at home on September 11 but would only win one more
<br>game in Stratford before November 4. Bilic was on the ropes, especially
<br>after a 3-0 thumping at home by newly-promoted Brighton on October 20.
<br>
<br>Then there was the horrible final minute at Selhurst Park as Michaul Antonio
<br>crossed into the box for no-one rather than keeping hold of the ball in
<br>injury time, Crystal Palace broke and Wilf Zaha scored a very late equaliser
<br>in a 2-2 draw. We can't forget the 3-2 win over Spurs Wembley in the Carabao
<br>Cup though, that was fun.
<br>
<br>The end of Slaven Bilic
<br>
<br>With only wins against Huddersfield and Swansea City in the Premier League
<br>to his name, Liverpool arrived in east London for Saturday evening football
<br>on November 4 and duly romped to a 4-1 win.
<br>
<br>Two days later, it was curtains for Bilic as the Hammers had slumped into
<br>the relegation zone. Karren Brady was dispatched to Rush Green on the Monday
<br>morning and told the Croatian to pack his bags after two and a half years at
<br>the helm. It should have been done sooner but the owners had no choice and
<br>like that, Bilic was out.
<br>
<br>The beginning of Moyes
<br>
<br>It didn't take long for West Ham to appoint David Moyes as manager until the
<br>end of the season to replace Bilic and the Scotsman was bullish in his first
<br>interview after being handed the job. "If you don't run, you won't play,"
<br>was the quote that stuck out. Not that he got off to a good start. West Ham
<br>lost the three of their first four games under Moyes, including that 4-0
<br>whacking at Everton but it was the 2-1 loss to Man City that, weirdly,
<br>started a revivial.
<br>
<br>The revival of Marko Arnautovic
<br>
<br>December 9 2017 should be a day that sticks out for West Ham fans as it was
<br>the game that Moyes unleashed Marko Arnautovic as a centre forward. The
<br>Austrian had been like a £25m club-record bust up until his mazy run and
<br>super finish past Thibaut Courtois that earned the Hammers a precious 1-0
<br>win over Chelsea at the London Stadium, their first under Moyes and just
<br>their third of the season in the league. Arnautovic would go on to score ten
<br>more goals between then and the end of the season. That also started a run
<br>of three clean sheets in the league, culminating in the 3-0 victory at Stoke
<br>City. The Boxing Day game at Bournemouth will stick out in the memory for
<br>the hugely controversial late equaliser by Callum Wilson who was offside and
<br>also handballed it but referee Bobby Madley overruled his linesman to award
<br>the goal. At the end of 2017, West Ham were one place above the relegation
<br>zone in 17th.
<br>
<br>January...
<br>
<br>As always, West Ham were linked with a lot of players who didn't arrive -
<br>Leander Dendoncker, Islam Slimani, Ibrahim Amadou, William Carvalho (again),
<br>Fedor Smolov to name but a few - and in came Joao Mario on loan and Jordan
<br>Hugill. The latter has played 22 minutes of Premier League football since
<br>then. Also in January, the revelations came to light of alleged racist
<br>remarks made my former head of recruitment Tony Henry and after a very swift
<br>investigation, Henry was fired in disgrace. The Hammers played eight games
<br>in January across all competitions and only lost one of them - the 2-1 FA
<br>Cup reverse against Wigan. There was a 4-1 victory over Huddersfield in
<br>there, a 1-1 draw with Spurs when Pedro Obiang scored the goal of the season
<br>and a 2-1 victory against West Brom.
<br>
<br>The protests
<br>
<br>By the time March arrived, Swansea had dispatched West Ham 4-1 at the
<br>Liberty Stadium and Moyes' side were only three points off the drop zone in
<br>14th. Burnley were the visitors to the London Stadium up next. We all
<br>remember what happened. Ashley Barnes put the visitors ahead and the fans
<br>had enough, revolted and threw their ire in the direction of the West Ham
<br>co-owners. Four pitch invasions later, West Ham had lost 3-0, their third
<br>defeat in a row and had fallen to 16th in the table. New security was
<br>introduced for the remainder of the season but the seething feeling in the
<br>stands was very evident, though a 3-0 win over Southampton the game after
<br>helped hugely.
<br>
<br>Back-to-back 4-1 defeats, Andy Carroll and seven points from nine
<br>
<br>Moyes side were trounced by Arsenal and Man City in April and it culminated
<br>in Andy Carroll and Moyes having a bust-up at Rush Green after the latter
<br>failed to give the former some game time against City.
<br>
<br>May was a different story though as West Ham went unbeaten, picked up seven
<br>points from the final nine available and ended the season in 13th. The 2-0
<br>win at Leicester effectively sealed their Premier League place, getting a
<br>point against Man Utd was a bonus and they played Everton of the park on the
<br>final day.
<br>
<br>It was not the easiest of seasons but David Moyes, aided by his backroom
<br>team of Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay, did what they had to
<br>do. It wasn't pretty, it was borderline tough to watch at times, but the
<br>Hammers will be a Premier League team next season.
<br>
<br>Now, let's never go through that kind of season again....
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham owners make huge promise to supporters ahead of summer overhaul at
<br>the London Stadium
<br>David Sullivan and David Gold have taken to the matchday programme to
<br>outline their plans for this summer
<br>By Sam Inkersole
<br>West Ham Correspondent
<br>07:52, 14 MAY 2018
<br>
<br>West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have promised to "leave no
<br>stone unturned" this summer in order to have a successful 2018/19 campaign
<br>after a two seasons of struggle at the London Stadium. Ahead of the final
<br>day meeting with Everton on Sunday afternoon, the Hammers could finish tenth
<br>in the table if they beat the Toffees and other results go in their favour
<br>and that in turn will bring an extra £14m in prize money. A tenth-placed
<br>finish certainly won't gloss over what has been a real struggle in E20 this
<br>season as West Ham secured survival just last weekend with a 2-0 win over
<br>Leicester City and followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Manchester
<br>United on Thursday. David Moyes contract as manager will expire in the next
<br>few days and he is expected to have a meeting to discuss his future with the
<br>Hammers board next week while football.london understands the likes of Unai
<br>Emery, Marco Silva, Manuel Pellegrini and Paulo Fonseca are on the clubs
<br>wishlist as a new manager if they cho
<br>Gold and Sullivan penned a joint article in the matchday programme for the
<br>Everton game and have reflected on what has been a tough campaign but also
<br>informed us all of their plans for this summer - loosely. The owners said:
<br>"One thing that hasn't wavered is our desire and ambition for West Ham to be
<br>successful. Along with every other member of staff here, everything we do is
<br>aimed at trying to improve the experience we offer our supporters. "However,
<br>we know that, ultimately, for the vast majority of our supporters, what
<br>matters most is a strong team, playing good football and regularly winning
<br>matches. "This summer, we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that
<br>everything is in place to give our management and playing staff the best
<br>chance possible of success next year."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Dean Ashton explains why he expects David Moyes to leave Hammers
<br>Play Video
<br>Moyes' contract officially expired at midnight on Sunday
<br>By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
<br>Monday, May 14, 2018
<br>
<br>Dean Ashton has told talkSPORT he expects David Moyes to leave West Ham now
<br>the Premier League season is over. Moyes guided the Hammers to top flight
<br>safety following his appointment as Slaven Bilic's successor in early
<br>November. The Scot stabilised a club that had serious relegation worries,
<br>winning nine and drawing 10 of the 31 matches played under his guidance.
<br>However, he was never truly accepted by the West Ham support, and many have
<br>called for him to be dismissed at the end of the season. His contract with
<br>the London Stadium club actually expired at midnight on Sunday, so he is
<br>officially out of a job, and there has been no statement from the club
<br>clarifying his position. This is the reason Ashton, the former West Ham
<br>striker, believes Moyes will be replaced as manager this summer. Speaking to
<br>Monday's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Ashton said: "I think the fact we've
<br>not heard anything yet makes me think he will definitely leave and they'll
<br>bring somebody new in. "I think he's done a really good job. He was brought
<br>in to keep them safe - it's as simple as that. "He's not been brought in to
<br>bring in fantastic football to watch, he's been brought in to keep them up -
<br>and that's what he has done. "I'm still not sure the supporters have taken
<br>to him, but you can see - especially yesterday - there's a real base there.
<br>"[There are] some great attacking players, but I think they need a few more
<br>defenders and they certainly need two or three midfield players, for me.
<br>"But you can see there's a nucleus of players there, where, whoever it is -
<br>David Moyes or a new manager - who comes in, they've got great attacking
<br>flair and if they can be shored up at the back and in midfield there's no
<br>reason why they can't have a great season next year."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>David Moyes uncertain on future at London Stadium despite 'really enjoying'
<br>time with Hammers
<br>By Billy Hawkins - @bhawkinsss
<br>Monday, May 14, 2018
<br>TalkSport
<br>
<br>David Moyes really enjoyed his time in charge of West Ham but he remains
<br>uncertain on his future at the London Stadium. The Scot's tenure as manager
<br>of the east London club officially ended at midnight on Sunday, and there
<br>has been no confirmation as to whether he will extend his stay into the
<br>2018/19 campaign.
<br>The former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland manager was appointed
<br>in November as successor to Slaven Bilic, with West Ham facing the serious
<br>threat of relegation after a disastrous start to the season.
<br>Moyes guided West Ham to victory in eight of the 27 Premier League matches
<br>played under his guidance, including a 3-1 defeat of his old club Everton on
<br>the final day that secured them a 13th place finish. Still, fans have never
<br>truly got onside with David Gold and David Sullivan's decision to hire Moyes
<br>as West Ham manager, and there have been more calls for him to leave this
<br>summer than stay. And speaking to talkSPORT, Moyes admitted he will wait to
<br>see what happens regarding his future at the London Stadium. "I've really
<br>enjoyed West Ham," Moyes told Jim White. "Ever since I came everybody made
<br>us really welcome, and we sort of got on with the job. "We tried to be
<br>upfront and honest with everything which we've seen and what we think needs
<br>to be done, and we'll do the same in the future. "We'll see what happens.
<br>"The backroom staff are great lads, whether we want to see each other much
<br>more after the way we've been… but we've had a great time together. "Stuart
<br>Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinlay have made my job a lot easier and I
<br>think because they've all been managers in their time they all know what
<br>it's like, and everything we've had to do they helped muck in with all the
<br>jobs. "There's so much going on at football clubs now and the experience
<br>they've given me has really helped. They've been good."
<br>
<br>Discussing the victory over Everton, which could have been Moyes last game
<br>in charge of West Ham, he continued: "It was great. The players played
<br>really well yesterday and overall the performance was as good as we have had
<br>probably this season. The players knew it was to try and finish higher up
<br>the league and we did that in the end."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>David Moyes waits to hear from West Ham owners as he bids to convince them
<br>he should stay
<br>KEN DYER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>David Moyes is waiting for the opportunity to convince West Ham he remains
<br>the right man to take the club forward. Moyes' short-term deal expired at
<br>midnight, so West Ham are effectively without a manager until the club's
<br>­owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, come to a decision. It is understood
<br>the board will not be rushed and it could be 10 days or more before they
<br>decide their next step. Former Manchester City manager Manuel Pelligrini,
<br>currently in charge of Chinese Super League team Hebei Fortune, has been
<br>linked with the job, along with Rafa Benitez, Marco Silva and Sean Dyche.
<br>Moyes, though, believes he has a strong case for a longer deal, after
<br>­completing the job he was given in November, when West Ham were in the
<br>bottom three, by keeping the club in the Premier League. After flirting with
<br>relegation for much of the season, West Ham finished 13th and the Scot knows
<br>that significant investment in the playing squad is essential during the
<br>summer if the club are to make progress. "I don't know anyone who could make
<br>that big a difference in six months," said Moyes. "Even Pep Guardiola took
<br>time to get his team right. "You need longer. Everybody always thinks there
<br>is something better out there and I would say, more often than not, it's
<br>proved wrong. When I came, it was said the players didn't run around but you
<br>looked at that performance against Everton and go 'wow', the running with
<br>the ball and how good they were without it. "What would influence me? Good
<br>performances like that mean there is something on which to build here."
<br>On a potential meeting with the club's owners, Moyes said: "We're no further
<br>forward. We'll meet and talk next week, although we've not arranged the
<br>day."
<br>He also had a message for Gold and Sullivan, when he told them: "You've had
<br>plenty of time to see if what is going on here is right but if you don't
<br>then it's not a problem because I'll have options myself." He added: "It's
<br>not us challenging each other, though. I've had really good relations with
<br>the board since I've been here. I speak regularly with them.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham's free-flowing final performance gives David Moyes hope for next
<br>season, whether he stays or not
<br>JACK ROSSER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>David Moyes says West Ham's performance in the final game of the season gave
<br>him the sense there's a foundation to build on at London Stadium. The
<br>Hammers signed off on a turbulent season with an encouraging, free-flowing
<br>3-1 win over the Scotsman's former club Everton, as a fine brace from Manuel
<br>Lanzini and an 11th goal of the season for Marko Arnautovic secured a 13th
<br>placed finish. Moyes, whose contract officially ran out at midnight on
<br>Sunday, joined the club in the relegation zone and has saved the club while
<br>dealing with a shoddy defence, boardroom issues and a culture of
<br>ill-discipline within the squad. Despite that, questions still remain over
<br>his future, and he'll sit down for talks with owners David Sullivan and
<br>David Gold this week. However, if he was in any doubt as what could be
<br>achieved next season, the 55-year-old admitted he was given hope by the
<br>final showing of the season. "I tell you what – the improvement in the
<br>players I would say, when I came in they said they didn't run around, you'd
<br>look at today and say 'wow'," Moyes said. "Running around without the ball,
<br>good with the ball.
<br>"So, will it influence me? Yeah, I think when you get good performances it
<br>makes you think 'Hey, there's something to build on here.'"
<br>
<br>After taking criticism from the stands over his team selections and style of
<br>play, Moyes feels the attacking display against the Toffees was one of their
<br>best this season. "It came very close, how good the performance was," he
<br>added. "I thought we played really well with the ball. There were signs
<br>against Leicester, signs against Manchester United. "The players are
<br>improving. When I go back to when I took over, and how I was trying to get
<br>results by hook or by crook, it certainly looks much more structured. "We've
<br>got a very good way of playing. They were very good the players."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Next West Ham manager odds: Will David Moyes stay at London Stadium?
<br>STANDARD SPORT
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>West Ham have a vital summer ahead if they are to avoid another season of
<br>turmoil at London Stadium. There is plenty to decide over the coming weeks,
<br>with contracts expiring and loan deals coming to an end. However, first and
<br>foremost, they must find a manager. The Hammers are, technically, currently
<br>without a first team manager, with David Moyes' contract having expired at
<br>midnight following the final game of the season against his former club
<br>Everton. The Scotsman, who arrived in November, replaced Slaven Bilic with
<br>the east Londoners dropping into the bottom three on the eve of his
<br>appointment. Having dealt with problems on the pitch, in the dressing room
<br>and in the stands, securing a 13th placed finish is a job well done for the
<br>55-year-old. However, despite his relative success over the last six months,
<br>there is still some division over the future of Moyes and his coaching
<br>staff, all of whom also had a contract to the end of this season. Some fans
<br>are pining for a more ambitious appointment, while there remain questions
<br>both from Moyes' side and at boardroom level as to how his proposed changes
<br>would sit over the coming season. Standard Sport runs you through the
<br>frontrunners to be in charge at London Stadium come August…
<br>
<br>Next West Ham manager Betfair odds
<br>David Moyes 1/3
<br>Ronald Koeman 4/1
<br>Carlo Ancelotti 6/1
<br>Marcelo Bielsa 8/1
<br>Sean Dyche 8/1
<br>Manuel Pellegrini 10/1
<br>Eddie Howe 14/1
<br>Rafa Benitez 16/1
<br>David Wanger 16/1
<br>Unai Emery 20/1
<br>Rui Faria 20/1
<br>Luis Enrique 25/1
<br>Massimiliano Allegri 25/1
<br>Leonardo Jardim 33/1
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>WEST HAM 3, EVERTON 1. LOVE THAT REAR VIEW MIRROR.
<br>By David Hautzig 13 May 2018 at 17:37
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>This is supposed to be fun, isn't it? Not a weekly argument over who should
<br>manage, who should play, who's a supporter and who isn't. So as we all
<br>waited for today's finale, which could be a finale on so many fronts, I'd be
<br>hard pressed to believe anybody isn't thrilled this interminable, poisoned
<br>season is finally in the rear view mirror.
<br>
<br>It's so rare that West Ham do anything noteworthy in the opening minute of a
<br>match….at least on the pitch….that one could be forgiven for not being
<br>settled when Lanzini was fed in the box 45 seconds into the match. Had he
<br>not slipped at the last moment he might have had a real chance to give the
<br>home side an early lead.
<br>
<br>West Ham looked energetic yet calm in the opening ten minutes. Masuaku set
<br>up Arnautovic in the area but his shot was blocked by Jagielka. Seconds
<br>after that, Arnautovic turned into the supplier when he rolled a pass to
<br>Noble in the box. The captain was six yards out when he sent a hard, low
<br>shot that four times out of five would have been a goal. But today was the
<br>fifth time I guess because Pickford got a hand to it for a fine save.
<br>
<br>It's hard to ignore a simple fact of life this season. When Masuaku played
<br>and played well, we were a decent outfit. When he missed six matches due to
<br>his overactive salivary gland, we were abject. So when Funes Mori scissor
<br>tackled him from behind in the 15th minute, which forced him off, the only
<br>saving grace was that it was the last match of the season. Everton must
<br>practice scissor tackles when they prepare to play us.
<br>
<br>West Ham came inches away, maybe even one single inch, from taking the lead
<br>in the 27th minute when Lanzini sent a through ball from near the center
<br>circle that found Mario in full stride. The Inter Milan loanee had
<br>Arnautovic in the box but decided to let a low shot go and it almost found
<br>the far corner but rolled just wide.
<br>
<br>Ogbonna has had a truly fine season for us. But in the 31st minute he should
<br>have had to hang his head from making a mistake that led to an opening goal
<br>by Niasse. Ogbonna tried to head a Sam Special away and just made a mess of
<br>it. Niasse jumped on the error and was in alone on Adrian. But the on again,
<br>off again West Ham number one made a very good save with his leg and won a
<br>meal, not just a drink, from his central defender.
<br>
<br>It's rare a mistake by a West Ham player turns out benefitting West Ham. But
<br>in the 39th minute, Mario tried to find Arnautovic with a pass near the top
<br>of the Everton eighteen yard box. He just missed that pass, but then again
<br>so did about four Everton players. The ball rolled into the path of Lanzini,
<br>who took a few more steps into the box and fired a low shot past Pickford
<br>and into the back of the net.
<br>
<br>West Ham 1
<br>Everton 0
<br>
<br>There is one thing about my second favorite sport, ice hockey, I
<br>occasionally long for in football. A few minutes after the Lanzini goal,
<br>Arnautovic tried to chase down a long ball. Pickford gathered it up before
<br>Arnie could get there. The England keeper decided to greet the West Ham
<br>frontman with a knee in the thigh. Intentionally. In hockey, I can all but
<br>guarantee that at some point later in the game Pickford would have paid for
<br>that. At worse, a two minute penalty would have ensued for the player
<br>exacting justice. In football the punishments are far more serious.
<br>Rightfully. But I would have loved to see someone skate through Pickford's
<br>crease with a high elbow as a little reminder not to pull that s*#t again.
<br>
<br>Halftime
<br>West Ham 1
<br>Everton 0
<br>
<br>Everton came out for the second half with more energy, not to mention an
<br>extra body in midfield due to a tactical change, and caused the home side to
<br>fall back on their heels. While we waited for Moyes to adjust, which
<br>prompted visions of the Vogons in Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, Everton
<br>won a corner and kept West Ham in their own end.
<br>
<br>By all accounts, Michael Keane has had a good season for the Toffees. But in
<br>the span of a couple of minutes he made two mistakes that led to two
<br>opportunities for West Ham. First he gave up a corner when his attempted
<br>clearance went the wrong direction, and then a minute later he was called
<br>for a foul on Kouyate at the edge of the Everton penalty area. Cresswell
<br>took both set pieces, and neither amounted to much. But at least the action
<br>was on their end of the pitch for a little bit.
<br>
<br>What makes a great goal? Stunning bits of skill have delivered West Ham fans
<br>that goal by DiCanio, that free kick by Tevez, and recent blasts by Obiang
<br>and Noble. But in the 64th minute, I'd argue we saw a goal of equal
<br>greatness. Just for different reasons. The way Arnautovic went around Keane
<br>like the English defender wasn't even there. The way the shot was right at
<br>Pickford….almost on a line to his forehead….yet he couldn't even fathom how
<br>to stop it. Maybe I'm overstating it. But I was awestruck by that
<br>Arniestrike.
<br>
<br>West Ham 2
<br>Everton 0
<br>
<br>Everton almost got back into the match in the 73rd minute when Niasse got on
<br>the end of a long ball on the right side of penalty area. His blast went off
<br>Adrian's hands and off the post for a corner. Moments later, Everton won a
<br>second corner and this time they capitalized. Declan Rice tried to clear the
<br>area, but his header went back into the danger area and after an initial
<br>attempt was blocked Niasse did very well to split the West Ham defense with
<br>a little flick to himself and his shot from point blank range gave Adrian no
<br>chance.
<br>
<br>West Ham 2
<br>Everton 1
<br>
<br>The Hammers came back reasonably strong after the Everton goal. First,
<br>Arnautovic tried to feed Mario inside the Everton penalty area but Keane got
<br>a foot in and sent it out for a corner. The home side won a second corner
<br>seconds later but again Mario didn't find a teammate in the box.
<br>
<br>Remember what I said above about Arnautovic's goal? Well, I won't wax as
<br>poetic but in the 82nd minute we were treated to another wonderful bit of
<br>football. Zabaleta sent a long, cross field pass for Lanzini to run onto.
<br>The man they call The Jewel gathered the ball and took a few steps towards
<br>the edge of the area. Then, he let loose with a curling right footed shot
<br>that Pickford got a hand to. Not that it mattered. The Everton keeper should
<br>be thankful he didn't lose a finger as the ball flew into the back of the
<br>net.
<br>
<br>West Ham 3
<br>Everton 1
<br>
<br>Everton might have made the final minutes as nervy as a meaningless game can
<br>be in the 85th minute when Walcott went in on Adrian alone on the right side
<br>of the box, but the West Ham keeper made a good stop with his right foot.
<br>The ball flew into the air and landed at the feet of Niasse on the left side
<br>of the box. His shot bounced off the turf and headed towards goal but Adrian
<br>made a diving stop to his left and pushed the ball out for a corner.
<br>
<br>You cannot buy class. Nor can it be overstated. In my world, the way I try
<br>to raise my two kids, the same can be said for kindness. When James Collins
<br>was announced as a sub, I thought it was a class move by Moyes. It has been
<br>widely reported that not only has the club not offered him a new deal, they
<br>haven't even had the courtesy to tell him they won't. Total radio silence.
<br>When Noble embraced Ginge and handed him the Captains Armband, I was
<br>overcome by the moment. It was one of the classiest, kindest, most Captain
<br>like moments I have seen in my many years on this orb watching men and women
<br>play games.
<br>
<br>Final Score
<br>West Ham 3
<br>Everton 1
<br>
<br>42 points. 13th place. Considering how precarious our position was eight
<br>days ago it doesn't look so awful. But of course it was. Fans turning on
<br>fans, the Burnley game, the shambolic play at times, the behavior and words
<br>of the board at times. Yet I believe the ethos and the heart of the club
<br>will always prevail because those things don't reside in Stratford or with
<br>the board. They live within the supporters. Millions of them. So regardless
<br>of who our manager is, or which players come or go, it will always be West
<br>Ham United. The club I inexplicably latched onto about 25 years ago.
<br>
<br>Have a good summer.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>THUMBS UP TO MOYES
<br> By Tony Hanna 14 May 2018 at 07:16
<br>WTID
<br>
<br>Last week I was each way on my opinion of whether West Ham should continue
<br>with David Moyes beyond this season. I am at the point now where I really
<br>hope he gets a new contract. When he was appointed I am sure most of us
<br>would have taken 13th and 42 points in a heartbeat? The football we played
<br>against Everton on the weekend was delightful and the way Arnie, Lanzini and
<br>Mario linked together was hopefully a taster of what is to come next season.
<br>But on reflection the advantage Moyes holds now is that he knows the players
<br>inside out. He knows what the team can do and what it can't. He knows where
<br>we need to improve and he knows who is surplus to requirements. Get a new
<br>manager in now and he won't know any of this until he has got games under
<br>his belt and the likelihood will be that our summer transfer budget will be
<br>spent on hopefully the best players we can buy in our budget, but without
<br>the knowledge of who we really need to get the best out of the team. So it
<br>is a thumbs up for David Moyes from me. Personally, I would keep Adrian as
<br>number one next season. To get a top keeper will be expensive and I just
<br>don't see the need when the money is best spent elsewhere. The central
<br>defensive midfield role is the top priority and I would also like to see
<br>Mario signed on a permanent deal or at least for an extended year-long loan.
<br>As for signings, one of the first ones I would try and get done is Craig
<br>Dawson from West Brom. He is a quality defender who can play full back or as
<br>a central defender.
<br>
<br>Back in mid-November when David Moyes became manager I asked in my article
<br>for your predicted finishing positions in the league. We were currently 18th
<br>in the table. Forty seven of you had a crack and there were five people who
<br>correctly predicted 13th. They were; Heedsy, Iron Mike, Milk Man, Dave
<br>Innots and Rob who had a cheeky double chance 13th/14th tip. There were a
<br>few including myself that missed by one; the others were hammermolder,
<br>Hammertime Mikey, Tom, IronFish, Daz and Paul Smith. Peter Jameson was the
<br>only one who had us getting relegated which is remarkable considering our
<br>plight at the time so I am sure he is very pleased to get the wooden spoon!
<br>Thanks to all for having a go.
<br>
<br>So, it is goodbye to West Brom, Stoke and Swansea. At the beginning of the
<br>season I doubt many would have predicted that trio in its entirety getting
<br>relegated, especially with Brighton and Huddersfield in the frame. Which
<br>leads me to reconfirm one of my strong view points on relegation matters. I
<br>wrote an article a few years ago titled "Is three up, three down fair?" I
<br>followed that up this season with a similar piece. Last week I wrote an
<br>article "Survival in the League of Fourteen." For those who missed it that
<br>article focused on how the PL has now become two divisions in one. An elite
<br>group of six with a separate division of fourteen clubs who are basically
<br>playing with a singular goal of avoiding the drop. When I started going to
<br>football in the 1960's there were 22 clubs in the top flight, a league we
<br>fondly remember as the old first division. Every season two teams were
<br>relegated (9%) and the top two from the 2nd division took their place. The
<br>1960's through to 1980 was an era where up to fourteen teams every season
<br>had some slither of a chance of winning the title when the competition
<br>started. In the 23 seasons from 1958 to 1981 there were no fewer than 13
<br>different Champions. I saw Manchester United, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester
<br>City all relegated. Forward to today and we now have twenty teams, a
<br>reduction of two, yet an increase up to three teams who will be replaced
<br>each season. With the elite six having no chance of being relegated that
<br>effectively means three from fourteen (21.4%) will drop – quite an increase
<br>from 9%. But when you get a season like this one when none of the clubs that
<br>were promoted last season have been relegated and none of last seasons
<br>relegated teams are promoted back, it effectively means in just two seasons
<br>that SIX of the fourteen bottom dwellers (42.8%) have changed. Middlesbrough
<br>could alter that stat if they are promoted through the play offs but I hope
<br>you see where I am going here? The effect relegation has on clubs is awful.
<br>Already we have clubs and forum sites looking at the lists of players at
<br>Stoke, Swansea and West Brom to see what players will be easy pickings. This
<br>whole scenario is only making this league of fourteen more unstable and the
<br>top six are loving it. Their financial stability and growth means they will
<br>grow even more powerful at the expense of the others whilst this system is
<br>in place.
<br>
<br>The transfer news is very thin on the ground at present and I would imagine
<br>the decision on David Moyes tenure at the club will play a significant part
<br>on any early dealings. Here are some early odds that I am sure will
<br>fluctuate over the next week or so.
<br>
<br>Manuel Lanzini is 1-2 (66%) to remain at West Ham with Liverpool at 5/2
<br>(28%) for his signature. Looks like this could be a bit of re-run of the
<br>winter window, hopefully with the same result.
<br>
<br>Joe Hart his future seems as up in the air as it was before he signed his
<br>loan deal with the Hammers last year. Celtic are 3/1 (25%) favourites and we
<br>are second favourites at 6/1 (14%) which just goes to show I think the
<br>bookies are just guessing as much as Joe is at present.
<br>
<br>Craig Dawson is 14/1 (6.67%) to join the Hammers with Newcastle and Celtic
<br>the early favourites to sign a player who I think would be a great
<br>acquisition for our club.
<br>
<br>Marouane Fellaini is 7/1 (12.5%) to become a West Ham player although the
<br>way the market is framed I think the bookies have as much of a clue about
<br>where he will end up as they do Joe Hart.
<br>
<br>Shaqiri has a number of clubs showing interest after Stokes relegation and
<br>Everton currently lead the pack. West Ham are quoted at 6/1 (14%).
<br>
<br>Elsewhere Spurs at 5/4 (44%) are leading the chase for Alfie Mawson and our
<br>January interest in him seems to have waned. Antoine Griezmann looks
<br>Barcelona bound and Liverpool are strong favourites to sign Jack Butland and
<br>Nabil Fekir. Burnley lead a pack of clubs for West Broms Jay Rodriguez
<br>whilst Leicester's Riyad Mahrez could end up at either Man City or Chelsea.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-54593940353159972212018-05-14T04:31:00.001+00:002018-05-14T04:31:16.588+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 14th May 2018Lanzini & Arnautovic secure final day win over Everton
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Two goals from Manuel Lanzini and a thumping strike by Marko Arnautovic
<br>secured an eye-catching 3-1 win for West Ham against Everton on the final
<br>day of the season. In a brilliant afternoon of football at London Stadium
<br>Lanzini opened the scoring with a low effort in the first period.
<br>Arnautovic netted his eleventh Premier League goal of the season with a
<br>rocket-like strike just after an hour to double the Hammers' advantage. A
<br>late push from Everton saw Sam Allardyce's side get a goal back through
<br>Oumar Niasse, but the Irons would make it three as the Argentinian wizard
<br>netted his second with a curling goal. And the result means West Ham United
<br>finish the campaign in 13th, ending the season on 42 points. Ten minutes
<br>into the contest and West Ham saw two chances test the Toffees. Marko
<br>Arnautovic saw an effort blocked by Michael Keane, before Mark Noble - on
<br>his 400th start for the Club - was played in by the Austrian. However, the
<br>skipper's effort, which looked destined for the bottom corner, was saved by
<br>Jordan Pickford. The Irons would lose Arthur Masuaku to an early injury
<br>set-back, with Edimilson Fernandes coming on in his place, before Joao Mario
<br>came close to opening the scoring with a low, left-footed strike that was
<br>just wide of the post.
<br>Adrian had to quickly react after Angelo Ogbonna misjudged the flight of a
<br>long ball, smartly saving with his feet, and the stop proved vital as the
<br>Hammers netted the first goal of the game just a few minutes later.
<br>Cheikhou Kouyate looked to play in Arnautovic but the No7 left the ball,
<br>allowing Lanzini to run onto the pass. The Argentinian struck first time
<br>from the edge of the area, beating Pickford and sending elation through the
<br>home support at London Stadium.
<br>
<br>The Hammers doubled their advantage just after the hour mark as Arnautovic
<br>showed just why the supporters voted him Hammer of the Year. The 29-year-old
<br>netted his eleventh Premier League finish of the season after turning
<br>Michael Keane and striking a rocket from outside the box, which Pickford
<br>just could not react to. The Austrian had shown his best throughout the
<br>entire contest, and looked like he had doubled his personal tally just
<br>moments later, but his headed effort was ruled out for offside. Everton
<br>would strike the post through Niasse before pulling a goal back via the
<br>striker, who smashed into the net after a scramble from a corner with 15
<br>minutes to go. It looked like Pablo Zabaleta would restore the Hammers'
<br>two-goal cushion with his first finish of the season, but the Argentinian's
<br>side-footed volley was skewered wide. But the Irons would not be denied
<br>another goal as Lanzini superbly curled in from just inside the penalty area
<br>to score his second of the game and ensure a thrilling result for West Ham
<br>on the final day of the season. There was still time for West Ham fans to
<br>show appreciation to a Club icon in James Collins, who came on in the 88th
<br>minute to a rapturous standing ovation from the fantastic home fans, with
<br>Noble handing the captain's armband to the Welsh defender.
<br>
<br>West Ham United: Adrian; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Collins 88'); Zabaleta,
<br>Noble (c), Kouyate, Masuaku (Fernandes 21'); Joao Mario, Lanzini (Obiang
<br>86'), Arnautovic
<br>Subs: Hart, Evra, Carroll, Chicharito
<br>Goals: Lanzini 39', Arnautovic 63'
<br>
<br>Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Funes Mori (Klaassen 46'), Jagielka,
<br>Baines, Gueye, Schneiderlin, Davies (Bolasie 83'), Niasse, Tosun (Walcott
<br>61')
<br>Subs: Robles, Martina, Kenny, Holgate
<br>Goal: Niasse 75'
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Moyes: It was a great performance to beat Everton
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>David Moyes was thrilled with his West Ham United side after they signed off
<br>the 2017/18 season in style with a 3-1 victory over Everton on Sunday. Two
<br>goals from Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic's eleventh of the season set
<br>the seal in a dominant performance from the hosts, which had the boss
<br>purring at his team's attacking play. The three-point haul lifted West Ham
<br>to a finishing position of 13th in the Premier League table, leaving Moyes
<br>to reflect on a strong recovery from the position he inherited in the
<br>autumn. "What a great performance," he beamed. "It was a good game, we
<br>really enjoyed it. We played well and I enjoyed watching it. We scored good
<br>goals. "[All three] were great strikes, but our play all day was really
<br>good. In recent weeks our form has been very good - our football has
<br>improved and players are getting better. "It came very close to our best
<br>performance of the season and I thought we played very well with the ball.
<br>We had signs of that at Leicester, we had signs at Manchester United, and
<br>when I look back to when we first came in and were trying to get results by
<br>hook or by crook, today looks much more structured and we've got a way of
<br>playing. We were very good today. "When we came in we were in the bottom
<br>three and we've ended 13th, so I'd have taken that all day long, that's for
<br>sure."
<br>
<br>Marko Arnautovic's upturn in form since Moyes' appointment has gone a long
<br>way to helping the Hammers climb the table, and after he took his final
<br>tally to 11 goals and six assists - all registered in his last 20
<br>appearances - the manager was full of praise for his forward. He added:
<br>"Marko has been brilliant. I know the quality of centre halves they have,
<br>Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane, and I can tell you he was up against really
<br>good players. "At the moment he is looking a real handful. The bit of play
<br>we had when Nobes nearly scored early on was terrific, and I thought Joao
<br>Mario and Lanzini were always a threat on the break too."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Arnautovic: Everton win means we can go into the summer with a good feeling
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Marko Arnautovic did not want the 2017/18 season to end. A goal and assist
<br>against Everton on Sunday brought his tally to eleven scored and six made
<br>from just 20 Premier League games - a run of form which has played a major
<br>role in moving the Hammers up from the drop zone to 13th in the Premier
<br>League table.
<br>Arnautovic's tireless work up front earned him the Hammer of the Year award
<br>in his debut campaign with the Club and his wish is to pick up from where he
<br>left off when the next season gets underway. "I'm really pleased," he said.
<br>"We completely dominated the game and deserved the three points. We're very
<br>happy with the performance and to win the last game of the season, it means
<br>we can go into the summer with a good feeling. "Before this week we had the
<br>pressure on us, because we were still in the relegation battle, but when we
<br>secured our position against Leicester, we had a better feeling. "When you
<br>have pressure it is always hard to play, but we have done well in our last
<br>three games and we are very happy to take seven points from them. "Being
<br>voted Player of the Season by the fans was great. I'm very pleased for them,
<br>and I want to thank all my teammates, the whole club and the fans for being
<br>there for me. I hope I can continue to score goals, playing the way I'm
<br>playing now.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Hammers crowned Bermuda International Cup champions
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United's Academy were crowned Bermuda International Football
<br>Festival champions as they were 5-3 winners in the final contest against the
<br>Azores.
<br>With both sides going into the all-important clash unbeaten throughout their
<br>group stage matches, a sizeable crowd was in a attendance to watch what
<br>promised to be an intriguing final. And the game began in the worst possible
<br>fashion for the U17s, with the east Londoners conceding within five minutes.
<br>But not to be deterred, the Hammers got into their stride and equalised with
<br>a powerful Bernardo Rosa shot which levelled the scores at 1-1. Those in
<br>Claret and Blue then began to dominate possession and Anouar El Mhassani was
<br>able to latch onto a superb through ball and put his side ahead after
<br>rounding the goalkeeper. West Ham were then forced to withstand some intense
<br>pressure before the break, but could not hold up. From a corner kick, it was
<br>2-2. After the restart, the game failed to settle down and more goals were
<br>inevitable. West Ham again took the lead when Rosa grabbed his second of the
<br>game, rocketing an unbelievable shot into the net from 30 yards out. With 20
<br>minutes remaining, the tie swung another way as the Azores levelled for 3-3.
<br>Again, it was a set-piece that undid West Ham.
<br>Into the final five minutes, a strong challenge on Jamal Baptiste saw the
<br>Azores' centre-forward red-carded, all the encouragement the Hammers needed
<br>to go on and take the game to their opponents. Within minutes, an opening
<br>landed at the feet of Sebastian Nebula who coolly took the ball with his
<br>first touch and volleyed past the keeper with his second for 4-3. Azores
<br>pushed forward searching for the equaliser but with Louie Watson
<br>intercepting the ball in midfield and sliding the ball through the open
<br>defence to Manny Longelo, West Ham were two goals to the good as the
<br>attacker rounded the Keeper and superbly put the ball in the bottom corner.
<br>After lifting the trophy, proud Academy Director Terry Westley said: "The
<br>trip has been a great learning experience for this young team. We've
<br>experienced a hostile environment, a physical encounter, coming back from
<br>set-backs and then having courage to continue to play in an attractive and
<br>entertaining style to win the first Bermudian International Cup is
<br>fantastic. "Great credit goes to the players for keeping their composure and
<br>showing their technical ability against a much older Azores team. "I'd also
<br>like to thank the staff who were here with us; Billy Lepine, Ben Male,
<br>Hayden Gale and Jake Hurst, who deserve great credit for the way they have
<br>worked with the players throughout this trip. "It's bee a great experience
<br>for all and one we are extremely grateful to Clyde Best and the
<br>organisational committee of this inaugural International Cup for."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United 3-1 Everton
<br>By Greg O'Keeffe
<br>BBC Sport
<br>13 May
<br>
<br>Manuel Lanzini's brace took his goal tally for the season to five and they
<br>were his first goals since scoring twice at Huddersfield on 13 January West
<br>Ham moved up two places in the Premier League table to finish 13th after a
<br>Manuel Lanzini-inspired win over Everton in what could be the final game in
<br>charge for both managers.
<br>Striker Marko Arnautovic's thumping second-half goal added to playmaker
<br>Lanzini's opener before the break and David Moyes' men ended a turbulent
<br>campaign on a high when the Argentine curled a third past Jordan Pickford
<br>near the end. Everton, who pulled one back through Oumar Niasse, finished
<br>eighth after ninth-placed Leicester's defeat but some supporters chanted for
<br>manager Sam Allardyce to be sacked, as out-of-contract Moyes will also
<br>reflect on his next step. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian made late saves to deny
<br>Niasse and Everton substitute Theo Walcott.
<br>Moyes, who hinted his preference was to stay, said: "Everybody always thinks
<br>the grass is greener and there's something better out there. I would say
<br>more often than not I bet you it's proved wrong. "We've shown we're trying
<br>to improve. I don't know if anybody can come and make that big a difference
<br>in six months. Even Pep Guardiola took a bit of time to get his team right.
<br>"I'd think you'd need to give a bit longer. But every manager now is in
<br>transit. I don't think there is a long period."
<br>Echoing that air of uncertainty - Allardyce gave a curt response to
<br>questions on his future. He said: "I can't quite say confident after all the
<br>rumours I'm reading in the paper. Generally there's no smoke without fire.
<br>We'll wait and see when we meet up."
<br>
<br>West Ham defender James Collins, who is yet to sign a new deal and is out of
<br>contract in the summer, received a standing ovation when he replaced Aaron
<br>Cresswell near the end and wept at the final whistle, suggesting his 10
<br>years of service over two spells may be coming to an end. And the Hammers'
<br>supporters cheered the players as they made their lap of appreciation around
<br>the London Stadium pitch in the sunshine, a markedly more upbeat atmosphere
<br>than at times this season.
<br>
<br>Star man Arnie shines
<br>Seven points from the last three games and another impressive showing from
<br>Arnautovic ensured the Hammers signed off the campaign with a smile. The
<br>Austrian forward was referred to as the "star man" by team-mate Cresswell
<br>afterwards and Moyes believes changing his role from the wing to up front
<br>was a turning point in their season. "Maybe he wasn't doing as much and
<br>tracking back on the wing," said the Scot before Sunday's win. "He's been a
<br>sensation up front, he's been playing as well as most strikers." The man
<br>they call 'Arnie' brushed past the visiting defence with ease to smash the
<br>second goal of the game past Pickford and led the line strongly throughout
<br>while also making five key passes. Moyes' ability to get the best out of a
<br>player who underwhelmed initially after joining from Stoke last summer
<br>certainly helped West Ham remain in the top flight. Arnautovic scored 11
<br>goals and applied himself consistently as the club pulled away from danger
<br>to secure survival last weekend.
<br>
<br>Moyes could not add further clarity on his future after the final whistle
<br>but even if he departs, he can reflect on a job well done in his brief reign
<br>since taking over from Slaven Bilic in November. A change in manager
<br>ultimately ensured Premier League survival for both of these clubs, but fan
<br>unrest continues. Some Evertonians have been unhappy with Allardyce's reign
<br>in recent weeks, and those dissenters will not have been appeased with this
<br>result. The former England boss started with a back three, bringing
<br>Argentina international Ramiro Funes Mori into his line-up next to Phil
<br>Jagielka and Michael Keane. It didn't work, however, as Lanzini scored an
<br>impressive opener and Arnautovic was allowed to turn and run at goal too
<br>easily in the build-up to his strike. Despite changing to a back four in the
<br>second half, which brought Everton back into the contest for a while, they
<br>still conceded to Lanzini again when he got ahead of Seamus Coleman and
<br>curled a shot into the top corner. Allardyce will point to key saves by
<br>Adrian which denied his men but supporters in the away end booed his
<br>decision to take off striker Cenk Tosun in the second half, with the Turk
<br>also visibly unhappy after receiving precious little service throughout.
<br>Despite having more shots on target than the hosts, Everton came away with
<br>nothing. "Overall we managed to seal eighth spot and a few more coffers in
<br>the pot for the club," said Allardyce, who will meet the club's owner Farhad
<br>Moshiri in the next few days.
<br>
<br>Man of the match - Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
<br>West Ham manager David Moyes said: "I can't say (about the future) because I
<br>am no further forward. We will meet and talk next week, we haven't arranged
<br>a date or a time. "What will influence me? When you get good performances.
<br>It makes you feel 'hey, there's something to build on here'."
<br>
<br>Everton manager Sam Allardyce, speaking to BBC Sport: "It is disappointing
<br>to lose the game when the chances we missed were better than the chances
<br>they scored with. "But then you have to credit Adrian for being absolutely
<br>outstanding with three top-class saves. "All three should have gone in -
<br>that's where the difference was. I am pleased with the second half, not so
<br>pleased with the first half."
<br>
<br>Moyes retains upper hand over Allardyce - the stats
<br>David Moyes has won eight of his last nine meetings with Sam Allardyce in
<br>the competition (L1), including each of his last six in a row.
<br>Allardyce has lost four of his last five final-day games (D1), with his last
<br>win coming with the Hammers against Reading in May 2013.
<br>Allardyce lost his 200th Premier League game, becoming only the second
<br>manager to do so (after Harry Redknapp, 238 defeats).
<br>West Ham's 13th-place finish is their lowest since 2013-14 when they also
<br>finished 13th.
<br>Everton have won just one of their last 15 away Premier League games in
<br>London (D6 L8), winning 1-0 at Crystal Palace in January 2017.
<br>Manuel Lanzini has been directly involved in 11 Premier League goals this
<br>season (five goals, six assists), his best figures in an English top-flight
<br>campaign.
<br>After failing to register a goal involvement in his first 11 Premier League
<br>games for West Ham, Marko Arnautovic scored 11 and assisted six in his
<br>following 20 appearances.
<br>Arnautovic has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, the most by a
<br>West Ham player in a single top-flight campaign since Bobby Zamora in
<br>2006-07 (also 11).
<br>Oumar Niasse netted eight goals in the Premier League for Everton in 2017-18
<br>- double his tally from his previous two top-flight campaigns (4).
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>I'm free from midnight, jokes Moyes
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Sunday, 13th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>David Moyes was in high spirits during this afternoon's press conference -
<br>as he joked about being out of work by midnight. Having secured seven points
<br>out of nine from West Ham's final three games of the 2017/18 season and
<br>engineered a 13th-place finish, Moyes - who is unlikely to be offered an
<br>extended contract - has every right to be pleased with his efforts. And as
<br>he spoke to the media for possibly the final time as West Ham's manager, he
<br>was in fine form - despite facing the prospect of being unemployed again by
<br>tomorrow morning. "I think [my contract expires] at midnight!" joked Moyes
<br>when asked when his temporary contract is up. "So I'll take my suit off and
<br>undo my tie a little bit at midnight. I'll be back on the streets by
<br>tomorrow! "I have other options, but I've had a really good relationship
<br>with the Board since I've been here. I speak regularly with them and from
<br>that point of view I'd like to change things - but maybe not everybody's
<br>happy with change."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham 3-1 Everton: Manuel Lanzini scores twice as Hammers end with a
<br>flourish
<br>By Ben Grounds
<br>Last Updated: 13/05/18 6:14pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>Manuel Lanzini scored twice as West Ham deservedly beat Everton 3-1 at the
<br>London Stadium to seal a first home league win over their opponents since
<br>April 2007. Sam Allardyce endured an unhappy afternoon against his former
<br>employees as Lanzini gave the hosts a deserved lead (39) before Marko
<br>Arnautovic's swerving shot doubled the hosts' advantage (63). Oumar Niasse
<br>pulled a goal back with a close-range finish (74), but Lanzini capped a
<br>scintillating display with a brilliant strike past Jordan Pickford via the
<br>post (82). The Hammers finish in 13th place while the Toffees remained in
<br>eighth spot on the final day of the Premier League season.
<br>
<br>Man of the match: Manuel Lanzini
<br>
<br>Attention will now turn to the respective futures of David Moyes and
<br>Allardyce, who praised Lanzini after a standout performance, but his side
<br>were second best during a tired display in the capital. Mark Noble was
<br>denied early on as Pickford produced a brilliant save low to his left after,
<br>before Niasse pounced on a mistake by Angelo Ogbonna to force Adrian into a
<br>smart stop with his legs. iasse's miss proved costly as seven minutes later,
<br>West Ham were in front. There was an element of good fortune about the goal
<br>as Cheikhou Kouyate's intended pass for Arnautovic ran through for Lanzini
<br>to stroke his shot low to the right of Pickford's dive.
<br>Everton began the game by playing three at the back, and duly changed to a
<br>more familiar formation at the interval with Ramiro Funes Mori withdrawn,
<br>but they only marginally improved before West Ham extended their lead.
<br>Edimilson Fernandes, an early substitute for the injured Arthur Masuaku, fed
<br>Arnautovic and the former Stoke City forward rolled Michael Keane before
<br>unleashing a venomous shot from 25 yards that moved in the air on its way
<br>past Pickford. Everton responded as Adrian tipped a powerful shot from
<br>Niasse onto a post, and from the resulting corner the Senegalese forward was
<br>rewarded for his endeavour, taking down Morgan Schneiderlin's header to fire
<br>in from five yards out. But any hopes they had of salvaging something were
<br>ended in fine style by Lanzini as he picked up Pablo Zabaleta's pass, cut
<br>inside Seamus Coleman on the left and bent a superb right-foot shot that
<br>curled beyond the outstretched Pickford and in off the post.
<br>
<br>England watch
<br>Aaron Cresswell: There remains an outside chance that Aaron Cresswell could
<br>be named at least as one of Gareth Southgate's standy options given his
<br>versatility and concerns over Danny Rose's fitness, and he produced another
<br>assured display. He wouldn't let anyone down if he made the plane, but there
<br>appears stronger options when everyone is fit.
<br>
<br>Jordan Pickford: One of Everton's better performers again, Pickford could do
<br>very little about West Ham's first and third goals but he may feel slightly
<br>at fault for Arnautovic's goal, with the dipping shot flying past him. He
<br>made a brilliant stop from Noble with the scores level, and he looks set for
<br>the No 1 jersey.
<br>
<br>Michael Keane: Any faint hopes the former Burnley defender may have had of
<br>making a late dash for Russia were surely ended here after he was tormented
<br>all afternoon, in particular by Arnautovic.
<br>
<br>Man of the match - Manuel Lanzini
<br>The Argentine was at it from the first whistle as he combined brilliantly
<br>with Arnautovic to stretch Everton on a day they were punished for
<br>experimenting with three at the back. Two defenders were dragged towards
<br>Arnautovic as Lanzini fired in the opener, and the diminutive midfielder
<br>ended the contest in typical fashion, finding the top corner with a
<br>brilliant strike. The 25-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged season, but
<br>this was a timely reminder of the difference he makes to this West Ham team
<br>when he's on song. Lanzini has been directly involved in 11 Premier League
<br>goals this season (five goals, six assists), his best ever figures in an
<br>English top-flight campaign.
<br>
<br>Opta stats
<br>David Moyes has won eight of his last nine meetings with Sam Allardyce in
<br>the competition (L1), including each of his last six in a row.
<br>Sam Allardyce has lost four of his last five final day games (D1), with his
<br>last win coming with the Hammers against Reading in May 2013.
<br>Everton have won just one of their last 15 away Premier League games in
<br>London (D6 L8), winning 1-0 at Crystal Palace in January 2017
<br>After failing to register a goal involvement in his first 11 Premier League
<br>games for West Ham, Marko Arnautovic has scored 11 and assisted six in his
<br>following 20 appearances.
<br>Arnautovic has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, the most by a
<br>West Ham player in a single top-flight campaign since Bobby Zamora in
<br>2006-07 (also 11).
<br>Oumar Niasse netted eight goals in the Premier League for Everton in 2017-18
<br>- double his tally from his previous two top-flight campaigns (4).
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Marko Arnautovic's was 'unplayable' says West Ham boss David Moyes
<br>Last Updated: 13/05/18 7:33pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>David Moyes hailed Marko Arnautovic's performance as 'unplayable' after West
<br>Ham ended their season on a high with a 3-1 win over Everton at the London
<br>Stadium. Arnautovic was named the club's player of the year due to the
<br>quality of his performances during his debut season and he was influential
<br>once more against Everton. The Austrian was involved in West Ham's first
<br>goal scored by Manuel Lanzini and then got on the scoresheet himself with a
<br>brilliant strike just beyond the hour mark. A second goal from Lanzini late
<br>on restored West Ham's two-goal advantage after Oumar Niasse had struck for
<br>Everton to ensure that West Ham won the game and finished 13th in the table.
<br>West Ham United manager David Moyes was full of praise for the way his side
<br>beat Everton 3-1 at the London Stadium in the Premier League. peaking
<br>post-match, Moyes said: "What a great performance. It was a good game, the
<br>players enjoyed it, I enjoyed watching it and we scored good goals," he
<br>said. "Our play all day was really good, in recent weeks our form has been
<br>really good, our football has improved, the players have got better, so
<br>that's good. "Look at times he [Arnautovic] can be unplayable. He had other
<br>opportunities, he was in on the keeper. When we came in we were in the
<br>bottom three and we've ended up in 13th so I would have taken that all day
<br>long, that's for sure."
<br>
<br>West Ham's season reached a nadir in March when a 3-0 home defeat to Burnley
<br>was marred by pitch invasions and protests in the stands. The club's
<br>decision to head to Miami for a five-day warm weather training camp a few
<br>days later was criticised by some but Moyes insisted that it was the turning
<br>point in their season.
<br>"Sometimes you've got to pat yourselves on the back because others don't! If
<br>you'd have given me this at the start and a performance like we gave today
<br>I'd be delighted," he said. "I think for me the decision to go to Miami was
<br>a massive turnaround for us, I think we've only lost two games since we came
<br>back. "It showed the togetherness and that the players were making the right
<br>decisions and right choices, sometimes you've got to trust the managers and
<br>let them get on with it.
<br>"I'll speak with the club, things haven't changed over the next few days and
<br>whatnot we'll have the chance to speak but everything is the same as it
<br>was."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United 2017/18 Premier League season review
<br>Last Updated: 13/05/18 6:07pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>West Ham finished the 2017/18 Premier League season in 14th place.
<br>
<br>Read on for our review of their campaign, complete with the views of Soccer
<br>Saturday pundit Phil Thompson.
<br>
<br>Finishing position: 13th (-2)
<br>Total points: 42 (-3)
<br>FA Cup: Fourth round
<br>Carabao Cup: Quarter-finals
<br>Top scorer: Marko Arnautovic (11)
<br>
<br>West Ham's second season in the Olympic Stadium was even more turbulent than
<br>their first. Expectations were raised by the summer signings of Marko
<br>Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Joe Hart, but a dreadful start to the
<br>campaign cost Slaven Bilic his job in November. Many supporters were
<br>unimpressed when David Moyes was chosen to succeed him, and while results
<br>did pick up in December, tempers spilled over when back-to-back 4-1 defeats
<br>to Liverpool and Swansea were followed by a 3-0 reverse at home to Burnley.
<br>The ugly scenes at the Olympic Stadium that day summed up the mood at the
<br>club, but West Ham rallied in the remaining months of the season to avoid
<br>relegation and move up to 13th place. It's a long way short of what was
<br>expected when they left Upton Park behind, but it represents a job well done
<br>by Moyes.
<br>
<br>Best day of 2017/18
<br>
<br>The 1-0 win over London rivals Chelsea in December, when Arnautovic's goal
<br>gave West Ham fans something to savour.
<br>
<br>Worst day of 2017/18
<br>
<br>The 3-0 loss at home to Burnley was the nadir. Angry supporters invaded the
<br>pitch and forced co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan to flee the
<br>directors' box.
<br>
<br>Managerial review
<br>
<br>I think David Moyes should be in there with the top manager performances of
<br>the season because of the emotional battles in that job, putting out fires
<br>all over the place with fans, owners and players. He's had to use all of his
<br>experience to keep them in the Premier League and prevent a potential
<br>implosion.
<br>
<br>Player of the year
<br>
<br>I was shocked at how inept and disinterested Marko Arnautovic looked at the
<br>start of the season. I covered the game against Southampton where he got
<br>sent off for elbowing a centre-half. To have turned it around and become
<br>such a key figure, a little like Wilfried Zaha at Palace, is really
<br>impressive. Keeping David Moyes should be imperative to bringing stability
<br>back to club and avoiding another relegation battle.
<br>Phil Thompson
<br>
<br>2018/19 prospects
<br>
<br>I think they will have learnt from this season. Keeping David Moyes should
<br>be imperative to bringing stability back to club and avoiding another
<br>relegation battle.
<br>
<br>Sky Bet relegation odds for 2018/19: 5/1
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-65364359763985787332018-05-12T06:06:00.001+00:002018-05-12T06:06:53.026+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 12th May 2018Rice: We more than held our own against world class players
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>2017/18 has been a steep learning curve for Declan Rice, but the 19-year-old defender passed another test with flying colours on Thursday night by helping the Hammers to a creditable 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
<br>
<br>Rice has now made 25 Premier League appearances in a breakthrough campaign and he was delighted to come out on top in a tussle with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.
<br>
<br>The Red Devils' front three could find no way through against a Hammers backline who were keeping a second consecutive Premier League clean sheet for the first time in 2018.
<br>
<br>West Ham's defensive solidity meant Rice could wear a broad smile as he left the London Stadium pitch on Thursday, able to tick off another useful experience.
<br>
<br>"I think they've got some unbelievable players," he explained. "When you look at the team before the game and you see you're up against Sanchez, Lingard, Pogba, you know you're in for a tough night.
<br>
<br>"I knew what I was up against, I analysed it, and we knew we had to come out with a clean sheet. It's another point and a good night all round.
<br>
<br>"We have an understanding at the back and I think it's because we all get on so well. Off the pitch, me, Zab, Angelo, Cress, Arthur, they're all good lads. We talk to each other every day, we're always in meetings together analysing and we're ending the season strongly."
<br>
<br>There is still one experience for Rice to come to round the season off as the Hammers entertain Everton on Sunday, and with the pressure of trying to secure Premier League safety off, he is convinced the team can go out and enjoy themselves.
<br>
<br>He added: "To know we were safe at the weekend was a real relief and we could go out there on Thursday and enjoy it. Picking up another point was good, we've got Everton on Sunday now and we want to end strongly."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Moyes: Finishing in the top half is a big incentive to beat Everton
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>David Moyes says the possibility of finishing in the Premier League's top ten is a 'big incentive' to defeat his former club Everton on Sunday.
<br>
<br>West Ham United need to beat the Blues and hope five other results go their way to climb into the top half, but with Newcastle United facing Chelsea, Crystal Palace hosting resurgent West Bromwich Albion, AFC Bournemouth at Burnley, Watford at Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Liverpool, it is not beyond the realms of possibility.
<br>
<br>Amazingly, with just one game to play, the Hammers could finish anywhere between tenth and 17th in the table, with a prospective extra £14million in prize money available should things go their way.
<br>
<br>"Finishing in the top half is a big incentive, but the biggest thing for me and the real job was to ensure we remained a Premier League club, and we've got that job done," said Moyes.
<br>
<br>"We're not celebrating staying up, but at times you do have to look at it as a good achievement from the position we were in.
<br>
<br>"Also, when you look at the clubs who have gone down this year, as I don't think many people would have predicted the clubs who have gone down."
<br>
<br>
<br>For Moyes, too, the prospect of managing against the club where he spent eleven seasons between 2002 and 2013, achieving nine top-eight finishes, and against one of his closest friends in the game, former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, are added motivation to finish the 2017/18 campaign on a winning note.
<br>
<br>Moyes holds the upper hand over Big Sam historically, winning 12 of their 21 managerial clashes – the most victories he has over any single opposing manager – and losing just six.
<br>
<br>"It's definitely still special for me Everton has always been a big game, so it'll be a big day, with Sam coming back here too, for both of us.
<br>
<br>"In the years gone by, we've sat in opposite dugouts, not in this stadium, obviously, but in other stadiums."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Noble: We can still finish this tough season on a high
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Mark Noble believes West Ham United can end the season on a high when they host Everton on Sunday.
<br>
<br>The Hammers could yet finish in the top ten should they beat the Blues at London Stadium and results elsewhere go their way.
<br>
<br>Having won at Leicester City last weekend and more than held their own against Manchester United on home turf on Thursday evening, victory over Sam Allardyce's side will see West Ham go into the summer in a more positive frame of mind than they might have done following heavy defeats by Manchester City and Arsenal a few weeks ago.
<br>
<br>"Our last two results have been very good, beating Leicester away and then drawing with Man U at home – four points, two clean sheets, safe in the Premier League with another home game to come," Noble observed.
<br>
<br>"All in all, at the end of a ridiculously tough season, physically and mentally, to come away safe and potentially mid-table weirdly makes it OK. The feeling is it hasn't been a good season, but the league table might yet say it's been an OK season.
<br>
<br>"Our target at the start of the season was to finish in the top half but, with all the stuff that has gone on this year, I'm proud of how we've come through it, particularly as a number of our players haven't been used to this sort of pressure. We've stuck at it and got safe."
<br>
<br>On a lighter note, Noble also revealed that his son Lenny was none too impressed with his on-pitch altercation with Paul Pogba on Thursday evening.
<br>
<br>The flashpoint occurred when Manchester United's France midfielder kicked out at the No16 near the end of a physical, hard-fought goalless draw, and Noble did not take the foul lying down.
<br>
<br>Both players were booked for their part in the incident, but moments later enjoyed a light-hearted embrace at the final whistle.
<br>The captain made light of the clash after the game, before revealing that Pogba is also one of his son's favourite players!
<br>
<br>"The funny thing is that my son Lenny asked me if he could walk out with me before the game as he really wanted to see Pogba, then when I came out of the dressing room after the game, Lenny was having a photo with him, so I know where his loyalties lie!"
<br>
<br>"I am one of Pogba's biggest fans. He gets more criticism than he deserves. He's at one of the biggest clubs in the world and is under a lot of pressure, but sometimes I think we should embrace players like that when they're in the Premier League, rather than criticise them.
<br>
<br>"You can tell he really wants to do well and he's a top, top player. I just wanted to get close to him and tell him how good he is!
<br>
<br>"At the end I wished him the best of luck in the FA Cup final and at the World Cup in the summer."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Academy side complete Zurich tournament
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United's Academy finished their FIFA Youth Cup Blue Stars tournament campaign in sixth place on Thursday after a tough fifth-sixth play-off against Espanyol saw them defeated 2-0.
<br>
<br>Having beaten hosts FC Blue Stars 3-0 before going down by the same scoreline on Wednesday to Dynamo Zagreb, the Hammers put themselves in a good position to finish high up in their Group B on Thursday.
<br>
<br>First, they took on FC Zurich – playing in their own city – and put in a stellar performance to win 1-0.
<br>
<br>The Hammers began the game on the front foot, and had their first meaningful attempt on goal when Joe Powell curled a free-kick over the bar after Vashon Neufville's speedy run towards goal was ended with a foul.
<br>
<br>Some good play soon after from Nathan Holland and Sead Haksabanovic gave Domingos Quina the chance to shoot, but his effort was blocked.
<br>
<br>West Ham continued to threaten in the first half, but Holland could only head narrowly over before Haksabanovic forced the keeper into a good save, meaning the sides went in at the break goalless.
<br>
<br>ZurichInto the second half, it was clear a moment of quality wasting to be the deciding factor, and the Hammers got just that when Alfie Lewis slotted the ball through for Holland to calmly score and break the deadlock.
<br>
<br>Holland continued to be a threat for West Ham, but the midfield trio of Conor Coventy, Lewis and Quina made sure it was three points for those in Claret and Blue.
<br>
<br>And so it was into the final Group B match against SC Braga with the Hammers looking to finish in the top two.
<br>
<br>And the early signs looked positive against the Portuguese outfit. Quina dictated the play, and Holland struck narrowly past the point early on.
<br>
<br>But Braga took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time when the Hammers failed to defend a corner, leading to a close-range tap-in to make it 1-0.
<br>
<br>Early in the second half, Neufville had a penalty appeal turned down and Quina came close with a free-kick, before sub Korrey Henry forced a low save.
<br>
<br>And in the closing minutes, Rosaire Longelo played Holland in down the left but his low effort flashed inches wide and the side could not quite find an equaliser as the game finished 1-0.
<br>
<br>A third-place finish in the five-man group meant West Ham were to contest a fifth-sixth play-off against Spanish outfit Espanyol.
<br>
<br>Early chances again came and went, as Holland had a low shot saved and Henry's long-range strike was batted away.
<br>
<br>Espanyol took the lead after a cross from right was controlled in the box by a forward, who found the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
<br>
<br>In the second half, Haksabanovic injected some energy into the attack and Henry was a handful, but as West Ham pushed for an equaliser, Espanyol broke and the striker slotted past keeper Rihards Matrevics after finding himself one-on-one.
<br>
<br>And so the Hammers finished in sixth place overall, with their earlier opponents Dynamo Zagreb defeating Young Boys 2-0 in the final to take home the trophy.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Five-star Hammers thrash Bermuda Select side
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>A five-star West Ham United U17 side were 5-1 winners over a Bermuda Select XI on Thursday in their second fixture at the Bermuda International Football Festival.
<br>
<br>The east Londoners, who picked up a 1-1 draw in their opener against the country's U19s, took on the home outfit made up of the best young players in the top two Bermuda FA leagues.
<br>
<br>The young Hammers started very well, playing on the front foot and attacking from the start. The early breakthrough came after a clever one-two from Bernardo Rosa and Evan Khouri, with the latter finishing superbly well on the volley to put the Hammers into the lead.
<br>
<br>West Ham continued to dominate the game with the midfield players Bernardo Rosa, Louie Watson, Sebastian Nebyla, Evan Khouri and Jay Mingi, and it was no surprise when we went further ahead when again Evan Khouri landed on a lose ball to slot past the advancing keeper.
<br>
<br>Early in the second half, the Hammers were again celebrating when Bermuda defender Seth Somner was caught in possession, allowing the impressive Emmanuel longelo to steam in on goal and sweep the ball home from close range.
<br>
<br>Bernardo Rosa, playing as a withdrawn striker, extended West Ham's lead on the hour mark, crashing home a bouncing ball beyond substitute goalkeeper Shaquille Trott.
<br>
<br>Summer signing Anouar El Mhassani missed a good opportunity for the Hammers soon after, forcing a fine save from Trott, while at the other end, Donovan Thompson, a second half introduction, saw an effort blocked and Jahiem Iris dragged a shot wide.
<br>
<br>West Ham added a fifth when sub Kyle McGeachy effort took a wicked deflection off Somner before ballooning over the outstretched arms of Trott.
<br>
<br>Bermuda Select pulled a goal back when Calin Maybury powered home a free-kick late on.
<br>
<br>The Hammers will now prepare for a final group match against the Azores, heading into the fixture with a strong chance of qualification for the tournament's final having picked up four points already.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham United v Everton
<br>SUN 13 MAY 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
<br>15:00
<br>Venue: London Stadium
<br><a href="http://BBc.co.uk">BBc.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>TEAM NEWS
<br>West Ham forward Jordan Hugill could make his first start since joining the club in January, with Javier Hernandez still nursing a knee injury.
<br>
<br>Pedro Obiang and James Collins might be involved after spells on the sidelines.
<br>
<br>Everton's Wayne Rooney has a knee problem and will not be risked but Theo Walcott could return from a calf issue.
<br>
<br>Defender Mason Holgate, who has not played since mid-March because of an ankle injury, is in contention for a place in the squad.
<br>
<br>MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
<br>John Roder: "West Ham and Everton will surely want to consign this season to the history books.
<br>
<br>"It's been an unsatisfactory and sometimes turbulent campaign, with both clubs changing managers in an attempt to make progress.
<br>
<br>"Injury has denied Wayne Rooney the chance to make a possible Premier League farewell before a move to MLS in the United States, while David Moyes may be in charge of West Ham for the final time.
<br>
<br>"Everton will finish in the top 10, while West Ham only secured their Premier League place last weekend. The end-of-season report for both clubs probably is 'could and should do better'."
<br>
<br>WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
<br>West Ham manager David Moyes on his future: "We'll have a chat next week and we'll see [whether I stay].
<br>
<br>"It's been a tough job but a really good job. I've really enjoyed it and the players have worked hard when we came in; we had to get them in order a little bit and get them playing a bit better, and I think we've done that. It's a big achievement for us."
<br>
<br>Everton manager Sam Allardyce on Wayne Rooney's future: "My understanding of the situation is there seems to have been some negotiation somewhere along the line.
<br>
<br>"I don't get involved in anything with regards transfers so all I know is there appears to be interest from DC United. Where that lies and where Wayne lies with it I can't tell you at the moment."
<br>
<br>LAWRO'S PREDICTION
<br>Both men have done what was asked of them by keeping their sides up after being appointed in mid-season and, while David Moyes will get a say in his future, it could be that Everton decide that Sam Allardyce is surplus to requirements.
<br>
<br>In terms of the game, I am going for Moyes to come out on top against his former club.
<br>
<br>Prediction: 2-0
<br>
<br>MATCH FACTS
<br>Head-to-head
<br>
<br>West Ham have won just one of the last 19 Premier League meetings: 3-2 at Goodison Park in March 2016.
<br>Everton are unbeaten in nine away league games against the Hammers dating back to April 2007.
<br>The Toffees have won 24 Premier League games against West Ham, more than they have against any other side.
<br>West Ham United
<br>
<br>They are aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose more than 10 top-flight matches by at least a three-goal margin in a single season since West Brom in 1985-86.
<br>David Moyes has lost all five of his Premier League games against his former club by an aggregate score of 0-12.
<br>However, the Scotsman has won seven of his last eight league meetings with Sam Allardyce.
<br>Marko Arnautovic has scored 10 league goals this season. Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score 11 goals in a single Premier League season back in 2006-07.
<br>Everton
<br>
<br>After a run of five consecutive away defeats, Everton are unbeaten in their last three. They've not won back-to-back top-flight away games since September 2016.
<br>The Toffees have won their final match in 52 different top-flight seasons, three more than any other side.
<br>Only against Newcastle (15) has Wayne Rooney scored more Premier League goals than he has against West Ham (14) - including a hat-trick against the Hammers in November.
<br>
<br>SAM's verdict
<br>Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
<br>Probability of home win: 42% Probability of away win: 30%
<br>SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Marko Arnautovic's form and a fan protest kept West Ham up, says David Moyes
<br><a href="http://BBC.co.uk">BBC.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>A fan protest and the form of Marko Arnautovic were the turning points as West Ham secured Premier League survival this season, says David Moyes.
<br>
<br>Supporters invaded the pitch during a 3-0 home defeat by Burnley in March.
<br>
<br>Meanwhile, Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic as boss in November, moving Arnautovic into a centre-forward position and seeing him score 10 times since.
<br>
<br>"He's been a sensation up front, he's been playing as well as most strikers," Moyes told The Friday Football Social.
<br>
<br>"Maybe he wasn't doing as much and not tracking back on the wing. Him going up front made a big difference."
<br>
<br>The 29-year-old Austria international had predominantly been playing out wide since arriving from Stoke in the summer.
<br>
<br>"The team think Marko has been the outstanding factor," added Moyes. "He's a big threat to whatever centre-half he is up against.
<br>
<br>"Whoever he's up against he looks as if he can beat them, outrun them, he is stronger than them.
<br>
<br>"At Stoke his technical abilities weren't in question. His attitude and commitment, at times you would look and think 'is he really interested?'. But he looks a different man up front, it's given him a bit of freedom, maybe not the responsibility of playing wide.
<br>
<br>"It's made a big difference to the team."
<br>
<br>'Risk for me taking West Ham job'
<br>During the defeat by Burnley, at least two fans went onto the pitch after the visitors took the lead - with one approaching Hammers captain Mark Noble.
<br>
<br>Another ran on with a corner flag shortly after Burnley scored their second, with further incursions after the Clarets struck a late third.
<br>
<br>It was a third successive loss for Moyes' side and one that left them three points above the relegation zone. They have now climbed to 15th, securing Premier League football for next season.
<br>
<br>"The other point was the game against Burnley when the supporters ran on the pitch," said Moyes.
<br>
<br>"We went away afterwards as a group and we got a bit of criticism at the time, it may be the bravest thing I've done - the players pulled together and since we came back we picked up some really good points."
<br>
<br>The 55-year-old Scot replaced Bilic with West Ham sitting 18th in the table, and says it was he who was taking a risk by going for the job.
<br>
<br>"When we took over, we were on nine points in the bottom three," added the former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland boss.
<br>
<br>"People might have thought it was a risk for West Ham to take David Moyes - but I didn't think it was. It was a risk for me to take a job in the bottom three."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>So hard to say sorry?
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2018
<br>By: Paul Walker
<br>
<br>I've come round to thinking that David Moyes deserves an apology for the way he has been treated at our club.
<br>
<br>In the week since we avoided relegation thanks to arguably our best away display of the season at Leicester, the torrent of abuse from the Twitter toads has continued unabated, to the point when you start to think you must be the only soul on the planet who thinks Moyes has done a half-decent job.
<br>
<br>Not brilliant, not stunning flowing football, but he has just put a cheque for around £120m into David Sullivan's back pocket, and you would still think he is the most disliked man around, not a hint of thanks, of gratitude or relief that we are not on the point of financial meltdown.
<br>
<br>David Gold, we know because he did it in front of a half dozen journalists in the tunnel at Leicester, sought out Moyes and congratulated him on the job well done. Since then nothing. Not a word on the official website from Sullivan. He doesn't have to give him a job, just say thanks because the world would be a much different place now had we followed Stoke and West Brom into the abyss.
<br>
<br>When you have as much time to waste as I do now, you read every word from fans' forums and bloggers' websites, and in the end it gets on top of you. I started, tentatively this week, to answer back a bit.
<br>
<br>Not a lot, because that just opens you up to a tirade of abuse yourself. But I soon realised that I had just scratched the surface, because out of the woodwork came plenty of folk who agreed that Moyes was not the anti-Christ he was being portrayed as .By the end of just one day I had fielded hundreds of posts in a similar vein.
<br>
<br>No he is not Pep Guardiola, not the purveyor of brilliant football. But then he hasn't spent £400m in two transfer windows. So it's not likely to be the Beautiful Game at our place, is it?
<br>
<br>But then when he arrived in November he wasn't told to change the world, just save us from the drop. Nine points then and in the bottom three, few thought he could do it. But with two games left we were safe.
<br>
<br>But he still grates on many, and I can see why. Too defensive, too bland, too negative. No flair. Old school, the game had passed him by, we kept being told.
<br>
<br>But by whom? The abuse was all over my phone before I even got home on Saturday. I worked out between Birmingham and Wolverhampton on the train that we were safe when Everton's equaliser went in. It did take many a few more hours, even days, to work out that Southampton and Swansea were playing each other and one of them could not get above us.
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<br>I celebrated with one of those overpriced warm gin and tonics in a can that trains serve up, but still the Moyes out, sack (Mark) Noble, brigade were at it. How many of them had seen the match remains to be ascertained.
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<br>These days our lives seem to be ruled by the mob, the ones with 50-word vocabularies of words that they can't spell. And, it seems, our Board are listening to them, being swayed by their decisions.
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<br>Now we can argue all those points fairly, but he was not told he had to stride the touchline in Pep's beautifully co-ordinated designer gear.
<br>
<br>Not for him shopping at Oi Poloi, the trendy Manchester shop that flogs Pep all that Stone Island stuff (with the infamous badge taken off, naturally, sorry ICF) or the Dsqquqared shop where Manchester City players have accounts. (Go, on, you're impressed I know all this, aren't you?…I just have a son who does!)
<br>
<br>Moyes looks like he has been dressed at Man at C&A. He never has been sharp or trendy, just not in his nature, maybe if he had Pep's money and team he would try.
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<br>The point being is he doesn't. He took over a dysfunctional, disinterested, unworkable squad, unbalanced, frequently injured and just not good enough. He was a bit shop-soiled himself, confidence battered, and he needed the job and his confidence back. Somehow he has got us to this stage.
<br>
<br>Yes, he can sometimes look indecisive, but he has been trying to knock into shape a disorganised rabble who are capable of listening and producing a solid performance one game but forgetting everything they have been told the next. "Where did that come from?" Moyes once pronounced. Nobody knows, but the players made Moyes look bad. West Ham then were unfit and ill-disciplined, but he's taken on Michail Antonio and then Andy Carroll.
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<br>And no, I am not that bothered by all the talk about style and tactics. Any manager can coach whatever system you want given the right tools. Big Sam had Gary Speed, Nicholas Anelka and Jay Jay Okocha at Bolton and they were very entertaining then.
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<br>The Board, we heard were impressed by this and his hard work, scouting diligence and organisation for a potential new season. Someone had seemingly told him that if he saved us there would be a new contract.
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<br>That may have been only verbal, and Moyes will get £1m-plus for keeping us up. Small change from £120m, though. And a few weeks ago after the Chelsea away draw, the club were happy for the belief there was going to be a two-year contract for Moyes to gather credibility.
<br>
<br>But then, of course, Moyes has had to endure the briefings from inside the club against him, as well as the shocking leaking of information from the training ground. The Board, we are told, have got the hump about this and have taken it as a slight on them. Good. If the cap fits, my old fella used to say, wear it.
<br>
<br>It got so bad that experienced and respected journo Jacob Steinberg, a West Ham fan, from the Guardian was on Twitter slamming the "disingenuous PR campaign against Moyes" from inside the club, branding it "truly pathetic".
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<br>And he's right. Someone seemed to be testing the ground, searching for fans' opinions. And all this was coming ahead of the crucial Leicester game. You couldn't make it up sometimes… well, you don't have to at West Ham, such is the culture of such behaviour.
<br>
<br>Whatever decision our board now make, I would plead with them to take no account of fans' polls, twitter campaigns, social media in any form. You should know more about this job than any of us do, you have had two decades doing it.
<br>
<br>Fans are entitled to their opinions. Even when they are ill-informed. That's just the nature of football. But you should know more. If you have to make a decision fans don't like, so be it.
<br>
<br>I bet Arsenal are not holding polls and twitter debates with their fans about Arsene Wenger's replacement, and I doubt Roman Abramovic gives the old boys from the Headhunters a call when he is replacing a manager. But of course Sullivan did ring the ICF for help, so anything is possible I suppose.
<br>
<br>The point of issue this week is that Moyes has been blamed for the January transfer window shambles. Good grief. Now he took over on November 7, that's just 55 days before the window opened.
<br>
<br>He was not given any real cash to spend, but saw three strikers, Toni Martinez (on loan), Diafra Sakho (£8m) and Andre Ayew (£18m) sold from under his feet in the last few days of the window.
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<br>With peanuts to spend he saw the Islam Slimani deal collapse overnight because of her Ladyship's daft column, and he had to find a body from somewhere at the last minute to make up numbers. Searching in the Championship was all he could manage, hence the arrival of Jordan Hugill.
<br>
<br>A week before the window shut, Arthur Masuaku managed to get himself banned for six games and we didn't have a hint of a left back cover in the club. Patrice Evra was about all that was available. And then we sold Jose Fonte outside the window because Sullivan no doubt felt that £5m was the best he could get, and then Winston Reid and James Collins got injured, again.
<br>
<br>And this is all Moyes' fault? Maybe someone could tell us exactly how much he had to spend and what deals had collapsed because he was dithering. But to blame him for January is a disgrace.
<br>
<br>So now we have a new scenario. The transfer window opens on May 17 and closes on August 7, that's a few days before the Premier League season starts on August 11. Eighty-odd days to dismantle one squad of failures and buy new blood.
<br>
<br>And the club still do not have a new head of recruitment (or whatever it's called), they lack scouting staff, an idea of what can be spent and any progress on the raft of improvements they have promised various fans' group. Not a day to lose then, as Tony Gale pointed out, straight-faced on Sky this week.
<br>
<br>But, of course, there's a list of managerial names we are looking at. Some are laughable, hugely expensive and would want £150m to spend minimum. Next level managers that are beyond us financial, certainly in wages.
<br>
<br>There's a group that will be gambles, however you look at it. Alan Sugar used to call the foreign hopefuls 'Carlos Kickaballs.' I suppose we are looking at a list of 'Mario Coachaballs' now are we? Sean Dyche will want to stay at Burnley now he is entrenched and in Europe, Eddie Howe has looked out of his comfort zone when he leaves Bournemouth. A real gamble that.
<br>
<br>There's Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham, a good shout maybe. But there's no Premier League experience for this product of Jordi Cruyff's coaching school in Israel, where his famous father's football beliefs are being taught.
<br>
<br>Slavisa took Watford into the top flight, but never stayed. Then we have another former Watford man, Marco Silva, who took Hull down. He got the hump when he was tapped up by Everton and not allowed to leave. A gamble? Too right.
<br>
<br>So unless Sullivan and Gold can pull a glittering rabbit from the hat in the next week or so, they may be left with Moyes.
<br>
<br>But then Moyes knows his worth again now. He is held in far higher esteem in the football world, in particular the coaching and managerial world, than he seemingly is at West Ham. They never doubted his knowledge, experience or talent but wanted to see whether he had lost his nerve or not.
<br>
<br>The way he breezed into Stratford and stamped authority of our rabble soon dispelled that. Now he has other offers waiting. One is at Stoke.
<br>
<br>Interestingly, Steinberg alluded to this in his article this week. It, I say a little smugly, confirms an article I wrote on KUMB a few months back when I said that Moyes had been approached by a northern club.
<br>
<br>That information came from a friend and former international I had a chance meeting with on a railway platform. I decided not to name the club then, but it was true and they are still very interested.
<br>
<br>But Moyes has now cleverly put the ball back in the court of our Board, asking what their ambition is and how much money they are prepared to give him to carry out the detailed transfer plans he and Alan Irvine have already got in place.
<br>
<br>Any potential new manager would ask the same thing of our leaders. So it's down to them. Will you spend big to give a manager the chance to compete for a top eight position, or will you carry on with the same discredited policy you have in place now, and having said you will change the whole thing from top to bottom.
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<br>Up to you Mr. Sullivan. If you want another season of discontent then keep going the way you are. If you want a steady hand to run the show, then Moyes looks about the best available. But don't take too long, time is ticking. And you still haven't said thank you.
<br>
<br>
<br>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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<br>West Ham v Everton preview: Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott to be assessed
<br>Last Updated: 11/05/18 11:56am
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>Everton will assess the fitness of Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott ahead of their trip to West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season.
<br>
<br>Rooney (calf) and Walcott (knee) missed last weekend's draw at home to Southampton but could be in line for a recall, and the former could be making his final Toffees appearance after he was linked with a move to MLS side DC United.
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<br>But manager Sam Allardyce confirmed that Rooney has not yet asked to leave the club, saying: "My understanding is there seems to have been some negotiation along the line but as for clarity as to whether Wayne is staying or going we'll see later on.
<br>
<br>"I'm comfortable with any player who wants to leave but let's get this clear. Wayne Rooney has not asked to leave and neither has Wayne Rooney had a confrontation with me. We have not been in any difficult situations with me. We are two adults and we talk."
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<br>West Ham manager David Moyes will be coming up against his former side on Sunday. The Scot has lost all five of his Premier League games against Everton since he left by an aggregate score of 12-0.
<br>
<br>Team news
<br>Gylfi Sigurdsson has still not recovered from a knee operation two months ago and will not feature for Everton but Mason Holgate, who has not played since mid-March because of an ankle injury, could be included in the squad.
<br>
<br>West Ham could still be without Javier Hernandez for their final Premier League game of the season. The Mexico striker has missed the last two games with a knee problem and is likely to be absent again, with manager Moyes keen to give January signing Jordan Hugill a run-out.
<br>
<br>Hernandez is the only fitness concern for the Hammers boss, who could bring Pedro Obiang and James Collins back into his squad after their own respective spells on the sidelines.
<br>
<br>Opta stats
<br>West Ham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League meetings with Everton (D6 L12), winning 3-2 at Goodison Park in March 2016.
<br>
<br>Indeed, Everton are unbeaten in their last nine away league games against the Hammers (W6 D3) since a 1-0 loss in April 2007.
<br>
<br>After a run of five consecutive away defeats, Everton are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games on the road (W2 D1). They've not won back-to-back top-flight away games since September 2016, which included a 3-0 win at David Moyes' Sunderland.
<br>
<br>Everton have won their final match in 52 different top-flight seasons, three more than any other side.
<br>
<br>However, the Scotsman has won seven of his last eight meetings with Sam Allardyce in the competition (L1), including each of his last five in a row.
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<br>Only against Newcastle (15) has Wayne Rooney scored more Premier League goals than he has vs West Ham (14), with the veteran netting his first Everton hat-trick in the reverse fixture in November.
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<br>Everton have won just one of their last 14 away Premier League games in London (D6 L7), winning 1-0 at Crystal Palace in January 2017, who were managed at the time by Sam Allardyce.
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<br>Merson's predictions
<br>It depends what teams the managers put out but when I was playing for nothing on the final game of the season, I went out there and expressed myself.
<br>
<br>They've picked up a bit recently, West Ham, and Everton aren't going to score a load of goals away from home. There's still some grumbling against the manager too. Narrow home win.
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<br>PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-74663486294652206012018-05-11T07:08:00.001+00:002018-05-11T07:08:47.392+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 11th May 2018<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBXaj3EliSE_sl8Cc7HGmSkPNZeA9Cxq9OiaGLaP859QDrnN8PLChkNYl9KmZKe4RtVb8Wt7bjGORWHwYsC1k0fk4dy1C30_cgORR_ectAcP8yCdP2sK78xnZhKupoqisqbNUOl_tzAQB/s1600/image001-727393.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBXaj3EliSE_sl8Cc7HGmSkPNZeA9Cxq9OiaGLaP859QDrnN8PLChkNYl9KmZKe4RtVb8Wt7bjGORWHwYsC1k0fk4dy1C30_cgORR_ectAcP8yCdP2sK78xnZhKupoqisqbNUOl_tzAQB/s320/image001-727393.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6554216847953568226" /></a></p>Hammers held to stalemate by Manchester United
<br>WHUFC
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<br>West Ham United and Manchester United each collected a share of the points as the Hammers were held to a 0-0 draw by the Red Devils. 
<br>Although the Hammers more than held their own in Thursday's match at London Stadium, neither goalkeeper could be beaten. 
<br>Marko Arnautovic and Joao Mario enjoyed the best opportunities for David Moyes' side while Adrian was called into action, making stunning saves to deny Luke Shaw and Alexis Sanchez.
<br>The early chances fell West Ham's way as Aaron Cresswell created a headed effort for Arnautovic, before Cheikhou Kouyate had a similar chance saved by David De Gea. 
<br>Scott McTominay had Manchester United's first effort of the game, seeing a low shot go wide from distance. 
<br>Goalkeeper Adrian was called into action three times in quick succession midway through the first period, making a string of excellent saves. The first denied Jesse Lingard from 25 yards, before the Spaniard brilliantly stopped Sanchez and Shaw from opening the scoring, stopping the defender from following up the Chilean's strike.
<br>Cresswell then came close for the home side as his left-footed attempt skimmed the base of the post from distance, before Joao Mario had the chance of the first period. 
<br>Excellent work from Arnautovic saw the Austrian create space on the right-flank. Arnautovic played the ball into the six-yard box but Mario could only put the ball wide. 
<br>Arnautovic's determination and quick feet led to some frantic defending for the away side on the hour mark. The No7 drove into the box and attempted to cross the ball, which eventually fell to Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentinian's shot was blocked however.
<br>The Hammers looked the more positive of the two teams in the second period, with Manchester United's best effort of the period coming in the 70th minute, as Paul Pogba saw an effort go wide. 
<br>The introduction of Andy Carroll gave the Hammers a new dynamic up front and the N09 combined well with Arnautovic, playing the ball into his attacking teammate. Arnautovic brought the ball down expertly and set up Mark Noble, who could only shoot wide. 
<br>Noble also provided a chance for Arnautovic with a pin-point ball into the box, but the volleyed effort skewered wide. 
<br>West Ham United: Adrian; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble (c), Masuaku (Carroll 65'); Mario, Lanzini, Arnautovic 
<br>Substitutes: Hart, Evra, Obiang, Cullen, Fernandes, Hugill, Carroll
<br>Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia (c) (Bailly 90+3'), Lindelof, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; McTominay, Herrera, Pogba; Lingard (Rashford 74'), Sanchez (Ashley Young 90+1')
<br>Substitutes: Romero, Bailly, Blind, Young, Mata, Martial, Rashford
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<br>Arnautovic: We played really well against Manchester United
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Marko Arnautovic says West Ham United should be proud of the way they played in holding Manchester United to a goalless draw on Thursday evening.
<br>The Austrian led from the front against the team which will finish second in the table, winning his individual battle with England defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and having the Hammers' best chances in what was a hard-fought, physical game of Premier League football.
<br>At the other end, West Ham restricted their opponents to pot shots from distance, all of which goalkeeper Adrian dealt with comfortably enough.
<br>"I think we did well," Arnautovic confirmed. "We played really well. On a couple of occasions in the first half they had shots from long distance, but I think, overall, we deserved this point and maybe we deserved more as we had a couple of chances that maybe we could have finished better.
<br>"Overall, we played well and it was a good game. Well done to us and well done to the fans as well. We can build on this and we have another game at home on Sunday and we want to finish the season strong.
<br>"We started last week and this game we continued to do it and we want to end the season well."
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<br>Sky Sports Man of the Match Arnautovic did not give the Manchester United defence a moment's peace, repeatedly beating Smalling and arguably staying on his feet when Jones clipped him inside the penalty area.
<br>
<br>On another night, he believes the home side could have won all three points instead of settling for one.
<br>
<br>"There was a lot of holding and a lot of grabbing. It was a very physical game, but this is the Premier League and we knew we were playing with Manchester United, who are second in the league and are a strong a team, so we needed to compete with them and we did.
<br>
<br>"I think it was a fair result but if we had finished better we could have taken this game come away with a win, but we are happy with a point."
<br>
<br>Looking at the bigger picture, West Ham could now finish as high as tenth with a victory over Everton on Sunday and the Austrian is targeting a win to sign off what has been a challenging season on a real and tangible high.
<br>
<br>"I'm so happy that we are safe because this Club, the fans and everyone deserves to be in the Premier League.
<br>
<br>"Of course, we had ups and downs, but I'm happy I could help the team towards our goals. I hope I can continue this next season.
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<br>"We have one more game on Sunday and we want to finish strong, then we can go forward to next season."
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<br>Moyes: The players showed a really good attitude
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>David Moyes was full of praise for his players' attitude after they battled to a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at London Stadium on Thursday.
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<br>Having secured their Premier League position with a win at Leicester at the weekend, the Hammers showed no sign of slacking off early with a committed performance against Jose Mourinho's side.
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<br>The Red Devils will end the campaign as runners-up to their city rivals, but Moyes' side gave as good as they got and he was delighted to pick up a creditable draw.
<br>
<br>"It was a good point for us," he said. "Maybe Man United will say the same thing as well. We had one or two chances, but Adrian had to make some good saves too.
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<br>"I thought our boys showed a really good attitude. After getting safe in midweek you're never quite sure [how you're going to react], but they were bang at it and great credit to the players.
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<br>"I think the most pleasing thing was to get a clean sheet. If we've had a failing this season it's been the amount of goals we've conceded, but we've kept two in a row now and that's important.
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<br>"Young Declan Rice played very well tonight. Angelo Ogbonna did well again, Zabaleta, I think the boys at the back did a really good job.
<br>
<br>"But we were a threat at times as well. With Marko Arnautovic up front we're always going to be a threat to everyone we play."
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<br>Having only lost twice in their last seven games, Moyes credited the team-building training trip to Miami as a key factor behind their road to safety, and now he wants one final push against his old side Everton on Sunday.
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<br>He added: "We took the players away after the Burnley game. We were criticised for going away, but it was the best thing we did. It pulled the players together and we worked hard when we were away.
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<br>"The players had a good time together as well, we all did, and since we came back we have been bang at it.
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<br>"We've done ok against the big sides, especially at home. We didn't play well against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, but overall we've given the so called bigger teams a good game here.
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<br>"We want to climb the league table, we want to be higher, so if we can win against Everton, great. But obviously we've done the job we came in to do, which was make sure we weren't relegated.
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<br>"When we took over we were in a relegation position, we're not now, and over that time the players have improved and the team has improved."
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<br>Adrian: I'm happy to make saves and help the team
<br>WHUFc.com
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<br>Keeping back-to-back clean sheets meant Adrian left London Stadium on Thursday night a very happy man.
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<br>Fresh from helping the Hammers to a crucial 2-0 victory at Leicester City at the weekend, the No13 was back between the posts as the Hammers repelled Manchester United en route to a battling 0-0 draw.
<br>
<br>The Spaniard was in fine form, saving well from Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw to ensure his side's efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved point.
<br>
<br>Adrian was pleased with his contribution and even happier that the team had taken another positive result.
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<br>"We are happy with this point and obviously happy with the clean sheet," he said. "We know with the strikers they had, Sanchez, Pogba, Rashford, Lingard, it was going to be a busy game, but we defended well.
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<br>"Making those saves is my job, to help my teammates, so I'm happy with the performance. For the double save [from Sanchez and Shaw], I could see the first one all the way, and the second was a reaction. I think I saved it with my shin or my knee, it was close. I'm happy to make those saves."
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<br>With just one game remaining in the season – Sunday's visit of Everton to east London – Adrian is keen to keep building momentum over the final week of 2017/18 to take into the summer.
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<br>He added: "We have one more game, and we need to finish as high as possible. After that we know have to improve many things. We have to learn from our mistakes this season and fight higher up the table."
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<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-51857086985561701052018-05-10T04:00:00.000+00:002018-05-10T04:01:01.910+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 10th May 2018West Ham United v Manchester United: All you need to know
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United will take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday in the penultimate contest of the campaign.
<br>Read on for all the information you need ahead of this midweek game.
<br>
<br>Where and when?
<br>The Hammers will welcome Manchester United to London Stadium on Thursday 10 May 2018.
<br>Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.
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<br>How to follow:
<br>West Ham v Manchester United will be available on Sky Sports, via their Main Event and Premier League channels, with programming set to begin at 7:30pm. Click here for overseas listings.
<br>Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
<br>You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>.
<br>You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
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<br>Team news:
<br>
<br>Pedro Obiang returned to the bench for the Hammers in the win over Leicester City at the weekend, indicating a chance that the midfielder could feature again for West Ham before the end of the season. Supporters will also be hoping that Chicharito is once again available, having missed out this last weekend. Winston Reid and Michail Antonio remain out. Manager David Moyes will offer an update on his available team news during his press-conference on Wednesday afternoon.
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<br>Match Officials:
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<br>Referee: Jonathan Moss
<br>Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart and Harry Lennard
<br>Fourth Official: Kevin Friend
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<br>How to get there:
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<br>Supporters can use Stratford, Stratford International, Pudding Mill Lane or Hackney Wick stations to reach London Stadium.
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<br>By Train
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<br>Moyes: I'm keeping Sir Alex in my thoughts
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>West Ham United manager David Moyes said he is keeping Sir Alex Ferguson and his family in his thoughts after the iconic manager's recent health scare. Sir Alex was rushed into hospital on Saturday after suffering a brain haemorrhage, where emergency surgery was performed on the former Manchester United boss. Further updates suggest that the 76-year-old is now on the road to recovery, a fact that fellow Scotsman Moyes is overjoyed to hear.
<br>Moyes took over from Sir Alex at Manchester United in 2013, after the Red Devils stalwart decided to end his highly successful 26-year stint in charge of the club, and the Hammers manager is keeping his old colleague and his family on his mind while they battle against his condition. Moyes revealed he was informed of Sir Alex's ill health during the journey back from his side's 2-0 victory at Leicester City, and hopes he is on the mend. "We were all devastated when we heard the news, after the game on Saturday, coming back from Leicester," Moyes said. "If the news is correct, and Sir Alex is doing well, then we are thrilled, we really are.
<br>"I've not had any more news than what I've been picking up in bits and pieces from the media. We will be thinking about him and his family. I know them all very well and I just hope he is sitting up in bed, and he is watching this news conference."
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<br>Moyes is preparing his Hammers to take on the club Sir Alex is most closely linked to in Manchester United on Thursday, with the Irons looking to claim a second successive win after securing their Premier League safety. Manchester United, now managed by Jose Mourinho, head into this midweek fixture on the back of a defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion.
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<br>Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Manchester United
<br>WHUFC.com
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<br>Manchester United travel to London Stadium on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Brighton last week – the fourth time in their last eight away matches that they have failed to win. The visitors need just one point from their final two games to seal second place in the Premier League and also have the FA Cup final in little over a week to prepare for. West Ham, then, are primed to earn at least a draw on Thursday night. David Moyes' side have already proved that they are capable of matching the league's big-six clubs this season, having taken four points from home games against Chelsea and Arsenal. The Hammers also earned draws with Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as beating the former in the EFL Cup fourth round. And, having won 2-0 at Leicester last weekend and lost just two of their last six, confidence should be high for the home side. In order to avoid defeat, though, it's likely that they will need to score.
<br>
<br>Jose Mourinho's side have found the back of the net in eleven of their last 15 league games and won the reverse fixture 4-0 on the opening day of the season. They have, however, kept just three clean sheets in their last eight away games. Given that West Ham have only failed to net in two of their last 14 matches in all competitions at London Stadium, both teams to score looks a reliable bet. When picking a goalscorer for the Hammers, it makes sense to think away from the usual suspects. Three of the last five goals Manchester United have conceded in the league have been from headers, and Angelo Ogbonna is one of West Ham's biggest threats in the air. The defender has already netted against Tottenham and Manchester City this season, and is a great price to repeat the trick here.
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<br>Recommended bets
<br>West Ham to win or draw – 1/1
<br>Both teams to score – 8/11
<br>Angelo Ogbonna to score anytime – 12/1
<br>Back this #BetYourWay at 28/1
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<br>Moyes: Celebrating safety, avoiding complacency and ending the season strongly
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United manager David Moyes says his players are focused on ending the season as strongly as possible, starting with a good performance against Manchester United. The Irons secured their Premier League status last weekend after achieving a win over Leicester City, with Moyes praising his side's attitude.
<br>Ahead of the Premier League clash with the Red Devils on Thursday, the Hammers boss met with representatives of the media. Here's what he had to say…
<br>
<br>We always wanted to ensure our own safety
<br>
<br>We were on the bus back from Leicester when we heard (that we were safe). We didn't have coverage so it was coming through the radio, and a big cheer went up from the players when they heard because they knew that got us over the line. But the biggest cheer for me was how the supporters reacted to the players and their performance at Leicester. The supporters understood how well we'd played and how well we had done. I was more thrilled with how well we had played at Leicester; How we had passed it and how we had scored good goals. Maybe on another day we would have scored more goals. The Southampton and Everton result helped, obviously, but the biggest result was ours. We always wanted it to be done by us. I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season, to be honest. I always thought, these two home games, we would have to win one of them to make sure we stayed up. But we've done it before that and I can enjoy the two games in the hope that we can win the points against them and climb up the league.
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<br>The players and my staff deserve a huge well done
<br>
<br>I have to say well done to the players. When I came in here we had nine points and it was difficult, but I've got to say the players have gone and done the job and got the points. I think we've scored quite a few goals and I've got to say all credit to the players. A lot of people questioned me coming in but I've got to say the job was to come in and keep the side up, and we've done that. But I've got to say that I've got a really good staff. I've got a top end staff here and they've been really helpful. The players know that if we can win a couple more games, then we can get ourselves higher up the league. Then we might even be thinking 'well, what was all the worry about'?
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<br>We cannot relax just because we are safe
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<br>I wouldn't be using the word 'relaxation' – far from it! I will be saying that we have two good games and we know the pressure of any relegation is not there anymore, and we will try to play the best we can. I can only ever say good things about Manchester United because I respect the club so much and what they stand for, and just how good a football club it is. Anybody who is a manager of that football club has a real privilege. I think we would rather be not playing them after a defeat, but the truth is we have to play Manchester United and we will do everything we can to win. We will try to play well in this game.
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<br>We have felt the benefits of our Miami training camp
<br>
<br>I think our performances since we've come back from our trip have been really good. Maybe if you took out the Manchester City game, I think the players have played really well picked up points in the last seven weeks, and shown a real togetherness in the group.
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<br>Antonio: I'm looking forward to contributing again next season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Michail Antonio was a delighted spectator as West Ham United sealed their Premier League status with a dominant 2-0 victory at Leicester City on Saturday. Antonio was keeping a keen eye on events, so the goals from Joao Mario and Mark Noble gave him a welcome boost as he continues his recovery from an operation on his hamstring. With the Hammers' top flight position secured, the 2017 Hammer of the Year is looking forward to contributing to a more successful season when he returns. "I'm feeling good," he said. "The recovery from my operation is going well so I'm just going to keep moving on with it. "I probably have another three months until I'm back training fully, so hopefully I'll be back playing in August. "It's the holy grail to stay in the Premier League, so it's great [that we've secured safety]. Hopefully next year we can do better. "It was a great performance at Leicester. We didn't give them much of an opportunity, we bossed the game, scored in the first half and sealed it off with Mark Noble's finish. "It was a great strike from him into the bottom corner."
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<br>West Ham United v Manchester United
<br><a href="http://BBC.co.uk">BBC.co.uk</a>
<br>
<br>TEAM NEWS
<br>West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out with a knee injury. Top scorer Marko Arnautovic is available despite picking up a knock in the win over Leicester.
<br>Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku will miss the club's last two league matches with an ankle injury but could return for the FA Cup final. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is also absent due to a muscular injury, but Alexis Sanchez and Phil Jones both return to the squad.
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<br>WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
<br>West Ham manager David Moyes: "There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league."
<br>
<br>Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on the reaction of his players to the Brighton defeat: "They all work well, even in weeks that hand in bad performances or bad results. "I never have anything negative to say about the professionalism of my players during the season; this week was no different."
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<br>LAWRO'S PREDICTION
<br>West Ham are safe now too after their win at Leicester on Saturday, which was a massive result for them and means the pressure is off in this game. What happened to the performance we saw from Manchester United in the second half against Manchester City at the start of April?
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<br>Prediction: 3-0
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<br>MATCH FACTS
<br>Head-to-head
<br>
<br>West Ham have only won five of their 43 Premier League matches against Manchester United, with their last victory coming on 10 May 2016 in the final fixture at Upton Park.
<br>Manchester United have failed to score in only two of their 21 away league fixtures at West Ham: a 0-0 draw in August 1998 and a 1-0 defeat in December 2006.
<br>West Ham United
<br>West Ham have not recorded back-to-back Premier League victories since January 2017.
<br>They are aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose more than 10 top-flight matches by at least a three-goal margin in a single season since West Brom in 1985-86.
<br>Marko Arnautovic has scored 10 league goals this season. Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score 11 goals in a single Premier League season back in 2006-07.
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<br>Manchester United
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<br>United could suffer back-to-back league defeats for the first time in a year, when they lost at Arsenal and Tottenham.
<br>They are without a win in their final away game of a Premier League season since 2011-12, when they beat Sunderland. They've drawn four and lost once since then, with the defeat coming at West Ham in 2015-16.
<br>Jose Mourinho is unbeaten in 10 Premier League games against teams managed by David Moyes.
<br>The Red Devils are the only club not to have drawn a Premier League match in 2018.
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<br>SAM's verdict
<br>Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 25%
<br>Probability of home win: 22% Probability of away win: 53%
<br>SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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<br>West Ham manager David Moyes won't discuss future until end of season
<br><a href="http://BBC.co.uk">BBC.co.uk</a>
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<br>Manager David Moyes says he will delay talks on his West Ham future until the end of the season, despite the club now being safe from relegation. Moyes took over the Hammers in November with the club in the drop zone, signing a deal until the end of the season. His side confirmed their Premier League status with victory at Leicester on Saturday after a turbulent season. "We have always said we will talk after the end of the season so we will wait until then," said Moyes, 55. "It's always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until we get the last two games out of the way. We are putting things in place, like pre-season, as much as we can, but ultimately I have got a decision to make and the club has as well."
<br>Moyes took over from Slaven Bilic with the club in 18th place with nine points from 11 games. The Hammers have claimed 29 points from 25 games under Moyes and are now 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone. But the London club have struggled at times and fans invaded the pitch and threw missiles in protest at the club's board during a 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in March, after which they were 17th and two points above the bottom three. "We have picked up points in the last six or seven weeks and showed real togetherness as a group," Moyes said. "The players know that if we can win a couple of more games then we can get ourselves higher up the league. "Then you might have been thinking, 'what was the worry about', but overall, I have to say well done to the players."
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<br>I have a decision to make, says Moyes
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>David Moyes says he has a decision to make regarding his immediate future. The current Hammers boss is out of contract at the end of the season with neither the club nor Moyes himself yet to confirm whether he is set for a long-term stay at West Ham. However he insisted that a decision will be made just as soon as the season culminates, following the two home matches with Moyes' former clubs Manchester Utd and Everton. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season," said Moyes when asked about his future during Wednesday's pre-match press conference. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make - and so has the club."
<br>Moyes achieved the target set for him when the Hammers beat Leicester last weekend a result that, combined with Southampton's 1-1 draw at Everton, ensured West Ham could not be relegated. And he believes that has silenced some of his doubters, many of whom felt he was the wrong man to succeed the popular Slaven Bilic. "A lot of people questioned me coming in, which surprised me," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, top-end staff here and they've been really helpful. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought we might have to win one of these two [remaining] homes games to stay up. There was a big cheer from the players on the bus when they heard the scoreline from Everton and Southampton, but the big cheer for me was the performance against Leicester."
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<br>New recruit eyes first team opportunity
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Young midfielder Sebastian Nebyla already has one eye on the first team at West Ham - despite having just signed his first contract with the club. The 16-year-old arrived at West Ham this week after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract - and immediately set his sights on one day running out with the first team.
<br>"I decided [to join West Ham] on the basis of my feelings and a recommendation from my agent Emil Kovarovich," said Nebyla. " I have been given conditions in which I can train and improve my football. "I've signed a contract for two years; everything was perfectly organised at a high level. The West Ham Academy has excellent conditions, both material and financial. "I'm only 16 years old but I've already practised with the Under 23s. On Monday, I trained with former players Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson. I hope the contract I've signed will offer me a route to the first team."
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<br>Nebyla leaves his previous club Spartaku Trnava as they prepare to celebrate a second successive Slovak Super Liga success; his old club are currently ten points clear of closest rivals Dunajská Streda and can wrap up the title this weekend. "I believe they'll win the title and I hope they will celebrate it after this weekend's match," added Nebyla. "I have a lot of friends there, and I will miss the city as well. I would also like to thank everyone in the club for their support."
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<br>Antonio out until August
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Michail Antonio has confirmed that is likely to miss the beginning of the 2018/19 season. The 28-year-old winger admitted that he doesn't expect to return to first team action until August at the earliest - some three months from now - having recently undergone surgery to correct a longstanding hamstring problem. "I'm feeling good," he told <a href="http://whufc.com">whufc.com</a>. "I'm recovering well from my operation. I've probably got another three months before I'm back in full training so it'll be August before I start playing again."
<br>And despite reports linking the England international with the likes of Crystal Palace, whose manager Roy Hodgson is said to be a keen admirer of the former Forest man, Antonio admits that his only aim right now is to win back his place at West Ham after it was confirmed that the Hammers would once again be playing in the Premier League next season. "Every team wants to stay in the Premier League, it's the holy grail," added Anotnio. "So to have that opportunity to play again next year - especially as I couldn't help the team secure security - is great, and hopefully next year we can do better."
<br>And he was also distinctly impressed by the goal that confirmed safety - even if the scorer isn't exactly prolific in matches or during training! "We bossed the game, managed to get an early goal and see them off with Mark Noble's finish," he surmised. "He doesn't score too many like that and it was a great strike - I didn't expect it from him at all but hey, quality!"
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<br>You needs Hans: West Ham consider £15m move
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham United could be on the verge of solving their right back problem by moving for Atalanta full back Hans Hateboer. The 23-year-old right back has spent the last 16 months in Serie A following a cut-price move from Groningen in January 2017 and has been courted by the likes of Inter since winning his first international cap in the recent friendly between the Netherlands and England. However the highly-rated Hateboer could be on his way to the Premier League if West Ham decide to turn their interest into a firm offer. According to KUMB sources, the Hammers are currently considering a bid in the region of £15million for the defender, in order to prise his away from Atalanta.
<br>Born in Beerta in 1994, Hateboer came through the ranks at Groningen's Academy before making his first team debut in 2013. He won his first trophy the following year when the Green-White Army won the KNVB Cup, thus securing a place in 2015/16 Europa Cup. Prior to leaving Groningen, he finished the season with the most assists in the Eredivise. Having moved to Atalanta in January 2017, after he had declared his intention to leave Groningen at the end of the season on a free transfer, Hateboer quickly established himself in the first team at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
<br>This season he haas been a virtual ever-present, making 41 appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League for his current club - including being part of the side that thrashed Sam Allardyce's Everton 5-1 at Goodison Park last November. And he made his international debut back in March, playing the full 90 minutes in the Netherlands' 1-0 defeat against England. West Ham's current first team right backs are the veteran Pablo Zabaleta, who is rapidly approaching his 34th birthday and Sam Byram, the oft-injured former Leeds defender who has made just FIVE Premier League appearances this season.
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<br>Ex-West Ham head of recruitment Tony Henry apologises for comments about African players
<br>By Sky Sports News
<br>Last Updated: 09/05/18 6:13pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>Tony Henry - the former head of recruitment sacked by West Ham in February - has apologised for his comments about African players and says they were not intended to be racist. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Henry has attempted to explain why he said the Hammers did not want to sign more African players in the January transfer window, and insists both he and the club are not racist in any way. Henry was dismissed by West Ham following an investigation into an email in which he made those comments to an agent as well as subsequent comments to a newspaper that African players "can sometimes have a bad attitude". He was subsequently charged by the FA. Speaking on Wednesday, Henry said: "I was wrong for what I said. I'm not trying to get out of this. I've been charged by the FA. This is not me saying 'what I said was right'. It was wrong, and I totally apologise. "It was never, ever meant to be racist in any way. The reason we said we didn't want any more Africans was because we already had three. The day before we'd had four, but one of them left. "I just felt that, as a head of recruitment, I look ahead down the line and I thought that, in 12 months' time, it's the African Nations Cup. If we had four African players, come the African Nations Cup, we are going to lose them in January and February, and we could struggle with that. "Any team struggles when they lose four players. I just felt that it would have been too many for us. But also, as well, we brought a new manager in and we weren't in a good position. We needed to get some points, get some wins, and the Premier League is a tough league. "New players coming in have to hit the ground running, and what we said was we would have preferred, if possible, Premier League-based players, who could come in and get straight into it. "But that never always works out and, in the end, we didn't take any players. We took Jordan Hugill in the end, (and) we took Joao Mario, who is a top player. But again that made it, for me, even more important that we could bring in a couple of Premier League players to help out."
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<br>West Ham boss David Moyes out to enjoy Man Utd reunion
<br>By Rory O'Callaghan
<br>Last Updated: 09/05/18 3:14pm
<br>SSN
<br>
<br>David Moyes admits he expected West Ham to be battling relegation until the last week of the season, and is now out to enjoy the final two games of the campaign against his former clubs Manchester United and Everton. The Hammers host United on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, fresh from their 2-0 win over Leicester on Saturday, which all but secured the club's top-flight status for another season. West Ham's safety was confirmed later on Saturday evening when Southampton drew 1-1 with Everton, and Moyes admits he expected the relegation fight to go right down to the wire. "That result helped obviously but the biggest result was ours," said Moyes. "I always wanted it to be done by us. "I probably expected it to go to the last week of the season. I always thought that these two homes games, we might have to win one of them to stay up. Moyes was appointed West Ham manager in November with the club in the relegation zone, and the Scot believes he has now proved his doubters wrong after a slow start at the club. "A lot of people questioned me coming in. I thought to myself 'that surprises me'," said Moyes. "The job was to come in and get them up and you'd have to say we've done that. I've got really good staff, a top end staff here and they've been really helpful."
<br>Moyes' current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the Hammers boss insists he will wait until the end of the campaign to discuss his future with the club. "We have always said that we will talk after the end of the season. We will wait," he said. "It was always the way I wanted it and I won't change my views until after we've got the two games out of the way. "We're putting in place all the things you would expect - the pre-season, as much as we can. Ultimately I've got a decision to make and so has the club."
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<br>West Ham have doubts about Leander Dendoncker's £18m price-tag
<br>HITC
<br>Danny Owen
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<br>West Ham United are still being tipped to bring Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker to the Premier League, but is he really worth £18million? It is four months since West Ham United were first linked with a move for Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker. And it seems that the London club are still no closer to deciding whether or not they want to sign the 23-year-old. Sky Sports stated that West Ham had a bid rejected for Dendoncker on the final day of the January transfer window and they were expected to go back in for the 6ft 2ins colossus this summer. Hammers' assistant boss Stuart Pearce even travelled to Belgium at the weekend to watch Anderlecht's 2-1 win at Club Brugge, with Dendoncker allegedly the reason for his trip. But the Mail reports that West Ham are still not convinced about signing the Belgian international this summer. It is understood that Anderlecht value the versatile midfielder at around £18 million. But West Ham are yet to be convinced that Dendoncker is worth such a fee with manager David Moyes, who is preparing to stay at the club next season, preferring proven Premier League targets like Joe Allen of Stoke City. Dendoncker was in sensational form for Anderlecht last season, exploding onto the scene by winning the 2017 Jupiler League title and also helping his side to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where he scored a bullet header against Manchester United.
<br>But Dendoncker's form has dipped in recent months and he has been criticised in the Belgian press with Anderlecht in danger of losing their title to Club Brugge.
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<br>JOAO MARIO'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
<br>TANAKA MVERE
<br>ReadWestHam
<br>
<br>The future of Joao Mario remains uncertain with the Portuguese international's current loan deal at West Ham set to expire at the end of the season. SportWitness has revealed that talks between West Ham and Inter Milan are ready to proceed, with the Serie A side prepared to let the midfielder go this summer. However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Nerazzurri will only allow a permanent deal to take place if West Ham meet their asking price of €30m
<br>Mario joined Inter for €44m from Sporting two years ago, and they are hoping to recover most of that fee through this deal. However it looks unlikely that any club will pay that much money for the player. Calciomercato say that Inter's asking price for Joao Mario is likely to be too high for West Ham, and this could force them to decide against a permanent transfer. The Portuguese international joined the Hammers on loan in January and has since scored two goals and registered one assist in 11 Premier League appearances. Speaking of Mario's contribution to the team since his arrival, Hammers boss David Moyes said: "Joao has helped us in lots of ways, he's done two or three jobs and is a good footballer. He's now come up with a couple of goals for us in this period. We brought him in to help us play a bit better and get a couple of goals, so I'm pleased with that."
<br>According to Calciomercato, Inter may consider allowing him to go out on loan for one more season, should he not find a permanent club in the upcoming window.
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<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-10266413524495489892018-05-09T04:31:00.001+00:002018-05-09T04:31:17.013+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2018'That was for the fans' says Noble after Leicester win
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United's 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday was for the
<br>supporters, according to skipper Mark Noble after his side secured their
<br>Premier League safety with a terrific three points. The captain, who scored
<br>a magnificent second half volley to double the Hammers' advantage after Joao
<br>Mario had given them the lead, praised the travelling fans who were in fine
<br>voice all afternoon. Southampton's draw at Everton later that day meant
<br>David Moyes' men were safe from any relegation fears with two games to
<br>spare, and the win in the sunshine capped a perfect afternoon for the Club
<br>on Saturday. And Noble – who made his 433rd appearance in Claret and Blue
<br>against Claude Puel's team – said the win was for the supporters. "The away
<br>fans were fantastic," he explained. "That was for the fans, the staff and
<br>everyone who has stuck by us the whole season. "It's been tough and I
<br>certainly don't want another [season] like this, but that was for them
<br>today. "No matter where we go, how many seats we get, they always fill them,
<br>they're always there, no matter what; summer or winter. "For all the money
<br>they've spent, for all the miles they've driven, Saturday was for them."
<br>
<br>West Ham have been up against the odds at times this season, but the
<br>30-year-old, who has experienced it all over the years in east London,
<br>claimed the squad never stopped believing throughout the campaign. "In all
<br>honestly, the position we were in after the Burnley defeat, everyone thought
<br>we were doomed," he continued. "But we went away, trained hard, and we got a
<br>lot of stick for going away. "But it worked; the players socialised
<br>together, and that's partly my job. But as I said, everyone has played their
<br>part this season and you need your whole squad over a season. "With all the
<br>problems we've had this year, I'm really proud of the bunch of players we
<br>have got, and we've always stuck by it, kept training hard, and we deserved
<br>what we got today. "When we have got criticism this year, I've taken it and
<br>I'd rather it's on me than the rest of the team; I know how to handle it.
<br>You have got to just lace your boots up and go again and we've had to do
<br>that consistently this year."
<br>
<br>Noble's volley, his fourth goal of the season, was of course a strike which
<br>will live long in the memory, but the No16 claimed the importance and
<br>context of the goal felt just as sweet as the strike itself. "That goal was
<br>so important and we have kept another clean sheet – it's tough at 1-0, so in
<br>that context for me to score is great. "But when the ball floated to me, I
<br>just thought I'd have a go and you never know. You don't really feel them
<br>leave your boot, when you catch it that sweetly. "Everyone I wanted to do,
<br>the ball did and those moments; you score them in training but not much in
<br>games. To score that and win the game, it was fantastic."
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<br>Carroll aiming to end season on a scoring note
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Andy Carroll is hoping to repay the support of the Claret and Blue Army by
<br>signing off the season with a couple of goals in West Ham United's final two
<br>Premier League matches. The centre forward has hit the net just three times
<br>in 17 appearances during a stop-start campaign interrupted by groin and
<br>ankle injuries, but each of those three goals was vital to the Hammers'
<br>successful bid to beat the drop. And having scored twice in the home win
<br>over West Bromwich Albion and a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw with
<br>Stoke City, the No9 wants to hit the net again when West Ham host Manchester
<br>United and Everton – rewarding the supporters who sang his name throughout
<br>Saturday's vital 2-0 victory at Leicester City. "Saturday was brilliant," he
<br>confirmed. "For me personally, coming on after they were singing my name
<br>while I was warming up on the touchline was really good. I didn't really
<br>expect it, to be honest, but our fans chose to get behind me and it was nice
<br>to hear. "It was a good game for us. The lads stuck together and we deserved
<br>it, really. I thought we played well and it was a good day all round. The
<br>fans were brilliant, we were brilliant and the other results went our way,
<br>too."
<br>
<br>Carroll could have netted his fourth of the season at the King Power
<br>Stadium, only for his touch to let him down at the vital moment inside the
<br>Foxes penalty area.
<br>"I could have had a goal, but I decided I'd take it out wide instead and
<br>hold a couple of their players off by the corner flag in front of our fans,
<br>just to show off my strength! Being serious, I should have probably taken a
<br>better touch and scored. "It would be nice to have some more minutes on the
<br>pitch. Getting 15 or 20 minutes the other day was good, so it would be nice
<br>to get out there again in the last two games and get a goal or two. "After
<br>that, I'll take Billi and the kids away for a nice chilled holiday and keep
<br>myself ticking over before coming back in for pre-season training."
<br>
<br>While Carroll was unable to find the net, his captain and friend Mark Noble
<br>was, with arguably the best goal of his long and illustrious Claret and Blue
<br>career – an unstoppable 25-yard volley that flew into the bottom corner of
<br>the Leicester net to put West Ham 2-0 up midway through the second half. "We
<br>laughed after the game as we reckon it was probably his first goal from
<br>outside the box, but he told us it wasn't and that he used to do it all the
<br>time!" Carroll smiled. "He never normally shoots from there as he usually
<br>controls it and lobs it back into the box, so he must have had a rush of
<br>blood. "To be fair to him, it was a hell of a strike, the best goal of his
<br>career and it was his birthday on Monday, so he's had a good week so far.
<br>He's 31 now, so he's getting on a bit!"
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Academy begin international tour season with draw in Bermuda
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>West Ham United's Academy of Football travelled to Bermuda over the Bank
<br>Holiday Weekend ahead of their participation in the International Football
<br>Festival Tournament. The first in a number of international tournaments for
<br>the Academy this summer, Academy Director Terry Westley took an U17 side to
<br>the competition which will be followed by trips to Switzerland and Hong
<br>Kong. Upon arrival on the Atlantic Ocean island, the young Hammers were met
<br>by former West Ham great and Bermuda international Clyde Best, who managed
<br>his nation after his playing career ended. The youngsters then began their
<br>campaign in the tournament by taking on the country's U20 side, a game, full
<br>of talking points, which eventually ended in a 1-1 stalemate. In a very
<br>tight first half, West Ham created the better opportunities, with Brazilian
<br>midfielder Bernardo Rosa the driving force and Jay Mingi standing strong in
<br>defence.
<br>
<br>The visitors dominated large periods of the half but were unable to get the
<br>significant breakthrough goal and went in at half-time goalless. After the
<br>restart, stopper Joesph Anang made two impressive saves before the Hammers
<br>went 1-0 down to what can only be described as a dubious goal, with the ball
<br>clearly leaving the pitch and West Ham players having stopped for the
<br>expected throw-in. The national team continued however, as did the referee,
<br>and went on to score the opening goal. A well-worked corner, with Rosa
<br>beating his man to set up Manny Longelo, got the Hammers a much deserved
<br>equaliser soon after, though. Later, Rosa again created a wonderful
<br>opportunity to win the match in the dying seconds but was unable to convert
<br>the chance. And so the Hammers opened their tournament with a well-earned
<br>draw. They will now enjoy a rest day before heading into their second match
<br>with all to play for. Westley was pleased with his team's performance, and
<br>said: "We are a young team and to play against the national team and to come
<br>away with a draw you would be satisfied. "This is a great experience for our
<br>young players and that's really why we have come. "Their goal was so far out
<br>of play it was ridiculous, so that leaves a sour taste because the boys
<br>worked so hard. "For ten minutes that upset them. But for young players,
<br>they learnt that things don't always go your way and eventually got back
<br>into the game."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>STOKE CITY-BUY OR AVOID?
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:37PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by @Bobstonian
<br>
<br>As of Game week 37, Stoke have been mathematically relegated from the
<br>Premier League. Below is a list of popular players that the club, in my
<br>opinion, should sign (or not sign). I have purposely excluded Shawcross and
<br>all players over 31 years old. Glenn Johnson, Charlie Adams, and Stephen
<br>Ireland are out of contract in the summer.
<br>
<br>Stoke – BUY:
<br>
<br>Shaqiri
<br>
<br>Pace, touch & quality from set pieces. He should be available for a
<br>reasonable price due to a release clause in his contract. He seems to be
<br>highly coveted by several teams, with Everton currently the favorites to
<br>sign him. Taking the injury record of Antonio in to account, spending on the
<br>right wing may make sense.
<br>
<br>Butland
<br>
<br>If he can make it to Russia, his value will increase. National team
<br>goalkeepers are always marketable assets in the league. I expect that our
<br>club will not be willing to pay up for his services. In my opinion, he is
<br>the most desirable keeper from all relegation candidates, and Arsenal seem
<br>very interested in Butland as a replacement for Cech.
<br>
<br>Allen
<br>
<br>Allen was rumored as a club target before his team was destined for
<br>relegation. He can improve our distribution in the midfield. He is 28, and
<br>started his senior career back in 2007. I fear his work rate may decrease.
<br>However, I see him as a player who can compensate for this inevitable
<br>decline in foot speed with his positioning and skill.
<br>
<br>Martins Indi
<br>
<br>The club will need to recruit more center backs this summer. We have played
<br>a full-back out of position in our back three for most of the season.
<br>Winston Reid will be 30 in the summer, and is nursing a knee injury. If next
<br>year's manager desires three in the back, a starting-caliber center-half is
<br>needed to play with Ogbonna and Rice. Martins Indi is my pick from the Stoke
<br>squad, but he has been hampered by a groin injury this season. He did
<br>feature in 30+ league games last season, collecting 11 clean sheets.
<br>
<br>Stoke – AVOID:
<br>
<br>Wimmer
<br>
<br>Stoke clearly payed Spurs too much for Wimmer over the summer. I doubt Stoke
<br>will be willing to take a loss on their original investment. He is young,
<br>and showed promise under Pochettino, but his price tag will be very
<br>off-putting for most clubs.
<br>
<br>Berahino
<br>
<br>Berahino is another player that the Potters overpaid for. He has not played
<br>meaningful minutes in the last two seasons. He is a versatile attacker who
<br>can play on both sides, but I believe Stoke will demand too high of a
<br>transfer fee.
<br>
<br>Sobhi
<br>
<br>The Egyptian international is 21, and could be available for a reasonable
<br>price due to his lack of playing time. He does prefer to play on the left
<br>side, and would have to compete with the likes of Lanzini, Masuaku and
<br>Arnautovic. Stoke will want to give him minutes in the Championship. The
<br>club should prioritize spending on a different position.
<br>
<br>Choupo-Moting
<br>
<br>8 years older than Sobhi, and also plays on the left. He had a promising
<br>start to the season, and then experienced a drop in form. There is no need
<br>to prioritize spending on this player.
<br>
<br>Diouf
<br>
<br>Diouf boasted a respectable goal record in the Bundesliga. He scored 11
<br>goals in his inaugural Premier League season. Since then, he has scored 12
<br>goals in 87 games. He has shown versatility at different positions, but only
<br>has 9 career league assists to his name.
<br>
<br>Stoke have some players on the wings and up the middle that are worth a look
<br>in the transfer season. I can't see us outspending other clubs for Shaqiri
<br>or Butland. I believe we will pursue Allen in the summer, and hope we also
<br>inquire about Martins Indi.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>LET'S NOT PICK THE LOW LYING FRUIT
<br>AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 8 MAY 2018 AT 9:23PM
<br><a href="http://TheWestHamWay.co.uk">TheWestHamWay.co.uk</a>
<br>Written by: Alan Leason
<br>
<br>Thanks for all the responses to my last article, I haven't gone mad I just
<br>don't think Lanzini has been consistently good enough for us to resist
<br>offers of 40-50m. The last stand out game I remember him having was 2 1/2
<br>seasons ago at Liverpool.
<br>
<br>Anyhow im currently watching the Swansea v Southampton game and thinking
<br>about all the players we need for next season. I think we should be really
<br>careful about trying to pick off players from relegated sides.
<br>
<br>Why would we want Mawson, Ki, Jordan Ayew, Cedric, Redmond or Tadic? None
<br>of them are carrying their teams and to agree with Kev from Sex, Drugs and
<br>Carlton Cole, I wouldn't take Shaqiri either. I also don't think we need to
<br>take the opinion if we need x amount of players at £25m each.
<br>
<br>If we were looking for a Kouyate style player I'm sure we would be quoted
<br>£25m minimum but look at the player we have? Lazy, doesn't work for his
<br>place or the team but it's ok because he's Chiek and we post videos on the
<br>official site of him laughing all the time.
<br>
<br>We signed Cresswell for £5m and nobody outside of Ipswich knew him, fair
<br>enough he'd be more expensive now but I like the principal of taking players
<br>from the championship who could step up, basically the opposite of Hughill.
<br>
<br>My one exception to the not signing relegated players would be a keeper.
<br>Fabianski, Forster and even Foster would all be good signings for us, none
<br>have been at fault for their respective clubs form.
<br>
<br>I'd love for us to have gone for Shelvey but thanks to our mouthy chairman
<br>he wouldn't even entertain us now, on the same note watch Snodgrass be
<br>promoted with Villa sign for them and tear up the league!!
<br>
<br>Remember all the fuss about Bilic having the option to sign Renato Sanchez,
<br>Grzegorz Krychowiak etc? They are doing so well now aren't they?
<br>
<br>Before we all get carried away thinking William Carvalho is the answer,
<br>Stoke's record signing was from Porto and is a guy called Giannelli Imbulla,
<br>he's currently on loan to Toulouse because he couldn't cut it in this
<br>league. Carvalho is a European championship winner I hear you say…so is
<br>Cedric who is battling to keep Southampton in the league. COYI
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham leading Shaq race
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>West Ham are the front runners to sign Stoke City's Swiss international
<br>Xherdan Shaqiri. The Potters became the first team to be relegated from the
<br>Premier League this season when they went down 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace
<br>last weekend. And that has naturally seen a string of Stoke's better players
<br>linked to various destinations in the past few days - including Shaqiri, who
<br>formed a formidable partnership with Marko Arnautovic at the Bet365 Stadium.
<br>
<br>According to the latest odds, the Hammers are 2-1 favourites to sign the
<br>26-year-old winger, who was on the bench when Bayern Munich faced fellow
<br>German outfit Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League Final. A number
<br>of Stoke City's first-team players are expected to leave the club following
<br>the team's relegation from the Premier League," said BetStars Director of
<br>Trading Ian Marmion. "Swiss superstar Shaqiri has been the Potters' shining
<br>light this season but the attacker looks set to call time on his three-year
<br>stint with Stoke this summer. "The Hammers are poised to benefit from
<br>Stoke's demotion to the Championship and have been installed as the 2/1
<br>favourites to reunite the Swiss playmaker with his former teammate Marco
<br>Arnautovic in attack at the London Stadium next season.
<br>"Newcastle United are valued at 3/1 to become the winger's next destination
<br>but a move abroad could also be on the cards for Shaqiri, with AC Milan and
<br>Bayer Leverkusen both priced at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively. "Meanwhile
<br>Arsenal and Everton are valued at 6/1 to swipe Stoke's star man."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Arnautovic sale led to relegation, say Stoke fans
<br>KUMB.com
<br>Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2018
<br>By: Staff Writer
<br>
<br>Stoke City supporters have cited the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham as
<br>one of the core reasons for their relegation from the Premier League. The
<br>Potters became the first team to be relegated from the top flight this
<br>season following their 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday,
<br>since when disappointed City fans have been discussing the reasons for their
<br>swift and unexpected demise. And one of the chief reasons cited is the sale
<br>of star man Arnautovic to West Ham last summer. The Austrian, a Slaven Bilic
<br>appointment who cost the Hammers an intiial £20million has scored 10 goals
<br>for United this season - almost a quarter of the team's 45 league goals
<br>scored in the 2017/18 campaign.
<br>Oatcake Forum member wazbagsbro is convinced parting company with Arnautovic
<br>and not providing a suitable replacement was key in Stoke's fall from grace.
<br>"It cost us relegation and we gave him away." he said. "If Arnie was a
<br>Swansea player they would've demanded £50million, he is one of the best
<br>players outside top six. West Ham won't let him go so cheap. We should've
<br>broke the bank to keep that kind of quality."
<br>Thoughts echoed by theonlooker, who added: "Clubs like ours lose players
<br>like Arnautovic every season. The successful clubs replace them and move on.
<br>Our scouting and recruitment department, in my humble opinion, is
<br>complacent, lazy and frankly, not fit for purpose."
<br>Some Stoke fans felt the decision to sell Arnautovic was a reasonable call
<br>at the time given the size of the fee involved - but once again, blamed poor
<br>recruitment for their descent into the Championship. " Losing Arnie isn't
<br>the reason we're in this mess," wrote boskampsflaps. "It didn't help but we
<br>had the money and the time to find a replacement and we bought Wimmer
<br>instead. You're always going to lose players eventually, it's who you get in
<br>after that's the deal breaker and we well and truly mucked it up."
<br>
<br>A salient lesson for the rest of the Premier League, perhaps.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4178478880360714345.post-90095744418690623712018-05-08T04:30:00.001+00:002018-05-08T04:30:29.495+00:00Daily WHUFC News - 8th May 2018Academy manager Westley lauds Coaching Association success
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Academy Director Terry Westley reflects on the successful first season of
<br>the innovative Official Coaching Association...
<br>
<br>We launched the Official Coaching Association at the beginning of the
<br>season, and having now hosted all four sessions during the 2017/18, it's a
<br>great time to reflect on the success of the scheme. We began the final
<br>evening with a Q&A courtesy of captain and Academy graduate Mark Noble,
<br>which was a fitting way to close, given his experience throughout his time
<br>at the Club of various coaching methods ranging across different managers
<br>and members of staff. All four sessions have been brilliant from our point
<br>of view and to really help the local coaching fraternity in the area has
<br>been a pleasure and a massive positive. Next season, of course our aim is to
<br>improve once again and take it forward. The advice and the knowledge the
<br>local coaches have been receiving at the Association this season is
<br>adaptable at any level, but it's so important because as a coach, you are
<br>always learning. Former international footballers have been in to talk –
<br>Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson; ex-West Ham players who are now current
<br>Academy members of staff – Steve Potts and Jack Collison; and we also had in
<br>Dan Ashworth, the FA's Technical Director. We've been privileged to have
<br>them come in to learn from.
<br>
<br>It's an extremely important scheme for me that is close to my heart, given
<br>where I started my career; at grassroots level. I have come from there, when
<br>John Duncan gave me an opportunity at Ipswich Town, and the club moving
<br>forwards under John Lyall and Sir Bobby Robson. David Pleat at Luton Town
<br>and Alan Curbishley at Charlton Athletic; they gave me opportunities. I
<br>feel privileged myself to still be in the game 38 years later. I'll always,
<br>therefore, return back to that and where I came from, and that culture of
<br>grassroots football will always be with me.
<br>
<br>To see, over the four sessions this season, male and female coaches coming
<br>in and wanting to improve the players at their clubs has been magnificent.
<br>Whether it's behaviour patterns off the pitch or sessions and exercises on
<br>it, many have told me they have taken many, many ideas away with them to try
<br>themselves, and that will help us all; both at the top and lower reaches of
<br>the game. As I have said, next season is now about improving and moving it
<br>forwards, and we'll begin by offering six sessions over the course of the
<br>campaign, with the plan being to kick-off in August.
<br>
<br>The speakers will once again be important. The ins we have in the game allow
<br>us to pick the phone up to the likes of England manager Gareth Southgate and
<br>his staff – I can see that communication with the FA improving. We've had
<br>Dan Ashworth in; the likes of Aidy Boothroyd, who now manages the U21
<br>national side, would be great to speak for us. We will definitely look to
<br>have one coach from an overseas club come in, somebody who coaches at a
<br>young age to see how academy football abroad differs. We can all learn
<br>something there.
<br>
<br>In terms of our own staff too, we know how busy they are, but the manager
<br>and his coaching staff will hopefully give up some of their time to enhance
<br>this Association. We're all looking forward to what the future holds for
<br>the Association.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Loan watch: Snodgrass Play-Off bound and Oxford returns
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Robert Snodgrass and Aston Villa are bound for the EFL Championship
<br>Play-Offs after losing 1-0 at Millwall on the final day of the regular
<br>season. The West Ham United loanee, who featured for the final 15 minutes as
<br>a substitute at The Den, will face Middlesbrough in the two-legged
<br>semi-finals, with a Wembley showdown with either Fulham or Derby County
<br>awaiting the winner. Snodgrass, who finished the campaign with 13 assists
<br>and eight goals in 39 Championship appearances, could line up alongside
<br>Henri Lansbury, who was part of the West Ham squad which won promotion via
<br>the Play-Offs six years ago. And the Scot will need no introduction to
<br>Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who was his teammate at London
<br>Stadium for the second half of last season.
<br>
<br>Elsewhere, Reece Burke's Bolton Wanderers pulled off a miraculous escape
<br>from relegation by scoring twice in the final three minutes of normal time
<br>to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at the Macron Stadium. Victory for the
<br>Trotters, for whom Burke was an unused substitute, saw them leapfrog Burton
<br>Albion and Barnsley and secure safety. The 21-year-old defender finished the
<br>campaign with 25 Championship appearances under his belt. His solitary goal
<br>came in a 2-2 draw with Reading in November.
<br>
<br>There was no such joy for Martin Samuelsen, who was also an unused
<br>substitute as Burton's two-year stay in the Championship came to an end with
<br>a 2-1 defeat at Preston North End. The 21-year-old Norway winger made nine
<br>Championship appearances, seven of them starts, for Nigel Clough's Brewers.
<br>
<br>In Germany, Reece Oxford returned from injury to help Borussia
<br>Monchengladbach to a 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg. The 19-year-old was
<br>back in action after missing the Foals' last six matches, playing for the
<br>final 21 minutes after replacing midfielder Tobias Strobl. Monchengladbach
<br>travel to relegation-threatened Hamburg in their final fixture on Saturday
<br>knowing victory could yet be enough to secure sixth-place and spot in next
<br>season's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.
<br>
<br>Finally, despite scoring his first goal for the club in their previous
<br>match, Toni Martinez was an unused substitute for Real Valladolid in the
<br>Spanish club's vital 1-0 win at Numancia. Valladolid sit eighth in the table
<br>with four games to play, four points behind Zaragoza in fourth and two
<br>adrift of Cadiz in the final promotion play-off position. Martinez will hope
<br>for more playing time when Valladolid host mid-table Albacete on Saturday
<br>afternoon.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Rice targets winning streak to finish Hammers' season
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>Declan Rice says West Ham United are aiming to close out the season on a
<br>winning note. The Hammers secured their Premier League safety with a 2-0
<br>victory at Leicester City on Saturday and now conclude the 2017/18 campaign
<br>with home fixtures with Manchester United and Everton. Defender Rice, who
<br>made an impressive 30th first-team appearance at the King Power Stadium,
<br>believes the squad will have taken great confidence from their performance
<br>against the Foxes, where the defence secured a first clean sheet in five
<br>matches and the win was confirmed by Mark Noble's outstanding 25-yard
<br>volley. Now, with their top-flight status confirmed, the impressive teenager
<br>says the players can express themselves at London Stadium. "I would say
<br>that's one of the best performances we've put up this season," said the
<br>No41. "We knew before the game that it was crucial that we got three points.
<br>"A point maybe would have been enough, but three points were the aim and
<br>I've never seen us so focused in the dressing room before the game and so
<br>ready to go out there and put in a performance. "We're focusing now on Man
<br>United and we want to go out and win that and we want to win the Everton
<br>game as well and try to finish as high as possible in the table."
<br>
<br>After Joao Mario had put West Ham in front, Rice had a grandstand view of
<br>Noble's clincher, which saw his fellow Academy of Football graduate belt a
<br>unstoppable volley into the bottom corner of the Leicester net. "Nobes
<br>scored one in training a few weeks back which a worldy with his left, but
<br>I've never seen a ball hit so sweetly like that," the 18-year-old smiled.
<br>"Even to take it on… I was right in front of it and it just swerved into the
<br>bottom corner. "What a goal by Nobes! He was outstanding all day, as well.
<br>He's a proper captain and led by example."
<br>
<br>As always, Rice was cheered on by his family, who have travelled the length
<br>and breadth of the country with the Claret and Blue Army during the
<br>youngster's first full season in the Premier League. At the final whistle,
<br>the defender joined the supporters and his teammates to celebrate staying
<br>up, and the centre-back said survival was the least the fans deserved for
<br>their loyalty this and every season. "When you've got fans like that, who
<br>travel home and away and pay lots of money, when we put on a performance
<br>like that, it means they can go home happy. "My brother was in there and he
<br>and they didn't stop singing, so a massive 'Thank you' to the fans, because
<br>they've been excellent for us all season and we really do appreciate that."
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>Moyes: I want West Ham to win games regularly
<br>WHUFC.com
<br>
<br>David Moyes says West Ham United's target must be to find a greater level of
<br>consistency in their play next season. After guiding the Hammers to Premier
<br>League safety with a 2-0 win at Leicester City on Saturday, the manager
<br>spoke to the media about how to ensure the Club is not dragged into another
<br>relegation battle in 2018/19. With all three promoted teams potentially
<br>staying up and three seemingly established Premier League clubs facing the
<br>drop, the 2017/18 season has been among the most competitive in recent
<br>history. Indeed, so close has been the competition that West Ham could yet
<br>secure a top-ten finish, despite the fact they have spent virtually the
<br>entire season in the bottom half. To do so, they will have to win three
<br>straight league games for the first time this campaign – a level of
<br>consistency Moyes craves. "I always felt that the team was good enough to be
<br>looking up the league, rather than down, but there were some games we'd
<br>really have like to have done a lot better in, but we didn't," he reflected.
<br>"With the runs teams like West Brom and Crystal Palace have been on, the
<br>bottom half of the league has been pretty exciting this season and I don't
<br>think there is any guarantee that any one team is necessarily that much
<br>better than another. "I must say, I think the three promoted teams who came
<br>up really put the cat among the pigeons when they found their form. "I think
<br>it's hard to judge how I've done this season. I actually would like to be a
<br>manager who wins games regularly. I don't want to be a manager who is
<br>battling around relegation. I want to have winning teams. "I had eleven
<br>years of, in the main, winning teams, and that's what I want to do. I want
<br>to be challenging the top teams and have a team that, most weeks, I have an
<br>idea of what their level of performance will likely be, because that means
<br>I'm feeling a lot better every week, rather than wondering if we are up or
<br>down. "Some of our performances here have been excellent and some I've
<br>wondered 'Where did that come from?'. "Consistency is getting yourself at a
<br>level of play and building it, and everybody would like consistency."
<br>
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<br>HIGGINBOTHAM DROOLS OVER WEST HAM DUO
<br>Date: 7th May 2018 at 1:56pm
<br>Written by: Laura OLeary
<br>Forever WestHam
<br>
<br>Danny Higginbotham heaped praise on West Ham duo Marko Arnautovic and Manuel
<br>Lanzini and claimed that it was vital the club kept both players. The Sky
<br>Sports pundit gushed about the two attack-minded players as he thought they
<br>had been key to David Moyes' side securing their Premier League status for
<br>another season. "Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic have struck up a
<br>brilliant understanding at West Ham, they have been key to the Hammers
<br>beating the drop," said Higginbotham in his column for The Sun. "David Moyes
<br>was originally forced to play Arnautovic up front due to injury problems but
<br>the Austrian and Argentine Lanzini have become a serious attacking threat.
<br>"It is vital the club keep hold of both players if they are to avoid another
<br>relegation battle next season. "While Stoke got £24million for Arnautovic,
<br>they might have beaten the drop if he'd stayed."
<br>
<br>The Hammers confirmed that they would be in the Premier League next season
<br>after beating Leicester 2-0 on Saturday, which was enough to be mathematical
<br>safe as Southampton ended up drawing with Everton.
<br>
<br>Higginbotham's glowing praise of Lanzini and Arnautovic for their
<br>performances this season is more than warranted. Arnautovic has managed to
<br>score 10 goals in 33 appearances this season, and his goals have been more
<br>than helpful in firing the Hammers away from the relegation zone. Whereas
<br>Lanzini has used his creative genius in the 27 games that he has featured
<br>in, to contribute nine assists to the cause. Both players have been a touch
<br>above the majority of their teammates with their displays this season and
<br>there would be uproar if either left the London Stadium in the summer. This
<br>would especially be the case with Arnautovic who only arrived from Stoke
<br>City ahead of the start of this season. The 29-year-old took a little bit
<br>time to get going at the Hammers and it would be a shame if he left anytime
<br>soon. While the idea is horrible to think about, either of the players
<br>leaving would be highly unlikely. The only way that scenario changes is if
<br>Moyes leaves and a new manager doesn't rate either player, which would be
<br>bizarre, or if a top-six side make too good an offer to turn down.
<br>
<br>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
<br>West Ham in need of summer changes to avoid another torrid season, admits
<br>Mark Noble
<br>JACK ROSSER
<br>ES Sport
<br>
<br>West Ham captain Mark Noble says there needs to be change on and off the
<br>pitch over the summer in order to avoid another chaotic season at London
<br>Stadium.
<br>After struggling to settle in their new Stratford home last term, there was
<br>hope the second season would be an easier ride. However, with a sacking, a
<br>relegation battle and resentment from the fans pouring onto the pitch
<br>against Burnley, things have far from gone to plan. The penultimate weekend
<br>of the Premier League season saw the Hammers' safety secured, however,
<br>things still look far from bright. There is dispute over what players
<br>deserve to stay put, how much money will be available and who will be in
<br>charge come the summer. There is, then, still plenty to be resolved. But
<br>Noble knows that something has to change to see the club climb the table
<br>once more next season. "There needs to be a lot of change," he said. "I
<br>would not say no to that, on and off the pitch. A lot of stuff needs to
<br>change. I am really hoping, and I am convinced it will during the summer.
<br>"If fans are coming to games and are not happy and we go 1-0 down then we
<br>feel that. There is no point lying. "We need to win games and we have not
<br>won enough this season. That is why we are where we are. It's been really
<br>tough, I certainly don't want another one like this."
<br>With safety secured, David Moyes' side can now go out and look to end the
<br>season on a high with home games against two of the Scotsman's former clubs
<br>in Manchester United and Everton this week.
<br>
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<br>
<br><a href="http://vyperz.blogspot.com">http://vyperz.blogspot.com</a>PeterRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07036878425241877900noreply@blogger.com0