New manager in 48 hours?
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's search for a new manager looks to be entering its final
stages, with the Club hoping to make an announcement within the next 48
hours. The Board cleared their diaries and spent the weekend meeting and
interviewing applicants and, with the shortlist now narrowed down, talks are
entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates. Don't forget
whufc.com will bring you all the news and reaction first and exclusively so
keep checking back to find out first. You can also catch all the latest
updates surrounding the Club's search for its 15th full-time manager via our
official social media channels - Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Hammers to play two more friendlies
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have added a further two friendly fixtures to their
pre-season plans as they prepare for the 2015/16 season. With the Europa
League qualifying rounds taking place throughout July, the Hammers will be
staying close to home for this year's pre-season warm-ups. The Hammers will
travel to London Road to play Peterborough United on the Saturday 11 July
and Roots Hall to face Southend United on Saturday 18 July, both matches
kick off at 3pm. The two fixtures have been added to the friendlies that
have already been announced with Colchester United, Norwich City and
Charlton Athletic. Further details of West Ham's pre-season preparations
and fixtures will be released in due course and details of how to buy
tickets will appear on the Box Office.
Friendly fixtures:
Peterborough United, Saturday 11 July, 3pm, London Road
Southend United, Saturday 18 July, 3pm, Roots Hall
Colchester United, Tuesday 21 July, 7.45pm, Weston Homes Community Stadium
Charlton Athletic, Saturday 25 July, 3pm, The Valley
Norwich City, Tuesday 28 July, 7.45pm, Carrow Road
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2014/15 Season Review - October
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's season really got going as they recorded a 100% winning
record in the month of October. First up, the Hammers overcame a lacklustre
Queens Park Rangers to win 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground. The hosts got off to
great start, albeit somewhat fortunately, as Nedum Onuoha headed past R's
goalkeeper Rob Green. Diafra Sakho continued his electric goalscoring form
to take the Irons to seventh going into the October international break. The
Hammers picked up from where they left off by despatching Premier League new
boys Burnley. A goal apiece for strikers Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton
Cole ensured an enjoyable day in Lancashire.
Going into the final game of the month, it soon became apparent that the
Hammers were saving their best performance till last. In an outstanding
display by the men in claret and blue, Morgan Amalfitano continued his knack
of scoring against the big teams by converting Enner Valencia's pull back.
Diafra Sakho – that man again – was on hand, doubling the lead with a
well-executed header. Joe Hart did his best to get a paw to it yet the goal
stood, triggering ecstatic scenes from players and fans alike, a huge
'Poznan' engulfing the ground.
Spanish winger David Silva reduced the arrears just two minutes later with a
wonderful jinking solo effort, ensuring a nervy final 15 minutes yet the
Hammers stood firm to secure a historic victory. Three wins out of three
took the Hammers up to fourth with dreams of European football bubbling
away.
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West Ham United hope to name new boss 'within 48 hours'
KUMB.com
West Ham United hope to appoint a new manager "within the next 48 hours"
after interviewing a number of applicants over the weekend.
The Premier League club are seeking a replacement for Sam Allardyce who left
last month after four years in charge. "With the shortlist now narrowed
down, talks are entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates,"
said a West Ham statement on Monday. Former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic
has been linked with the job. Bilic, 46, managed Croatia between 2006-12
and announced last month he was leaving Turkish side Besiktas. Former
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was also linked with West Ham, along
with Real Sociedad's ex-Everton manager David Moyes. Klopp, 47, has since
revealed he is taking a break from management. West Ham finished 12th in the
league this season. "We would like someone who has managed successfully in
one of the major leagues in the world," West Ham joint-chairman David Gold
has said. "We want to bring in an established manager who has been there
and done it."
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West Ham eye QPR's Austin in swap deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are keeping tabs on the situation regarding Queens Park Rangers'
prolific striker Charlie Austin. The 25-year-old goalscorer was linked with
a move to Newcastle last week but the Magpies were told they would have to
pay upwards of £15million to land a player who notched 18 times for Rangers
last season, despite them finishing bottom of the Premier League last
season. The Hammers have been keeping an eye on Austin's situation for some
time and Rangers' relegation from the top flight means the Hungerford-born
striker is almost certain to move on from Loftus Road this summer. And key
to the completion of any deal could be the involvement of Matt Jarvis, who
barely featured under Sam Allardyce last season. Now 29 and in the final
year of his contract at West Ham, Jarvis was close to moving to Rangers
during the January transfer window but the deal fell through at the last
minute. R's boss Chris Ramsey is however thought to remain keen on landing
the former Wolves man, whilst West Ham are hoping a swap deal plus cash can
tempt him to part company with Austin.
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Seria A giants make Valencia enquiry
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Serie A side Sampdoria have been told to come back with a huge offer if they
hope to land West Ham's Ecuador international Enner Valencia.
i Blucerchiati are underestood to have enquired about the availablity of
Valencia, who scored five goals for the Hammers during his first season in
the Premier League. However they have been told that West Ham will accept no
less than £25million for a player who cost them approximately half that last
summer, when moving from Mexican side CF Pachua. Valencia, who had endured a
stop/start first season at the Boleyn was previously linked with a move to
Chelsea in January this year. And only last week the 25-year-old admitted
he would be open to a move "if it is for my good and that of West Ham" -
despite having spent less than a year at West Ham.
In other transfer news, West Ham are keeping a close eye on Liverpool's
25-year-old central defender Dejan Lovren. The Croatian international moved
to Merseyside last July in a £20million switch from Southampton, who signed
him from Lyon 13 months previously for just £8.5million.
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Lomas set for new management role
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Steve Lomas is on the verge of being appointed as the new
manager of Plymouth Argyle. Now, 41, Lomas has been out of the game for
nearly two years after he was fired by Millwall following a run of poor
results. However the Pilgrims are set to offer him a route back into
football by appointing him as their new permanent boss. Lomas will replace
former manager John Sheridan, who left the club after two-and-a-half years
at Home Park having failed to guide them through the League Two play-offs at
the end of last season. A combative central midfielder who was often used by
West Ham at right back, Lomas began his management career in 2009 at St
Neots Town, before landing his first big job with Scottish side St Johnston
two years later. In June 2013 he returned south to take over at Millwall,
but after winning just six of his first 24 matches in charge he was
unceremoniously dumped by the Lions following a 4-0 thrashing at Watford on
Boxing Day - just six months after he was appointed.
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B&B leading the pack
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Marcelo Bielsa and Slaven Bilic remain the two hot favourites to land the
vacant West Ham job, a fortnight after previous incumbent Sam Allardyce left
the club.
West Ham remain managerless after yet another weekend full of speculation,
false Twitter rumours and clandestine meetings failed to produce a
replacement for Big Sam.
Bielsa, the charismatic Argentine who steered Merseille towards a
fourth-place finish in last season's Ligue 1 (where they finished a full 14
points behind champions Paris St Germain) is still to sign a new contract
with the French club, despite a series of reports suggesting a new deal is
imminent.
However the 59-year-old former manager of Argentina and Chile has thus far
refused to put pen to paper on a new deal whilst the prospect of landing the
West Ham job remains a possibility.
One key to landing Bielsa may be the continued pursuit of Ghanaian
international Andre Ayew, who is out of contract at Marseille this summer.
Linked with a string of European clubs including Newcastle and Galatasary,
the £15m-rated, 25-year-old forward continues to be linked with a move to
east London this summer where he could yet team up with Bielsa once more.
Meanwhile Bilic held talks with club officials over the weekend with view to
becoming West Ham's 15th full-time manager. Although favoured by many
Hammers fans, an equally large group retain major reservations over the
Croat due to the manner of his departure from the club as a player in the
late 1990s.
The 46-year-old's stock continues to rise, with several leading candidates -
such as Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp - having now pulled
out of the race to replace Allardyce.
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The demise of Kevin Nolan
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: James Gooderson
On the first weekend in February, when West Ham took on Manchester United at
home, there were rumours going around that one fan was bringing a Nolan out
banner to brandish in the Bobby Moore Stand. I've seen banners calling for
managers to be sacked, but for captains? Unheard of.
So, where did all it all go wrong for the top goal scorer for two of the
last three seasons?
Nolan secured the stat by netting a depressing 7 in 33 as West Ham beat the
supposed second season syndrome after a good run in February. Previously he
netted 10 in 35 to help us achieve a top half finish in the first season
back in the Premiership. Top goal scorer for two years in a row? Club
captain? How did Kevin Nolan get so hated from that?
Capitano Futuro
Perhaps one reason for Nolan's lack of love from the fans comes down to his
captaincy. Leadership is a strange and difficult quality to judge, from the
stands to the television screen and in that regard I believe Nolan is not
given the credit he deserves.
However, waiting in the wing is the Capitano Futuro, Mark Noble. Noble has
almost the perfect CV to be club captain, academy player, over 200
performances and only 27. Noble is of course a fan favourite and a poll
conducted in the pre-season by Claret and Hugh shows that 79% of the fans
who voted would want Noble to be captain, Nolan came a distant second with
8%, the fans clearly favour Noble to Nolan in the role.
However, could we honestly chalk down the fans dislike of Nolan to the fact
that he is stopping Mark Noble from being captain? Of course not. If
anything, the want for Mark Noble to be captain has only surpassed
sentimental and doting reasoning because of the dislike of Nolan amongst the
fans. So how did this come about?
The Tippy-Tappy right way to play
It's quite clear that Allardyce's style did not rub West Ham fans the right
way. One twitter commentator compared the relationship to two parents who
are staying together for the sake of the children and perhaps there is a
degree of truth in that. Allardyce criticism simmered below the surface when
the results were rolling in during the first half of the campaign, but came
back in force after a terrible second half of this season.
It is impossible to deny that the fans do not like Allardyce's style of
play. Kevin Nolan was one of his first signings, who he has worked with
before at both Bolton and Newcastle and he embodies this style. The long
ball knockdowns from the big, towering striker who sets up Nolan to bang the
ball home from inside the 6 yard box. This is what happened, to degree,
throughout the championship and the first season back in the top flight.
Did this cause the West Ham fans to hate Nolan? No. There were certainly
complaints that Allardyce was not playing football "the west ham way" during
his first two seasons, but this only really came into the limelight during
the third; over a year ago, when we lost 5-0 away against Nottingham Forest
in the FA Cup and then were spanked 9-0 on aggregate by Manchester City in
the semi-final of it's sister tournament.
The run of results West Ham put together in the 13/14 season was horrific.
In the first half of the season we picked up only 3 wins and 7 draws leaving
us 19th in the table. This caused some discontent amongst the fans to say
the least and many of us were considering relegation a possibility, credit
to the board for fighting to keep Allardyce in his place as he led us on a
four game winning streak and to premier league survival.
However this did not take away from the negative results in the earlier
parts of the season that in turn were linked with the negative tactics on
the pitch and through association linked to Sam's poster boy Nolan.
Fans tend to remember poor performances of players they dislike more than
they remember their good, Nolan was disliked due to association with
Allardyce's supposed "long-ball tactics" and therefore all the negative
performances West Ham as a whole gave during the start of the season were
accompanied by criticism of the long ball system and of Nolan.
I have to feel sorry for Nolan to a degree, he was missing his partner Andy
Carroll who would have certainly helped our season and would have given us a
few more points on the board. Instead we were left with a strike force of
Maiga and Cole, who struggled to find the back of the net. Nolan himself
struggled, netting a large percentage of his goals in the second half run of
the season, including 4 in 2 games against Swansea and Aston Villa.
However after the criticism reaches a certain point it becomes too late for
redemption; Nolan is now criticised whenever he misplaces a pass and his
good performances do not merit praise but rather just reduce the criticism
on him for that particular game week.
The dislike at Nolan continued this season, with some fans on twitter
celebrating the fact that the captain was injured during the first half of
the season, Nolan was associated, and perhaps rightly so, with West Ham's
drop in form after his return from injury prompted a formation change that
lead to Valencia and Downing being shifted wide to accommodate him.
Downing is one particular gripe, the midfielder managed to break Roy
Hodgson's golden rule of not selecting West Ham players for England with a
call-up after his impressive form in the new diamond system. The player lost
his first half of the season form and this was unarguably in part to his
shift onto the wing during the second half of the season.
Clearly the poor results in the first half of the 13/14 season drew a lot of
criticism that had been lurking below the surface on Allardyce. This
criticism also fell to Nolan, for being the poster boy of Allardyce's style
of play and for a number of poor performances from the team.
Despite finishing 13th in the league that season due at least in part to
Nolan's performances late in the season, the West Ham fans did not forgive
him and he now comes under a huge amount of criticism, this was exemplified
after the formation change in the second half of the season with his return
from injury. Now that Allardyce has gone, Nolan will most likely follow him
out, with one year left on his contract and no doting manager, I expect a
Championship team to snap him up.
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West Ham United, a season in review: October
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th June 2015
By: Graeme Howlett
Throughout the football season, KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett pens a weekly
column for Echo Newspapers. Join us as we take a look back at the highs and
lows of the 2014/15 season, with our eyes today firmly affixed on October
2014...
Column #7: 5 October 2014
West Ham breezed past a hugely disappointing Queens Park Rangers at the
Boleyn on Sunday afternoon to record their third Premier League win of the
campaign.
An own goal from Nedum Onuoha and a second from the prolific Diafra Sakho
helped the Hammers ease to a comfortable 2-0 win against the league's bottom
club - a victory that lifts Sam Allardyce's team into seventh spot above the
likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.
Given that Big Sam is currently working without key players like Mark Noble,
Andy Carroll and Cheikhou Kouyate - and with West Ham having faced
Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United already this season - a return of
10 points from seven games represents a very promising start to the
campaign.
Key to that has been the form of striker Diafra Sakho, who has now scored in
every one of his five starts for the club. The 24-year-old - who cost the
Hammers just £4million back in August when signing from French Ligue 2
champions Metz - is already proving to be one of the bargains of the season.
The club's leading goalscorer in 2013/14 was Carlton Cole with a tally of
seven goals. It was that lack of firepower that left the club facing an
anxious final few weeks of the season before relegation was finally a
mathematical impossibility.
Conversely, it is the introduction of the likes of Sakho, Enner Valencia and
Mauro Zarate that is largely responsible for United's change of fortune this
season. The team has scored 12 goals in their opening seven fixtures; it
took them until the final day of November to achieve that last season!
Disappointly, there were still pockets of 'fans' determined to spoil the day
by booing substitute Kevin Nolan when he replaced Zarate with a
quarter-of-an-hour left to play.
Whilst he may be showing some signs of ageing, the 32-year-old has been a
good servant to the club and it's deplorable than some so-called West Ham
supporters would choose to boo him (something that almost certainly relates
to him being Sam Allardyce's closest ally amongst the playing staff).
However, it has always been thus at West Ham; those who can remember tell
tales of even Bobby Moore being booed towards the end of his career at the
club. If folk can boo arguably the greatest English footballer of all time,
it's unlikely anyone will ever escape the attention of the terrace hecklers.
Column #8: 12 October 2014
Alex Song beginning to make a difference
Whilst the continuous international breaks we have to contend with in the
Premier League these days can be rather irritating, especially if a team has
built up a head of steam, it's always better to enter one having secured a
victory.
And that was the case for West Ham last weekend as they enjoyed a
comfortable 2-0 win over newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers - a victory that
took the Hammers into the top seven and just a single point behind
fourth-placed Man Utd.
Make no mistake, it's been a thoroughly encouraging start to the season for
Big Sam and his boys who have taken ten points from their opening seven
fixtures. Importantly the new signings all appear to be bedding in nicely
and Diafra Sakho, for one, has proved a sensation, scoring in each of his
five Premier League starts so far.
The club's summer policy of concentrating on youth has proved largely
beneficial. Players like Diego Poyet (19), Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia,
the aforementioned Sakho (24) and Aaron Cresswell (all 24) all have their
best years ahead of them and can ensure West Ham remain a Premier League
force for years to come.
Meanwhile the capture of 27-year-old Alex Song - even if it is only on loan
and for the duration of one season - was an inspired move; the former
Arsenal midfielder had fallen out of contention at Barcelona but appears to
be revelling in playing regularly once again.
So positive are things around the Boleyn Ground currently that constant
clarion calls for the instant dismissal of Sam Allardyce have mostly abated.
There's even been talk of Allardyce earning a new contract upon the
expiration of his current deal, which runs until next summer. That
possibility would have been anathema to many, less than three months ago.
The Hammers have the opportunity to extend their decent start to the
campaign when they travel to another newly-promoted team, Burnley, next
Saturday. The Clarets have drawn four of their opening seven games but,
crucially, are still searching for their first win.
Not so long ago that would have been a match many Hammers fans would fear;
West Ham's propensity to do a club in trouble 'a favour' has often proved
our downfall in the past. But things are very different now - and anything
less than three points will be viewed as a disappointment.
Column #9: 19 October 2014
It's nosebleed time for everyone at West Ham following back-to-back wins
that have taken Sam Allardyce and his merry band to fourth place in the
Premier League.
Goals from Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole were enough to
snare all three points at Turf Moor on Saturday against a Burnley outfit
perhaps low on quality but full of energy and enthusiasm, as one would
expect from a Sean Dyche team.
For former Metz forward Sakho it was a sixth goal in as many starts since
arriving in England for a paltry (in football terms) £4million via the
French second division, where he was top scorer last season. That's just one
less than the club's highest scorer, Kevin Nolan, managed in the entire
2013/14 programme!
Sakho's partnership with Ecuador international Valencia has proven crucial
to United's solid start to the campaign. Both possess pace and a keen eye
for goal and between them, they are responsible for eight of the Hammers' 16
goals so far this season.
15 of those 16 efforts have come in the Premier League, which represents a
vast improvement upon last term. By comparison, and as a yardstick by which
to measure the team's improvement, it took until Boxing Day for West Ham to
score as many in 2013/14.
The last time a West Ham side was present in the top four at this stage of
the season was way back in 1998, when Harry Redknapp was still in charge of
the club. And whilst there's still a long way to go, there's little doubt
that the team has been totally transformed from that which struggled to
shake off the spectre of relegation last time around.
Although new players such as Alex Song and Cheik Kouyate have improved the
squad immeasurably since being drafted in, the old guard are still playing
their part too. Mark Noble, a rare breed these days having remained with
just one club throughout his career made his 200th Premier League appearance
for West Ham at Burnley and will make just as many more in future.
And whilst stalwarts such as Carlton Cole and Kevin Nolan might struggle to
retain a first team spot this season, what great options they are to have
come from the bench in the closing minutes of a game.
* Expect to see the words 'litmus test' used extensively by the media in the
coming days. Next up for West Ham come reigning champions Manchester City.
Column #10: 26 October 2014
It's hard to believe that only three months ago we were waking up to the
news that West Ham had been beaten by both Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC
following a disastrous summer tour of New Zealand.
Yet fast forward to October and Sam Allardyce's happy Hammers find
themselves rubbing shoulders with the nation's elite having beaten last
season's league champions Manchester City 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday courtesy of strikes from Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho,
scoring his seventh goal in as many starts since moving to London.
And whilst the Hammers certainly rode their luck at times - City hit the
woodwork twice and contrived to miss a couple of sitters that on any other
day would have left the net bulging - there was nothing lucky about the win
which took West Ham to within a point of their more illustrious opponents.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini was gracious in defeat, accepting that his team
were second best for much of the game. Meanwhile Allardyce was left to fend
off gushing praise from celebrity Hammer Russell Brand, who interrupted
Sam's post match TV interview to plant a kiss on his cheek!
That moment encapsulated the mood around the Boleyn Ground right now. Having
already beaten last season's top two - Liverpool having also left Upton Park
empty-handed earlier in the campaign - confidence is high in the camp and
there's a palpable air of optimism every time they step out onto the field.
Key to that is the form of Enner Valencia and strike partner Sakho, whose
story is beginning to echo that of a legendary Hammer.
Back in 1986 a virtual unknown by the name of Frank McAvennie replaced the
crocked Paul Goddard, going on to score 26 vital goals as West Ham achieved
their highest ever top-flight finish (third place). This year Andy Carroll's
long-term ankle injury meant a replacement was necessary and Sakho, like the
blonde Scot before him, has taken to English football like a fish to water.
With Stoke (a), Aston Villa (h), Everton (a) and Newcastle (h) to come in
November there's no reason why the Hammers can't consolidate their current
lofty position in the next few weeks. And whilst hopes of a Champions League
spot come next May might be a tad unrealistic, despite West Ham's sparkling
current form, there's no reasons why a top six place should be considered
unattainable.
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Rio Ferdinand should manage West Ham with me as sporting director, says
Harry Redknapp
Last Updated: 08/06/15 3:08pm
SSN
Harry Redknapp would be open to a return to West Ham as sporting director in
a partnership with Rio Ferdinand as manager. The Hammers are currently
managerless, having not renewed Sam Allardyce's contract, and an audacious
bid to bring Sevilla boss Unai Emery to Upton Park failed last week. The
68-year-old Redknapp, who left his role as Queens Park Rangers boss in
April, managed West Ham for seven years and brought Ferdinand through from
the academy before selling him to Leeds for £18m in 2000. And he then took
Ferdinand to QPR after his contract with Manchester United expired last
summer before Ferdinand retired from football at the age of 36 earlier this
month, after making just 12 appearances in all competitions. In an interview
with Kicca, Redknapp said: "I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham. I'd
go with him as director of football - that would be a good partnership. "I'd
love to see him get the opportunity somewhere. He's young and enthusiastic,
and there have been a lot of lads who have gone straight into management.
Gary Monk's done fantastic at Swansea, for example. "Rio's doing his
coaching badges and has got a great football brain. I used to talk to him a
lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask his opinion, and he always had
good ideas and read the game well."
Redknapp also suggested Paolo Di Canio, who was sacked by Sunderland in
September 2013 and has not returned to management since, could be a good
appointment as the new West Ham boss. "I'm also a Di Canio fan and I'd like
to see him go back to West Ham," he said. "I know everybody's slaughtered
him but he was fantastic at Swindon. I spoke to a lad who played under him
at Swindon, Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie, and he said he was fantastic to play
for. "He had a great start at Sunderland but it's been a hard place to
succeed. Martin O'Neill, Steve Bruce, one after the other, they've all had a
crack at it. "Paulo set high standards with the way he wanted players to
behave, live, train, eat and a lot of players don't want to be as dedicated
as he was to the game."
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West Ham have narrowed their search for a new boss to two candidates,
according to Sky sources
Last Updated: 08/06/15 5:56pm
SSN
West Ham's search for a replacement for Sam Allardyce has been narrowed down
to two candidates, according to Sky sources. Slavin Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa
are the front runners although Sky have been told a third unnamed candidate
also has has a 'tiny chance of getting the job'. West Ham are expected to
make an announcement in the next 48 hours and former Hammers defender Bilic
is understood to be in pole position to be named as their new manager. Bilic
has an affinity with West Ham supporters having played over 50 times for the
club and is known to have a strong desire to manage in the Premier League.
The Londoners have already met with Bilic, who left Besiktas at the end of
last season, after missing out on Unai Emery, Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and
an audacious swoop for Carlo Ancelotti.
Argentine coach Bielsa has been working at Marseille for the last two years
but the fact he does not speak English could prove a stumbling block for the
club. Whoever is handed the reins will have new signings to work with after
Sky sources were told the club are in talks to sign midfielder Pedro Obiang
from Italian side Sampdoria and Andre Ayew who is a free agent after leaving
French side Marseille.
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West Ham in talks to sign Sampdoria's Pedro Obiang
By Jamie Weir
Last Updated: 08/06/15 3:53pm
SSN
West Ham are in talks to sign the Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang,
according to Sky sources. The 23-year-old, who joined the Serie-A club in
2010, has had an excellent season, scoring three times in 35 appearances.
Obiang is a former Spain U21 international who was released by hometown club
Atletico Madrid's youth team in 2008 and worked his way up through
Sampdoria's academy. Jack Sullivan, son of Hammers co-owner David, tweeted
on Monday that the club are set to appoint their new manager within 48 hours
and also announce a major signing this week. Sullivan said: "Cheeky update -
we expect to announce our new manager within 48 hrs or less, keep visiting
official WHU website, where it will be announced. "We [also ]expect a major
player signing this week, I'll update you as soon as its done."
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GOLD CLARIFIES MANAGERIAL CRITERIA
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jun 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham Chairman David Gold has given us an insight into the managerial
search speaking exclusively to the club's official TV Channel.
Asked about the progress of the search Gold said
"Every day goes by, it is a case of elimination. It would be lovely to have
someone with West Ham history, that ticks a box. Having Premier League
experience (and) that doesn't mean English Premier League, that means a man
who has managed successfully in the big Italian league, big Spanish league,
the German league (or) a major league in the world, that is a box that needs
to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance."
Talking about any up and coming manager candidates available in lower
leagues Gold added:
"I am making this up but say there is a fantastic manager at Accrington
Stanley and everybody is raving about him. We wouldn't want to take that
risk at West Ham. Untried, although exciting and achieving at lower levels,
that's not what we are about. We are about bringing in an established that
has been there and done it!"
Asked how quickly we can expect an announcement of a new manager Gold added
"I would like to have (a manager) in place right this minute. It is delicate
balance, we need to get someone in as quick as possible but by the same
token we are not going to bring someone who is second best"
So looking at top 40 names in the bookies list of likely candidates this is
my personal verdict of the likelihood of them joining West Ham based on the
criteria mentioned.
Slaven Bilic Ticks the Hammers history box but question mark whether he
meets the Premier League type experience box for the board.
Marcelo Bielsa Likely to re sign with Marseille and would want a massive
transfer budget
Garry Monk Not fancied and too much compensation to Swansea
Unai Emery OUT Already Out, signed a new contract with Sevilla
Sean Dyche OUT Relegated with Burnley, excluded on second best criteria
David Moyes OUT, already ruled himself out several times, staying in
Spain.
Frank de Boer OUT Not enough premier league type experience.
Michael Laudrup Has the Premier league experience but might be considered
second best by board
Roberto Di Matteo OUT Not fancied by the board, unlikely to make the list
Cesare Prandelli OUT Said to have approached West Ham but not fancied
by board
Gerard Houllier OUT Hasn't managed since 2011 when he left Villa, unlikely
to considered
Jurgen Klopp OUT, Already said he needs a sabbatical
Steve McClaren OUT Not fancied by the board, unlikely to make the list
Harry Redknapp OUT Big tick on West Ham history but doubtful either side
wants to revisit days gone by. Water under the bridge
Eddie Howe OUT No Premier league type experience
Brendan Rodgers Not available at present but who knows what the future holds
for the Liverpool manager
Slavisa Jokanovic OUT No Premier league type experience
Viktor Skrypnyk OUT Not fancied by board an no Premier league type
experience
Alan Devonshire OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience
Martin Allen OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience
Massimiliano Allegri Manager of Juventus, linked with us last summer
after leaving Milan. Unlikely to leave Juve for the Hammers
Kevin Keen OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience
Steve Coppell OUT Although once managed Man City in 1996, no Premier
league type experience & director of football since 2012
Tony Carr OUT Ticks West Ham history box but no Premier league type
experience
Mark Hughes Current manager of Stoke City, unlikely to pay compensation
Gus Poyet OUT Sacked as Sunderland manager in 2015, unlikely to be on
the list under second best criteria.
Mark Warburton OUT No Premier league type experience
Rafa Benitez OUT, already appointed manager of Real Madrid
Neil Lennon OUT No Premier league type experience
Aitor Karanka OUT No Premier league type experience although was an
assistant at Real Madrid
Andre Villas Boas Currently managing Zenit Saint Petersburg, large
compensation. Unlikely to be on the list.
Carlo Ancelotti OUT, already ruled out by board. He is not interested and
says he needs an operation.
Alan Curbishley OUT Big West Ham history but not managed since 2008 when he
sued the Hammers
Alan Pardew Can't see him leaving Palace and us paying the compensation
Alex McLeish Manager of Genk and history with Gold & Sullivan. Excluded
on second best criteria
Avram Grant OUT Never in a million years again, can't believe he is even
on the bookies list
Chris Hughton OUT Not fancied by the board. Excluded on second best
criteria
Christophe Galtier Managed Marseille and now Saint-Étienne. Maybe a
wild card.
Claudio Ranieri The tinker man was national manager of Greece until late
2014, He has been linked before to West Ham. Never say never.
Paolo Di Canio OUT Massive tick in the West Ham history box but he will
never be appointed by the current owners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HARRY'S DREAM TEAM OF RIO & DI CANIO BACK AT WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 8 Jun 2015 at 13:40
West Ham till I Die
Former Hammers manager Harry Redknapp has joined twitter and told his
followers on social media site Kicca that Rio Ferdinand should manage West
Ham with himself installed as director of football and that Paolo Di Canio
should return to West Ham too.
The 68 year old self confessed computer phobic once said "I can't work a
computer, I don't know what an email is. I have never sent a fax and I've
never even sent a text message…"
Well he seems to have overcome his phobia by amassing over 63,000 followers
on twitter in less than a day under the account name @Redknapp
His second tweet said "That West Ham fan was right, Frank Lampard was no
good as a player after all" It has been re-tweeted over 3,800 times favored
over 2,400 times,
In this video while at QPR he recently claimed he didn't know what twitter
is and he didn't want to know! Unlike Harry to speak with forked tongue.
However it is his statement on sports social media site Kicca that has got
most people talking.
"Rio Ferdinand's doing his coaching badges and has got a great football
brain. I used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask
his opinion 'what you think Rio?' and he always had good ideas and read the
game well. I'm sure he'll come back and get himself into coaching, He needs
to do that now, something to really focus his mind on, I think he'll do that
and do well."
"I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham, I'd go with him as director of
football, that would be a good partnership. I'd love to see him get the
opportunity somewhere, he's young and enthusiastic. There have been a lot of
lads who have gone out of playing and gone straight into management, Gary
Monk's done fantastic at Swansea, so there's no reason why if given the
opportunity somewhere with the right people around him, Rio couldn't do very
well."
"It wouldn't be that ridiculous for West Ham to appoint Rio they've got good
players and as I say we've seen in the last year or two some young guys
given the opportunity to manage and done well. Gary Monk is the prime
example, what he's done at Swansea this year, he was a player and suddenly
he comes in and had a fantastic season. So there's no reason Rio couldn't do
well. West Ham's a great club with decent players, so it wouldn't be
impossible for him to have a crack at something like that."
"I'm also a Di Canio fan, I'd like to see him go back to West Ham. I know
everybody's slaughtered him but he was fantastic at Swindon. I spoke to a
lad who played under him at Swindon, Matt Ritchie who's at Bournemouth who's
a really good player, he said he was fantastic to play for. He had a great
start at Sunderland but it's been a hard place to succeed – Martin O'Neill,
Steve Bruce, one after the other, they've all had a crack at it. Paolo set
high standards with the way he wanted players to behave, live, train, eat
and a lot of players don't want to be as dedicated as he was to the game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp backs Rio Ferdinand as shock contender for West Ham manager's
job
17:22, 8 JUNE 2015
BY KITTY TRICE
The former Hammers defender hung up his boots at the end of the campaign and
Redknapp reckons it would not be "ridiculous" to appoint Ferdinand
The Mirror
Harry Redknapp has backed the recently retired Rio Ferdinand to become the
next manager of West Ham. Redknapp, who was West Ham boss between 1994 and
2001, believes that Ferdinand will return to the game and "get himself into
coaching" following the death of his wife Rebecca to cancer in May.
Ferdinand, 36, announced his retirement from football, following a spell at
QPR, so he could spend more time with his family. Redknapp, in an interview
with Kicca, believes that he should be given the opportunity. He said: "I
used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and I'd ask his
opinion, 'what do you think Rio?', and he always had good ideas and read the
game well. "It wouldn't be that ridiculous for West Ham to appoint Rio. They
have got good players and we've seen in the last year or two some young guys
given the opportunity to manage and done well, like Garry Monk at Swansea.
"So there's no reason why, if given the opportunity somewhere with the right
people around him, Rio couldn't do very well. "West Ham's a great club with
decent players, so it wouldn't be impossible for him to have a crack at
something like that."
Despite Redknapp's enthusiasm for Rio to be given the chance, West Ham
chairman David Gold has indicated that the club is keen to bring in an
established manager who has "been there and done it."
Gold, in an interview with the club's website, said: "Having Premier League
experience - that doesn't mean English Premier League - that means a man who
has managed successfully in the Italian league, Spanish league, the German
league or a major league in the world.
"That is a box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance."
Other contenders for the position include former Croatian coach Slaven
Bilic, who had a brief spell at West Ham in the 1996/97 season, and Marcelo
Bielsa. West Ham are looking to strengthen the squad for the early
qualifying rounds of the Europa League and are keen to add Sampdoria
midfielder Pedro Obiang to the team which includes the promising striker
Enner Valencia.
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West Ham's Chelsea transfer target Enner Valencia valued at £30m as
Sampdoria join the hunt
22:30, 7 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers want over double what they paid for the striker last summer
despite him scoring just four league goals PLUS: Bilic interviews for
manager's job
The Mirror
Sampdoria will have to splash out over £30million if they want to prise
Enner Valencia away from West Ham. The Italian club are rivalling Chelsea's
interest in the Ecuador international centre-forward. But the Hammers have
no intention of selling the 24-year-old, who was signed for £12.5m from
Mexican side Pachuca last summer after impressing at the World Cup last
summer. It is understood only a massive offer would get them to consider
changing their minds. Valencia has impressed with his performances, but
scored only four Premier League goals. That has not dimmed the interest from
Sampdoria, who are also set to conclude a £6m deal to sell Spanish
midfielder Pedro Obiang to the Londoners. The signing of Obiang, 23, would
represent a coup for the Hammers, who have allowed last season's loanee Alex
Song to return to parent club Barcelona because of concerns over his
fitness.
West Ham believe Valencia should focus on improving his goal return. He
signed a five-year deal last summer and formed a good understanding with
Diafra Sakho until the in-form striker was injured and ruled out for the
season.
* THE Hammers are sounding out the contract demands of Marseille boss
Marcelo Bielsa as they continue their manager hunt.
Slaven Bilic, who left Turkish side Besiktas at the end of last season, was
interviewed over the weekend but the former West Ham defender has not yet
been made an offer. With their 2015-16 campaign set to begin on July 2 in
the first qualifying round of the Europa League after getting in through the
Fair Play League back-door, the club hope to be close to an appointment by
the end of this week. Co-chairman David Gold said: "We would like someone
who has managed successfully in one of the major leagues in the world. We
want to bring in an established manager who has been there and done it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Congested pre-season schedule increases
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have announced that the club will play two extra friendlies against
Peterborough United, on 11th July, and Southend United, on 18th July, to add
to the three pre-season games already confirmed. West Ham will also face
Colchester United, Norwich City and Charlton Athletic in late July despite
the fact the club will also be playing Europa League games. West Ham have a
number of Europa League scheduled in July and August assuming they proceed
through the three qualifying rounds.
Europa League First Qualifying Round 1st Leg 2nd July
Europa League First Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 9th July
Pre Season Friendly Peterborough United, on 11th July 3pm, London Road
Pre Season Friendly Southend United on 18th July 3pm, Roots Hall
Europa League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg 16th July
Pre Season Friendly Colchester United on 21st July at 7.45pm Weston Homes
Community Stadium
Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 23rd July
Pre Season Friendly Charlton Athletic on 25th July at 3pm The Valley
Pre Season Friendly Norwich City 3 days later on 28th July at 7.45pm Carrow
Road
Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg 30th July
Europa League Third Qualifying Round 2nd Leg 6th August
The Premier League season gets underway on Saturday 8th August with the
schedule released on Wednesday 17th June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav still waits to see a contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic is tonight still sitting in his London hotel waiting to see a
contract that will make him West Ham United's new manager.
The former player has been in the country since Saturday and although
numerous phone calls have been made since his interview discussing issues
connected with the job, a contract still hasn't been put in front of him.
One source suggested that could be down to work permit clearance which will
be required for the Croat to take over. Marcelo Bielsa is believed to remain
in the running as despite reports he has still not signed a new deal with
Marseilles as widely expected. And despite the co owners remaining
seriously worried about his lack of English given the number of crucial
issues that need discussing, they have never ruled the Argentine boss out
unlike Rafa Benitez, DavidMoyes, Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp. Sources
close to the situation have told ClaretandHugh that "the balls remain in the
air" and that while Slav remains a big favourite with the bookies – one
quoting an incredible 1/50 – nothing should be taken for granted. A third
candidate with what is described as a "tiny chance" is Borussia
Mönchengladbach's Lucien Favre .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Double announcement due
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's Chairman of the Youth Supporters Club Jack Sullivan has confirmed
that West Ham plan to announce the appointment of their 15th manager within
the next 48 hours. He also added that the Hammers expect to announce a
major player signing this week too.
Speculation was rife on social media earlier today that an announcement
would be made as early as this afternoon but Claret and Hugh were told this
was '100% untrue' by a senior source.
Speaking on his twitter account just after school finished 15 year old Jack
wrote "Cheeky update -we expect to announce our new manager within 48 hrs or
less, keep visiting official WHU web site, where it will be announced" he
then added "we expect a major player signing this week, I'll update you as
soon as its done"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Laudrup out as "guessing" game starts again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Michael Laudrup is the latest 'Twitter name' to crash out of the Hammers
reckoning as a new Hammers boss. Speculation arose on the social network
last week that the former Swansea boss was back in the frame for a shot at
the Upton Park job but this morning it emerged that the Dane has agreed to a
new deal with Qatari champions Lekhwiya. His decision confirms an earlier
statement in which he had made it clear he would only return to the Premier
League with a top team and ClaretandHugh was told consistently by insiders
that he was no longer a candidate. Current Swansea boss Garry Monk –
another much touted Twitter name – is being reported by sources known to us
as close to agreeing a new deal with the Welsh outfit. And after placing a
call to the club regarding the newest name to emerge -Borussia
Mönchengladbach's Lucien Favre – we were told: "No better than 2 per cent."
That means the only 'active ' deal still in place concerns Slaven Bilic
although it is important to record that no contract has yet been placed in
front of the former defender at stage.
A Hammers source told us: "It's great fun listening and watching all the
gossip but the truth is there's a ot of guessing going on. We are still keen
to conclude things before the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic eyes problem positions
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic will move quickly to solve two Hammers problems positions if he
gets the manager's job at Upton Park. The Croat wants a right back and
holding midfielder brought into the club as soon as possible with only Joey
O'Brien available on the right side of the back four and Alex Song back at
Barcelona. Although Pedro Obiang is being sought and, according to some
reports, on his way to the club within days for a medical, he is more of a
box to box player in the mould of Cheik Kouyate. Bilic will make the two
positions a priority if a deal can be hammered out with the board although
there have been no further developments between the two sides since
yesterday.
The club are also in need of a fourth striker with the decision to allow
Carlton Cole to move on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AC Milan look to hijack Obiang deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
AC Milan have met West Ham target Pedro Obiang's agent to discuss a
potential move for the Spaniard to the San Siro. West Ham have been linked
with the midfielder for months and there has been speculation that they have
already agreed a deal with Sampdoria in principle for his transfer.
However, to complicate the deal at the last minute West Ham style, AC Milan
are claimed to have entered the negotiations for Obiang and according to Il
Secolo XIX, they have met the player's agent to discuss a potential
transfer.
Yesterday, Gianluca Di Marzio claimed a £4.3million deal has been struck
between the two clubs, with West Ham just needing the go-ahead from the
player himself to complete the transfer.
Sampdoria finished seventh in the Serie A league this season with Obiang
scoring three goals in his 33 league appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£12m price tag on Hammers target
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Blackburn Rovers have put a price tag of £12 million on their striker Jordan
Rhodes. The long list of clubs interested in signing Rhodes now reads:
Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Swansea, Everton and supposedly West Ham.
Rovers bought Rhodes from Huddersfield for a club record £8 million back in
2012, Huddersfield inserted a 20% sell on fee clause.
The Hammers have been linked with the 25 year striker for more than 3 years
with claims we once previously bid £3m to Huddersfield before he was sold to
Blackburn, we were linked again the Summer of 2013 and last year.
Sam Allardyce was a long term admirer of Rhodes and it is claimed he tried
to bring him to Boleyn Ground on a number of occasions. It remains to be
seen whether Tony Henry and the board togetehr with any incoming manager see
it the same way or whether this is just recycling of transfer news during
the silly season.
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Irons already have the future Rio on their books
Date: 8th June 2015 at 7:00 pm
Written by: Sydney Hammers | Comments (0)
Foreverwestham.com
West Ham coaches believe the next Rio Ferdinand may already be waiting in
the wings at the club. On the same weekend the former England captain
announced his retirement, youngster Josh Pask excelled with a series of
assured displays during the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament.
Under 18 coach Mark Phillips said: "I thought Josh Pask was absolutely
outstanding. I think he can go on and play for the first team.
"He doesn't take the eye as a defender, but when he drives forward like
that, it's Rio Ferdinand isn't it, let's be fair." He was one of many who
caught the eye during a promising tournament for West Ham, which saw the
young ten man squad come up against much more experienced opposition.
Striker Jaanai Gordon scored two in the final, and four in total throughout
the two day cup run, with Phillips praising his "strength and finishing
qualities". Fellow forward Djair Parfitt-Williams was also singled out for
acclaim. The 18-year-old was rewarded with his first professional contract
immediately after returning from Hong Kong, and Phillips believes he has a
bright future ahead of him. "I don't like to have star players, but he's
quite an effective footballer," he said. "He creates his own chances and
creates chances for other people. You can see how he can go on to play for
the first team at times, if he learns the defensive side of it, because he's
an exciting player and can go past people. "Especially in a tournament like
this where one player can open things up, he's excellent at that. I said to
him he could be the player of the tournament if he feels like it. He's a
very good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on new manager with Sam Allardyce successor to be named
within the next two days
West Ham are on the verge of announcing new boss
The Irons have been searching for a successor to Sam Allardyce
Slaven Bilic is reported to have been interviewed over the weekend
Unai Emery and Marcelo Bielsa are also in the running for the job
By JIM VAN WIJK, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 16:53, 8 June 2015 | UPDATED: 18:04, 8 June 2015
Daily Mail
West Ham hope to make an announcement on their new manager 'within the next
48 hours'. The Irons appear close to appointing a successor to Sam
Allardyce, who left Upton Park at the end of the season when his contract
was not renewed. Slaven Bilic is reported to have been interviewed about the
vacancy over the weekend, with the likes of Rafael Benitez, Jurgen Klopp,
Carlo Ancelotti and Unai Emery all said to have been under consideration as
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold look to find the right man to take
them forwards and on into the Olympic Stadium from 2016/17.
On Monday afternoon, the club's official website carried a statement which
read: 'West Ham United's search for a new manager looks to be entering its
final stages, with the club hoping to make an announcement within the next
48 hours. 'The board cleared their diaries and spent the weekend meeting and
interviewing applicants and, with the shortlist now narrowed down, talks are
entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates.' Gold has indicated
the club were determined to 'bring in an established manager who has been
there and done it'.
Bilic has coached at international level with Croatia and also in Europe
with Besiktas as well as at Lokomotiv Moscow. Marcelo Bielsa of Marseille is
another said to be on the Irons' radar. Bilic would certainly go down well
with supporters, having become a cult hero during a brief spell at Upton
Park in the 1996/97 season. 'It would be lovely to have someone with West
Ham history,' Gold said in an interview on the club's official website.
'Having Premier League experience - that doesn't mean English Premier League
- that means a man who has managed successfully in the Italian league,
Spanish league, the German league or a major league in the world. 'That is a
box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a chance.' Whomever is
eventually appointed, the club are looking to strengthen the squad for what
will be an earlier return than usual because of qualifying rounds for the
Europa League. Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang is one target, while the
club have no intention of allowing striker Enner Valencia to leave following
an impressive debut season. While the Irons appear to be closing in on an
experienced candidate, former boss Harry Redknapp has called for Rio
Ferdinand to be given a chance, joking he could also return to Upton Park as
director of football. Ferdinand, 36, retired at the end of the season
following a spell at QPR, the former Manchester United and England defender
now spending more time with his family following the death of his wife to
cancer.
In an interview with sports social network site, www.kicca.com, Redknapp
said: 'Rio Ferdinand's doing his coaching badges and has got a great
football brain. I used to talk to him a lot at QPR, he'd be on the bench and
I'd ask his opinion, 'what do you think Rio?', and he always had good ideas
and read the game well. 'I am sure he'll come back and get himself into
coaching, He needs to do that now, something to really focus his mind on, I
think he'll do that and do well.' Redknapp left QPR in February saying he
needed a knee operation, but insisted he was not leaving football. The
68-year-old said: 'I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham. I'd go with
him as director of football, that would be a good partnership. 'So there's
no reason why, if given the opportunity somewhere with the right people
around him, Rio couldn't do very well. 'West Ham's a great club with decent
players, so it wouldn't be impossible for him to have a crack at something
like that.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to beat rivals Tottenham to Ghana star Andre Ayew
Ghanasoccer.com
Posted: Monday, 8th June 2015 0 comments - you should start the discussion!
West Ham are reportedly close to completing move for Marseille's winger
Andre Ayew. The Hammers, who are still without a manager after Sam
Allardyce's departure at the end of the season, are keen to get their
transfer business done early and according to the Telegraph they will soon
finalise their second deal of the summer. Ghanaian forward Ayew, who is out
of contract following an eight-year spell at Marseille, has been attracting
the interest of several Premier League clubs including Tottenham, Newcastle,
Everton and Swansea. But the Hammers lead the race to sign the 25-year-old
after they upped their initial contract offer. Ayew is keen to move to the
Premier League despite offers from clubs in Italy and Turkey. If he does
join for West Ham Ayew will be the club's second signing of the summer after
Birmingham goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
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Could West Ham sell Enner Valencia to fund Charlie Austin signing?
Billy Hawkins
HITC
Austin is likely to leave QPR, and he could be the perfect signing for West
Ham. Valencia has been linked with an exit from the Boleyn Ground this
summer, with the Guardian claiming Sampdoria are interested in the
Ecuadorian forward. The 25-year-old is currently away on international duty,
with the Copa America starting later this week, but with a transfer
potentially occurring this summer, the Hammers have placed a £30 million
price-tag on his head. If a transfer is to go through, that would represent
a profit on Valencia larger than double what they signed him for, and for a
player who netted just four goals this season, it is hard to imagine
Sampdoria agreeing to pay that. However, the Hammers could push through a
great deal if they can sell Valencia for that value, with QPR forward
Charlie Austin available for £15 million this summer, as per the Mirror.
Austin is one of the most in-demand players in England right now, and for
£15 million, he looks a bargain signing, especially if the Hammers make £30
million from selling Valencia. He provides a greater goal threat than the
Ecuadorian, and although Valencia was played out wide occasionally to create
chances, Austin is actually the better provider of goals as well.
As can be seen, Austin is a far better goalscorer than Valencia, with his
conversion rate of 13.8% vastly better than the Ecuadorian forward's. Even
though Diafra Sakho was the main goalscorer for the Hammers, Valencia did
fail to provide much threat in the striking department, and although Austin
had more shots to score more goals, his ratio of hitting the back of the net
is far better. What else makes Austin seem the perfect fit for West Ham is
his goal poaching ability, with the Hammers lacking someone with a killer's
instinct in front of goal. He found the back of the net with 40% of his
clear cut chances, scoring 11, with 16 of his attempts from inside the box
resulting in a goal. In relation, Valencia failed to score a single clear
cut chance, which is a dreadful return for a striker.
With the Hammers keen on establishing themselves with a new-look attacking
play featuring a host of goals and stylish efficiency, Austin would look
like a great signing. West Ham may not be in the market for him, but if
Valencia does leave for a £30 million fee, they could do much worse tan move
for the English striker, who has proven himself in the Premier League time
and time again.
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Downing: The advice Sheringham gave me before he left West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe
West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has explained the advice he was
given by Teddy Sheringham, before the coach linked up with Stevenage. West
Ham United player Stewart Downing revealed in FourFourTwo the advice Teddy
Sheringham gave him before the coach moved to Stevenage. Downing was one of
West Ham's most versatile and most important attacking players last season,
offering an option out wide as well as through the middle, in behind the
main striker. He's explained that part of his recent progression has been
down to Sheringham challenging him and placing pressure on him to provide
more end product to the attacking skill he's always had. "Our coach Teddy
Sheringham always says to me 'It's not good just playing in your position,
you've got to get goals and create – that's your job'. It's not just about
playing well; you've got to be effective. My way of thinking has changed –
Have confidence, be brave and keep trying," he said. Downing can look back
on his stats from last season and be relatively pleased with what he sees;
six goals and eight assists from all competitions. He'll have individual
aims for next season, one of which will be to improve on his tally in each
of these areas. He'll want double figures in both columns and if he can
achieve that, the manager coming in will have a very good chance of creating
an exciting attack with threats coming at the opposition from different
areas. What Downing and the new boss need to do is settle on a role and
position for him in the side, which should help him to improve on his
consistency. If he can feature in the same position and bear in mind the
advice that Sheringham gave him before he took the leap into management, he
should be up there in terms of West Ham's best players next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
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Tuesday, June 9
Monday, June 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th June 2015
Ecuador cruise to victory
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia played the full match as Ecuador romped to a 4-0 win over
Panama in their final friendly as they prepare to start their Copa America
campaign. Striker Miller Bolanos opened the scoring before a brace by Fidel
Martinez before half time put the Ecuadoreans firmly in control. Swansea
City's Jefferson Montero sealed the comprehensive victory for La Tricolor
just after the break. Ecuador open their Copa America campaign with a tough
away game against Chile on Friday 12 June, before fixtures against Bolivia
on Monday 15 June and Mexico on Friday 19 June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes enjoying Young Lions run of form
WHUFC.com
Sam Howes signing his pro contract with Tony Carr MBE and Academy
goalkeeping coaches Lee Harrison and Jerome John
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes is relishing the prospect of playing in
the England U18's double header against Russia.
The Young Lions travel to Moscow this weekend to play their European
counterparts in two friendlies as they prepare for their U19 qualifying
campaign next term.
Speaking ahead of the trip an excited Howes said: "I've never played Russia
before but we're expecting them to be good. We're going out there to try and
beat them, they haven't lost for a while at home so it'll be difficult but
we're up for it.
"I've been in the England system for two years now so I'm well used to
travelling all over the place. Every boy dreams of playing for your country.
At any age level it's always a proud achievement.
"The feeling when you pull the England top on will never ware off no matter
how many times I play. It's a sign that you're one of the best in the
country, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the lads they would say exactly the
same thing."
While Russia will be prove tough opposition, the Young Lions are in good
form themselves having won their last four games, including a 6-1 demolition
of Switzerland in March.
"There's definitely a good buzz about the England youth set up at the
moment. The U17s qualified for the World Cup and we've had some success
winning the Euros this time last year.
"It's a good time for English football with a lot of talented players coming
through. In the England U18 squad there a several stand out players. Dom
Solanke is a great player, Izzy Brown and a few others.
"As a team I think we've got a lot of talented players which has probably
made this team so successful. There's a phenomenal bond within the team,
stemming from winning the tournament last year. I think that is key to any
team and helps to get the best out of us."
Having enjoyed an impressive twelve months in a claret and blue shirt which
saw Howes make his first team debut in pre-season, the 17-year-old went on
to enjoy a good run of form for both the U18s and Development Squad.
"It's been a long season for me personally but I'm not complaining. It's all
good life experiences which will help me to develop. Overall, I'd say it's
been successful, there's been ups and downs but that's football really. I've
always enjoyed it at West Ham and I hope that continues.
"With the team qualifying for the Europa League it's an earlier start to the
season, but it'll be another good experience. Hopefully I'll be involved in
some way.
"I can't thank Sam Allardyce enough for giving me an opportunity with the
first team. He helped me a lot to develop as a player and as a person. But
with a new manager coming in, it's a new slate for everyone and we have to
try and impress him.
"It's an interesting and exciting time for everyone involved with the Club.
There's a lot of change going on but it's a bright time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET'S NOT GET AHEAD OF OURSELVES
By Iain Dale 7 Jun 2015 at 08:18
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Izo
There's no doubt we are an excellent prospect to any new manager coming in
to our club, with the move into the new stadium the main reason for us
actually being able to contemplate hiring managers of the ilk of Klopp,
Benitez or Emery. We have the history, the fan base, the right league, some
stability, a decent squad, good funds and real potential. But there's no
doubt we are still a work in progress.
Whoever takes over now won't get the riches that the stadium might
eventually bring, they will still get a budget on average with most teams in
mid table in the league. They will also probably have to oversea our
transition into the new stadium, which isn't always easy – as fans take time
to settle in, and atmosphere can take a while to adjust (although some big,
modern stadiums can suffer permanently). Not only that, they will be
expected to entertain to a degree, stay well clear of relegation and start a
long term project that could take years to reap rewards.
It's a big risk for any manager who has already achieved success in the
game, in reality why would Emery, fresh from winning the Europa League two
years in a row, come into a club that may take 4-5 years to get the same
point at best? A young manager has a reputation to build, successes can
quickly be forgotten should things not work out, and without experience the
Premier League can be a very tough league to work in. This type of manager
may not want to take that risk so early in their career, it can be tough to
come back from tattered reputations. Older managers may feel they've earned
a bigger job, somewhere where success is imminent rather than a long term
objective, or somewhere where the set up is ready to achieve success now,
not in 5 years time. A manager like Bielsa probably doesn't fancy his last
job in the game to be a long term project with no guarantee of success.
So perhaps we should be prepared to wait a little. Luring in a young manager
now is a very difficult task. Yes we are a club going places, but unless a
new manager gets £50m-100m it's a very tough ask to achieve what may be
required of them in just a couple of seasons. There is no rush to do all
this now – we're in it for the long term; I'm certainly not going anywhere,
are you? All we need at the moment is someone in charge to unite us all,
someone who will get on with the fans and steer a team good enough for the
top half to where they belong. It isn't the hardest job in world football,
it should be a good challenge for anyone. Let's get through this
transitional period with someone who has enough about them as a person to
keep us going until the benefits of the stadium move can kick in, if it is
true that it will open up new financial opportunities and allow us to
compete with the top 6 in the league.
If Bilic is our man, I think he has enough about him, personality-wise, to
keep us moving in the right direction, and who knows, he may have found the
right job for success for both him and us. We don't have to reach for the
stars too early, we are in this stadium for 99 years, we don't have to try
and achieve too much before we have even moved in. Bilic would be accepted
by most fans, and would at least be given a chance, he will get more leeway
than Sam did.
Once we move to the new stadium, fill it, and show new managers just what is
available to them by being able to show them the finished stadium, then
maybe we can look to realistically entice some of the most talented managers
out there. There's no reason to ask for too much too soon.
So we may have, in what is another aspect of the "West Ham way", aimed high
and shot low in going for the very best managers available (if the rumours
are to be believed), but if we don't end up with Champions or Europa League
winning managers then don't panic – it may take a few years to demonstrate
to everyone that we are worth taking a gamble on, it will seem much more
attainable once we actually move in to our new home.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Davids must be 100 pc sure on Slav!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in McAvennie The Legend, Whispers
C AND H
The one relationship – or two in West Ham's case – that matter above all
others inside a football club is the relationship between the manager and
his chairman/men!
If that's right, everything good will flow from it. If it's not then all the
three have ahead of them is trouble, with one possibly blaming the other
when things go wrong.
That's why David Gold, David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic have to ensure they
are on exactly the same page before a deal is offered and accepted.
I remember several years ago when I was covering a particular area for a
national newspaper being told the above by a well known manager who was
living in the shadow of a former boss who ultimately returned to the club.
That didn't work out and the events leading up to it were pretty horrendous
from the inside and in the end things went dramatically wrong for everybody
and the club.
The manager who was ultimately replaced explained to me: "I never had his
full confidence and that's the single most important thing in a club – the
relationship between boss and chairman."
So before there is any thought of slapping a contract in front of Slaven
Bilic to become our next manager, the two Davids must be 100 per cent sure
he is their man – nothing else will work. It's the way it has to be or they
are writing a recipe for disaster. He has to have their confidence.
Slav is very aware that he is not their first, second or even third choice
and this morning David Gold gave a bizarre interview to West Ham TV when he
said: "It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham history, that ticks
a box.
"Having Premier League experience and that doesn't mean English Premier
League, that means a man who has managed successfully in the big Italian
League, big Spanish League, big German League or a major league in the
world, that is a box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a
chance."
I assume he was using the word Premier with a small p because none of those
Leagues in Europe are the Premier League, nor do I see any managers in any
of them with West Ham history. Thus not all the boxes can possibly be
ticked.
There's only one former Hammer available and he sat in front of the three
board members today. He's an impressive man and a qualified lawyer.
He is considered an excellent boss by most of his peers but it may be that
the board is still smarting from having missed out on their top choices to
be able to fully evaluate Slav's.
I hope I have that wrong and that before 24 or 48 hours is up the former
defender becomes our next manager but that must only happen on the basis of
the co-chairmen being 1,000 onside with each other and 100 per cent behind
their chosen man.
Nothing else will work and if there's not a certainty then it's best to move
on!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic ranked way ahead of Sam on bosses list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will appoint a manager who is ranked 60 places higher than Sam
Allardyce on one prominent world boss rating website if they finally hand
Slaven Bilic a contract.
According to www.coachworldranking.com the former Hammers defender is the
world's 53rd most successful boss whilst Allardyce languishes back in 113th
place.
And even the apparently highly rated Marcelo Bielsa can only make it into
108th place whilst the Hammers initial top choice David Moyes makes it onto
the list at 117th.
waving sam_allardyce_1528056cAmong the other names reportedly chased by the
Irons are: Una Emery (3rd), Rafa Benitez (17th), Jurgen Klopp (28th), Frank
De Boer (57th), Roberto DiMatteo (61st). Garry Monk (72nd), Michael Laudrup
(192nd), Gus Poyet (271st).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ayew edges closer to West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to the Head of Sport for the Daily Mail and West Ham fan Lee
Clayton, Andre Ayew and West Ham are edging closer to completion of a deal.
Ayew, will be a free agent at the end of June when he comes to the close of
his Olympique de Marseille contract, he has attracted considerable interest
and is said to have several offers to choose from Premier League and
European teams.
L'OM president Vincent Labrune says he wishes Ayew well in the future."We
can't keep Ayew. He is a very important player for OM but we can't offer him
the kind of money English clubs can offer," he explained.
"The French financial system is complicated and we can't offer him an
equivalent salary to what he can earn in England. And equally, we can't ask
Ayew, who we love and is an icon of our team, to accept a lower salary. That
makes no sense so unfortunately he is going to quit the club and we hope he
has the great career that he deserves in England or somewhere else."
Ayew has scored 13 goals for his club this season and celebrated his final
days with Marseille by being named the best African player in Ligue 1.
Ayew was last linked in the January transfer window when it was said West
Ham would use their close relationship with Marseille wheeler and dealer
Willie McKay will help land Andre Ayew. Back in 2012 when was first linked
with the club Ayew told Sky Sports: "We are always interested playing one
day abroad, there is no official offer from West Ham but if such a
possibility could arrive, we will talk about with our advisers. West Ham is
an excellent team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic and Irons edging closer to deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic and West Ham are this evening understood to be slowly edging
towards a deal that would make the club's former player the 15th Irons
manager.
ClaretandHugh reported earlier today that 'Slav' has been interviewed and
since then talks have continued with his advisers over financial issues
covering such issues as:
O final wage and bonuses
O his backroom staff's salary levels
O compensation in the event of early termination
O players in and out
O plus London housing allowances and the like.
'Slav' is keen to take over at the club and will make financial sacrifices
to do so despite having received written offers from Europe. We understand
one of them is from a German club.
However, the 46 year old wants West Ham because of his love for the club and
the fans despite the fact that he would arrive on a smaller contract than he
could command elsewhere.
He is determined to get the right deal for his assitants and much could
depend on that as he is known as a man passionately loyal to his staff.
Talks are currently ongoing and although the odds are swinging towards him
we have been told categorically: "It's not done and may still not be. The
terms have to be right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
N'Doye linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Another player linked with West Ham this weekend is Hull City's Dame N'Doye.
He is likely to leave Hull after his brief spell at the KC Stadium because
of an exit clause in his contract if a Premier League comes in for him.
If West Ham appoint Slaven Bilic as their new manager commentators have been
quick to point out that Bilic signed N'Doye during his time as manager of
Lokomotiv Moscow.
At this point the link appears no stronger than N'Doye signed for Bilic in
Russia and is available following Hull's relegation to the Championship
Hull are thought to have paid 3 million Euros for the Senegalese striker
whose national team mates include Hammers Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 30 year old striker made 15 appearances for Hull last season scoring 5
times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lovren could reunite with Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
The Sun claims West ham could offer Dejan Lovren a way out of his Liverpool
nightmare if Slaven Bilic takes over as Hammers manager.
The report claims Bilic has already targeted the player who he worked with
as the coach of the Croatian national team.
Lovren suffered a difficult season at Liverpool after his £20m move from
Southampton last summer and is said to be up for a move to London to meet up
with his former manager. Liverpool may be ready to cut their losses after a
disastrous season for the Croatian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
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WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia played the full match as Ecuador romped to a 4-0 win over
Panama in their final friendly as they prepare to start their Copa America
campaign. Striker Miller Bolanos opened the scoring before a brace by Fidel
Martinez before half time put the Ecuadoreans firmly in control. Swansea
City's Jefferson Montero sealed the comprehensive victory for La Tricolor
just after the break. Ecuador open their Copa America campaign with a tough
away game against Chile on Friday 12 June, before fixtures against Bolivia
on Monday 15 June and Mexico on Friday 19 June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes enjoying Young Lions run of form
WHUFC.com
Sam Howes signing his pro contract with Tony Carr MBE and Academy
goalkeeping coaches Lee Harrison and Jerome John
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes is relishing the prospect of playing in
the England U18's double header against Russia.
The Young Lions travel to Moscow this weekend to play their European
counterparts in two friendlies as they prepare for their U19 qualifying
campaign next term.
Speaking ahead of the trip an excited Howes said: "I've never played Russia
before but we're expecting them to be good. We're going out there to try and
beat them, they haven't lost for a while at home so it'll be difficult but
we're up for it.
"I've been in the England system for two years now so I'm well used to
travelling all over the place. Every boy dreams of playing for your country.
At any age level it's always a proud achievement.
"The feeling when you pull the England top on will never ware off no matter
how many times I play. It's a sign that you're one of the best in the
country, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the lads they would say exactly the
same thing."
While Russia will be prove tough opposition, the Young Lions are in good
form themselves having won their last four games, including a 6-1 demolition
of Switzerland in March.
"There's definitely a good buzz about the England youth set up at the
moment. The U17s qualified for the World Cup and we've had some success
winning the Euros this time last year.
"It's a good time for English football with a lot of talented players coming
through. In the England U18 squad there a several stand out players. Dom
Solanke is a great player, Izzy Brown and a few others.
"As a team I think we've got a lot of talented players which has probably
made this team so successful. There's a phenomenal bond within the team,
stemming from winning the tournament last year. I think that is key to any
team and helps to get the best out of us."
Having enjoyed an impressive twelve months in a claret and blue shirt which
saw Howes make his first team debut in pre-season, the 17-year-old went on
to enjoy a good run of form for both the U18s and Development Squad.
"It's been a long season for me personally but I'm not complaining. It's all
good life experiences which will help me to develop. Overall, I'd say it's
been successful, there's been ups and downs but that's football really. I've
always enjoyed it at West Ham and I hope that continues.
"With the team qualifying for the Europa League it's an earlier start to the
season, but it'll be another good experience. Hopefully I'll be involved in
some way.
"I can't thank Sam Allardyce enough for giving me an opportunity with the
first team. He helped me a lot to develop as a player and as a person. But
with a new manager coming in, it's a new slate for everyone and we have to
try and impress him.
"It's an interesting and exciting time for everyone involved with the Club.
There's a lot of change going on but it's a bright time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET'S NOT GET AHEAD OF OURSELVES
By Iain Dale 7 Jun 2015 at 08:18
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Izo
There's no doubt we are an excellent prospect to any new manager coming in
to our club, with the move into the new stadium the main reason for us
actually being able to contemplate hiring managers of the ilk of Klopp,
Benitez or Emery. We have the history, the fan base, the right league, some
stability, a decent squad, good funds and real potential. But there's no
doubt we are still a work in progress.
Whoever takes over now won't get the riches that the stadium might
eventually bring, they will still get a budget on average with most teams in
mid table in the league. They will also probably have to oversea our
transition into the new stadium, which isn't always easy – as fans take time
to settle in, and atmosphere can take a while to adjust (although some big,
modern stadiums can suffer permanently). Not only that, they will be
expected to entertain to a degree, stay well clear of relegation and start a
long term project that could take years to reap rewards.
It's a big risk for any manager who has already achieved success in the
game, in reality why would Emery, fresh from winning the Europa League two
years in a row, come into a club that may take 4-5 years to get the same
point at best? A young manager has a reputation to build, successes can
quickly be forgotten should things not work out, and without experience the
Premier League can be a very tough league to work in. This type of manager
may not want to take that risk so early in their career, it can be tough to
come back from tattered reputations. Older managers may feel they've earned
a bigger job, somewhere where success is imminent rather than a long term
objective, or somewhere where the set up is ready to achieve success now,
not in 5 years time. A manager like Bielsa probably doesn't fancy his last
job in the game to be a long term project with no guarantee of success.
So perhaps we should be prepared to wait a little. Luring in a young manager
now is a very difficult task. Yes we are a club going places, but unless a
new manager gets £50m-100m it's a very tough ask to achieve what may be
required of them in just a couple of seasons. There is no rush to do all
this now – we're in it for the long term; I'm certainly not going anywhere,
are you? All we need at the moment is someone in charge to unite us all,
someone who will get on with the fans and steer a team good enough for the
top half to where they belong. It isn't the hardest job in world football,
it should be a good challenge for anyone. Let's get through this
transitional period with someone who has enough about them as a person to
keep us going until the benefits of the stadium move can kick in, if it is
true that it will open up new financial opportunities and allow us to
compete with the top 6 in the league.
If Bilic is our man, I think he has enough about him, personality-wise, to
keep us moving in the right direction, and who knows, he may have found the
right job for success for both him and us. We don't have to reach for the
stars too early, we are in this stadium for 99 years, we don't have to try
and achieve too much before we have even moved in. Bilic would be accepted
by most fans, and would at least be given a chance, he will get more leeway
than Sam did.
Once we move to the new stadium, fill it, and show new managers just what is
available to them by being able to show them the finished stadium, then
maybe we can look to realistically entice some of the most talented managers
out there. There's no reason to ask for too much too soon.
So we may have, in what is another aspect of the "West Ham way", aimed high
and shot low in going for the very best managers available (if the rumours
are to be believed), but if we don't end up with Champions or Europa League
winning managers then don't panic – it may take a few years to demonstrate
to everyone that we are worth taking a gamble on, it will seem much more
attainable once we actually move in to our new home.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Davids must be 100 pc sure on Slav!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in McAvennie The Legend, Whispers
C AND H
The one relationship – or two in West Ham's case – that matter above all
others inside a football club is the relationship between the manager and
his chairman/men!
If that's right, everything good will flow from it. If it's not then all the
three have ahead of them is trouble, with one possibly blaming the other
when things go wrong.
That's why David Gold, David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic have to ensure they
are on exactly the same page before a deal is offered and accepted.
I remember several years ago when I was covering a particular area for a
national newspaper being told the above by a well known manager who was
living in the shadow of a former boss who ultimately returned to the club.
That didn't work out and the events leading up to it were pretty horrendous
from the inside and in the end things went dramatically wrong for everybody
and the club.
The manager who was ultimately replaced explained to me: "I never had his
full confidence and that's the single most important thing in a club – the
relationship between boss and chairman."
So before there is any thought of slapping a contract in front of Slaven
Bilic to become our next manager, the two Davids must be 100 per cent sure
he is their man – nothing else will work. It's the way it has to be or they
are writing a recipe for disaster. He has to have their confidence.
Slav is very aware that he is not their first, second or even third choice
and this morning David Gold gave a bizarre interview to West Ham TV when he
said: "It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham history, that ticks
a box.
"Having Premier League experience and that doesn't mean English Premier
League, that means a man who has managed successfully in the big Italian
League, big Spanish League, big German League or a major league in the
world, that is a box that needs to be ticked, we don't want to take a
chance."
I assume he was using the word Premier with a small p because none of those
Leagues in Europe are the Premier League, nor do I see any managers in any
of them with West Ham history. Thus not all the boxes can possibly be
ticked.
There's only one former Hammer available and he sat in front of the three
board members today. He's an impressive man and a qualified lawyer.
He is considered an excellent boss by most of his peers but it may be that
the board is still smarting from having missed out on their top choices to
be able to fully evaluate Slav's.
I hope I have that wrong and that before 24 or 48 hours is up the former
defender becomes our next manager but that must only happen on the basis of
the co-chairmen being 1,000 onside with each other and 100 per cent behind
their chosen man.
Nothing else will work and if there's not a certainty then it's best to move
on!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic ranked way ahead of Sam on bosses list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will appoint a manager who is ranked 60 places higher than Sam
Allardyce on one prominent world boss rating website if they finally hand
Slaven Bilic a contract.
According to www.coachworldranking.com the former Hammers defender is the
world's 53rd most successful boss whilst Allardyce languishes back in 113th
place.
And even the apparently highly rated Marcelo Bielsa can only make it into
108th place whilst the Hammers initial top choice David Moyes makes it onto
the list at 117th.
waving sam_allardyce_1528056cAmong the other names reportedly chased by the
Irons are: Una Emery (3rd), Rafa Benitez (17th), Jurgen Klopp (28th), Frank
De Boer (57th), Roberto DiMatteo (61st). Garry Monk (72nd), Michael Laudrup
(192nd), Gus Poyet (271st).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ayew edges closer to West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to the Head of Sport for the Daily Mail and West Ham fan Lee
Clayton, Andre Ayew and West Ham are edging closer to completion of a deal.
Ayew, will be a free agent at the end of June when he comes to the close of
his Olympique de Marseille contract, he has attracted considerable interest
and is said to have several offers to choose from Premier League and
European teams.
L'OM president Vincent Labrune says he wishes Ayew well in the future."We
can't keep Ayew. He is a very important player for OM but we can't offer him
the kind of money English clubs can offer," he explained.
"The French financial system is complicated and we can't offer him an
equivalent salary to what he can earn in England. And equally, we can't ask
Ayew, who we love and is an icon of our team, to accept a lower salary. That
makes no sense so unfortunately he is going to quit the club and we hope he
has the great career that he deserves in England or somewhere else."
Ayew has scored 13 goals for his club this season and celebrated his final
days with Marseille by being named the best African player in Ligue 1.
Ayew was last linked in the January transfer window when it was said West
Ham would use their close relationship with Marseille wheeler and dealer
Willie McKay will help land Andre Ayew. Back in 2012 when was first linked
with the club Ayew told Sky Sports: "We are always interested playing one
day abroad, there is no official offer from West Ham but if such a
possibility could arrive, we will talk about with our advisers. West Ham is
an excellent team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic and Irons edging closer to deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 7, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic and West Ham are this evening understood to be slowly edging
towards a deal that would make the club's former player the 15th Irons
manager.
ClaretandHugh reported earlier today that 'Slav' has been interviewed and
since then talks have continued with his advisers over financial issues
covering such issues as:
O final wage and bonuses
O his backroom staff's salary levels
O compensation in the event of early termination
O players in and out
O plus London housing allowances and the like.
'Slav' is keen to take over at the club and will make financial sacrifices
to do so despite having received written offers from Europe. We understand
one of them is from a German club.
However, the 46 year old wants West Ham because of his love for the club and
the fans despite the fact that he would arrive on a smaller contract than he
could command elsewhere.
He is determined to get the right deal for his assitants and much could
depend on that as he is known as a man passionately loyal to his staff.
Talks are currently ongoing and although the odds are swinging towards him
we have been told categorically: "It's not done and may still not be. The
terms have to be right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
N'Doye linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Another player linked with West Ham this weekend is Hull City's Dame N'Doye.
He is likely to leave Hull after his brief spell at the KC Stadium because
of an exit clause in his contract if a Premier League comes in for him.
If West Ham appoint Slaven Bilic as their new manager commentators have been
quick to point out that Bilic signed N'Doye during his time as manager of
Lokomotiv Moscow.
At this point the link appears no stronger than N'Doye signed for Bilic in
Russia and is available following Hull's relegation to the Championship
Hull are thought to have paid 3 million Euros for the Senegalese striker
whose national team mates include Hammers Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 30 year old striker made 15 appearances for Hull last season scoring 5
times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lovren could reunite with Bilic
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
The Sun claims West ham could offer Dejan Lovren a way out of his Liverpool
nightmare if Slaven Bilic takes over as Hammers manager.
The report claims Bilic has already targeted the player who he worked with
as the coach of the Croatian national team.
Lovren suffered a difficult season at Liverpool after his £20m move from
Southampton last summer and is said to be up for a move to London to meet up
with his former manager. Liverpool may be ready to cut their losses after a
disastrous season for the Croatian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Sunday, June 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th June 2015
On this day - 7 June
WHUFC.com
Classic match
West Ham United 2-3 Queens Park Rangers
Southern Regional League
Saturday 7 June 1941, Boleyn Ground
By 7 June, modern-day footballers have usually packed their boots away for
the summer in favour of flip-flops and swimming trunks. Back in 1941, at the
height of the Second World War, it was a different story.
West Ham United arrived on this day in 1941 still playing for the Southern
Regional League title. The Hammers knew, however, that they would have to
overcome Queens Park Rangers at the Boleyn Ground to overhaul leaders
Crystal Palace on goal average.
This task proved impossible as the visitors won a thrilling match by the odd
goal in five, with the prolific Alec George Foreman and 1940 War Cup final
hero Sam Small on target for the hosts. Foreman's goal was his 34th in 39
games that season, but it was not enough to hold off the Hoops in front of a
brave crowd of just 2,100.
The title was decided on goal average as hostilities left many fixtures
unfulfilled. The following season, 1941/42, West Ham competed in a
London-only competition to save on resources and costs.
Anniversary
Brazil 1-0 England
FIFA World Cup Group 3
Sunday 7 June 1970, Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
Today marks the anniversary of 'that tackle' by West Ham United and England
legend Bobby Moore MBE. Moore was captaining England at the 1970 FIFA World
Cup finals in Mexico when they faced Brazil in their second group-stage
fixture in Guadalajara.
Playing alongside fellow Hammers Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst in stifling
heat, England started well before Brazil countered and Pele forced Gordon
Banks into what is considered to be the greatest save of all time. Peters
himself then missed a headed chance, while Brazil's attacks were repeatedly
repelled by the imperious Moore.
Moore's performance was a highlight reel in itself, but the West Ham
defender's greatest moment arrived when he bent down on one knee to make a
perfect block tackle to deny Jairzinho. Unfortunately, the same player would
score Brazil's winner just before the hour-mark to secure the narrowest of
victories for the South Americans.
England would go on to beat Czechoslovakia 1-0 in their third group fixture
but were edged out 3-2 by West Germany at the quarter-final stage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes enjoying Young Lions run of form
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes is relishing the prospect of playing in
the England U18's double header against Russia.
The Young Lions travel to Moscow this weekend to play their European
counterparts in two friendlies as they prepare for their U19 qualifying
campaign next term.
Speaking ahead of the trip an excited Howes said: "I've never played Russia
before but we're expecting them to be good. We're going out there to try and
beat them, they haven't lost for a while at home so it'll be difficult but
we're up for it.
"I've been in the England system for two years now so I'm well used to
travelling all over the place. Every boy dreams of playing for your country.
At any age level it's always a proud achievement.
"The feeling when you pull the England top on will never ware off no matter
how many times I play. It's a sign that you're one of the best in the
country, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the lads they would say exactly the
same thing."
While Russia will be prove tough opposition, the Young Lions are in good
form themselves having won their last four games, including a 6-1 demolition
of Switzerland in March.
"There's definitely a good buzz about the England youth set up at the
moment. The U17s qualified for the World Cup and we've had some success
winning the Euros this time last year.
"It's a good time for English football with a lot of talented players coming
through. In the England U18 squad there a several stand out players. Dom
Solanke is a great player, Izzy Brown and a few others.
"As a team I think we've got a lot of talented players which has probably
made this team so successful. There's a phenomenal bond within the team,
stemming from winning the tournament last year. I think that is key to any
team and helps to get the best out of us."
Having enjoyed an impressive twelve months in a claret and blue shirt which
saw Howes make his first team debut in pre-season, the 17-year-old went on
to enjoy a good run of form for both the U18s and Development Squad.
"It's been a long season for me personally but I'm not complaining. It's all
good life experiences which will help me to develop. Overall, I'd say it's
been successful, there's been ups and downs but that's football really. I've
always enjoyed it at West Ham and I hope that continues.
"With the team qualifying for the Europa League it's an earlier start to the
season, but it'll be another good experience. Hopefully I'll be involved in
some way.
"I can't thank Sam Allardyce enough for giving me an opportunity with the
first team. He helped me a lot to develop as a player and as a person. But
with a new manager coming in, it's a new slate for everyone and we have to
try and impress him.
"It's an interesting and exciting time for everyone involved with the Club.
There's a lot of change going on but it's a bright time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet's Uruguay set for Brazilian tie
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet's Uruguay have progressed to the Round of 16 where they will
face Brazil on Thursday 11 June.
The talented midfielder played the full game as Uruguay drew 1-1 with Mali
to come second in Group D of the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Uruguayan forward Franco Acosta put his side ahead in the 16th minute,
finishing Ramiro Guerra's well-executed pass.
However, Malian attacking midfielder Adama Traore, who plays for Lille,
levelled the score just before half-time.
With Serbia beating Mexico in the other group game, Mali had the better
opportunities of the second half yet the South Americans held firm to secure
a crucial point.
Speaking after the game, the West Ham United midfielder spoke of his delight
at getting through a tough group: "The teams very happy to have gone
through, in which was by far the toughest group. Anyone in the group could
have gone through and we're very pleased.
"We've drawn Brazil, whom so far have had a really good World Cup scoring
lots of goals, so it will be a tough game but one that we will not shy away
from, especially even more so as they are a from South America too.
"The game was tough, I started off playing in midfield and then had to play
the last 30 minutes at centre back, but we knew a draw would get us through
and we saw the game out well."
Uruguayan coach Fabian Coito echoed Poyet's sentiments, saying: "It was a
very difficult match for us, and the fact that we were dependent on results
elsewhere meant that our nerves were really jangling.
"We wanted to finish first, but we couldn't quite make it in the end. I
think Mali are a very fine team and a draw was the right result."
Uruguay will play Brazil on Thursday 11 June, 7.30pm local time in Hamilton,
New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers announce pre-season friendlies
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will prepare for the 2015/16 season with a series of
friendly matches on English soil, including a trip to newly-promoted Norwich
City.
With the Europa League qualifying rounds taking place throughout July, the
Hammers will be staying close to home for this year's pre-season warm-ups.
A short journey to Essex will see the Hammers visit Weston Homes Community
Stadium to play Colchester United on 21 July at 7.45pm.
Even closer to home, West Ham will play Championship side Charlton Athletic
at The Valley on 25 July at 3pm, before the away warm-up fixtures conclude
with a trip to Norwich City on 28 July at 7.45pm, fresh from their
Championship play-off victory at Wembley.
Next season marks the 80th anniversary of Norwich's presence at Carrow Road,
and the friendly is being played to commemorate the first match played at
the ground in the old Division Two on 31 August 1935, which turned into a
thrilling 4-3 victory for the home side over the Hammers.
Further details of West Ham's pre-season preparations and fixtures will be
released in due course and details of how to buy tickets will appear on the
Box Office.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TIME TO FORGIVE AND FORGET
By Sean Whetstone 6 Jun 2015 at 09:16
West Ham Till I Die
It is now clear that former Hammer Slaven Bilic is the over whelming fan's
choice of those candidates still remaining after Unai Emery signed a new
contract with Sevilla on Friday and Marcelo Bielsa appears to be on verge of
doing the same with Marseille. I think the odds on favourite will soon be
appointed as the 15th manager of West Ham as early as next week but who
knows what twists and turns still remain in the latest episode of the
Hammers managerial search drama. However, a small minority of die hard fans
refuse to forgive Slav for leaving West Ham to join Everton 18 years ago.
Back in the late nineties some West Ham fans suggested Bilic was worth 30
pieces of silver after he joined Everton after 18 months with the Hammers.
Travelling Hammers fans to Goodison park in August 1997 branded him "Judas"
and chanted "There's only one greedy bastard."
Bilic was understandably hurt by those taunts at the time, particularly as
he claimed he had delayed his West Ham departure last season to help the
club beat relegation.
"The fans have given me stick, but there are not many players who would have
done what I did, I risked my move and my contract to help them stay up so
I'm very disappointed with the reaction of the West Ham supporters. But,
hey, I don't care what the West Ham fans think because I know that I showed
a lot of loyalty to their club." Bilic said following the Everton v West Ham
match in August 1997 which West Ham lost 2-1. That game also marked the
debut for David Unsworth who moved from Everton earlier that month.
Harry Redknapp originally signed Bilic for a fee of £1.3 million in January
1996 and set a new club record for highest fee paid for an incoming player
at the time. He made his debut on 12th February 1996 in a 1–0 away win
against Spurs. Bilic's shot was saved by Spurs goalkeeper, Ian Walker, only
for West Ham's Dani, another debutant, to divert the ball into the Spurs
goal. He scored three goals in his time with West Ham after making 54
appearances in total; two of his goals came in the Premier League, against
Liverpool and Sunderland, and one in the League Cup against Barnet,
heading-in from a Stan Lazaridis corner. Bilic played 13 games in the
1995–96 season and 41 in the 1996–97 season, a season which also saw him
voted a runner-up, to Julian Dicks, for the Hammer of the Year award. In
March 1997 Everton manager Joe Royle brokered a £4.5M move for the former
Hammer but he only went on to play 28 times for the Toffees.
Time to forgive and forget and reunite behind a new manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marcelo Bielsa wants West Ham job and REFUSES to sign new Marseille deal
22:30, 6 JUNE 2015
BY DEAN JONES
Slaven Bilic is favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce but Argentinian won't
accept improved offer from his current employers if he still has a chance at
the role
The Mirror
Marcelo Bielsa has not yet signed his new Marseille deal – as he wants to go
head-to-head with Slaven Bilic for the West Ham job. His French side have
put an improved deal on the table for Bielsa to remain their boss and the
details have been agreed. But now that Unai Emery has committed his future
to Sevilla, it is becoming apparent that the Hammers are running short of
options to succeed Sam Allardyce. Bilic is favourite, but Bielsa wants to
find out if he is back in the frame before committing himself to Marseille.
Bilic is beginning to look a strong contender now that other names – such as
Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and Emery – have dropped out of the race
completely. But Swansea boss Garry Monk and his predecessor at the Welsh
club, Michael Laudrup, are outsiders who could yet be considered more
seriously.
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Gold lifts lid on managerial search
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Joint Chairman David Gold has spoken to the club's official TV
channel to lift the lid on the board's managerial search.
Speaking to West Ham Tv Gold spoke about the search for a new manager:
"It's hard work, the fans have mixed opinions on who they would like but
what I can tell you is David Sullivan is working (hard), I have never know
him at such as frenzy, by that I mean he is buzzing and working all hours
that god sends in an effort to bring the best possible manager (in)"
Asked about the progress of the search Gold replied "Every day goes by, it
is a case of elimination. It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham
history, that ticks a box. Having Premier League experience (and) that
doesn't mean English Premier League, that means a man who has managed
successfully in the big Italian league, big Spanish league, the German
league (or) a major league in the world, that is a box that needs to be
ticked, we don't want to take a chance."
Talking about any up and coming manager candidates in lower leagues Gold
added: "I am making this up but say there is a fantastic manager at
Accrington Stanley and everybody is raving about him. We wouldn't want to
take that risk at West Ham. Untried, although exciting and achieving at
lower levels, that's not what we are about. We are about bringing in an
established that has been there and done it!"
Asked how quickly we can all expect an announcement of a new manager Gold
added "I would like to have (a manager) in place right this minute. It is
delicate balance, we need to get someone in as quick as possible but by the
same token we are not going to bring someone who is second best"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham scouts at Champions League Final
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Angelo-OgbonnaAccording to ESPN West Ham scouts are watching Juventus
defender Angelo Ogbonna in the Champions League final against Barcelona
tonight.
It was claimed they thought Ogbonna could replace the injured Giorgio
Chiellini if Andrea Barzagli was also ruled out of the final in Berlin.
Barzagli has started the final and Ogbonna remains on the subs bench but
what a great way to blag tickets for the Champions League final whether we
are interested in him or not.
Apparently Liverpool and Spurs scouts had the same idea and are also
enjoying the final in Germany tonight at the expense of their clubs, I bet
they are! The other other 17 Premier League scouting staff are now kicking
themselves they didn't think of it either.
Former Hammers Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano line up against each other
this evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic ready to take 'sensible' wage deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 6, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic heads into his interview with the West Ham board ready to work
on considerably less than the £2.9 million a year picked up by Sam Allardyce
over his time in charge at Upton Park.
ClaretandHugh has learned that Bilic has arrived in the UK and that whilst
the two Davids are likely to agree on an offer, vice chairman Karren Brady
may have reservations.
However, his readiness to work on a sensible wage deal could influence
things when they get down to making their crucial decision.
The board are always keen to agree on major issues but the impressive Bilic
could easily bring them together in an interview setting.
However, with the board members possibly taking different positions the
appointment is no a shoe-in after a series of setbacks in attracting a big
name boss.
The big former central defender is keen to take over at the club and would
work on as much as £1 million less than Allardyce.
But should he be turned down by the Irons board he will not be short of
offers with Fenerbache and a couple of Premier League clubs rumoured to be
interested in him.
Bilic though remains a massive fans choice to take over at the after
collecting over 64 per cent of the vote in a ClaretandHugh poll earlier this
week.
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Former Hammer backs Di Canio
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammer Trevor Sinclair has suggested on twitter that fellow former
Hammer Paolo Di Canio would be a good managerial appointment for West Ham.
When Sinclair was asked who he would like to see as the next West Ham
manager the former winger answered "Slav or Di Canio and I know what
people's reaction might be to the latter but feel he loves the club and
would do well"
In 2013 Sinclair described Di Canio 'as mad as a hatter' while commenting on
his fascism comment.
"Paolo's comments should be taken with a pinch of salt because he's as mad
as a hatter. But I feel he should apologise for upsetting so many people
with his actions and comments and make it clear once and for all if he is or
isn't racist or fascist." said Sinclair at the time about his old pal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendo: 'Results were due to lack of support for Allardyce'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former West Ham First team coach Ian Hendon claims West Ham's lack of
results in the second half of the season were down to lack of support from
fans for Sam Allardyce. Ian Hendon who was appointed as Leyton Orient head
coach late last week was addressing the media for the first time and
believes he can bring stability to the O's who have had four different
managers last season, which ultimately ended in relegation.
"I have just come from West Ham where the support for the manager Sam
Allardyce wasn't the best and I think the results and everything else that
happened were due to a lack of support. We need 100 per cent from the fans
and I want them to be 100 per cent behind the team on a Saturday when we go
out on to the pitch because it can only help us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pre season friendly schedule released
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will visit Weston Homes Community Stadium to play Colchester United
on 21st July at 7.45pm as part of shortened pre season friendly build up
schedule.
The Hammers will play Championship side Charlton Athletic 4 days later at
The Valley on 25th July at 3pm.
Another away trip to Norwich City 3 days later on 28th July at 7.45pm will
take place Carrow Road.
West Ham have a number of Europa League scheduled in July and August
assuming they proceed through the three qualifying rounds.
Europa League First Qualifying Round 1st Leg 2nd July 2nd Leg 9th July
Europa League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg 16th July 2nd Leg 23rd July
Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg 30th July 2nd Leg 6th August
The Premier League season gets underway on Saturday 8th August with the
schedule released on Wednesday 17th June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crazy swap deal touted
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to www.calciomercato.com Sampdoria club President Massimo Ferrero
wants to discuss a swap deal with West Ham over the next few days involving
Enner Valencia and Pedro Obiang swapping clubs. West Ham are thought to have
previously agreed a deal with Sampdoria for £5.75m for the permanent
transfer of Obiang as a permanent replacement for Alex Song.
Enner Valencia cost the Hammers an initial £12m but that can rise to £15m
based on certain factors. I hope the eccentric looking Sampodorian club
president has a large cheque book to cover the difference unless he wants a
door slammed firmly in his face by David Sullivan.
Italian website Tutto Mercato says Ferrero will fly in to London today as he
attempts to conclude transfer business with a number of English clubs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton must pay £8million for Alex Song as they consider Morgan
Schneiderlin replacements
22:30, 6 JUNE 2015
BY NEIL MOXLEY
The midfielder will be allowed to leave Barcelona this summer and Ronald
Koeman is interested
The Mirror
Southampton are being asked to cough up £8million for Alex Song, writes Neil
Moxley in the Sunday People.
The Saints have emerged as favourites to sign the Barcelona midfielder who
has been told this week by boss Luis Enrique that he can go.
Song, 27, still has one season remaining on his contract with the Catalan
club and spent the last campaign on loan at West Ham.
He became a firm favourite at Upton Park but has returned to Spain to
discover if he has a future under Enrique.
With doubts over the future of Morgan Schneiderlin, Saints are in the market
for another midfield enforcer with their France international already having
expressed a desire to test himself in the Champions League next season.
Rex FeaturesReferee Jon Moss speaks to Morgan Schneiderlin
Song would form a formidable partnership with Victor Wanyama at the heart of
the Saints' midfield but Ronald Koeman and the decision-makers at the south
coast club believe the fee for him is too high.
However, the Dutchman has to plan for next season with one eye on a campaign
in the Europa League.
Sources close to the Cameroon international say he is keen to return to the
Premier League – but unless Southampton increase their offer he will be
staying in Barcelona.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic eagerly waits for an approach from former club West Ham
With Benitez, Ancelotti, Moyes and Conte all ruling themselves out of the
running, Bilic's case is strengthening at Upton Park
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:29PM BST 06 Jun 2015
Slaven Bilic is prepared to wait and see whether West Ham United turn to him
to become their next manager. The Croatian left the Turkish club Besiktas at
the end of the season and is desperate to take over at West Ham.
However, although there has been contact between Bilic's representatives and
the club the former defender is aware that he has not, so far, figured at
the head of West Ham's list of candidates. He is, though, moving up the
list.
With Unai Emery the latest to decide against taking the job, signing a
contract extension at Sevilla instead, Bilic's candidacy has been
strengthened.
So far Rafael Benitez, Carlo Ancelotti, David Moyes and Italy coach Antonio
Conte have also decided against becoming Sam Allardyce's successor.
Garry Monk, the Swansea City manager, and the Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa
have also been considered by West Ham along with Michael Laudrup, who is
coaching in Qatar.
Bilic would be a highly-popular choice among West Ham supporters having
become something of a cult hero even though he only played for the club for
a short time in 1996-97 before moving to Everton. The 46-year-old has long
hankered after the chance to manage in the Premier League having also
coached the Croatia national team and Lokomotiv Moscow.
West Ham know the appointment of their new manager is vitally important
given the impending move to the Olympic Stadium next year and with the club
ambitious to try and break into the top in the Premier League funds are
available.
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WHUFC.com
Classic match
West Ham United 2-3 Queens Park Rangers
Southern Regional League
Saturday 7 June 1941, Boleyn Ground
By 7 June, modern-day footballers have usually packed their boots away for
the summer in favour of flip-flops and swimming trunks. Back in 1941, at the
height of the Second World War, it was a different story.
West Ham United arrived on this day in 1941 still playing for the Southern
Regional League title. The Hammers knew, however, that they would have to
overcome Queens Park Rangers at the Boleyn Ground to overhaul leaders
Crystal Palace on goal average.
This task proved impossible as the visitors won a thrilling match by the odd
goal in five, with the prolific Alec George Foreman and 1940 War Cup final
hero Sam Small on target for the hosts. Foreman's goal was his 34th in 39
games that season, but it was not enough to hold off the Hoops in front of a
brave crowd of just 2,100.
The title was decided on goal average as hostilities left many fixtures
unfulfilled. The following season, 1941/42, West Ham competed in a
London-only competition to save on resources and costs.
Anniversary
Brazil 1-0 England
FIFA World Cup Group 3
Sunday 7 June 1970, Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
Today marks the anniversary of 'that tackle' by West Ham United and England
legend Bobby Moore MBE. Moore was captaining England at the 1970 FIFA World
Cup finals in Mexico when they faced Brazil in their second group-stage
fixture in Guadalajara.
Playing alongside fellow Hammers Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst in stifling
heat, England started well before Brazil countered and Pele forced Gordon
Banks into what is considered to be the greatest save of all time. Peters
himself then missed a headed chance, while Brazil's attacks were repeatedly
repelled by the imperious Moore.
Moore's performance was a highlight reel in itself, but the West Ham
defender's greatest moment arrived when he bent down on one knee to make a
perfect block tackle to deny Jairzinho. Unfortunately, the same player would
score Brazil's winner just before the hour-mark to secure the narrowest of
victories for the South Americans.
England would go on to beat Czechoslovakia 1-0 in their third group fixture
but were edged out 3-2 by West Germany at the quarter-final stage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes enjoying Young Lions run of form
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Sam Howes is relishing the prospect of playing in
the England U18's double header against Russia.
The Young Lions travel to Moscow this weekend to play their European
counterparts in two friendlies as they prepare for their U19 qualifying
campaign next term.
Speaking ahead of the trip an excited Howes said: "I've never played Russia
before but we're expecting them to be good. We're going out there to try and
beat them, they haven't lost for a while at home so it'll be difficult but
we're up for it.
"I've been in the England system for two years now so I'm well used to
travelling all over the place. Every boy dreams of playing for your country.
At any age level it's always a proud achievement.
"The feeling when you pull the England top on will never ware off no matter
how many times I play. It's a sign that you're one of the best in the
country, I'm sure if you spoke to any of the lads they would say exactly the
same thing."
While Russia will be prove tough opposition, the Young Lions are in good
form themselves having won their last four games, including a 6-1 demolition
of Switzerland in March.
"There's definitely a good buzz about the England youth set up at the
moment. The U17s qualified for the World Cup and we've had some success
winning the Euros this time last year.
"It's a good time for English football with a lot of talented players coming
through. In the England U18 squad there a several stand out players. Dom
Solanke is a great player, Izzy Brown and a few others.
"As a team I think we've got a lot of talented players which has probably
made this team so successful. There's a phenomenal bond within the team,
stemming from winning the tournament last year. I think that is key to any
team and helps to get the best out of us."
Having enjoyed an impressive twelve months in a claret and blue shirt which
saw Howes make his first team debut in pre-season, the 17-year-old went on
to enjoy a good run of form for both the U18s and Development Squad.
"It's been a long season for me personally but I'm not complaining. It's all
good life experiences which will help me to develop. Overall, I'd say it's
been successful, there's been ups and downs but that's football really. I've
always enjoyed it at West Ham and I hope that continues.
"With the team qualifying for the Europa League it's an earlier start to the
season, but it'll be another good experience. Hopefully I'll be involved in
some way.
"I can't thank Sam Allardyce enough for giving me an opportunity with the
first team. He helped me a lot to develop as a player and as a person. But
with a new manager coming in, it's a new slate for everyone and we have to
try and impress him.
"It's an interesting and exciting time for everyone involved with the Club.
There's a lot of change going on but it's a bright time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet's Uruguay set for Brazilian tie
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet's Uruguay have progressed to the Round of 16 where they will
face Brazil on Thursday 11 June.
The talented midfielder played the full game as Uruguay drew 1-1 with Mali
to come second in Group D of the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Uruguayan forward Franco Acosta put his side ahead in the 16th minute,
finishing Ramiro Guerra's well-executed pass.
However, Malian attacking midfielder Adama Traore, who plays for Lille,
levelled the score just before half-time.
With Serbia beating Mexico in the other group game, Mali had the better
opportunities of the second half yet the South Americans held firm to secure
a crucial point.
Speaking after the game, the West Ham United midfielder spoke of his delight
at getting through a tough group: "The teams very happy to have gone
through, in which was by far the toughest group. Anyone in the group could
have gone through and we're very pleased.
"We've drawn Brazil, whom so far have had a really good World Cup scoring
lots of goals, so it will be a tough game but one that we will not shy away
from, especially even more so as they are a from South America too.
"The game was tough, I started off playing in midfield and then had to play
the last 30 minutes at centre back, but we knew a draw would get us through
and we saw the game out well."
Uruguayan coach Fabian Coito echoed Poyet's sentiments, saying: "It was a
very difficult match for us, and the fact that we were dependent on results
elsewhere meant that our nerves were really jangling.
"We wanted to finish first, but we couldn't quite make it in the end. I
think Mali are a very fine team and a draw was the right result."
Uruguay will play Brazil on Thursday 11 June, 7.30pm local time in Hamilton,
New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers announce pre-season friendlies
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will prepare for the 2015/16 season with a series of
friendly matches on English soil, including a trip to newly-promoted Norwich
City.
With the Europa League qualifying rounds taking place throughout July, the
Hammers will be staying close to home for this year's pre-season warm-ups.
A short journey to Essex will see the Hammers visit Weston Homes Community
Stadium to play Colchester United on 21 July at 7.45pm.
Even closer to home, West Ham will play Championship side Charlton Athletic
at The Valley on 25 July at 3pm, before the away warm-up fixtures conclude
with a trip to Norwich City on 28 July at 7.45pm, fresh from their
Championship play-off victory at Wembley.
Next season marks the 80th anniversary of Norwich's presence at Carrow Road,
and the friendly is being played to commemorate the first match played at
the ground in the old Division Two on 31 August 1935, which turned into a
thrilling 4-3 victory for the home side over the Hammers.
Further details of West Ham's pre-season preparations and fixtures will be
released in due course and details of how to buy tickets will appear on the
Box Office.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TIME TO FORGIVE AND FORGET
By Sean Whetstone 6 Jun 2015 at 09:16
West Ham Till I Die
It is now clear that former Hammer Slaven Bilic is the over whelming fan's
choice of those candidates still remaining after Unai Emery signed a new
contract with Sevilla on Friday and Marcelo Bielsa appears to be on verge of
doing the same with Marseille. I think the odds on favourite will soon be
appointed as the 15th manager of West Ham as early as next week but who
knows what twists and turns still remain in the latest episode of the
Hammers managerial search drama. However, a small minority of die hard fans
refuse to forgive Slav for leaving West Ham to join Everton 18 years ago.
Back in the late nineties some West Ham fans suggested Bilic was worth 30
pieces of silver after he joined Everton after 18 months with the Hammers.
Travelling Hammers fans to Goodison park in August 1997 branded him "Judas"
and chanted "There's only one greedy bastard."
Bilic was understandably hurt by those taunts at the time, particularly as
he claimed he had delayed his West Ham departure last season to help the
club beat relegation.
"The fans have given me stick, but there are not many players who would have
done what I did, I risked my move and my contract to help them stay up so
I'm very disappointed with the reaction of the West Ham supporters. But,
hey, I don't care what the West Ham fans think because I know that I showed
a lot of loyalty to their club." Bilic said following the Everton v West Ham
match in August 1997 which West Ham lost 2-1. That game also marked the
debut for David Unsworth who moved from Everton earlier that month.
Harry Redknapp originally signed Bilic for a fee of £1.3 million in January
1996 and set a new club record for highest fee paid for an incoming player
at the time. He made his debut on 12th February 1996 in a 1–0 away win
against Spurs. Bilic's shot was saved by Spurs goalkeeper, Ian Walker, only
for West Ham's Dani, another debutant, to divert the ball into the Spurs
goal. He scored three goals in his time with West Ham after making 54
appearances in total; two of his goals came in the Premier League, against
Liverpool and Sunderland, and one in the League Cup against Barnet,
heading-in from a Stan Lazaridis corner. Bilic played 13 games in the
1995–96 season and 41 in the 1996–97 season, a season which also saw him
voted a runner-up, to Julian Dicks, for the Hammer of the Year award. In
March 1997 Everton manager Joe Royle brokered a £4.5M move for the former
Hammer but he only went on to play 28 times for the Toffees.
Time to forgive and forget and reunite behind a new manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marcelo Bielsa wants West Ham job and REFUSES to sign new Marseille deal
22:30, 6 JUNE 2015
BY DEAN JONES
Slaven Bilic is favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce but Argentinian won't
accept improved offer from his current employers if he still has a chance at
the role
The Mirror
Marcelo Bielsa has not yet signed his new Marseille deal – as he wants to go
head-to-head with Slaven Bilic for the West Ham job. His French side have
put an improved deal on the table for Bielsa to remain their boss and the
details have been agreed. But now that Unai Emery has committed his future
to Sevilla, it is becoming apparent that the Hammers are running short of
options to succeed Sam Allardyce. Bilic is favourite, but Bielsa wants to
find out if he is back in the frame before committing himself to Marseille.
Bilic is beginning to look a strong contender now that other names – such as
Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and Emery – have dropped out of the race
completely. But Swansea boss Garry Monk and his predecessor at the Welsh
club, Michael Laudrup, are outsiders who could yet be considered more
seriously.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold lifts lid on managerial search
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 7, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Joint Chairman David Gold has spoken to the club's official TV
channel to lift the lid on the board's managerial search.
Speaking to West Ham Tv Gold spoke about the search for a new manager:
"It's hard work, the fans have mixed opinions on who they would like but
what I can tell you is David Sullivan is working (hard), I have never know
him at such as frenzy, by that I mean he is buzzing and working all hours
that god sends in an effort to bring the best possible manager (in)"
Asked about the progress of the search Gold replied "Every day goes by, it
is a case of elimination. It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham
history, that ticks a box. Having Premier League experience (and) that
doesn't mean English Premier League, that means a man who has managed
successfully in the big Italian league, big Spanish league, the German
league (or) a major league in the world, that is a box that needs to be
ticked, we don't want to take a chance."
Talking about any up and coming manager candidates in lower leagues Gold
added: "I am making this up but say there is a fantastic manager at
Accrington Stanley and everybody is raving about him. We wouldn't want to
take that risk at West Ham. Untried, although exciting and achieving at
lower levels, that's not what we are about. We are about bringing in an
established that has been there and done it!"
Asked how quickly we can all expect an announcement of a new manager Gold
added "I would like to have (a manager) in place right this minute. It is
delicate balance, we need to get someone in as quick as possible but by the
same token we are not going to bring someone who is second best"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham scouts at Champions League Final
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Angelo-OgbonnaAccording to ESPN West Ham scouts are watching Juventus
defender Angelo Ogbonna in the Champions League final against Barcelona
tonight.
It was claimed they thought Ogbonna could replace the injured Giorgio
Chiellini if Andrea Barzagli was also ruled out of the final in Berlin.
Barzagli has started the final and Ogbonna remains on the subs bench but
what a great way to blag tickets for the Champions League final whether we
are interested in him or not.
Apparently Liverpool and Spurs scouts had the same idea and are also
enjoying the final in Germany tonight at the expense of their clubs, I bet
they are! The other other 17 Premier League scouting staff are now kicking
themselves they didn't think of it either.
Former Hammers Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano line up against each other
this evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic ready to take 'sensible' wage deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 6, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic heads into his interview with the West Ham board ready to work
on considerably less than the £2.9 million a year picked up by Sam Allardyce
over his time in charge at Upton Park.
ClaretandHugh has learned that Bilic has arrived in the UK and that whilst
the two Davids are likely to agree on an offer, vice chairman Karren Brady
may have reservations.
However, his readiness to work on a sensible wage deal could influence
things when they get down to making their crucial decision.
The board are always keen to agree on major issues but the impressive Bilic
could easily bring them together in an interview setting.
However, with the board members possibly taking different positions the
appointment is no a shoe-in after a series of setbacks in attracting a big
name boss.
The big former central defender is keen to take over at the club and would
work on as much as £1 million less than Allardyce.
But should he be turned down by the Irons board he will not be short of
offers with Fenerbache and a couple of Premier League clubs rumoured to be
interested in him.
Bilic though remains a massive fans choice to take over at the after
collecting over 64 per cent of the vote in a ClaretandHugh poll earlier this
week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer backs Di Canio
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammer Trevor Sinclair has suggested on twitter that fellow former
Hammer Paolo Di Canio would be a good managerial appointment for West Ham.
When Sinclair was asked who he would like to see as the next West Ham
manager the former winger answered "Slav or Di Canio and I know what
people's reaction might be to the latter but feel he loves the club and
would do well"
In 2013 Sinclair described Di Canio 'as mad as a hatter' while commenting on
his fascism comment.
"Paolo's comments should be taken with a pinch of salt because he's as mad
as a hatter. But I feel he should apologise for upsetting so many people
with his actions and comments and make it clear once and for all if he is or
isn't racist or fascist." said Sinclair at the time about his old pal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendo: 'Results were due to lack of support for Allardyce'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Former West Ham First team coach Ian Hendon claims West Ham's lack of
results in the second half of the season were down to lack of support from
fans for Sam Allardyce. Ian Hendon who was appointed as Leyton Orient head
coach late last week was addressing the media for the first time and
believes he can bring stability to the O's who have had four different
managers last season, which ultimately ended in relegation.
"I have just come from West Ham where the support for the manager Sam
Allardyce wasn't the best and I think the results and everything else that
happened were due to a lack of support. We need 100 per cent from the fans
and I want them to be 100 per cent behind the team on a Saturday when we go
out on to the pitch because it can only help us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pre season friendly schedule released
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will visit Weston Homes Community Stadium to play Colchester United
on 21st July at 7.45pm as part of shortened pre season friendly build up
schedule.
The Hammers will play Championship side Charlton Athletic 4 days later at
The Valley on 25th July at 3pm.
Another away trip to Norwich City 3 days later on 28th July at 7.45pm will
take place Carrow Road.
West Ham have a number of Europa League scheduled in July and August
assuming they proceed through the three qualifying rounds.
Europa League First Qualifying Round 1st Leg 2nd July 2nd Leg 9th July
Europa League Second Qualifying Round 1st Leg 16th July 2nd Leg 23rd July
Europa League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg 30th July 2nd Leg 6th August
The Premier League season gets underway on Saturday 8th August with the
schedule released on Wednesday 17th June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crazy swap deal touted
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 6, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to www.calciomercato.com Sampdoria club President Massimo Ferrero
wants to discuss a swap deal with West Ham over the next few days involving
Enner Valencia and Pedro Obiang swapping clubs. West Ham are thought to have
previously agreed a deal with Sampdoria for £5.75m for the permanent
transfer of Obiang as a permanent replacement for Alex Song.
Enner Valencia cost the Hammers an initial £12m but that can rise to £15m
based on certain factors. I hope the eccentric looking Sampodorian club
president has a large cheque book to cover the difference unless he wants a
door slammed firmly in his face by David Sullivan.
Italian website Tutto Mercato says Ferrero will fly in to London today as he
attempts to conclude transfer business with a number of English clubs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton must pay £8million for Alex Song as they consider Morgan
Schneiderlin replacements
22:30, 6 JUNE 2015
BY NEIL MOXLEY
The midfielder will be allowed to leave Barcelona this summer and Ronald
Koeman is interested
The Mirror
Southampton are being asked to cough up £8million for Alex Song, writes Neil
Moxley in the Sunday People.
The Saints have emerged as favourites to sign the Barcelona midfielder who
has been told this week by boss Luis Enrique that he can go.
Song, 27, still has one season remaining on his contract with the Catalan
club and spent the last campaign on loan at West Ham.
He became a firm favourite at Upton Park but has returned to Spain to
discover if he has a future under Enrique.
With doubts over the future of Morgan Schneiderlin, Saints are in the market
for another midfield enforcer with their France international already having
expressed a desire to test himself in the Champions League next season.
Rex FeaturesReferee Jon Moss speaks to Morgan Schneiderlin
Song would form a formidable partnership with Victor Wanyama at the heart of
the Saints' midfield but Ronald Koeman and the decision-makers at the south
coast club believe the fee for him is too high.
However, the Dutchman has to plan for next season with one eye on a campaign
in the Europa League.
Sources close to the Cameroon international say he is keen to return to the
Premier League – but unless Southampton increase their offer he will be
staying in Barcelona.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic eagerly waits for an approach from former club West Ham
With Benitez, Ancelotti, Moyes and Conte all ruling themselves out of the
running, Bilic's case is strengthening at Upton Park
Jason Burt By Jason Burt10:29PM BST 06 Jun 2015
Slaven Bilic is prepared to wait and see whether West Ham United turn to him
to become their next manager. The Croatian left the Turkish club Besiktas at
the end of the season and is desperate to take over at West Ham.
However, although there has been contact between Bilic's representatives and
the club the former defender is aware that he has not, so far, figured at
the head of West Ham's list of candidates. He is, though, moving up the
list.
With Unai Emery the latest to decide against taking the job, signing a
contract extension at Sevilla instead, Bilic's candidacy has been
strengthened.
So far Rafael Benitez, Carlo Ancelotti, David Moyes and Italy coach Antonio
Conte have also decided against becoming Sam Allardyce's successor.
Garry Monk, the Swansea City manager, and the Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa
have also been considered by West Ham along with Michael Laudrup, who is
coaching in Qatar.
Bilic would be a highly-popular choice among West Ham supporters having
become something of a cult hero even though he only played for the club for
a short time in 1996-97 before moving to Everton. The 46-year-old has long
hankered after the chance to manage in the Premier League having also
coached the Croatia national team and Lokomotiv Moscow.
West Ham know the appointment of their new manager is vitally important
given the impending move to the Olympic Stadium next year and with the club
ambitious to try and break into the top in the Premier League funds are
available.
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Saturday, June 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th June 2015
Dylan Tombides Tribute Match set for Sunday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to support the launch of the Dylan Tombides
Tribute Match hosted by Perth Soccer Club. The Australian outfit, known as
the Azzurri, will play Stirling Lions SC, in support of the DT38 foundation,
the charity set up in Tombides' name. The tribute match takes place this
Sunday 7 June at their home ground Dorrien Gardens, kick off is 3pm local
time. Prior to joining West Ham United in 2010, Tombides, who was born in
Perth, played for both sides before signing for the Hammers. Dylan's mother
and DT38 Foundation Founder, Tracylee Tombides, spoke of her delight: "The
tribute match means a lot to the foundation and to Taylor, Jim and I
personally. "It raises awareness about Dylan's story and the need for
self-awareness and early detection. It encourages our young men to take
their health seriously."
The President of Perth Soccer Club, Gary Marocchi, described his pride at
being able to raise awareness for the DT38 Foundation. "Perth SC is
honoured to be involved in the annual tribute match with Stirling Lions FC
on Sunday 7 May to pay tribute to the life of Dylan.
"The annual match between two of the junior clubs that Dylan played with,
raises the awareness of testicular cancer amongst the community."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer McNess ready for pro boxing debut
WHUFC.com
Sam McNess, the son of former professional boxer Steve McNess, will go head
to head with Hull resident Paul O'Brien in his first ever professional fight
on Friday 12 June.
It will be an exciting evening for the West Ham United fan who is fighting
in the same ring that his father fought in four times before.
"I started boxing when I was nine years old" said McNess. "My Dad turned
professional around the time that I was born so I've always been in and
around the boxing environment my whole life. I've had around 85 amateur
fights, won five or six national titles and have represented Great Britain
over 20 times.
"I was in the Team GB group around the time of the 2012 London Olympics but
I was a little too young to be involved.
"I learnt so much from the team and looked to get myself into the most
recent Commonwealth Games team but I was a little unlucky to be left out.
That's when I made my decision to turn professional.
"I've always thought that my style suits professional boxing. At the age of
23, I now feel that the time is right to launch my professional boxing
career."
In the lead up to his big debut fight, McNess has been training under the
guidance of Mark and Jimmy Tibbs at the West Ham Boys Amateur Boxing Club in
Plaistow.
"Where better to learn about boxing for a West Ham fan then the West Ham
Boys Amateur Boxing Club? There's so much history like Nigel Benn training
here when he was at the top of his game.
"Being in the company of Jimmy and Mark Tibbs too is a massive benefit. I
don't think that I could be with better trainers."
A confident McNess insisted he knows what he needs to do when he steps into
the ring and is already looking to a bright future.
"I've had a little look at him recently and seen that he has had around nine
fights so far and doesn't lose often so it will good experience for me.
"I'm under my weight and my training has been going really well. When it
comes to the fight, I need to listen to my corner and enjoy my professional
debut because it's a moment that I've been longing for.
With the fight rapidly approaching, McNess is hoping for to garner support
from Hammers fans and is already hoping to compete in the Club's fantastic
new Stadium.
"It will be really nice to see all my friends and family down at York Hall.
When you're fighting in countries like China or Kazakhstan, it's usually
just you and the team. Having a local crowd behind me will really help.
"I've not boxed in London for two years now so it will be nice to be back
home and able to show everyone the hard work I've been putting in.
"Having the support from West Ham United really helps because I remember in
May 2010 when Kevin Mitchell fought Michael Katsidis at Upton Park. I was at
that fight and it is a dream of mine to represent the Hammers in front of
thousands of fans.
"I remember during that fight when the Hammers fans where singing 'I'm
Forever Blowing Bubble' to him and that must've given him such an adrenaline
boost. I've been obsessed about football and West Ham from a young age and
really appreciate the club's support.
"When I step into the ring on Friday, I'd love to see a number of Hammers
fans out there cheering me on. I've had my ring gear made for me by my
sponsors Magri Sports and they will feature the claret and blue colours with
little hammers on them. I know the club will be with me on the night.
"All I can say to all the West Ham fans out there is that if they fancy a
good night out to cheer on a fellow Hammers fan then I'd really appreciate
it and look forward to seeing you there!"
Tickets for the event at York Hall, Bethnal Green are priced at £41.50 and
available through his official website - www.sammcness.com.
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West Ham Ladies Learning Academy trials
WHUFC.com
The Foundation is proud to launch the West Ham Ladies Learning Academy!
Previously only available to boys, the Learning Academy is a two-year,
full-time education and football development programme delivered in
partnership with both professional and non-league clubs. Open to talented
footballers aged between 16 and 18, the Learning Academy programme is a must
for any keen footballer.
What to expect:
Football
Professional coaching by UEFA A and B licensed coaches
Emphasis on progressing players into the Reserve and First team squad.
Education
2-year programme
BTEC Diploma in Sport
Coaching Qualifications
All Learning Academy players will receive daily training, including
individual and team coaching from highly qualified FA coaches affiliated to
West Ham United. Players will receive guidance on their football fitness,
nutritional advice and a regular appraisal to monitor each player's
development both on and off the pitch. Players will have the opportunity to
represent the Club through the Learning Academy side.
Over the two-year duration of the course, players will study a variety of
nationally recognised qualifications across sport, coaching and fitness.
Players will study the BTEC Diploma in Sport, delivered at Level 2 and 3
standards (A-Level equivalent), FA Coaching Qualifications together with
core skills in Maths and English. Successful completion of the educational
programme will enable players to follow pathways into Higher Education at
selected universities or discover employment opportunities within the sport
and leisure industry. Youngsters will also be encouraged to consider
coaching placements and playing scholarships in the USA.
The WHU Foundation will be hosting two trials over June and July for
prospective students:
Saturday 20th June - 10am - 12pm
Saturday 4th July - 10am - 12pm
Venue
West Ham United Foundation, 60a Albatross Close, off Woolwich Manor Way,
Beckton, London, E6 5NX
To book your free trial at our Beckton site, please visit:
http://www.scl-online.co.uk/football-academy.php
For further information regarding all footballing aspect of the Learning
Academy, please contact Learning Academy Manager, Sam Taylor on 0207 473
7720 or via email at staylor@westhamunited.co.uk
For information regarding the educational aspects of the Learning Academy,
please contact SCL – Soccer Coaching Limited on 0845 644 5747 or via Email
at education@WeAreSCL.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Unai Emery signs new Seville deal
Last Updated: 05/06/15 7:59pm
SSN
Unai Emery is to remain as coach of Seville after agreeing a new deal with
the Spanish club. West Ham had hoped that Emery, who flew to London earlier
this week, would agree to replace former boss Sam Allardyce whose contract
at the Boleyn Ground was not renewed at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IT'S ALL ABOUT AMBITION
By Iain Dale 5 Jun 2015 at 11:03
West Ham Till I Die
Jason Burt has written a brilliant feature for the Telegraph today about
West Ham's search for a new manager, but it's an article that is really all
about West Ham's ambition.
Here's a taster…
No one has quite woken up to just how big a move [the move to the Olympic
Stadium] it is. The fact is it is very, very big.
West Ham are a London club who are underexploited in terms of what they can
achieve. They have a healthy fan-base that can quickly grow and the new
stadium, with its very good transport links and excellent infrastructure,
will transform their finances and draw in new supporters. If they are
successful.
The club could feasibly bid £30million for a player this summer as a
statement of intent. It has been discussed. They are determined to make a
concerted effort to break into the top six and, who knows, maybe even
challenge for one of those Champions League places. Although the general
public may be unaware of what might be happening, other clubs are not…
…It means that West Ham are – and should be – one of the most exciting
projects in European football right now. There is pressure but not undue
pressure. There is the chance for a confident coach to mould a club in his
own image and drive it forward to be a new power.
But West Ham have to get that selection right. The club also knows that the
criticism will come quickly if they do not secure a significant upgrade on
Allardyce as manager and if that manager then does not hit the ground
running…
…The ethos is this: the club want to be looking up the table to try to break
into European competition on a regular basis, to usurp Tottenham Hotspur as
the third power in London, and to stop the mentality of looking down the
table to make sure that the ambition is simply to avoid relegation…
…It leaves them open to criticism. A poor start to next season will be
immediately met with the accusation that they should have been careful what
they wished for and really should have stuck with Allardyce. But that is not
a dreamer's mentality.
No one should criticise West Ham's ambition. This is what sport is all
about; it is its essence.
They have to get this appointment right and they know that. There is so much
riding on it for them and the Premier League – and the hope that the
rapidly-emerging cartel at the head of it can be broken. That ambition
should be lauded.
The argument will rage over the 'gift' of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham,
who are effectively paying a pittance for an arena that is being remodelled
for them, but no one should carp at the emergence of a new player at
football's top table. Let us, instead, celebrate the ambition. If – and what
a big if it is – only they make sure they hire the right manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have a real opportunity to crash the top six and must get this
managerial appointment right
Move to Olympic Stadium is a gamechanger for the Hammers and makes them one
of European football's biggest projects if they appoint the right man
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt4:07PM BST 04 Jun 2015
It was all going smoothly for West Ham United. Not the second half of a
season that had started so promisingly, only to fall away in familiar
frustration, but the departure of Sam Allardyce as manager and the
transition to his successor: Rafa Benítez. Then Real Madrid came calling.
West Ham had planned for Allardyce's departure to be announced immediately
after the end of their season, on Sunday May 24, away to
Newcastle United, with an agreement for Benítez to then take over confirmed
two days later and unveiled at the end of Napoli's campaign. It was neat and
it was logical and it felt like a real coup.
• West Ham 2014-15: The verdict
Except the week before the Premier League ended, on the Monday afternoon to
be precise, Benítez received a call from Real inviting him to take over from
Carlo Ancelotti. Benítez told West Ham the following day that he could not
accept their offer but they still pressed ahead with letting Allardyce go.
Rafael Benítez jilted West Ham for Real Madrid
Why? It is because by then West Ham had decided that, after four years, it
was time to part with Allardyce and, according to sources close to him, it
had reached a stage whereby even if the club had made him an official offer
the 60-year-old would be turning it down. It had run its course.
West Ham had been good for Sam Allardyce and Sam Allardyce had been good for
West Ham but it did appear this relationship was over. There was nowhere
further for it to go.
West Ham acted quickly after Benítez said no having said yes – they called
Ancelotti. They had already told Jürgen Klopp's agent that his client could
name his price if he fancied taking over. And they are still saying that.
• West Ham summer holiday cut short
An annual salary of £6million-a-year is not out of the question. That is the
going rate for a top Champions League coach. West Ham made similar overtures
to David Moyes but he will stay at Real Sociedad; at least for now.
They even inquired about Italy coach Antonio Conte, the architect of the
Juventus team that has reached the Champions League Final.
West Ham have cast their net far and wide but it is clear what type of coach
they want: one who will take them to a new and, in truth, unprecedented
level.
They have waited and waited to see if they can land a main target but have
now had to move on to the next tier of coaches - not exactly a 'B' list -
but one that is headed by Sevilla's Unai Emery and Marseille's Marcelo
Bielsa but also includes Slaven Bilic, who has left Besiktas, and Michael
Laudrup. The latter two feel like fall-back options.
Unai Emery celebrates retaining the Europa League last week
Emery is the favourite but he has not yet made up his mind whether he wants
to quit Spain and come to England – he does not speak the language – but is
the kind of intense, attack-minded, dynamic coach that West Ham crave.
• West Ham keen on Sevilla manager
There has been contact but not, as yet, directly so. But there is
encouragement in that he seems unlikely to accept an invitation to succeed
Benítez at Napoli who have already offered more money than West Ham.
Anyway the point of all of this is that, quite evidently, West Ham are
reaching for the stars in what might well be the most important managerial
appointment in the club's history (although in fairness to Allardyce, his
could be classified as that given how vital it was for them to get out of
the Championship immediately).
But it is so important now because next season will be West Ham's final one
at Upton Park before they move to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in
Stratford, east London, which will be a game-changer for them and for the
Premier League.
No one has quite woken up to just how big a move it is. The fact is it is
very, very big.
West Ham are a London club who are underexploited in terms of what they can
achieve. They have a healthy fan-base that can quickly grow and the new
stadium, with its very good transport links and excellent infrastructure,
will transform their finances and draw in new supporters. If they are
successful.
The club could feasibly bid £30million for a player this summer as a
statement of intent. It has been discussed. They are determined to make a
concerted effort to break into the top six and, who knows, maybe even
challenge for one of those Champions League places. Although the general
public may be unaware of what might be happening, other clubs are not.
David Sullivan and David Gold (right) could sign a £30m player this summer
It means that West Ham are – and should be – one of the most exciting
projects in European football right now. There is pressure but not undue
pressure. There is the chance for a confident coach to mould a club in his
own image and drive it forward to be a new power.
But West Ham have to get that selection right. The club also knows that the
criticism will come quickly if they do not secure a significant upgrade on
Allardyce as manager and if that manager then does not hit the ground
running.
The clock is ticking. West Ham's season, given they have qualified for the
Europa League through the Fair Play back-door, kicks off in just four weeks
on July 2. That is a scary prospect. The club have to get a move on.
It is also a big ask to tell someone like Emery, who has won the Europa
League for the past two seasons, that he has to take part in the qualifiers
and face the likes of Kazakhstan Cup winners Kairat or Balzan FC who
finished fourth in the Maltese Premier League or Welsh Premier League side
Newtown.
But that is only one consideration. Whoever is hired – and right now West
Ham are hoping it is Emery – has to buy into the bigger picture.
The ethos is this: the club want to be looking up the table to try to break
into European competition on a regular basis, to usurp Tottenham Hotspur as
the third power in London, and to stop the mentality of looking down the
table to make sure that the ambition is simply to avoid relegation.
London's Olympic Stadium is being remodelled for West Ham's impending move
It leaves them open to criticism. A poor start to next season will be
immediately met with the accusation that they should have been careful what
they wished for and really should have stuck with Allardyce. But that is not
a dreamer's mentality.
No one should criticise West Ham's ambition. This is what sport is all
about; it is its essence.
They have to get this appointment right and they know that. There is so much
riding on it for them and the Premier League - and the hope that the
rapidly-emerging cartel at the head of it can be broken. That ambition
should be lauded.
The argument will rage over the 'gift' of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham,
who are effectively paying a pittance for an arena that is being remodelled
for them, but no one should carp at the emergence of a new player at
football's top table. Let us, instead, celebrate the ambition. If – and what
a big if it is - only they make sure they hire the right manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This one's for Dylan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Dylan Tombides Tribute Match hosted by Perth Soccer Club is to be held on
Sunday. The Australian outfit, known as the Azzurri, will play Stirling
Lions SC, in support of the DT38 foundation, the charity set up in Tombides'
name. The match kicks off at 3pm and is being supported by West Ham.
Perth-born Dylan played for both clubs before joining the Irons 2010.
Dylan's mother and DT38 Foundation Founder, Tracylee Tombides, said: "The
tribute match means a lot to the foundation and to Taylor, Jim and I
personally. "It raises awareness about Dylan's story and the need for
self-awareness and early detection. It encourages our young men to take
their health seriously."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Merson: 'West Ham just need to survive'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has tipped West Ham to struggle next season
suggesting the Irons just need to concentrate on surviving relegation from
the Premier League.
"Anyone who's going to be in that bottom half of the table next season will
be happy just to stay up and that's where I think they'll be again. It's so
important to stay up next year, with the TV money that's going to be coming
in. The bottom 10 teams – and I put West Ham in that bracket too – just need
to survive." said Merson.
Speaking about Sam Allardyce's departure at the end of the season Merson
added:
"I don't know. What is the West Ham way? We are talking 1960s when they had
a really good team. It's a big gamble. One thing you are assured of with Sam
Allardyce is you get a top manager. They won't get relegated if he was
manager next season. They are not a shoo-in to stay up next season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons boss list down to three after Emery snub
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Unai Emery's decision to stay at Seville has seen West Ham's list of
weekend candidates for interview reduced to three.
It has just been confirmed to us that Emery was indeed on the list of four
who were to be interviewed for the job after the meeting was set up with his
agents.
We reported earlier this evening that the Irons board was preparing to
interview four candidates and that Emery could be among them .
However, we made it clear that he had been creating smokescreens around his
movements throughout the week and that could still be the case.
Earlier this evening Sky Sports News were categorically claiming he had
turned Seville down before the news broke that the opposite was in fact the
case.
We understand the Hammers had offered very big salary figures to his
advisers which would have seen Emery picking up anything from £4m to £8
million a year at Upton Park had he achieved various targets.
However, tonight there is a mixture of relief and disappointment inside the
club with one insider explaining that the lack of English was always seen as
a problem.
And it was confirmed to us that the list is of candidates for interview over
the weekend is now down to three and although Slaven Bilic is among them,
the other two names remain a closely guarded secret.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons to interview four candidates by Tuesday
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will keep the manager guessing game going into next week as they
settle down to a weekend of intensive interviews.
ClaretandHugh has learned within the last few minutes (Fri) that David
Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady will see four candidates – including
Slaven Bilic over the next four days.
Our own inquiries have shown that the former central defender is definitely
among those who will make their way to David Sullivan's Essex home but three
others will also be seen between tomorrow and Tuesday.
It confrms the ClaretandHugh story from earlier in the week when we revealed
that diaries had been cleared by all three board members as they prepared to
interview a series of candidates.
Bilic has become an overwhelming favourite for the job at 1/3 but it has
emerged within the last few minutes that Unai Emery – who we can confirm has
turned down Napoli's offer – may have done the same in talks with Seville.
That has excited speculation that his apparent on/off excursions to London
will be on again as the Irons look to bring their hunt to a close but we
were told: "We have no more information than you!"
On the face of it that may appear to kill the story but Emry has created
smokescreens around his movements throughout the week
However, our insider said that the club were definitely interviewing four
managers in next 96 hours and that they hoped to to appoint the new manager
within seven days.
The news is bound to create a scurry of activity among the media with
Sullivan's Essex mansion becoming the centre of attention over the next four
days.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samdoria president heads to London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to Italian website Tutto Mercato Sampdoria president Massimo
Ferrero is heading to England tomorrow in an attempt to conclude transfer
business for the Italian side.
It is claimed that the Sampdoria chief will arrive in London on Saturday and
on his agenda is the sale of Sampdoria forward Eder along with midfielder
Pedro Obiang.
Eder is said to be targeted by West Ham, Stoke City and Crystal Palace
while Obiang is said to be bound for West Ham despite late interest from
Spurs.
Sampdoria have been ready to cash in on Obiang and Eder, but their coach
Sinisa Mihajlovic was keen to keep them. The coach's departure last week has
removed the final obstacle for their sale. Mihajlovic ended a two-year spell
in charge at Sampdoria after their 2-2 draw with relegated Parma in the
final match of the season last Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to support the launch of the Dylan Tombides
Tribute Match hosted by Perth Soccer Club. The Australian outfit, known as
the Azzurri, will play Stirling Lions SC, in support of the DT38 foundation,
the charity set up in Tombides' name. The tribute match takes place this
Sunday 7 June at their home ground Dorrien Gardens, kick off is 3pm local
time. Prior to joining West Ham United in 2010, Tombides, who was born in
Perth, played for both sides before signing for the Hammers. Dylan's mother
and DT38 Foundation Founder, Tracylee Tombides, spoke of her delight: "The
tribute match means a lot to the foundation and to Taylor, Jim and I
personally. "It raises awareness about Dylan's story and the need for
self-awareness and early detection. It encourages our young men to take
their health seriously."
The President of Perth Soccer Club, Gary Marocchi, described his pride at
being able to raise awareness for the DT38 Foundation. "Perth SC is
honoured to be involved in the annual tribute match with Stirling Lions FC
on Sunday 7 May to pay tribute to the life of Dylan.
"The annual match between two of the junior clubs that Dylan played with,
raises the awareness of testicular cancer amongst the community."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer McNess ready for pro boxing debut
WHUFC.com
Sam McNess, the son of former professional boxer Steve McNess, will go head
to head with Hull resident Paul O'Brien in his first ever professional fight
on Friday 12 June.
It will be an exciting evening for the West Ham United fan who is fighting
in the same ring that his father fought in four times before.
"I started boxing when I was nine years old" said McNess. "My Dad turned
professional around the time that I was born so I've always been in and
around the boxing environment my whole life. I've had around 85 amateur
fights, won five or six national titles and have represented Great Britain
over 20 times.
"I was in the Team GB group around the time of the 2012 London Olympics but
I was a little too young to be involved.
"I learnt so much from the team and looked to get myself into the most
recent Commonwealth Games team but I was a little unlucky to be left out.
That's when I made my decision to turn professional.
"I've always thought that my style suits professional boxing. At the age of
23, I now feel that the time is right to launch my professional boxing
career."
In the lead up to his big debut fight, McNess has been training under the
guidance of Mark and Jimmy Tibbs at the West Ham Boys Amateur Boxing Club in
Plaistow.
"Where better to learn about boxing for a West Ham fan then the West Ham
Boys Amateur Boxing Club? There's so much history like Nigel Benn training
here when he was at the top of his game.
"Being in the company of Jimmy and Mark Tibbs too is a massive benefit. I
don't think that I could be with better trainers."
A confident McNess insisted he knows what he needs to do when he steps into
the ring and is already looking to a bright future.
"I've had a little look at him recently and seen that he has had around nine
fights so far and doesn't lose often so it will good experience for me.
"I'm under my weight and my training has been going really well. When it
comes to the fight, I need to listen to my corner and enjoy my professional
debut because it's a moment that I've been longing for.
With the fight rapidly approaching, McNess is hoping for to garner support
from Hammers fans and is already hoping to compete in the Club's fantastic
new Stadium.
"It will be really nice to see all my friends and family down at York Hall.
When you're fighting in countries like China or Kazakhstan, it's usually
just you and the team. Having a local crowd behind me will really help.
"I've not boxed in London for two years now so it will be nice to be back
home and able to show everyone the hard work I've been putting in.
"Having the support from West Ham United really helps because I remember in
May 2010 when Kevin Mitchell fought Michael Katsidis at Upton Park. I was at
that fight and it is a dream of mine to represent the Hammers in front of
thousands of fans.
"I remember during that fight when the Hammers fans where singing 'I'm
Forever Blowing Bubble' to him and that must've given him such an adrenaline
boost. I've been obsessed about football and West Ham from a young age and
really appreciate the club's support.
"When I step into the ring on Friday, I'd love to see a number of Hammers
fans out there cheering me on. I've had my ring gear made for me by my
sponsors Magri Sports and they will feature the claret and blue colours with
little hammers on them. I know the club will be with me on the night.
"All I can say to all the West Ham fans out there is that if they fancy a
good night out to cheer on a fellow Hammers fan then I'd really appreciate
it and look forward to seeing you there!"
Tickets for the event at York Hall, Bethnal Green are priced at £41.50 and
available through his official website - www.sammcness.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ladies Learning Academy trials
WHUFC.com
The Foundation is proud to launch the West Ham Ladies Learning Academy!
Previously only available to boys, the Learning Academy is a two-year,
full-time education and football development programme delivered in
partnership with both professional and non-league clubs. Open to talented
footballers aged between 16 and 18, the Learning Academy programme is a must
for any keen footballer.
What to expect:
Football
Professional coaching by UEFA A and B licensed coaches
Emphasis on progressing players into the Reserve and First team squad.
Education
2-year programme
BTEC Diploma in Sport
Coaching Qualifications
All Learning Academy players will receive daily training, including
individual and team coaching from highly qualified FA coaches affiliated to
West Ham United. Players will receive guidance on their football fitness,
nutritional advice and a regular appraisal to monitor each player's
development both on and off the pitch. Players will have the opportunity to
represent the Club through the Learning Academy side.
Over the two-year duration of the course, players will study a variety of
nationally recognised qualifications across sport, coaching and fitness.
Players will study the BTEC Diploma in Sport, delivered at Level 2 and 3
standards (A-Level equivalent), FA Coaching Qualifications together with
core skills in Maths and English. Successful completion of the educational
programme will enable players to follow pathways into Higher Education at
selected universities or discover employment opportunities within the sport
and leisure industry. Youngsters will also be encouraged to consider
coaching placements and playing scholarships in the USA.
The WHU Foundation will be hosting two trials over June and July for
prospective students:
Saturday 20th June - 10am - 12pm
Saturday 4th July - 10am - 12pm
Venue
West Ham United Foundation, 60a Albatross Close, off Woolwich Manor Way,
Beckton, London, E6 5NX
To book your free trial at our Beckton site, please visit:
http://www.scl-online.co.uk/football-academy.php
For further information regarding all footballing aspect of the Learning
Academy, please contact Learning Academy Manager, Sam Taylor on 0207 473
7720 or via email at staylor@westhamunited.co.uk
For information regarding the educational aspects of the Learning Academy,
please contact SCL – Soccer Coaching Limited on 0845 644 5747 or via Email
at education@WeAreSCL.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Unai Emery signs new Seville deal
Last Updated: 05/06/15 7:59pm
SSN
Unai Emery is to remain as coach of Seville after agreeing a new deal with
the Spanish club. West Ham had hoped that Emery, who flew to London earlier
this week, would agree to replace former boss Sam Allardyce whose contract
at the Boleyn Ground was not renewed at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IT'S ALL ABOUT AMBITION
By Iain Dale 5 Jun 2015 at 11:03
West Ham Till I Die
Jason Burt has written a brilliant feature for the Telegraph today about
West Ham's search for a new manager, but it's an article that is really all
about West Ham's ambition.
Here's a taster…
No one has quite woken up to just how big a move [the move to the Olympic
Stadium] it is. The fact is it is very, very big.
West Ham are a London club who are underexploited in terms of what they can
achieve. They have a healthy fan-base that can quickly grow and the new
stadium, with its very good transport links and excellent infrastructure,
will transform their finances and draw in new supporters. If they are
successful.
The club could feasibly bid £30million for a player this summer as a
statement of intent. It has been discussed. They are determined to make a
concerted effort to break into the top six and, who knows, maybe even
challenge for one of those Champions League places. Although the general
public may be unaware of what might be happening, other clubs are not…
…It means that West Ham are – and should be – one of the most exciting
projects in European football right now. There is pressure but not undue
pressure. There is the chance for a confident coach to mould a club in his
own image and drive it forward to be a new power.
But West Ham have to get that selection right. The club also knows that the
criticism will come quickly if they do not secure a significant upgrade on
Allardyce as manager and if that manager then does not hit the ground
running…
…The ethos is this: the club want to be looking up the table to try to break
into European competition on a regular basis, to usurp Tottenham Hotspur as
the third power in London, and to stop the mentality of looking down the
table to make sure that the ambition is simply to avoid relegation…
…It leaves them open to criticism. A poor start to next season will be
immediately met with the accusation that they should have been careful what
they wished for and really should have stuck with Allardyce. But that is not
a dreamer's mentality.
No one should criticise West Ham's ambition. This is what sport is all
about; it is its essence.
They have to get this appointment right and they know that. There is so much
riding on it for them and the Premier League – and the hope that the
rapidly-emerging cartel at the head of it can be broken. That ambition
should be lauded.
The argument will rage over the 'gift' of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham,
who are effectively paying a pittance for an arena that is being remodelled
for them, but no one should carp at the emergence of a new player at
football's top table. Let us, instead, celebrate the ambition. If – and what
a big if it is – only they make sure they hire the right manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have a real opportunity to crash the top six and must get this
managerial appointment right
Move to Olympic Stadium is a gamechanger for the Hammers and makes them one
of European football's biggest projects if they appoint the right man
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt4:07PM BST 04 Jun 2015
It was all going smoothly for West Ham United. Not the second half of a
season that had started so promisingly, only to fall away in familiar
frustration, but the departure of Sam Allardyce as manager and the
transition to his successor: Rafa Benítez. Then Real Madrid came calling.
West Ham had planned for Allardyce's departure to be announced immediately
after the end of their season, on Sunday May 24, away to
Newcastle United, with an agreement for Benítez to then take over confirmed
two days later and unveiled at the end of Napoli's campaign. It was neat and
it was logical and it felt like a real coup.
• West Ham 2014-15: The verdict
Except the week before the Premier League ended, on the Monday afternoon to
be precise, Benítez received a call from Real inviting him to take over from
Carlo Ancelotti. Benítez told West Ham the following day that he could not
accept their offer but they still pressed ahead with letting Allardyce go.
Rafael Benítez jilted West Ham for Real Madrid
Why? It is because by then West Ham had decided that, after four years, it
was time to part with Allardyce and, according to sources close to him, it
had reached a stage whereby even if the club had made him an official offer
the 60-year-old would be turning it down. It had run its course.
West Ham had been good for Sam Allardyce and Sam Allardyce had been good for
West Ham but it did appear this relationship was over. There was nowhere
further for it to go.
West Ham acted quickly after Benítez said no having said yes – they called
Ancelotti. They had already told Jürgen Klopp's agent that his client could
name his price if he fancied taking over. And they are still saying that.
• West Ham summer holiday cut short
An annual salary of £6million-a-year is not out of the question. That is the
going rate for a top Champions League coach. West Ham made similar overtures
to David Moyes but he will stay at Real Sociedad; at least for now.
They even inquired about Italy coach Antonio Conte, the architect of the
Juventus team that has reached the Champions League Final.
West Ham have cast their net far and wide but it is clear what type of coach
they want: one who will take them to a new and, in truth, unprecedented
level.
They have waited and waited to see if they can land a main target but have
now had to move on to the next tier of coaches - not exactly a 'B' list -
but one that is headed by Sevilla's Unai Emery and Marseille's Marcelo
Bielsa but also includes Slaven Bilic, who has left Besiktas, and Michael
Laudrup. The latter two feel like fall-back options.
Unai Emery celebrates retaining the Europa League last week
Emery is the favourite but he has not yet made up his mind whether he wants
to quit Spain and come to England – he does not speak the language – but is
the kind of intense, attack-minded, dynamic coach that West Ham crave.
• West Ham keen on Sevilla manager
There has been contact but not, as yet, directly so. But there is
encouragement in that he seems unlikely to accept an invitation to succeed
Benítez at Napoli who have already offered more money than West Ham.
Anyway the point of all of this is that, quite evidently, West Ham are
reaching for the stars in what might well be the most important managerial
appointment in the club's history (although in fairness to Allardyce, his
could be classified as that given how vital it was for them to get out of
the Championship immediately).
But it is so important now because next season will be West Ham's final one
at Upton Park before they move to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in
Stratford, east London, which will be a game-changer for them and for the
Premier League.
No one has quite woken up to just how big a move it is. The fact is it is
very, very big.
West Ham are a London club who are underexploited in terms of what they can
achieve. They have a healthy fan-base that can quickly grow and the new
stadium, with its very good transport links and excellent infrastructure,
will transform their finances and draw in new supporters. If they are
successful.
The club could feasibly bid £30million for a player this summer as a
statement of intent. It has been discussed. They are determined to make a
concerted effort to break into the top six and, who knows, maybe even
challenge for one of those Champions League places. Although the general
public may be unaware of what might be happening, other clubs are not.
David Sullivan and David Gold (right) could sign a £30m player this summer
It means that West Ham are – and should be – one of the most exciting
projects in European football right now. There is pressure but not undue
pressure. There is the chance for a confident coach to mould a club in his
own image and drive it forward to be a new power.
But West Ham have to get that selection right. The club also knows that the
criticism will come quickly if they do not secure a significant upgrade on
Allardyce as manager and if that manager then does not hit the ground
running.
The clock is ticking. West Ham's season, given they have qualified for the
Europa League through the Fair Play back-door, kicks off in just four weeks
on July 2. That is a scary prospect. The club have to get a move on.
It is also a big ask to tell someone like Emery, who has won the Europa
League for the past two seasons, that he has to take part in the qualifiers
and face the likes of Kazakhstan Cup winners Kairat or Balzan FC who
finished fourth in the Maltese Premier League or Welsh Premier League side
Newtown.
But that is only one consideration. Whoever is hired – and right now West
Ham are hoping it is Emery – has to buy into the bigger picture.
The ethos is this: the club want to be looking up the table to try to break
into European competition on a regular basis, to usurp Tottenham Hotspur as
the third power in London, and to stop the mentality of looking down the
table to make sure that the ambition is simply to avoid relegation.
London's Olympic Stadium is being remodelled for West Ham's impending move
It leaves them open to criticism. A poor start to next season will be
immediately met with the accusation that they should have been careful what
they wished for and really should have stuck with Allardyce. But that is not
a dreamer's mentality.
No one should criticise West Ham's ambition. This is what sport is all
about; it is its essence.
They have to get this appointment right and they know that. There is so much
riding on it for them and the Premier League - and the hope that the
rapidly-emerging cartel at the head of it can be broken. That ambition
should be lauded.
The argument will rage over the 'gift' of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham,
who are effectively paying a pittance for an arena that is being remodelled
for them, but no one should carp at the emergence of a new player at
football's top table. Let us, instead, celebrate the ambition. If – and what
a big if it is - only they make sure they hire the right manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This one's for Dylan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Dylan Tombides Tribute Match hosted by Perth Soccer Club is to be held on
Sunday. The Australian outfit, known as the Azzurri, will play Stirling
Lions SC, in support of the DT38 foundation, the charity set up in Tombides'
name. The match kicks off at 3pm and is being supported by West Ham.
Perth-born Dylan played for both clubs before joining the Irons 2010.
Dylan's mother and DT38 Foundation Founder, Tracylee Tombides, said: "The
tribute match means a lot to the foundation and to Taylor, Jim and I
personally. "It raises awareness about Dylan's story and the need for
self-awareness and early detection. It encourages our young men to take
their health seriously."
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Merson: 'West Ham just need to survive'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has tipped West Ham to struggle next season
suggesting the Irons just need to concentrate on surviving relegation from
the Premier League.
"Anyone who's going to be in that bottom half of the table next season will
be happy just to stay up and that's where I think they'll be again. It's so
important to stay up next year, with the TV money that's going to be coming
in. The bottom 10 teams – and I put West Ham in that bracket too – just need
to survive." said Merson.
Speaking about Sam Allardyce's departure at the end of the season Merson
added:
"I don't know. What is the West Ham way? We are talking 1960s when they had
a really good team. It's a big gamble. One thing you are assured of with Sam
Allardyce is you get a top manager. They won't get relegated if he was
manager next season. They are not a shoo-in to stay up next season."
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Irons boss list down to three after Emery snub
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
Unai Emery's decision to stay at Seville has seen West Ham's list of
weekend candidates for interview reduced to three.
It has just been confirmed to us that Emery was indeed on the list of four
who were to be interviewed for the job after the meeting was set up with his
agents.
We reported earlier this evening that the Irons board was preparing to
interview four candidates and that Emery could be among them .
However, we made it clear that he had been creating smokescreens around his
movements throughout the week and that could still be the case.
Earlier this evening Sky Sports News were categorically claiming he had
turned Seville down before the news broke that the opposite was in fact the
case.
We understand the Hammers had offered very big salary figures to his
advisers which would have seen Emery picking up anything from £4m to £8
million a year at Upton Park had he achieved various targets.
However, tonight there is a mixture of relief and disappointment inside the
club with one insider explaining that the lack of English was always seen as
a problem.
And it was confirmed to us that the list is of candidates for interview over
the weekend is now down to three and although Slaven Bilic is among them,
the other two names remain a closely guarded secret.
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Irons to interview four candidates by Tuesday
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2015 in News Agenda, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will keep the manager guessing game going into next week as they
settle down to a weekend of intensive interviews.
ClaretandHugh has learned within the last few minutes (Fri) that David
Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady will see four candidates – including
Slaven Bilic over the next four days.
Our own inquiries have shown that the former central defender is definitely
among those who will make their way to David Sullivan's Essex home but three
others will also be seen between tomorrow and Tuesday.
It confrms the ClaretandHugh story from earlier in the week when we revealed
that diaries had been cleared by all three board members as they prepared to
interview a series of candidates.
Bilic has become an overwhelming favourite for the job at 1/3 but it has
emerged within the last few minutes that Unai Emery – who we can confirm has
turned down Napoli's offer – may have done the same in talks with Seville.
That has excited speculation that his apparent on/off excursions to London
will be on again as the Irons look to bring their hunt to a close but we
were told: "We have no more information than you!"
On the face of it that may appear to kill the story but Emry has created
smokescreens around his movements throughout the week
However, our insider said that the club were definitely interviewing four
managers in next 96 hours and that they hoped to to appoint the new manager
within seven days.
The news is bound to create a scurry of activity among the media with
Sullivan's Essex mansion becoming the centre of attention over the next four
days.
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Samdoria president heads to London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
According to Italian website Tutto Mercato Sampdoria president Massimo
Ferrero is heading to England tomorrow in an attempt to conclude transfer
business for the Italian side.
It is claimed that the Sampdoria chief will arrive in London on Saturday and
on his agenda is the sale of Sampdoria forward Eder along with midfielder
Pedro Obiang.
Eder is said to be targeted by West Ham, Stoke City and Crystal Palace
while Obiang is said to be bound for West Ham despite late interest from
Spurs.
Sampdoria have been ready to cash in on Obiang and Eder, but their coach
Sinisa Mihajlovic was keen to keep them. The coach's departure last week has
removed the final obstacle for their sale. Mihajlovic ended a two-year spell
in charge at Sampdoria after their 2-2 draw with relegated Parma in the
final match of the season last Sunday.
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