Stat's a Fact - Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
'We've got Payet!' sang the West Ham United fans long into the night at AFC
Bournemouth on Tuesday, and everyone connected with the Hammers will be
delighted that they do after another virtuoso performance from the midfield
schemer. Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in
November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in
the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down,
helping them secure a fourth straight win. The No27 curled home a beautiful
free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium
clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on
Enner Valencia's goal for 2-1. He departed the action after 78 minutes well
satisfied with a good night's work that meant the Hammers moved above
Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League tab le.
Earning a rating of 9.0 on football stats side WhoScored.com, Payet had 69
touches of the ball – more than any other attacking player on the Vitality
Stadium pitch. As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as
the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the
Bournemouth door down. Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took
two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet's
influence was clear for all to see.
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Westley - It's a happy dressing room
WHUFC.com
Following the Development Squad's progression into the quarter-finals of the
U21 Premier League Cup, Terry Westley highlighted the collective effort from
both the players and the backroom staff. The win, a 3-2 over Fulham after
extra-time, saw the young Hammers extend their unbeaten to an impressive
eight matches. Speaking after the final whistle, Westley said: "I'm
delighted with the player's commitment and desire. "It's all a collective
effort, obviously from the players but also away from the pitch. Liam
Manning has come in and made a huge impact. All the work Steve Potts and
Mark Philips does for the U18s; it's a collective effort from everybody."
In a thrilling match that ebbed and flowed, opponents Fulham took the lead
twice in the first half yet a Djair Parfitt-Williams header and an Elliot
Lee brace including a late penalty, was enough to see off the Cottagers.
Westley continued: "The character of everyone to comeback from behind twice
was really excellent. It's a happy dressing room at the moment. "You can see
the confidence in the way we're playing, and this was against a good team,
they had a lot of senior players with lots of league experience. In the end
I thought we deserved to win on the strength of our second half performance.
"I'd highlight our two centre-halfs Leo Chambers and Reece Oxford, as really
standing out and dealing with the threat their senior striker posed.
"The back four and goalkeeper were very solid. The midfield in the end
dominated, Josh Cullen was everywhere and then we had a threat in behind and
on the wings."
For Westley, the positives continue to mount as the Dev Squad are currently
in the Play Off positions in the Barclays U21 Premier League Division Two
table. Further to that, the likes of Reece Burke, Lewis Page and Martin
Samuelsen are all prospering out on loan in the lower leagues. Now, the
experienced coach is hoping more players make the step up into the Football
League: "The bottom line is, can you bridge that gap and play games in the
Football League? Samuelsen has done that by playing for Peterborough, Burke
is doing the same. That's the challenge these boys face. They've either got
to get into our team or be an asset by playing away somewhere else and
coming back stronger. "You can see when we play like we are at the moment
that all the players are capable of having careers in the game at a good
level, we were excellent collectively and individually."
The Hammers are set to face Fulham for a third time in short succession,
when the two sides face each other again on Friday 22 January at the
Cottager's Motspur Park training ground.
"I think both teams will be fed up of each other! We're playing each other
twice over a quick space of time. "Our players now need a rest. Cullen, Song
and Oxford all got back from Bournemouth after 2am on Wednesday morning so
there commitment is excellent."
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Carroll injury update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm Andy Carroll underwent a scan on his left leg on
Thursday morning. The results show an injury to his hamstring, which is
expected to keep him out of action for a month. Carroll's absence means
Slaven Bilic is likely to use either Enner Valencia or Nikica Jelavic in the
Hammers attack for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.
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Chadwell Chatter – Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
What a week it's been! Saturday's another big game for us and it's always
difficult to play at St James' Park. Manchester United drew there on Tuesday
night and it's definitely a difficult place to go to and win. But we're
going to rest up, rest the minds, rest the legs and prepare as best we
possibly can to get a result there. We were perhaps a bit below par in the
first half on Tuesday but thankfully we were able to turn it around in the
second half with three goals and we were delighted with that.
We were up against a good side, we saw that in the first half. If you let
them play, they can hurt you. In the second half we were a lot more
aggressive, we played as a team, we played on the floor, which enabled us to
score three goals and to be a lot more dangerous. I think there was a slight
deflection on my free-kick but it didn't change the ball's trajectory and
the goal really brought me into the game. It's great for Enner as well. I'm
really pleased that he's hitting the back of the net again!
We're in a good position in the league now. We're picking up points and when
you win three on the spin you can rise up the table. But we can slide down
just as quickly if we're not careful! We have to continue working hard. The
love affair with the fans continues and all the better for it! You show me
your love and I try to repay it on the pitch, with hard work, goals and
assists, so that it continues. Apparently my song's going to be the next big
single!
Come on you Irons,
Dimi
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Lee delighted to be back among the goals
WHUFc.com
Having scored a match-winning brace against Fulham on Wednesday evening,
Elliot Lee described the football the Development Squad have been playing
recently as "the best we've played in years." The 21-year-old striker scored
twice for the Development Squad, helping his side to come back from behind
twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Rush Green. The win takes the Hammers into the
quarter-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup as well as extending their
unbeaten to eight games. A delighted Lee said: "It's great to be back here
in with the boys and I think we showed great character tonight. 3-2, in
extra time, it was tough out there so the boys are delighted and obviously
I'm delighted to score twice. "We talked about that strength to come back
from behind afterwards in the changing room, it shows the character we have
in the squad. Everyone knows we started the season badly but we knew we'd
turn that round. "Now, we're playing the best football we've played in
years, credit to the lads for sticking together and carrying on the winning
streak."
In total, Lee, now top goalscorer, has now scored six goals for the Dev
Squad in eight appearances. He continued: "There's a few slumped bodies in
the dressing room now but happy faces. It was a great effort from the lads.
120 minutes against a good side was tough but we fully deserved the win
tonight. "It's brilliant for the development of all the players who are
involved, people weren't really talking about us at the start of the season
but they are now. A lot of people are talking, so credit to the lads because
we deserve that. "Eight games unbeaten, most of them wins, is brilliant. It
can only bode well for all of us."
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Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFc.com
Ahead of the Hammers trip to Newcastle United Slaven Bilic held his weekly
pre-match press conference.
During the briefing, the manager answered a range of questions on Andy
Carroll, the transfer window and facing the Magpies.
Morning Slaven, can we start with injury news about Andy Carroll?
SB: "I knew you were going to ask me that! It's a hamstring injury, it's one
of those injuries that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having
a scan later on today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's
not a small one either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks
or so, not four to six.
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
Do you have to make sure he stays positive?
SB: "Yes, but he is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt
he was back and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big
story about it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is
three weeks then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a
very significant part of the season."
Does this injury have any impact on your plans for the Transfer Window?
SB: "Not big time, no. We are working in the transfer window, but that
started before the injury. We are well covered quantity wise, so only if
something good comes up then we'll act. We don't need the numbers, and I
think that is right. Our players who haven't featured much have done well
when they have played, they started our unbeaten run, I want to give them
credit and I believe in them."
We've heard about Andy Carroll, what other injury updates are there?
SB: "Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed
the Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then,
but we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of
the best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
You play Newcastle this weekend, what do you make of them? They seem to be
an improving side?
SB: "Definitely, they had a slow start but now they are doing OK. They are a
massive club, they are improving, they have a very good roster of players.
Going forward they have many options, they are very dangerous. They had a
good comeback against Man United so they are on a high. It should be a good
game, at a great stadium so we are really looking forward to it."
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Don't panic, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham will not panic buy in the transfer
window despite having lost both main strikers for a month. With Diafra Sakho
and Andy Carroll both ruled out until February, Bilic faces the next few
games with just Nikica Jelavic and Mauro Zarate - both of whom have been
tipped to leave the club during the current transfer window - as attacking
choices. However despite the continuing injury concerns, Bilic confirmed
that West Ham will not be pushed into making a signing during the window -
although he refused to rule out bringing in at least one quality player,
should the opportunity present itself. "We are good. We're not panicking and
we're confident," he said during his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We're well-covered, quantity-wise, in all positions in the team.
Only if something really good comes along - whether that's permanent or
temporary - ar we going to act. "We don't need numbers, that's what we
decided and I think that's right. It's not very likely to happen, but we're
doing good. Those players who didn't play a lot, when they got a chance they
were unbeaten and playing well. So give them credit; I believe in them.
"There's no team in the world that can't be improved. Even Barcelona are
trying to buy a striker - and if there's a team in the world that doesn't
need one, it's Barcelona! So every team in every situation can be improved.
But we have to find a balance. "We are in a situation where we might think
that way and we are thinking that way - that if we add one or two, we should
be better. On the other hand, if you bring in too many that can damage the
good atmosphere at the club. "But if we find a quality player who is
available, wants to come to us and we can afford it then we're going to
react."
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Trio set to return for Newcastle trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Vic Moses should all be available for
this weekend's trip to Newcastle, says Saven Bilic. Neither the midfielders
nor the striker were available for the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday
night due to injury - minor ones in the case of both Kouyate and Zarate, who
pulled out less than 24 hours before kick off. However Bilic expects all
three players to return to his match day squad this weekend, when West Ham
face a resurgent Newcastle at St James' Park. "Victor Moses started to train
with the team the day before Bournemouth so he's available," confirmed the
manager. "He's training with us today and tomorrow so we're going to see
what shape he's in before the game. "Cheikhou Kouyate missed the game at
Bournemouth as he felt a little bit [of a strain]. He was 80, 85 per cent
fit and maybe he could have played. But as he's a very physical player,
who's played all the games for us, we opted to rest him and give him a few
days off so he'd be 100 per cent [for Newcastle]. "After training the day
before the Bournemouth game, Mauro Zarate was shooting and taking free kicks
and felt kind of a cramp. But he's also training today and should be fit for
Saturday. "Meanwhile [Diafra] Sakho is progressing really well and [Manuel]
Lanzini is in rehab."
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Everton beat West Ham to transfer of highly-rated Leeds defender Sam Byram
20:02, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:18, 14 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
Roberto Martinez had Byram watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief
European scout Ian Atkins and has swooped for the 22-year-old
The Mirror
Everton have beaten West Ham to the signing of Sam Byram after having a
£3million bid accepted by Leeds. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez had Byram
watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief European scout Ian Atkins
and has swooped for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Leeds were keen to sell
Byram now rather than lose him on a Bosman in the summer and he had refused
their offer of a new deal. The initial fee is £3million plus another
£1million in add-ons. The transfer has yet to be finalised and Byram can
expect a hike on his current £12,000-a-week salary at Elland Road. West Ham
were also interested in Byram, who can play right-back or right midfield,
but the Academy product preferred a move to Everton.
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Football fans to be offered FREE Sports Direct winter jacket if Newcastle
beat West Ham
19:06, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:16, 14 JAN 2016
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Mike Ashley is offering the unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn
every neutral into a Newcastle fan for the day
The Mirror
Footy fans are being offered a FREE winter jacket by Sports Direct Tycoon
Mike Ashley ... if Newcastle beat West Ham. Ashley is offering the
unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn every neutral into a
Newcastle fan for the day. As snow hit Newcastle and the North, Ashley, who
also owns Newcastle United, set aside an amazing £2.4 million of freebie
stock in case Steve McClaren's side deliver three points. The offer of an
Everlast super-warm padded jacket is open to ANY fan on Sports Direct's
Facebook page. A free jacket would also be a comfort to any West Ham fans
annoyed by a defeat on Tyneside.
A Sports Direct insider said: "Mike knows that customers love our crazy
prices and great giveaways so he's decided to go the extra mile to get
everybody behind the team." Newcastle owner Ashley originally vowed to give
away the jackets if Newcastle had won against Manchester United on Tuesday.
But a thrilling 3-3 draw meant fans were left out in the cold. A Sport
Direct source said: "Newcastle threw everything at Man Utd so Mike felt that
it's only fair that fans should get a second chance to claim their jacket."
Sports Direct say the offer is to members of the public regardless of what
team they support. Participants who register will receive a voucher that
will entitle them to the free Everlast coat worth £59.99, which will be
available from Sports Direct website subject to normal delivery charges
while stocks last.
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Exclusive: Samuelsen set for major deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham are preparing a big new deal for their superb teenage prospect
Martin Samuelsen. The young Norwegian is out of contract next summer but the
Davids are ready to offer the youngster a package which reflects his huge
potential and value to the club. Samuelsen has been touted as a future £20
million superstar by both Peterborough director of footballer Barry Fry and
former Hammer hero Jack Collison – now with Posh when discussing him with
ClaretandHugh. Martin has been on loan at the club since November and Fry
wants him for another season should the Posh make it into the Championship.
Commenting on the player's situation tonight (Thurs) ClaretandHugh's senior
source made it clear the club would ensure he would be offered a new deal
which "reflected his promise and value to the Irons." He explained: "We have
an option to extend and we'll look to offer him a longer contract in the
summer which truly reflects his value to us. We are thrilled with the
progress he is making and realise he's a very exciting young player."
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Bilic reports on Sakho progress
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven told told a press conference this morning that "Diafra Sakho is
progressing really good" Sakho returned to training in the last week of
December and is expected to make his return in early February with the
possibility of inclusion in the squad for the Aston Villa home game on the
2nd February. If not then the Southampton away game on the 8th February or
Norwich away on 13th Feb would appear to be nailed on for his return to the
squad. Last week Bilic told the press conference "Sakho is ahead of
schedule, so he could be fit earlier than we thought. It will be a big
thing for us when he comes back." The striker has been sidelined since 29th
November after injuring himself against West Bromwich Albion. Sakho has made
13 appearances this season scoring 3 goals, in total he has made 35
appearances and scored 13 goals since joining the Hammers in August 2014 on
a 4 year contract.
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Julien Faubert: Former West Ham and Real Madrid winger eyeing England return
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 14/01/16 6:14am
SSN
Julien Faubert speaks to Sky Sports about his special connection with West
Ham, the truth behind that loan move to Real Madrid and his dream of
returning to England to finish his career…
It was seven years ago this January that Julien Faubert found himself at the
centre of one of the most surprising transfers in recent history. The French
winger was in and out of mid-table West Ham's starting line-up after an
injury-hit start to life in east London, when out of nowhere he received a
phone call from Real Madrid. Even Faubert couldn't quite believe it. "I
remember I was on the team coach to go to play against Fulham when they
called me," he tells Sky Sports. "First of all I said: 'Yeah, I'm quite busy
now', because I didn't really believe it. We played the game, I think we
won, and afterwards I picked up my phone and I saw around 15 calls and 20
messages. I thought, okay, maybe it's not a joke! It was crazy."
Faubert called his agent, who confirmed the news, and two weeks later he was
unveiled on a six-month loan deal at the Bernabeu. The reigning La Liga
champions needed cover on the right flank, and they were willing to pay an
initial £1m for Faubert, who had joined West Ham from Bordeaux 18 months
earlier. Faubert would return to Upton Park that summer having made just two
substitute appearances for Madrid, but the experience holds happy memories
too. "I didn't play a lot because, to be honest, I didn't have a good
connection with the manager Juande Ramos," he said. "The team was also
playing pretty well, and in my place Arjen Robben was playing and scoring
every game. The feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio
Cannavaro, Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy. "The press and
friends were laughing and things, but not many players can say that kind of
club was interested in you. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and
the feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio Cannavaro,
Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy."
Faubert was infamously - and unfairly - accused of falling asleep on the
bench during a La Liga game with Villarreal, but no one could reproach him
for slacking now. The 32-year-old rejected offers from the MLS and elsewhere
after reaching the end of his second stint at Bordeaux in the summer, and he
has spent the last few months tirelessly honing his physical condition with
a view to finding a new club in the winter transfer window. Near his family
home in Catalonia, Faubert spends six days a week training with CE
L'Hospitalet, a small club in Spain's third tier who have welcomed him with
open arms. "I'm training every week from Monday to Saturday, because they
play on Sundays," he says. "In the morning I train with them, then I have a
rest in the afternoon, and at 7pm I go to the gym with a personal trainer,
lifting weights, doing foot exercises and cardio. So that's my day. Every
day, every day, every day… I'm in good shape, I'm ready to play and mentally
I'm hungry. I need to play now. I need to compete."
The ramshackle surroundings of L'Hospitalet are a world away from the
Bernabeu, but Faubert is optimistic about the future. After all, this is a
player who, at the age of 22, wore Zinedine Zidane's iconic No 10 shirt on
his debut for France, marking the occasion with a late winner against Bosnia
and Herzegovina. The highly-rated wideman looked destined for big things
when he earned a £6m transfer to West Ham a year later, but disaster struck
when he ruptured an Achilles tendon on his first appearance for the club in
pre-season. The prognosis was six months out. His debut would have to wait.
"It was my dream to play in the Premier League so when I arrived I was
really motivated," he recalls. "The pain was crazy but mentally as well it
was like a punch in the head." Alan Curbishley, West Ham's manager at the
time, described it as a "devastating blow for everyone". "The club was
really kind to me and helped me to come back," says Faubert. "They didn't
push me, they didn't put me under pressure. To be honest West Ham is just an
amazing club in England. In France, the people don't know that club like
English people. I think that's why I had some problems with the national
team. But I really love that club."
Payet making the difference
The stats that show how important Dimitri Payet is to Slaven Bilic's West
Ham.
Faubert was one of West Ham's best players after returning from Real Madrid
in the 2009/10 campaign, making 33 Premier League appearances and endearing
himself to supporters when he played through a 0-0 draw with Blackburn just
48 hours after the death of his mother. In the end, his last game for the
club was the victorious Championship play-off final against Blackpool in
2012. "West Ham is a part of my life now, and when I go back to Upton Park
it feels like home," he says. "I spent a really good time there with crazy,
special fans. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have
done. I don't know exactly what happened when I left. I had an agent who
told me they had offered me something, but I never saw the offer. In the end
I had to find something else."
Faubert had a brief stint in Turkey before his second spell at Bordeaux, but
now he is dreaming of a return to England. There has been interest from the
Championship, and newspaper reports have linked him with Remi Garde's Aston
Villa. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have done.
"My body is ready and I have three or four years in front of me," he says.
"At the moment I have nothing concrete, but we are in touch with some clubs
in the Championship. I hope it's going to happen. I think everybody knows I
like English football. I had one year in the Championship and I enjoyed it a
lot because the tempo and the rhythm of the game is crazy." Faubert's career
has taken plenty of unexpected turns over the years, but coming back to
England just feels right. "If something happens," he says, "I will be very
happy."
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Bilic breaks silence on Zarate
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has broken his silence on Mauro Zarate and his mysterious
absence from Tuesday night's squad against Bournemouth. Slav told the
assembled media at a press conference this morning "On Zarate, he felt
(pain) before the Bournemouth game in training the day before he was
shooting some free kicks and all that then he felt a bit (of pain), but wast
just a kind of cramp so he is also training today and should be fit for
Saturday and that is basically it"
Zarate's absence created speculation he could be outbound in this January
transfer window. We have been told that West Ham are ready to allow Mauro
Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out
of Europe. ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga have
long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved
either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to
be honest were we to get one later on in the window.Should bids come in then
we will certainly be ready to listen."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic: Carroll will be out for three and a half weeks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic faced the press this morning ahead the Hammers
game against Newcastle and was asked about Andy Carroll and other injuries
Bilic told the media that Andy should be out for three and a half weeks and
not four to six weeks. " It's a hamstring injury, it's one of those injuries
that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having a scan later on
today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's not a small one
either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks or so, not four
to six."
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
"He is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt he was back
and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big story about
it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is three weeks
then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a very
significant part of the season."
"Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the
Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but
we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the
best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Obiang is open to offers says agent
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
A person claiming to be the agent of West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang has
told CalcioMercato.it in Italy that his client would consider offers from
other clubs but bizarrely insisted Obiang is currently happy to stay with
the Hammers. 23 year old Obiang only joined the Irons from Serie A side
Sampdoria last summer on a five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to
be £4.5 million. Jose Miguel Gonzalez has told CalcioMercato.it that Obiang
would consider leaving if a team made a proposal for him. "We're very
pleased with the adaptation to the new project with West Ham and the Premier
League in general," said Gonzalez. "Pedro is fascinated by the city, the
language and everything else. It's a great experience and the team is doing
very well, fighting for the top places."
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BT Sport to show Hammers FA Clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
BT Sports has announced it will provide TV coverage of West Ham's FA cup
trip to either Exeter or Liverpool. Kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Saturday
30th January. If Liverpool over come Exeter the Irons will need to beat
Jurgen Klopp's outfit for the third time this season after the thrilling 2-2
draw at St James' Park. The possibility of doing the treble over the Reds
will be a major incentive for Slaven Bilic's side who have seen the
merseysiders off twice this season. We have not played Exeter for 101 years
since we beat them 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd January 1915 in front of
7,000 fans in the old Southern First division, on that day Hammer Sydney
Puddlefoot scored a hat trick. We have played the Grecians 14 times between
1909 and 1915 with 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses.
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West Ham linked with Ligue 1 striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham has been linked with Ben Yedder after reports in France claimed he
is ready to force a move out of Toulouse this month. The twenty-five year
striker is one of French football's rising stars netting six goals in his
last six games for the Ligue 1 outfit. That form has attracted the attention
of the Spurs, Lyon, Marseille and West Ham according to a report in the Sun
today. Radio station RMC reported that Toulouse have told their Ligue 1
rivals that the former France Under-21 international would be available for
just £5.3million — as long as he is loaned straight back to the club for the
rest of the season. Yedder who scored fourteen league goals last season is
believed to prefer a move to the Premier League in this transfer window.
Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage is aware of the player's desire to move
on, and admitted last week that he might not be able to keep hold of the
attacker. He said: "With every game we have in January I will have several
press conferences a week and every time I will get asked the question about
Ben Yedder. I will say that I am very happy to have him in the squad. He is
a powerful player and I want him to be with us as long as possible, but
indeed there is a possibility that he leaves."
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Irons react to Obiang transfer talk
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham have made it clear this morning that Pedro Obiang is their player
for the next three years and that it may be as well for agents to understand
that. The Italian was at the centre of reports this morning that he could be
up for a transfer if a club came in for him and the clubs are not in a
position to discuss what may or may not be going on among his advisers.
We reported earlier that the midfielder's agent, Jose Miguel Gonzalez, has
told CalcioMercato that Obiang would consider leaving if a team made a
proposal for him. But ClaretandHugh's top source immediately told us
exclusively: "In reality 99% of players at all clubs would consider/like to
move if they were offered say twice the money they are on. However, if they
are contracted to a club they can't and Pedro is contracted to West Ham for
another three years. Every window there are players who think we should let
them leave for nothing or a low fee if they are aware of other clubs ready
to offer them more."
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The Reason Payet is NOT the New Tevez
verywestham
Dimitri Payet has undoubtedly been the Premiership's signing of the year to
date. The midfield talisman is blessed with outrageous skills and, despite a
two month absence of late, is already being hailed as a Hammers legend! The
comparison points for such status are fascinating - Carlos Tevez being the
most recent benchmark. While Tevez's contribution to our survival in 2007
was outstanding, there are many key differences between Payet and 'the
Apache'.
Firstly, Tevez arrived at Upton Park in that bizarre transfer in poor shape
- overweight and unfit, both he and Mascherano initially struggled to adapt
to English football such that Tevez's first nine games consisted of one draw
and eight defeats! And no goals. In fact, the gamble on the two
Argentinians was a key reason why West Ham faced certain relegation in 2007.
Moreover, Carlos also had a few tantrums during his time at Upton Park -
most notably storming out of the ground after a match versus Sheffield
United. And then there was THAT run in with all those key goals, and that
crucial goal on the final day that ensured legendary status in what surely
was the greatest ever Premiership escape (yes, better than Leicesters recent
efforts!).
In stark contrast, Payet has hit the ground running and already has almost
surpassed the Apachhe in goals and, one suspects, has quadrupled his assist
count. For sure, Dimitri is part of a better team, but his contribution in
terms of leadership and example is tremendous. Tevez tried (and ultimately
succeeded) to do it on his own. Payet, as Bilic keeps reminding us, makes
everybody better. We can debate who has the greater innate skills (surely
Payet also wins this?) but in the comparison of team leader versus maverick
there can only be one winner! It's time to go back much further in seeking
our comparison points for this evolving legend, much further indeed!
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Manuel Lanzini: The jewel of River Plate now shining for West Ham after Al
Jazira spell
West Ham are reportedly close to making Manuel Lanzini's loan switch from Al
Jazira to Upton Park permanent, and Sport360 analyses why the east London
side are in such a hurry to wrap-up a deal.
Sport360
Peter Coates
13th January 2016
Lanzini, 22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. Lanzini,
22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. The era of Sam
Allardyce and his dour brand of football had come to an end at Upton Park
and in his place arrived law graduate, guitar-playing rocker Slaven Bilic.
The charismatic new West Ham boss swaggered back into East London and when
the high-profile signings of Dimitri Payet and Alex Song followed it wasn't
only bubbles in the air, it was a renewed sense of optimism. In the
circumstances, The Hammers' loan signing of young Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini from UAE side Al Jazira went somewhat under the radar. A
slightly built South American who had been playing in a league with a
reputation as more of a final payday for footballers rather than a breeding
ground for talent was understandably viewed as a signing that would require
a little patience.
The truth, however, was that the West Ham faithful needed to wait just three
minutes into Lanzini's debut for a glimpse of his talent. The 22-year-old
dropped his shoulder, cut onto his right foot and rifled Bilic's side in
front against Romanian's Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League qualifiers. Some
would argue that impressing against relative minnows and excelling in the
Premier League are worlds apart but it wasn't long before Lanzini answered
those critics too.
A second goal in his first start for the trip to Anfield confirmed Lanzini's
presence in Bilic's midfield for the season but his impact surprised even
the Croatian coach, who had been tracking the youngster since his River
Plate days. "I am only surprised that he hit it off straight away," Bilic
said. "I thought he was going to need more time because he played in the
UAE. It is a good level but you can't compare that with the Premier League.
"He is a phenomenal player, who is very comfortable on the ball, no matter
where he is and gives everything in every training session. I know him
really well because I tried a couple of times to get him to my previous
club, Besiktas, but it didn't happen."
Besiktas' interest in Lanzini whilst at River was well documented but Bilic
appears to have seen something in the attacking midfielder that few others
did. Emerging from the youth system of the Argentine giants, which he had
joined as a nine-year-old, Lanzini made his first-team debut at 17 and drew
immediate comparisons with former No. 10, Pablo Aimar. What both players
lacked in physical attributes they made up for in touch and vision and the
similarity was not lost on the young Lanzini. "Aimar was my hero", explained
Lanzini. "He came through the youth ranks in more or less the same position.
I watched him often, partly because it was a pleasure – the way he moved the
ball and got the team going – and partly because people said we had similar
styles. I honed in on him for that."
Bestowed the famous River No. 10 shirt, Lanzini at times struggled for
consistency but endeared himself to supporters with two memorable goals at
La Bombonera against bitter rivals Boca Juniors – his header in the 2013
Torneo Final being the fastest scored in a superclásico. Given the reported
European interest and Argentine football economics dictating player sales,
Lanzini's exit was inevitable but it came as something of a surprise when
that move was to Emirati club, Al Jazira. The concern was that Lanzini was
taking a sideways step in his career but he and the Pride of Abu Dhabi club
appeared confident that his stay in the UAE capital would be temporary. Liam
Weeks, the club's head of performance analysis, would later say they "knew
as soon as he arrived that he wouldn't stay long". It proved to be entirely
accurate.
Marking his debut with a brace, Lanzini's overall contribution to the Al
Jazira attack during the 2014-15 campaign was impressive. Behind
centre-forward Mirko Vucinic, Lanzini scored a modest eight but crucially
was involved in 70 per cent of his side's goals. Not wanting to miss out on
Lanzini again, Bilic ordered West Ham to move and a one-year loan agreement
with an option to make the deal permanent for £7 million (Dh37m) was
arranged. The statistics that Lanzini produced in the UAE are not quite so
spectacular in the Premier League but his four goals from twelve appearances
fail to fully capture what the 22-year-old has brought to the Boleyn Ground
side. With a pass completion rate of 88.8 per cent, no West Ham regular can
boast a higher value and only Payet, in his more advanced role, is more
creative. Bilic has taken Lanzini, the advanced playmaker, and dropped him
deeper to play a far more significant role in retaining possession,
dictating play and assisting with defensive duties. Where many had seen
Pablo Aimar, earlier in his career, Bilic sees more of his Croatian
counterpart, Luka Modric.
"I have never seen a player who reminds me of Luka Modric as much as
Lanzini," Bilic asserted after the Argentine scored in the victory over
Crystal Palace. "Luka is my favourite player. He is my prototype of a great
midfielder and Lanzini has the same kind of qualities. "He is making other
players better. He always wants the ball and that's why we put him in
midfield. He always makes himself available. If players are in trouble, he
comes and gets it. He doesn't look strong but some players can defy that
physicality to impose themselves. Modric is the same and, like him, Lanzini
is not afraid either."
Bilic can certainly take credit for making Lanzini a far more complete
midfielder and West Ham look a much better side with the 22-year-old in the
starting eleven. These performances have prompted interest from other clubs
but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has already calmed supporters by
claiming the transfer will be made permanent before the deadline. "By
February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player," Sullivan said.
"He could be a top, top, top player. He's already sensational and he could
be as good as any player in the world." There is some way to go before this
is true but Lanzini is beginning to deliver on his early promise and a
bright future surely beckons.
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Dimitri Payet shares what Aaron Cresswell told him before scoring stunning
free-kick
HITC
Olly Dawes
Dimitri Payet scoring a remarkable free kick for West Ham against
Bournemouth. West Ham United hero Dimitri Payet has told the club's official
website that left back Aaron Cresswell urged him to shoot from his free-kick
against Bournemouth. The Hammers made it three Premier League wins in a row
on Tuesday evening, as they recorded a 3-1 victory away at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth took the lead through Harry Arter, but three goals in 17 second
half minutes turned the game or West Ham, with Dimitri Payet hitting the
first, and Enner Valencia adding two more later on. French playmaker Payet
was making his first Premier League start in two months, having been ruled
out with an ankle injury since November, and he marked it in style with a
stunning goal. Payet's free kick from 25 yards went over the will, dipped
viciously and cannoned in off the crossbar, leaving Cherries goalkeeper
Artur Boruc with no chance. After the game, Payet spoke to the West Ham
official website, and admitted that the reason he shot from his free kick
rather than cross it into the box was because left back Aaron Cresswell told
him to have a go from range. Payet also reflected on his superb return to
the West Ham side having spent two months out of action, celebrating his
goal in the process. "Cress said to me 'Shoot!' so I shoot," said a gleeful
Payet. "I'm very happy because I don't play for two months. I'm very happy I
can play, and [get a] good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy,"
he added.
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Report: Sunderland still considering free transfer move to reunite Allardyce
with Kevin Nolan
HITC
Olly Dawes
Sunderland are reportedly still looking at a deal for Kevin Nolan. According
to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are still pursuing a move for free agent Kevin
Nolan, who has been one of Sam Allardyce's most trusted players over the
years. The Black Cats have made one move so far during the January transfer
window, with Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff joining the club earlier
this month. Further additions are expected for Sunderland, who are still
fighting relegation despite a superb 4-2 win at Swansea City tonight, where
Jermain Defoe's hat-trick handed Allardyce a vital three points. Fans will
be hoping to see some players with Premier League experience brought in to
help battle the drop, and it seems that Allardyce has his eye on a familiar
face. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has been a free agent ever since being released
by West Ham United back in August, and the Daily Mail report that Sunderland
are still considering a move to sign Nolan. The 33-year-old worked with
Allardyce at both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham, enjoying the best stints of
his career under 'Big Sam' and his management. A move to reunite the duo
would make some sense, especially with Nolan available for free, but after
nearly five months out of the game, there have to be questions over his
fitness, whilst League Two side Leyton Orient tried to sign Nolan, according
to the report, but couldn't strike a deal - and many will question whether
Nolan still has a role to play in the Premier League at this stage of his
career.
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Report explains how West Ham feel about Payet's future and contract
situation
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham reportedly aren't looking to hand Dimitri Payet a new contract.
According to The Times, West Ham won't be offering Dimitri Payet a new
contract despite his fine performances - and believe he will stay at the
club regardless. Payet, 28, has been one of the signings of the Premier
League season, with his skill dazzling the Upton Park faithful, earning
comparisons to former Hammers heroes such as Paolo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez
in the process. Having arrived from Marseille, Payet was billed as West
Ham's big summer arrival, and he has certainly lived up to the hype, even
though he has missed two months of the season through injury. Payet's first
start in the league since November came on Tuesday night in West Ham's 3-1
victory at Bournemouth, and he came back with a bang, scoring a superb free
kick before notching an assist for Enner Valencia to score. Now, The Times
report that despite the fact that Payet has been serving up some incredible
performances, West Ham currently have no plans to offer him a new and
improved contract. It's also stated that West Ham don't fear losing Payet
right now, and believe that they can keep hold of him long-term - because
they think playing at Upton Park on a regular basis offers him the best
chance to get back in to the French national team squad.
Payet currently isn't in the plans of France boss Didier Deschamps, and
doesn't look like making the French squad for their home European
Championships campaign this summer - but if he continues to keep up this run
of form, it will be hard for Deschamps, and possibly rival clubs, to ignore
him.
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FAKING IT
By Blind Hammer 14 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer examines whether Bilic has any options for a False Number 9.
The injury to Andy Carroll has again highlighted the comparative fragilities
of our front line. Hopefully Sakho will return early and immediately hit the
ground running, but in the short term it appears that only Jelavic will be
available as a main central forward option. Interestingly whenever I have
heard Bilic refer to Valencia he has called him not a striker but a "winger"
which seems to indicate that he, at least, sees Valencia primarily in a wide
role.
Bilic strikes me as a manager who dislikes not having an alternative Plan B
to his Plan A. We have seen how, in recent weeks, he has changed games in
the second half. Assuming Jelavic is the default starting Plan A then Bilic
will have limited option to move to a plan B in the absence of both Sakho
and Carroll.
It may be then that Bilic, as a deep thinking strategist, has to give
serious thought to West Ham playing with a Fake or False number 9 in the
weeks ahead.
Once upon a time all teams played at least two forwards in a 4-4-2
formation. West Ham was actually one of the pioneers of playing with one
striker with the other forward in a withdrawn deep lying role. The most
famous example of this was the tactical masterstroke Lyall pulled off in the
1981 FA Cup Final win over Arsenal where Stuart Pearson was withdrawn into
midfield with David Cross up front by himself. This move completely
disorientated the Arsenal defence who wasted player manpower with defenders
marking a non-existent forward.
The False number 9 is and extension of this idea where even the lone striker
is withdrawn into midfield. Although known as a tactic from the 1930's the
strategy appears to have its roots in Pep Guardiola's successful Barcelona
team in 2010. His use of Lionel Messi as a False Number 9 altered the
landscape for football strategy across the world forever.
Messi was light years away from the old-fashioned number 9, traditionally a
physically strong and tall leader who battled for possession and held up
play for an advancing midfield.
Barcelona instead confused defenders by playing their way with short
diagonal passes from the back to front into the final third. Here they
retained possession, hitting teams with lightening runs, amazing dribbles
into the box or slip passes to runners from deep to bamboozle unprepared
defenders. In such a system retaining possession is key and there is not
often the luxury of a long ball unless it is released over a running wide
player.
So playing with a false nine relies on midfielders running from deep to do
the damage in the opposition penalty area. The system was in a sense natural
and logical for Barcelona to implement as it played into their strengths.
Messi was too talented a player to be simply deployed in a wide role,
potentially on the periphery of any action. Playing him as a traditional
number 10 also courted the risk that he be man marked out of the game. In
the event Messi was supported in a running and passing game in midfield, the
most advance of a midfield quintet.
See the Bleacher Report for a good general discussion of the False Number 9
strategies.
There are of course cynics who will argue that in playing Jelavic West Ham
are already playing with a false number 9 but this is a frivolous view and
one that misses the crucial point. Payet has drawn comparisons with Messi
over the last year and it is not inconceivable that he might be able to
adapt into a false Number 9 role, at least in the short term.
The role of the false number 9 is complicated, demanding and ultimately
integral to the team's performance. He must not only be able to retain
possession under pressure, but must have an eye for the killer pass and be
able to beat a player on the ground with dribbling ability. The demanding
nature of the role requires a level of world class skill. Few players are
able to perform the role consistently. However if any player in the Premier
League is capable of playing the false number 9 role it is probably Payet.
Of course West Ham has used a False Number 9 before, most famously in the
3-0 demolition of Spurs in October 2013. In that team Ravel Morrison, Nolan
and Downing combined to execute a passing press up the pitch which Spurs
could not cope with. The success of this ploy was not long lived however.
Spurs were taken by surprise on the night but in subsequent weeks other
teams wised up and countered the effectiveness of the strategy. We did not
have Barcelona style players to implement the strategy beyond this initial
surprise.
Arguably now we are better equipped to support a Fake Number 9. Not just
Valencia and Antonio but also the returning Moses may well provide the
running and dribbling threat for Payet to find as they arrive in the penalty
area.
Notwithstanding all this, the likely event is that we will almost certainly
start with the Plan A of Jelavic up front in the upcoming games against
Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Given what we know about Bilic
though I would be extremely surprised if he is not now considering a Plan B
of a fake Number 9, utilising to the full the world class skills of Payet.
David Griffith
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THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD?
By S J Chandos 14 Jan 2016 at 13:00
WTID
I have previously commented on the absence of a winning mentality amongst
sections of our support base. Years of under-achievement and bitter
disappointment has conspired to nurture a skeptical outlook which expects
and almost seeks comfort in the worst case scenario transpiring. For
example, we sign a world-class talent in Payet and discussion turns to
losing him to one of the so-called 'big clubs.' We hit an injury crisis and
the narrative turns to clinging on to 10th place in the league. I disagree
with that viewpoint, but I do understand it. And at the end of the day, it
will probably only change when the club secures sustained success and
actually give the fans something to be confident about!
However, what I cannot understand is a club source actually stating that
they would prefer to win the FA Cup over qualifying for the Champions
League. Now, I have great memories of the FA Cup and, like all Hammers fans,
I would of course relish winning the cup for a fourth time. But does a PL
club with ambition make such a public statement? Qualification for the
Champions League this season would indeed signal that the club are moving up
a level. Apart from the financial incentives, involvement in the CL would
put a whole new complexion on the debut season at the OS. We have the world
class stadium, we have the squad (and it will be strengthened even further
in the summer) and we have the opportunity. So, lets go for it! Lest we
forget, we currently sit in 5th, one point behind Spurs (in 4th) and five
points behind Man City (in 3rd). Moreover, we have played many of our
toughest away matches, our remaining fixtures are fairly favourable and we
are presently on a strong unbeaten run, having won our last three PL
matches. Thus, the tide appears to have turned in our favour and we have a
massive opportunity in the here and now.
Here is a novel thought, how about we deploy the full playing resources of
our squad (injuries allowing) and attempt to maintain a strong challenge on
both fronts. After all, does FA Cup progress inevitably mean that there has
to be a drop off in our league form and results? Of course not. lndeed, if
you aspire to be a top four club, then it is a pre-requisite that you are
able to challenge for honours on two or three fronts. It is something that
all such clubs have in common. It is a non-negotiable fact of life at the
top of the PL tree! So, we might as well accept it and try to show that we
are capable of doing it. Hopefully this is exactly what the club intend to
do. It is just that I question this apparent logic that the FA Cup should be
prioritised over the PL. Because if you communicate that preference to the
squad, what is to stop it adversely influencing PL performance and results?
That would be very disappointing considering the excellent league position
that we have carved out for ourselves up to this juncture.
I was expecting the club to adjust and strengthen the squad in the January
window. I was not anticipating a major recruitment, but I thought that the
club would make one or two quality signings to 'keep the pot boiling.' In
particular, I thought that either Jelavic or Zarate might move on and this
would free up room for a new striker. Similarly, I also hoped that we might
bring in another play-maker on-loan to cover for Payet and Lanzini. With
both Sakho and Carroll now injured maybe the board will be forced to revisit
their winter transfer plans? Although I must admit that I do wonder to what
extent this 'no business in January' position is a tactical manoeuvre to
underline the point to selling clubs that they will not be held to ransom?
We shall see?
At the end of the day, we can always talk about 'jam tomorrow.' But
sometimes a unique opportunity presents itself (a la our current league
position) and the challenge is to capitalise upon it. It could turn out to
be a 'great leap forward' as juxtaposed to a planned, gradualist advance. An
unexpected plan B to supplement the anticipated plan A. So, lets buckle
down, deploy our squad and try to finish as high as possible in the PL and
progress in the FA Cup. Who knows, it could turn out to be a significant
short-cut in the club's journey towards a bigger and better future?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, January 15
Thursday, January 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th January 2016
Moose's Memories - Tony Gale
WHUFC.com
talkSPORT presenter and lifelong West Ham United supporter Ian 'Moose' Abrahams chats to Hammers great Tony Gale...
Hello everyone,
As you will all know, we beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Emirates FA Cup third round on Saturday, to set up a fourth-round trip to Liverpool or Exeter City. Looking back, when I think of historic games against Wolves, I remember some of the great sides in Old Gold from the past and the forward lines they've had; John Richards and Andy Gray in the late 1970s and early 1980s and then, a decade later, Steve Bully and Andy Mutch. I also remember some great goals we've scored against them; Frank Lampard Senior thumped in a terrific goal in November 1974 and then there was a very famous last goal for Liam Brady against the men from Molieneux on this ground in 1990. And that's where I began my chat with one of our Boys of '86 and a man with his own FA Cup tales to tell, Tony Gale...
"Chippy was sub for that game, as he'd just come back from injury and was desperate to play and desperate to get back on the pitch because he knew it was his last professional game of football," Galey recalled of Brady's final game in Claret and Blue. "I remember when he came on and he came over to me and I said to him, 'It'll be a great way to go out if you scored a goal', and he scored a ripper with probably the last kick of the game and we won 4-0. "It was a typical Brady goal, drifting across to left-hand side and shooting across the 'keeper. It was a wonderful goal from one of the game's superstars."
Having played with such greats as Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking and Alan Devonshire, I asked Galey to compare Brady with them in terms of the skill the Irishman had. "I put him up there with Trev, Billy and Dev; Billy not just on the skill levels but as an icon of West Ham and one of the game's gentlemen, who managed and played for our Club," Galey continued. "Billy is right up there as one of the greats. Everyone talks about Moore, Hurst, Peters, but then after that in no particular order you would go Bonds, Brooking and Devonshire, as all three were wonderful."
When it comes to West Ham's FA Cup history, there have been our three final wins and the White Horse final at the old Wembley Stadium. Then we all remember what happened ten years ago in arguably the best FA Cup final of modern times, when we were edged out by Liverpool on penalties. In between, there was the 1991 semi-final and the controversial red card shown to a certain Tony Gale…
"That was probably the game or the moment that made me famous or should I say infamous, getting sent off in an FA Cup semi-final," the man himself recalls. "Normally getting sent-off in an FA Cup semi-final, people would probably of thought 'What a plonker!', but not this time because they realised what a bad decision it was from the referee, Keith Hackett. "It was one of the first decisions, of the so-called 'professional foul', because the rule was only implemented on the Wednesday and we played Forest on the Sunday, so in my opinion he had to be the first one to do it, regardless of what Keith has said since!"
Galey was given his marching orders in the first half of the game at Villa Park, leaving West Ham with an even tougher task against Brian Clough's side. "I went up to the dressing room and was waiting for the lads to come in at half-time," Galey continued. "I had heard the roars when George Parris hit the post. All I could hear was 'Billy Bonds's Claret and Blue Army' ringing around the stadium. "I don't think there were any Forest fans inside Villa Park that day, certainly none that could be heard. "Anyway at half-time it was 0-0 and the lads came into the dressing room. Billy came in and gave his team talk and I was waiting for my telling off, which never came. In fact, Billy went round every player except me and then as the team were about to go out for the second half, he went all Winston Churchill on us."
Mimicking Billy's accent, Galey recounts what Bonzo said…
"Right lads, before you go out, if you don't win it for the players, your teammates; if you don't do it for the supporters, who've been absolutely wonderful; if you don't do it for the staff, then you go out there and do it for your mate, your pal, one of us, who really has been the victim of one of the worst referring decisions ever, do it for that man there, Tony Gale."
As Galey ends the anecdote he adds with his typical mischievous laugh: "Well they went out and lost 4-0, which goes to show what a friend I must have been to them!"
This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 9 January 2016.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We will start with the good news this week.
Victor Moses is training fully after six weeks out with a hamstring injury and will be available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle United.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have a good chance to be available for some part of the game at St James' Park.
Cheikhou suffered a groin problem in the win over Liverpool on 2 January, while Mauro had a small thigh problem last week in training.
Dimitri Payet has made a quick return from the serious high ankle injury and made his first start in two months at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Dimi played for 80 minutes and came off with cramps as his body is not yet fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League after his injury, but that will get better with every game.
Dimi and Enner Valencia missed a lot of training days and during this congested period it is important to recover. The lack of training days will be compensated during 'normal' weeks with less games.
After a Tuesday night game, the main job of the Medical and Sports Science team is to optimise the recovery of the players, minimise fatigue and ensure they are as fresh as possible for Saturday's match.
Some players are more fatigued than others, some played more and others lack training due to injuries. We individualise the training programs and adapt the daily routine accordingly to make sure players are ready to play.
We picked up an injury and a few knocks and bruises from the mid week game game. unfortunately Andy Carroll came off with a hamstring injury and he will have a scan on Thursday, after which we will know more about the extent of the problem.
If it is a Grade One injury, he will be out for around ten days, while a Grade Two injury means four to six weeks, depending on what part of the muscle is injured.
We'll have more news tomorrow.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was an extremely proud West Ham United captain after leading the Londoners to a superb come-from-behind 3-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday. The Hammers rose to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table after two goals from Enner Valencia and a sublime Dimitri Payet free-kick wrested the points away from Bournemouth. Noble said hard work is central to the Hammers success and just wants the feelgood factor to continue.
What was the key to the comeback against Bournemouth?
MN: "A lot of hard work went into that performance over Bournemouth. We have had a lot of games recently and it has been asking a lot of the players. We are obviously grateful to have Dimi and Enner back. "We probably should not have been 1-0 down in the first half and had some good chances. But it shows the spirit we have got in this team to come back and win the game. I have said it before many times that we have got an unbelievable spirit. "The back four was fantastic once again and I thought in the second half we showed what a good team we are.
Dimi obviously had a huge impact – how important is he?
MN: "What more can be said about Dimitri Payet. At the end of the day we paid £10m for him and would we pay double for him now - the answer is probably yes. "He has got so much ability and he works so hard for the team. A lot of people don't see that. They see his skills and the amazing goals he scores. But the hard work he puts in for the team, he has fitted in fantastically well. "It is my job to bed players in like that – the foreign players who don't speak a lot of English and have new surroundings. But he has bedded in pretty well."
You played with Carlos Tevez here – is the impact he is having similar to his?
MN: "I think Carlos is more of a striker, but the way the fans think of him, he is the same. West Ham fans love a hero – Paolo Di Canio, Carlos Tevez and now I think it is Dimitri Payet!"
It was a night of great free-kicks and Enner's was special as well…
MN: "It is a great piece of skill from Dimi to set up the second goal but the first finish is fantastic. It is easy to sky that over the bar, but we see Enner score goals like that all the time in training. It was a special one against Bournemouth."
How far can this team go?
MN: "We are going to keep working hard, keep putting points on the board. We are over the moon that no-one is talking about us and talking about the other teams. Hopefully, we are going to keep creeping up table."
How big a blow was Andy going off?
MN: "The only downside to the win over Bournemouth was the injury picked up by Andy Carroll. He has been great for us over the last month and scored some very important goals.
"It is a big loss but I thought Jelavic came on and worked so hard and put in a real shift for the team. That is what has got us through all the injury problems."
Newcastle next, you must be viewing that as another opportunity to keep the run going?
MN: "We have another away game on Saturday against Newcastle and it is another long trip for us.
"We will get back and recover and we won't need a lot of training because of all the games we have played over the Christmas period.
"I said it in my programme notes last week that to go unbeaten through that period and now win four on the bounce with the quality players we have lost, it shows the special team spirit and quality that we have got."
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Ogbonna hails Hammers game-changers
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna praised manager Slaven Bilic and match-winners Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia for inspiring Tuesday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory at AFC Bournemouth. The Hammers trailed going into half-time at the Vitality Stadium, but a change in tactics from Bilic and three sublime goals from Payet and Valencia turned the game on its head. Speaking to West Ham TV, the Italy defender hailed the decision made by Bilic to change the formation, as well as his teammates' ability and desire to score three goals and secure a third straight league win. "The manager changed something, but that is why he is the manager and he is really clever about that because he can read the situation," said the centre-half, who produced another physically-dominating performance. "In the second half, we changed a lot of things. "The free-kick of Dimi was perfect, as was the second free-kick of Valencia as well. We have got some really good players to change many situations in the game."
West Ham did not just overcome an in-form Bournemouth side, but also inclement weather conditions and a vociferous home crowd. A strong, biting cold wind helped pen the visitors in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes, but with the blasting air at their backs in the second period, it was a different game after the interval. Ogbonna also thanked the 1,400-strong Claret and Blue Army for playing a huge part in helping the Hammers to secure a victory, with the fans' non-stop urging their team forward at every opportunity. "We started and maybe we were a little bit unlucky because the wind didn't really help us and every shot, every pass and every tackle was really bad, but in the second half we showed a really different class," the No21 explained. "Our supporters helped us to do what we did. I want to say 'Thank you' to our fans because the support was really, really good and I thought we had 12 on the pitch. It's really beautiful in this situation. "The first half was difficult because of the wind but we have a different class, so in the second half we put in everything. Thank you to Dimi, thank you to Valencia and thank you to everybody for doing what they had to do."
Next up is another lengthy away trip, with Newcastle United the hosts fresh from their own inspiring comeback against Manchester United on Tuesday evening. The Magpies came from two goals down to draw 3-3, while Saturday's opponents have also signed England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Senegal winger Henri Saviet this week to bolster their own battle against relegation. "We are really clever and we are really intelligent and we have to read the situation and keep our feet on the ground and take it step by step," he concluded. "The manager knows what is best for us, so it is time to enjoy this game but we have to focus on the next game because it will be really, really difficult away from home. "In England, there are no easy games, so that's why we have to focus because Newcastle know our team. I think they will prepare everything well, so we have to focus because we want to beat them."
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Andy Carroll: New injury worry for West Ham striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have a new injury worry after striker Andy Carroll was substituted with a hamstring problem in the Hammers' 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes and manager Slaven Bilic says the injury will be assessed on Wednesday. It's a big blow for us because he started this game good," said Bilic. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long." The 27-year-old has scored two goals in West Ham's past four games after returning in September 2015 following seven months out for knee surgery. A former Newcastle player, Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013.
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Andy Carroll: Timeline of West Ham forward's injuries
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 13/01/16 3:45pm
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool initially on loan in August 2012 before making the move to east London permanent at the end of that season for £15m. But the 27-year-old has been beset by injuries during his three-and-a-half years at the club. Here we take a look at his catalogue of recent complaints…
September-October 2012 (hamstring, missed three matches)
Carroll made a great start to his West Ham career, producing a superb debut performance in the 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. Having signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool two days earlier, the towering striker was immediately drafted into the starting line-up and played a major role in Kevin Nolan's third-minute opener. Carroll tormented Fulham's defence and was virtually unplayable as the Hammers went into the interval three goals to the good. But his joy was short-lived as he suffered a hamstring injury in the 68th minute after an aerial challenge with Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. He missed the draws with Norwich and Sunderland before making his return as a second-half substitute at Queens Park Rangers on October 1.
November 2012-January 2013 (knee, missed 11 matches)
Carroll had returned to the West Ham first team following his hamstring injury and netted his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. However, only a week later he twisted his knee in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford and was left facing another spell on the sidelines. He was withdrawn just after the hour mark and subsequently missed two months of the season, returning as a substitute in the 3-1 loss at Fulham on January 30.
May-September 2013 (heel, missed four matches)
After returning from injury, Carroll enjoyed a superb end to the 2012-13 season, scoring six times in 10 matches. He played the full 90 minutes of West Ham's 4-2 victory over Reading on the final day of the season, despite picking up a heel injury. Despite this, West Ham decided to take up the option to make Carroll's move to the club permanent, paying Liverpool £15m. He missed the start of pre-season training because of the heel injury, but soon returned to training and was expected to make his return against Southampton on September 15.
September 2013-January 2014 (foot, missed 21 matches)
Despite that hope, Carroll suffered a fresh injury - this time to his foot - and was ruled out until the New Year. He sustained the injury in training and, although the problem suffered was in the same foot, West Ham insisted the ailment was new. Carroll travelled to Antwerp in Belgium in an attempt to cure the problem and went under the care of Belgian physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck. He returned in January as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, setting up midfielder Mark Noble for West Ham's second goal. He scored two goals in 16 games as West Ham maintained their Premier League status, finishing 13th.
July-November 2014 (ankle, missed 11 matches)
Carroll returned to pre-season training and had been looking forward to beginning his first season free of injury since 2012. However, his injury jinx struck again during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand when he tore his ankle ligaments in training and was quickly sent to undergo surgery in Baltimore in the United States. Having returned to England, he began his rehabilitation and made his return as a substitute in the goalless draw with Aston Villa in November, nearly scoring just minutes into his first match since May.
February-September 2015 (knee, missed 24 matches)
Carroll had scored five times in 16 appearances before suffering another injury blow that ruled him out for the rest of the 2014-15 season and the beginning of the following campaign. Carroll replaced Diafra Sakho after 55 minutes against Southampton at St Mary's, but lasted just 20 minutes. He suffered the injury following a challenge with Southampton defender Maya Yoshida. Carroll left the south coast on crutches and underwent knee surgery a week later. He would not play again for West Ham until September, making his return against former club Newcastle in a 2-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground.
January 2016-? (hamstring)
With only one goal to his name - a winner in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in October - Carroll had come in for criticism from a section of West Ham supporters. However, two winning goals in two matches over the festive period put him firmly back in the good books of those doubting fans.
Manager Slaven Bilic insisted it was key Carroll remained fit to stand any chance of earning a spot in England's squad for the European Championships, but after only 12 minutes against Bournemouth, the forward was walking down the tunnel this time clutching his hamstring.
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JANUARY TRANSFER NEWS ROUND UP - WEEK TWO
By Sean Whetstone 13 Jan 2016 at 22:00
WTID
So here is week two of my transfer news round-up. As the management continue to tell us it is going to be a quiet January but the media are not listening and we continue to be linked with various players as well as outbound rumours. Bilic told us last Wednesday during a press conference "We have a good squad, a big squad, and it's 99 per cent certain we will leave it like this and make our signings in the summer. If something exceptional comes along, whether that's a long-term deal for one great player, or a loan deal for a back-up player for six months, we will do it. But we won't buy just because it's the transfer window."
Last Thursday saw the return of the club's Boleyn Insider on WHUFC.com, here is some of what he had to say:
"There has been speculation in the media surrounding the futures of several players, but my understanding is that no first-team players are for sale unless the opportunity arises to buy an even better player. My sources tell me that the Club have spent all their wages for the year, so unless somebody goes there is no movement to do anything else. The Club has a wage cap that is set by the Premier League. There have been reports suggesting the club are considering a move for Juventus striker Simone Zaza. My understanding is that Zaza is a player the club greatly admire and they tried to sign him last summer. He scored again on Wednesday night and the Club might try something again this month.These are certainly exciting times with the move to the new Stadium during the summer and I have been told that the Club are already putting plans in place to make a big move for a proven and established striker at the end of the season who can score 20 goals and help take them to the next level."
Roughly translated they have lined up Simone Zaza on loan with an option to buy should either Zarate, Carroll or Jelavic leave the club in the January window. There have been some crazy rumours doing the rounds that Juve were ready to pay the player's wages in order for him to get game time, but Claret and Hugh have been told by a top club source: "In our dreams. That simply isn't going to happen – a player will need to leave for the deal to happen." Our senior source told us "We are no closer. The position is as it has been all year – somebody has to go in order to release wages for the player."
The 20 goal striker teaser for the summer transfer window is more of a mystery although it has been suggested the player is valued at £20m and plays for a top European league. Guesses have included Wilfred Bony, Lacazette, Manolo Gabbiadini and Burak Yilmaz.
I am told there have been zero bids or inquires for Carroll, Zarate or Jelavic despite constant media speculation. I have also been told that Jelavic is on a massive £55,000 per week at West Ham which surprised me somewhat, if true.
A source close to the club has also told us that we will not make a mega money bid for Sam Byram from Leeds this transfer window. The source said no club will play the kind of money Leeds are asking and the Hammers are happy to wait until the summer to attempt to snap him up for free and just pay the compensation from an independent tribunal. Our top source told us: "We like the player but there are other options – about nine of them! They'll want daft money, we want him in the summer with the fee set by Tribunal"
West Ham have been linked to a move for young Chelsea right back Ola Aina in the Summer. The Hammers are thought to be tracking the promising England Under-21 defender and considering trying to exploit his contract expiring with the Blues this summer.The 19 year old has refused to sign a new deal so far and has been demoted from Chelsea's first-team set-up to their U21s, edging him closer to an exit. Arsenal, Everton,Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli have all been linked with the young man. There remains a possibility the player could sign a pre-contract this winter.Aina has been at Chelsea since he was 11.
Slaven Bilic confirmed that West Ham are no longer interested in Charlie Austin. The manager told assembled press…
"He is a good player and he has been linked with most of the clubs when they got relegated because of his record and everything. So we were also among those clubs in the summer but we have chosen other options, now we are not looking for that type of player."
Aston Villa troubled midfielder Jack Grealish has been linked with West Ham in the media. The latest rumours suggest that the Hammers have joined Spurs and Liverpool in attempting to sign the 20 year old troubled midfielder.
The Hammers have been linked with Grays Athletic striker Dumebi Dumaka, who has been dubbed non-league football's next Jamie Vardy by the Daily Express. Dumaka has been impressive for Grays this season with 15 goals so far in the Ryman Isthmian League. Affectionately known as "DD", he has already spent time training with Ipswich Town, Fleetwood and Cambridge United this season after a host of clubs were alerted to his scoring exploits for Grays.
West Ham have again been linked with Argentinian striker Jonathon Calleri from Boca Juniors. Calleri is still a young striker who at the age of just 22 has made a real impact at Boca scoring 24 goals since his move their in July 2014.The Boca striker has been also linked with Chelsea and Arsenal but now appears to be on the verge of joining Inter Milan according to club president Daniel Angelici.
A recycled rumour doing the rounds last week is that West Ham have joined Arsenal, Spurs, Barcelona and Internazionale in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ezequiel Lavezzi.The Argentine international's deal at the Parc des Princes expires in the summer and he would be available for as little as £4.4 million, though he would still command sizeable wages.West Ham were linked with Lavezzi in the summer when he was said to have been offered around to a number Premier League clubs including the Hammers for a price tag around £10m.
Aaron Cresswell has started all but one of West Ham's top-flight fixtures this term and his individual performances have attracted interest from both Manchester City and Liverpool, according to London Standard this week. The report claims City are considering a summer move for the defender despite the fact the 26-year-old signed a new five-year deal in June.
As I suggested last week, Coventry City have confirmed they are contemplating a loan move for West Ham defender Reece Burke. The 19-year-old completed a loan spell at Bradford City recently but suffered a gashed wrist in his final game for the Bantums after colliding with an advertising board.
The Mirror have suggested Arsenal may offload Carl Jenkinson in the summer despite him signing a new five year contract before joining West Ham on loan for a second time. West Ham insiders say there will be no renewal or bid for Jenkinson in the summer. West ham paid a £1.5m loan fee on top of £45,000 weekly wages plus an appearance fee per match played.
Finally the ridiculous Mikel Arteta rumour gets the silly season award of the week. Why would we buy a 33 year old in the summer? It's makes no sense what so ever. The rumour started on a Spanish website Fichajes which has been repeated by the The Star, Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph.
However, It is true that Alex Song might not be offered a permanent deal at the end of the season. The powers that be think his current form is not worth the £70k per week wages he is earning but he has the rest of the season to prove the management wrong.
We have been told by a club insider "It's not happening at the moment for him but he's a class player at his best. There is time for him to show us that he can get back to the form of which we know he is capable. There are 18 games left plus FA Cup ties. There's time but it needs to start happening soon."
That's it for this week's round up. More next week.
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West Ham can dare to dream after return of magical Dimitri Payet as Bilic hails Frenchman's display
12:00, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 12:32, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 28-year-old Frenchman was missing in November and December due to injury but was back with a bang to inspire the Hammers to victory at Bournemouth
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic could not come up with enough superlatives after yet another virtuoso performance. Dimitri Payet had just brought the house down with a tour de force to brush Bournemouth aside and move West Ham a point behind fourth-placed Spurs. With the crazy money flying around for players right now, the £10.75million spent on the Frenchman is easily the most impressive investment in a transfer window for some time. Bilic said: "When I see some of the players that cost much more than him then he is a bargain. West Ham fans always used to love that kind of player, with a bit of magic. He has more than a bit. "Its not just about his quality. He is deciding games and doing the things that are very hard in football when teams are trying to keep him down. "He is a leader. He thinks to himself: 'We are down, I have to step up' - and he stepped up in the second half."
Too right. Bournemouth were on course to win this with West Ham going nowhere. Then, deep into the second half, Payet moved up a gear to score one, make one and leave the home side in pieces. It was a brutal lesson for the promoted Cherries, fresh from spending big themselves, in taking your chances. The Irons were robbed of so much of their attacking threat when injury kept their prize asset out of their line-up during November and December. With Payet fit and firing they are back to being serious contenders for a shock Champions League place. Yes, really. Irons co-chairman David Sullivan described him last month as the best player he has bought in the last 25 years.
Bilic has placed him on a par with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil. When you see the highlights from this game on TV and the way in which Payet prised the three points from Bournemouth's grasp you will agree that he really is quite special. Not only does he step up when the going gets tough, the Frenchman electrifies the players around him. West Ham are justified in dreaming big after this confirmation that he is back to his best. In fact, what a roller-coaster of emotions this contest was for the east Londoners. Andy Carroll picked up a hamstring injury after just 15 minutes and will be out for yet another few weeks. It was another cruel blow for the player and a club that has had their fair share of injuries this season. Bilic said: "Its a really bad situation for us. He pulled a hamstring and we don't know now how bad it is. We can only hope it won't be too long."
Credit to West Ham, however, they recovered from Carroll's absence and from going behind superbly. Harry After broke the deadlock with a 17th-minute effort from outside the box from which Adrian should have done better. Bournemouth, with Carroll gone, then had a string of chances. Debutant Benik Afobe, signed for £10million from Wolves, headed over the bar from six yards. Charlie Daniels tested Adrian from distance and Afobe trod on the ball when he should have rounded the keeper from a fine Junior Stanislas through ball. Even when West Ham hit back, just before half time, the Cherries held firm. Keeper Artur Boruc saved magnificently to keep out a deflected effort from Nikica Jelavic and a Payet effort from range. Then, in the second half, Payet took over. His sensational 67th-minute free-kick from 25 yards was later described as "world class" by Howe. Payet followed up by beating two players on the right-hand touchline to tee up Valencia who put the Hammers ahead. Valencia wrapped things up with a sizzling free-kick of his own with six minutes left and that was that. By the time this cracking contest started, the Cherries were the biggest spenders in English football's January transfer window. On top of the Afobe capture they had signed Lewis Grabban for £7million from Norwich. They had also landed Italian forward Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma in a deal that could cost them £14million in the summer. There was no shame in being beaten here by a side with big things ahead of them over the next five months. As for West Ham, they can start daring to dream.
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll ruled out for four-to-six weeks with hamstring injury
11:54, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The England striker limped off in the first-half of the Hammers' come-from-behind 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been ruled out for four to six weeks by West Ham. The 27-year-old striker will have a scan today after injuring his hamstring in the club's 3-1 win at Bournemouth last night. The Hammers are hopeful that he could be back sooner but they expect him miss the rest of January and the early part of February after receiving initial estimates. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes of last night's game. Minutes earlier he had set up a chance for team-mate Michail Antonio. Boss Slaven Bilic said: "It's a big blow for us because he has been working really hard. He came back after a long, long injury. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long. He is disappointed because he knows he was back."
Luckless Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013. His time at Upton Park, however, has been beset by injuries. He has recently given cause for optimism with two goals in the club's past four games. He netted the winner at home to Southampton last month and the second goal in the Irons' 2-0 home win against Liverpool on January 2. The Irons had been hoping that the strikes were a sign that Carroll was back to his best after returning in September from seven months out with a knee surgery. Instead they are examining their options with Diafra Sakho already out injured. Malaga have targeted Mauro Zarate while Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande are keen to sign Nikica Jelavic. But both players could now stay to ensure the Hammers are not left short up front.Bilic added: "Its a really bad situation for us. After Liverpool I said he was back. He looked sharp, he looked strong. "He was covering the whole pitch. He was terrorising the defence and everything. Then we said: 'Yes, this is it. He is back. He is back.' "He started well against Bournemouth. Dominating and everything. Then he pulled a hamstring. We don't know now how bad it is, we can only hope it won't be for long."
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Everton edge ahead of West Ham in race to sign unsettled Leeds star Sam Byram
10:15, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 10:18, 13 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and was watched by the Toffees' chief scout in last night's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich
The Mirror
Everton have moved ahead of West Ham in the race to sign Leeds' Sam Byram after Roberto Martinez sent one of his chief scouts to watch him last night. Everton's European scout Ian Atkins was at Portman Road to see Byram play in Leeds' 2-1 defeat to Ipswich and the Blues have been tracking him for the last couple of seasons. West Ham are also keen and would prefer to land Byram, who can play on the right side of midfield or defence, on a Bosman when his contract expires in the summer. Byram, 22, is ready to leave Elland Road after refusing Leeds' offer to extend his current £12,000-a-week contract and is understood to prefer a move to Everton . Former Everton boss David Moyes spotted Byram as a teenager and was torn between signing him and John Stones before buying the latter from Barnsley three years ago.
Leeds chairman and owner Massimo Cellino hopes the rivalry between Everton and West Ham will drive up the price for Byram to £5million and he wants to cash in on him now Cellino would prefer not to get involved in a compensation wrangle over Byram and he has seen that Burnley have still not received a single penny from Liverpool for Danny Ings six months after he left Turf Moor.
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Deadly Dimitri Payet is making the difference for West Ham
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 13/01/16 11:25am
SSN
Dimitri Payet is back in the headlines and the stats highlight just how important he is to West Ham. The French winger marked his first Premier League start since November with a match-winning performance as the Hammers came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night. West Ham's 3-1 win over Bournemouth was well-deserved, according to Slaven Bilic.
Payet cancelled out Harry Arter's opening goal with a stunning free kick from 30 yards out at the Vitality Arena, and he turned provider a few minutes later when he wriggled free on the right flank to set up Enner Valencia's first goal. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer, had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury against Everton on November 7, but his performance against Bournemouth was a continuation of a fine start to the campaign. The 28-year-old has scored six goals and claimed four assists in 13 Premier League starts for the east Londoners, and his heroics on the south coast moved them above Manchester United and into fifth place in the Premier League. "It was a team win but Payet made the difference," said manager Slaven Bilic. "West Ham fans love that kind of player with a bit of magic and he has got more than a bit."
Payet is already a hero among Hammers fans, and the stats highlight just how much difference he makes.
West Ham with and without Dimitri Payet - Premier League 2015/16
With Payet Stat Without Payet
2 Goals per game 0.9
1.8 Points per game 1.4
53.8% Win % 25.0%
47.0% Possession 42.3%
Bilic raised eyebrows in some quarters when he compared Payet to Mesut Ozil in January, but the stats show he is not far behind the Arsenal man in terms of creativity, with his 52 chances created coming at an impressive rate of 3.7 per game.
Chances created per game - Premier League 2015/16
Player Team Chances created per game
Mesut Ozil Arsenal 4.4
Dimitri Payet West Ham 3.7
Kevin De Bruyne Man City 3.4
Christian Eriksen Tottenham 2.9
David Silva Man City 2.7
And as well as the technical skill, Bilic says Payet's attitude is second to none. "What I admire most is his character, because that is what all true champions have got," he said. "When he makes a mistake - and I am talking about training here - he is crazy and angry at himself and that is what is makes him a leader."
Dimitri Payet at West Ham - Premier League 2015/16
Goals 6 1st
Assists 4 1st
Chances created per game 3.7 1st
Shots per game 1.9 3rd
Dribbles per game 2.2 2nd
Passes per game 39.9 2nd
Crosses per game 2.2 1st
Bilic insists the winger's impact has not surprised him. "I don't know why people are that surprised because he came from Marseille, and Marseille is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and he was doing similar things there," he added. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football. "Maybe we give him more responsibility and more confidence and he is enjoying it and we are enjoying him big time. But it is not only about his quality. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football." West Ham's unbeaten run now stretches to eight games and they are just one point off the Champions League places. With their terrific talisman back in the frame, there could be plenty more to come…
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Irons use Reid as AC yardstick
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are basing their expected return date on Winston Reid's recent injury. Carroll – as reported in the Mirror by Darren Lewis will be back within 4-6 weeks with a source explaining to ClaretandHugh: "It's a very similar injury to Winston's so we have a guide. "We won't know 10 per cent until tomorrow ( Thurs) when he's been scanned but it looks like a four to six week job based on early examinations. "It's a shame for Andy because he was coming back to his best form but with Diafra Sakho nearly fit things could be worse couldn't they." AC has showed himself capable of playing to an alternative system under the manager but his absence would inevitably see Slaven Bilic revert to the formation which proves so successful early in the season.
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Payet still not fit to play 90 minutes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Slaven Bilic was asked by Rob Pritchard from West Ham in-house TV about the condition of Dimi Payet after he was substituted after 78 minutes during yesterday's 3-1 victory at Dean Court. Slav explained Dimi had complained of cramps and tightening of his muscles after the equaliser he scored.
"Dimi is different, he told me he had cramps before the second goal, it was 1-1 and we really didn't want to risk him and already we prepared Alex (Song) and then he (setup) a goal but he would come off anyway because no matter how the game was important we didn't want to lose him for a long term."
Bilic also spoke about Payet is his post match conference:
"He had a long term injury with his ankle and we waited, the physios did a good job, he did a good job, he came back in great shape and slowly we were putting him (back) and now he is fit, OK he is still not fit to play 90 minutes but he basically one of those players that is making all the other players better and he is a player that in the last third of the pitch is making a difference with assists, with his goals, with his passing and everything"
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No apology after Independent man's Irons attack
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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You may recall that last week we ran a piece from The Independent which had caused some bigwigs inside the club to claim they were still awaiting his apology for a rather savage attack on the decision not to renew Sam Allardyce's contact in the summer. The piece had appeared in The Independent under a headline "Welcome to West Ham United: the home of deluded fans and the most clueless owners."
The author of this piece – Kiran Moodley – had declared of the board and our new manager: "Even worse, there is no direction as to what to do next. "Rumours they want Carlo Ancelotti; they made an approach to Jurgen Klopp; they are planning on getting Rafa Benitez: if any of these men do come to E13, it would only be because their club of choice did not take them. Oh but don't worry, there's always Slaven Billic. He's never managed in the Premier League before – whereas Sam has for over a decade – but hey, we're business people, we know how to hire managers. Remember Avram Grant? Moodley later contacted ClaretandHugh explaining that he would give his response to www.Westhamtilidie.com where he writes under the pen name Bobby Shovels.
It seemed a tad strange as the more usual route is to give a response to the media outlet who published the story but move on he clearly had his own reasons – maybe "traffic" – who knows?
The piece is now available to read under the headline:
No apologies – just the love of the club and the ability to express myself.
The first line declares: "Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." – whatever that is supposed to mean.
And the final line says: "PS: As I wrote this week – again for the Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie – and stick to what you believe."
Dunno about David Bowie. I remember my Mum and Dad telling me that! However, I mention these two lines to allow you to work out what comes in between.
The piece is on www.westhamtilidie.com now if you want to read what he has to say!
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NO APOLOGIES - JUST THE LOVE OF THE CLUB AND THE ABILITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF
By Bobby Shovels 13 Jan 2016 at 17:00
WTID
"Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." So it's somewhat surprising and quite nice to know that someone "high up at West Ham" is still awaiting an apology for a comment piece I wrote for The Independent last May following the departure of Sam Allardyce. At the time, I got the usual amount of bile as well as constructive criticism from West Ham fans on Twitter. It died down. Then, the piece started doing the rounds again following the Southampton and Liverpool results. It seems many wanted an apology and laughed at my criticism of the owners and the fans for departing with Big Sam.
I am always thankful for the opportunity to write for WHTID. Not only has it allowed me a regular outlet for my opinions and, yes, often negative outlook on the club's ups and downs, but it also has a wonderful comment section – not full of bad language and anger but reasoned thought and discussion.
Little can be said for those who comment on Twitter, an entirely different breed of fan. Combine the free-flowing toxidity that emanates on a daily basis on Twitter with the passion and fire of football and you have the worst that humankind has to offer. One fan told me that, rather than Allardyce's departure making me "sad and worried" as I had wrote, he hoped it had made me "suicidal". Others have told me to not show my face at the Boleyn, posting my picture and saying they knew what I looked like and they'd come find me.
In the face of that social media abuse, the idea of an apology from me for my reasonable opinions seems laughable.
On the other hand, there is a body of fans who feel angered by my criticism of the West Ham fan base and the owners. So it is important to respond. But the idea of an apology? Why? Because I have been proved wrong?
Well, firstly, no; I honestly don't think I have and even if you think I'm wrong, that's not the way debate works. If you say to me I should commit suicide, that's offensive and I would ask for an apology. If you criticise my opinions and offer a different view point, then I would not ask for an apology if later I thought you had been shown to be wrong. No, I would continue to debate what we both see as right and wrong opinions on the status of the club – not cry victory.
Secondly, this is not just about apology, it's about my ability to express my opinions as a West Ham fan that run counter to what other people feel. Just because you hated Sam Allardyce and are much happier with results, doesn't mean I have to issue an apology to you for saying I wasn't confident without Allardyce. Your opinions are valid; I respect them, listen to them and respond to them. However, I have my own views and I will stick to them.
Finally, the worst aspect to come out from this debate is that I am not a true West Ham fan – or people questioning whether I like the club. That for me, even more than the threatening language of some Twitter users, was the most upsetting. My grandmother bought me my first season ticket at the age of nine and I have been going ever since. Perhaps my years of football at the Boleyn from such a young age have made me such a negative character.
But what it has given me is a love of all things West Ham and a rich memory and store of opinions that make me perfectly entitled to say what I think. Football is about passion, loyalty and debate: you don't have to agree with what I say and can argue that I'm wrong, but I'm never going to apologise for the way my mind works. And to the person "high up at West Ham" awaiting my apology: it's never coming. You can take my season ticket money every year and all that I buy from the club shop (which is a hell of a lot), but what I feel about the club and the way it is run is solely mine.
We have opinions; we say things and make decisions which we stick by because they are traits that make us who we are. If the club want an apology for my words, should I ask for an apology for the hiring of Avram Grant by the board? That was a clear disaster and got us relegated. But I don't ask for an apology. Why would I? I've moved on.
On one last point, and sorry to bore those on WHTID who have themselves moved on and are looking forward to a new year, I also feel many people failed to even read the piece that so riles them. For within that article I say that I am not interested in short-term fixes but more long-term projects, and telling me to apologise after six months strikes me as…well, a short-term reaction. Why say the job has been done before we have even moved into the new stadium let alone before the end of the season.
Lastly, I am delighted with the team's performance and current standing in the table – but I am more interested in seeing how the next two months progress. Many people tout our great victories away and a better style of football, but I raise two issues. Firstly, as Sky Sports recently detailed, under Bilic the number of short passes has increased slightly and the number of long balls has stayed the same from Allardyce's tenure. Secondly, we now are looking at games in January and February that see us face – bar Manchester City – teams in the bottom half of the table. Many ask me to apologise because they are convinced we will beat all those clubs. I am sure the same number said the same ahead of our games against Sunderland, Aston Villa, Norwich, West Brom and Swansea. It remains a fact that we have not picked up enough points against those clubs lower down the table and now we must really see improvements against these teams in the weeks ahead. The Bournemouth result is a step in the right direction and I'm confident we can continue the good form against Newcastle at the weekend.
I am firmly on Bilic's side anyway. I'd much rather see us win the FA Cup than finish top six. Top six or top four are finishes I see happening in the long term as part of the exciting future project for the club. A trophy would be a nice treat to end this season and take with us into the Olympic Stadium. Of course, as I know too well, that's a lot easier said than done.
Up the Hammers.
PS. As I wrote this week, again for The Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie and be yourself – and stick to what you believe.
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Devastated AC makes feeling known
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Andy Carroll has gone onto Twitter to explain how devastated he feels after suffering yet another injury. No doubt the knockers will be out in force but it would be a very hard hearted individual who would not feel some real sympathy for the striker. AC as rapidly returning to his best when he was forced off with what turns out to be a hamstring injury after a quarter of an hour. And club sources later confirmed that the ill fated hit man faces another lay-off of between four and six weeks.
The player, bitterly disappointed, declared on Twitter: "Words can't describe how I feel today!!😡
All of us at ClaretandHugh send him best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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This is beyond our wildest dreams
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Sometimes words are not enough – this is one of those times! Instead you have to trust your emotions…your heart rather than your head and it's a real joy to be able to do that as we watch West Ham fly and fly. I had a call from a very good Manchester City pal this morning whom I've known for many years. Like us, City have been there and suffered down the years and he knows precisely how us Hammers are feeling. His first words were: "What a team you've got…how good is that Payet? I'm really chuffed for you lot. You truly deserve this season and this doesn't look like a flash in the pan."
It's not…we know it's not don't we? Has there ever been an Irons team as good as this one? Ok too early to say but my God it is a very very special side, elevated by Payet who, as Slav so rightly says, makes everybody in the team play better. I can remember Alan Devonshire at his best. I'm struggling to believe that the great man was any better than Dimi on what we have seen from him so far but we'll need to give it more time. dimitri-payet (1)Last night was extraordinary with most agreeing that we struggled when AC came off – yes this is the same AC that many – including me – said couldn't fit into a Slaven Bilic team!!!! Yet the difference is that his injury almost coincides with a Diafra Sakho return to action and the best form we've seen from Enner Valencia. Payet of course is simply different level. We also have Winston Reid and Manu Lanzini to return. Can life get any better? I honestly think this is beyond anything I can recall in my long Hammers-supporting career. Slaven has to take the plaudits. It's clear that he has the dressing room in the palm of his hand and to have brought us to this point in just five and a half months is a phenomenal achievement. Had it happened by this time next year there would have been nothing but celebrations but in five and half months with a new set of players? I've never known anything like it in the many, many years I've been involved in this game and I want to say right here a very, very personal: "Thank you Slav…you are proving yourself a giant to us as a man and a manager." The football is fantastic and the press conferences, where he has shown total honesty, has been more refreshing than anything I can recall. Great man. I believe he could become our greatest ever manager. At the very least I hope and pray he is here for a long long time. There's a temptation to make a comparison with his predecessor but I won't do it or say anything other than: This is what West Ham United is all about. I thought we had lost it forever and we all owe everything to the new boss. And I will say this too – thank you David Sullivan and David Gold for taking this club from a near knackers yard case to where we are today. Last summer has set us up for a long time to come – it's going to be a fantastic farewell year to our 'old lady.' I for one feel as happy today as I have been at any stage of my relationship with this great club.
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Hammers "will listen" to striker bids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are ready to allow Mauro Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out of Europe. There was much cynical shoulder-shrugging when the player reported with a "niggle" which ultimately ruled him out of the squad for Bournemouth last night. And ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst there have been no firm bids for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him in this January window. Malaga have long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved either permanently or on loan eight times.
And whilst the club told ClaretandHugh" The has been no official approach from anywhere" that was quickly followed by a source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to be honest were we to get one later on in the window. "Should bids come in then we will certainly be ready to listen."
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West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on Premier League loan move
TOM COLLOMOSSE 24 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on a loan move to the Premier League as Juventus are keen to keep him. The Italian forward is wanted by West Ham and would be interested in a move as he tries to secure a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2016. Yet even though Zaza, 24, has been a fringe player for Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri this season, the club are reluctant to let him leave during the transfer window. Zaza has scored six goals in 12 appearances this term and Standard Sport understands Allegri wants to keep Italian talent like Zaza and defender Daniele Rugani as the club try to retain the Serie A title while also making an assault on the Champions League. The Bianconeri are currently two points adrift of league leaders Napoli in Italy's top tier and face a difficult draw against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.
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CHERRY CRUMBLE AT DEAN COURT
By Zaman Siddiqui 13 Jan 2016 at 11:00
WTID
What a sweet victory it was against Bournemouth! There was a level of uncertainty as to what we could've expected from the Cherries. They have got Iturbe, Grabban, and £10M striker Afobe. Benik Afobe couldn't play against us on Saturday for Wolves, as he needed to stay fit in order to sign for Bournemouth on Sunday. Winning two games being 1-0 down at half time is absolutely terrific. We lost both games to Leicester City and Bournemouth earlier this season by a single goal. In both of those matches, we were 2-0 down. It is very difficult to react after conceding 2 goals, as the opposition has too much control on the match. We easily could have lost both games to the Saints and Bournemouth yesterday, if we had stopped trying after being in a losing position. It speaks volumes of the team's character and how much progress they have made together, as well as their resilience. I was most impressed with the reaction of the squad when Payet was injured. It was delightful to see him back in the starting XI since November.
AARON CRESSWELL ? @Aaron_Cresswell
Another big win and great effort from the boys!! @dimpayet17 you are illegal my friend haha!! ?????? ?
Speaking of which, the effect of Payet has been stupendous! Whenever the Frenchman has been in the squad, an average of 2 goals a PL match have been scored. By contrast, only 0.7 goals a PL match have been scored without Payet. Dimitri is simply invaluable to us. What makes Payet even more likeable is his leadership. He consistently makes runs back to recover the ball and defend. Furthermore, what fills me with more confidence in Payet is that he has been performing well for quite some time, as the graphic below suggests. Something that interests me is that most, if not all of the players listed, are already world class players. They perform when they are called upon, and do more than is required. That is why Payet recuperated well before his expected return. It is as if they are superheroes who can score whenever they want, or make the crucial tackle or save as they so please. In other words, they are the crème de la crème. I can still reminisce over that wonderful free kick from Payet, which got us level, and gave us the confidence we needed to win.
There is a lot of growing confidence this season, as we are 5th in the table, and will stay there after today's fixtures. This season also represents our best league run since 2000. Despite having a larger squad, it is crucial that we keep Payet fit, as he is at the heart of our attack. The influence of the manager at HT is something I feel has gone unnoticed. The team talks Bilic has had with the squad have been of vital importance, as we have a larger squad with more styles of play that can be fully utilised. For instance, subbing Jenkinson on in the second half is something that is helping us perform much better. There are several other strategies in place that have allowed us to play with more adjustability, whether it is to push on for the win, or protect the lead. Last season, we failed to do the latter so frequently that we failed to secure a top half finish.
The role of the captain is one that means a lot to Mark Noble. The skipper has just won in his 300th league appearance. With a testimonial on the way on Easter Monday (March 28), the skipper needs to ensure that we avoid any possible slip-ups on a top-half finish as we did last season. Despite the new recruits, most of the squad is the same and have also endured that fall from 3rd to 12th last season. If we look at the final 19 games of last season, we would finish 18th with Newcastle and QPR below us in said form table. The Magpies survived with 4 points – 3 of which came against us on the final day. QPR were rock bottom of both the league and form tables. It is very surprising just how badly we managed to underperform in order to get to a position like that. If the season had started as it ended, who knows what would've happened to us? Having a larger squad is no reason why the same couldn't happen. We had the likes of Kouyaté, who was recently new. He may have played well, but there was no certainty he could lift the entire team. Moreover, there is a sense of optimism, as the influence of new players should guide us elsewhere, as there are many more. Competition for places will be tougher, as Moses may soon experience, with Antonio struggling to slow down.
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West Ham News: International striker move, Leeds chase, £6m defender, midfielder scouted
EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest from Upton Park.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 08:00, Wed, Jan 13, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, Wed, Jan 13, 2016
West Ham are chasing a striker to replace the outgoing Nikica Jelavic, according to reports. Jelavic, 30, is expected to leave Upton Park after failing to cement his place in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans. The former Hull and Celtic striker has knot scored in 11 appearances for the Hammers this season and has only started twice. The London Evening Standard claim he could be on his way to China, with Guangzhou Evergrande supposedly interested in his services. Meanwhile, West Ham are keen to land a forward in place of the Croatia international.
It is claimed Simone Zaza, a bit-part player at Juventus this season, is on Bilic's radar. Zaza, 24, only joined Juve from Sassuolo last summer after his dual-ownership between the two clubs was resolved. He has scored six goals in 13 appearances for the club this season but Juve are reportedly seeking a replacement striker to help boost heir title chances. The Jelavic sale could also positively affect West Ham's pursuit of Leeds United youngster Sam Byram. The Hammers are on a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the right-back. Byram, 22, is free to discuss pre-contract terms with other sides, as his current deal with Leeds expires this summer. Leeds are keen to cash in on Byram now and hope they can get £8m for their academy product, who can also play in midfield. Reports claim offloading Jelavic would free up space and wages for Byram, who would still cost a potential buyer around £2m in compensation should he agree a free transfer at the end of the season. Another defender West Ham are supposedly keen to secure is Benfica's Lisandro Lopez. According to the Brentwood Gazette, West Ham will battle it out with Fiorentina for the services of the 26-year-old. Lopez, valued at £6m, has played 13 games for the Portuguese title-chasers this season. He would provide competition for a starting place in the West Ham backline as Bilic seeks to build a strong foundation by the end of his first year in charge. West Ham could make further moves in Portugal, meanwhile, after it emerged a scout watched FC Pacos Ferreira beat Vitoria 2-1 on Monday night. According to website London 24, Arsenal and Aston Villa also had scouts at the game. It is claimed 19-year-old midfielder Diogo Jota caught the eye, with Barcelona also considering a swoop.
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Andy Carroll injury setback frustrates West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
By SIMON JENNINGS, REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 09:33, 13 January 2016 | UPDATED: 09:32, 13 January 2016
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was left frustrated and confused by Andy Carroll's latest injury setback after the striker pulled up with a hamstring problem in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. The injury-prone England international, who has scored twice in the last three league games, left the pitch after 15 minutes and will be assessed on Wednesday. 'It's a big blow for us because he started this game good,' Bilic told the BBC of a player who only returned to first-team action in September after a seven-month spell recovery from knee surgery.
'I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long.' In Carroll's absence, West Ham were reliant on the talents of midfielder Dimitri Payet, who made his first start since early November after he picked up an ankle injury. The 28-year-old Frenchman came up with a goal and an assist to help his team move up to fifth in the league table. 'I'm very happy because I don't play for two months,' he told the club's website. 'I'm very happy I can play, and (get a) good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
talkSPORT presenter and lifelong West Ham United supporter Ian 'Moose' Abrahams chats to Hammers great Tony Gale...
Hello everyone,
As you will all know, we beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Emirates FA Cup third round on Saturday, to set up a fourth-round trip to Liverpool or Exeter City. Looking back, when I think of historic games against Wolves, I remember some of the great sides in Old Gold from the past and the forward lines they've had; John Richards and Andy Gray in the late 1970s and early 1980s and then, a decade later, Steve Bully and Andy Mutch. I also remember some great goals we've scored against them; Frank Lampard Senior thumped in a terrific goal in November 1974 and then there was a very famous last goal for Liam Brady against the men from Molieneux on this ground in 1990. And that's where I began my chat with one of our Boys of '86 and a man with his own FA Cup tales to tell, Tony Gale...
"Chippy was sub for that game, as he'd just come back from injury and was desperate to play and desperate to get back on the pitch because he knew it was his last professional game of football," Galey recalled of Brady's final game in Claret and Blue. "I remember when he came on and he came over to me and I said to him, 'It'll be a great way to go out if you scored a goal', and he scored a ripper with probably the last kick of the game and we won 4-0. "It was a typical Brady goal, drifting across to left-hand side and shooting across the 'keeper. It was a wonderful goal from one of the game's superstars."
Having played with such greats as Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking and Alan Devonshire, I asked Galey to compare Brady with them in terms of the skill the Irishman had. "I put him up there with Trev, Billy and Dev; Billy not just on the skill levels but as an icon of West Ham and one of the game's gentlemen, who managed and played for our Club," Galey continued. "Billy is right up there as one of the greats. Everyone talks about Moore, Hurst, Peters, but then after that in no particular order you would go Bonds, Brooking and Devonshire, as all three were wonderful."
When it comes to West Ham's FA Cup history, there have been our three final wins and the White Horse final at the old Wembley Stadium. Then we all remember what happened ten years ago in arguably the best FA Cup final of modern times, when we were edged out by Liverpool on penalties. In between, there was the 1991 semi-final and the controversial red card shown to a certain Tony Gale…
"That was probably the game or the moment that made me famous or should I say infamous, getting sent off in an FA Cup semi-final," the man himself recalls. "Normally getting sent-off in an FA Cup semi-final, people would probably of thought 'What a plonker!', but not this time because they realised what a bad decision it was from the referee, Keith Hackett. "It was one of the first decisions, of the so-called 'professional foul', because the rule was only implemented on the Wednesday and we played Forest on the Sunday, so in my opinion he had to be the first one to do it, regardless of what Keith has said since!"
Galey was given his marching orders in the first half of the game at Villa Park, leaving West Ham with an even tougher task against Brian Clough's side. "I went up to the dressing room and was waiting for the lads to come in at half-time," Galey continued. "I had heard the roars when George Parris hit the post. All I could hear was 'Billy Bonds's Claret and Blue Army' ringing around the stadium. "I don't think there were any Forest fans inside Villa Park that day, certainly none that could be heard. "Anyway at half-time it was 0-0 and the lads came into the dressing room. Billy came in and gave his team talk and I was waiting for my telling off, which never came. In fact, Billy went round every player except me and then as the team were about to go out for the second half, he went all Winston Churchill on us."
Mimicking Billy's accent, Galey recounts what Bonzo said…
"Right lads, before you go out, if you don't win it for the players, your teammates; if you don't do it for the supporters, who've been absolutely wonderful; if you don't do it for the staff, then you go out there and do it for your mate, your pal, one of us, who really has been the victim of one of the worst referring decisions ever, do it for that man there, Tony Gale."
As Galey ends the anecdote he adds with his typical mischievous laugh: "Well they went out and lost 4-0, which goes to show what a friend I must have been to them!"
This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 9 January 2016.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We will start with the good news this week.
Victor Moses is training fully after six weeks out with a hamstring injury and will be available for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle United.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have a good chance to be available for some part of the game at St James' Park.
Cheikhou suffered a groin problem in the win over Liverpool on 2 January, while Mauro had a small thigh problem last week in training.
Dimitri Payet has made a quick return from the serious high ankle injury and made his first start in two months at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Dimi played for 80 minutes and came off with cramps as his body is not yet fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League after his injury, but that will get better with every game.
Dimi and Enner Valencia missed a lot of training days and during this congested period it is important to recover. The lack of training days will be compensated during 'normal' weeks with less games.
After a Tuesday night game, the main job of the Medical and Sports Science team is to optimise the recovery of the players, minimise fatigue and ensure they are as fresh as possible for Saturday's match.
Some players are more fatigued than others, some played more and others lack training due to injuries. We individualise the training programs and adapt the daily routine accordingly to make sure players are ready to play.
We picked up an injury and a few knocks and bruises from the mid week game game. unfortunately Andy Carroll came off with a hamstring injury and he will have a scan on Thursday, after which we will know more about the extent of the problem.
If it is a Grade One injury, he will be out for around ten days, while a Grade Two injury means four to six weeks, depending on what part of the muscle is injured.
We'll have more news tomorrow.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was an extremely proud West Ham United captain after leading the Londoners to a superb come-from-behind 3-1 victory at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday. The Hammers rose to fifth in the Barclays Premier League table after two goals from Enner Valencia and a sublime Dimitri Payet free-kick wrested the points away from Bournemouth. Noble said hard work is central to the Hammers success and just wants the feelgood factor to continue.
What was the key to the comeback against Bournemouth?
MN: "A lot of hard work went into that performance over Bournemouth. We have had a lot of games recently and it has been asking a lot of the players. We are obviously grateful to have Dimi and Enner back. "We probably should not have been 1-0 down in the first half and had some good chances. But it shows the spirit we have got in this team to come back and win the game. I have said it before many times that we have got an unbelievable spirit. "The back four was fantastic once again and I thought in the second half we showed what a good team we are.
Dimi obviously had a huge impact – how important is he?
MN: "What more can be said about Dimitri Payet. At the end of the day we paid £10m for him and would we pay double for him now - the answer is probably yes. "He has got so much ability and he works so hard for the team. A lot of people don't see that. They see his skills and the amazing goals he scores. But the hard work he puts in for the team, he has fitted in fantastically well. "It is my job to bed players in like that – the foreign players who don't speak a lot of English and have new surroundings. But he has bedded in pretty well."
You played with Carlos Tevez here – is the impact he is having similar to his?
MN: "I think Carlos is more of a striker, but the way the fans think of him, he is the same. West Ham fans love a hero – Paolo Di Canio, Carlos Tevez and now I think it is Dimitri Payet!"
It was a night of great free-kicks and Enner's was special as well…
MN: "It is a great piece of skill from Dimi to set up the second goal but the first finish is fantastic. It is easy to sky that over the bar, but we see Enner score goals like that all the time in training. It was a special one against Bournemouth."
How far can this team go?
MN: "We are going to keep working hard, keep putting points on the board. We are over the moon that no-one is talking about us and talking about the other teams. Hopefully, we are going to keep creeping up table."
How big a blow was Andy going off?
MN: "The only downside to the win over Bournemouth was the injury picked up by Andy Carroll. He has been great for us over the last month and scored some very important goals.
"It is a big loss but I thought Jelavic came on and worked so hard and put in a real shift for the team. That is what has got us through all the injury problems."
Newcastle next, you must be viewing that as another opportunity to keep the run going?
MN: "We have another away game on Saturday against Newcastle and it is another long trip for us.
"We will get back and recover and we won't need a lot of training because of all the games we have played over the Christmas period.
"I said it in my programme notes last week that to go unbeaten through that period and now win four on the bounce with the quality players we have lost, it shows the special team spirit and quality that we have got."
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Ogbonna hails Hammers game-changers
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna praised manager Slaven Bilic and match-winners Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia for inspiring Tuesday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory at AFC Bournemouth. The Hammers trailed going into half-time at the Vitality Stadium, but a change in tactics from Bilic and three sublime goals from Payet and Valencia turned the game on its head. Speaking to West Ham TV, the Italy defender hailed the decision made by Bilic to change the formation, as well as his teammates' ability and desire to score three goals and secure a third straight league win. "The manager changed something, but that is why he is the manager and he is really clever about that because he can read the situation," said the centre-half, who produced another physically-dominating performance. "In the second half, we changed a lot of things. "The free-kick of Dimi was perfect, as was the second free-kick of Valencia as well. We have got some really good players to change many situations in the game."
West Ham did not just overcome an in-form Bournemouth side, but also inclement weather conditions and a vociferous home crowd. A strong, biting cold wind helped pen the visitors in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes, but with the blasting air at their backs in the second period, it was a different game after the interval. Ogbonna also thanked the 1,400-strong Claret and Blue Army for playing a huge part in helping the Hammers to secure a victory, with the fans' non-stop urging their team forward at every opportunity. "We started and maybe we were a little bit unlucky because the wind didn't really help us and every shot, every pass and every tackle was really bad, but in the second half we showed a really different class," the No21 explained. "Our supporters helped us to do what we did. I want to say 'Thank you' to our fans because the support was really, really good and I thought we had 12 on the pitch. It's really beautiful in this situation. "The first half was difficult because of the wind but we have a different class, so in the second half we put in everything. Thank you to Dimi, thank you to Valencia and thank you to everybody for doing what they had to do."
Next up is another lengthy away trip, with Newcastle United the hosts fresh from their own inspiring comeback against Manchester United on Tuesday evening. The Magpies came from two goals down to draw 3-3, while Saturday's opponents have also signed England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Senegal winger Henri Saviet this week to bolster their own battle against relegation. "We are really clever and we are really intelligent and we have to read the situation and keep our feet on the ground and take it step by step," he concluded. "The manager knows what is best for us, so it is time to enjoy this game but we have to focus on the next game because it will be really, really difficult away from home. "In England, there are no easy games, so that's why we have to focus because Newcastle know our team. I think they will prepare everything well, so we have to focus because we want to beat them."
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Andy Carroll: New injury worry for West Ham striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have a new injury worry after striker Andy Carroll was substituted with a hamstring problem in the Hammers' 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes and manager Slaven Bilic says the injury will be assessed on Wednesday. It's a big blow for us because he started this game good," said Bilic. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long." The 27-year-old has scored two goals in West Ham's past four games after returning in September 2015 following seven months out for knee surgery. A former Newcastle player, Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013.
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Andy Carroll: Timeline of West Ham forward's injuries
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 13/01/16 3:45pm
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-1 win at Bournemouth. Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool initially on loan in August 2012 before making the move to east London permanent at the end of that season for £15m. But the 27-year-old has been beset by injuries during his three-and-a-half years at the club. Here we take a look at his catalogue of recent complaints…
September-October 2012 (hamstring, missed three matches)
Carroll made a great start to his West Ham career, producing a superb debut performance in the 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. Having signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool two days earlier, the towering striker was immediately drafted into the starting line-up and played a major role in Kevin Nolan's third-minute opener. Carroll tormented Fulham's defence and was virtually unplayable as the Hammers went into the interval three goals to the good. But his joy was short-lived as he suffered a hamstring injury in the 68th minute after an aerial challenge with Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. He missed the draws with Norwich and Sunderland before making his return as a second-half substitute at Queens Park Rangers on October 1.
November 2012-January 2013 (knee, missed 11 matches)
Carroll had returned to the West Ham first team following his hamstring injury and netted his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. However, only a week later he twisted his knee in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford and was left facing another spell on the sidelines. He was withdrawn just after the hour mark and subsequently missed two months of the season, returning as a substitute in the 3-1 loss at Fulham on January 30.
May-September 2013 (heel, missed four matches)
After returning from injury, Carroll enjoyed a superb end to the 2012-13 season, scoring six times in 10 matches. He played the full 90 minutes of West Ham's 4-2 victory over Reading on the final day of the season, despite picking up a heel injury. Despite this, West Ham decided to take up the option to make Carroll's move to the club permanent, paying Liverpool £15m. He missed the start of pre-season training because of the heel injury, but soon returned to training and was expected to make his return against Southampton on September 15.
September 2013-January 2014 (foot, missed 21 matches)
Despite that hope, Carroll suffered a fresh injury - this time to his foot - and was ruled out until the New Year. He sustained the injury in training and, although the problem suffered was in the same foot, West Ham insisted the ailment was new. Carroll travelled to Antwerp in Belgium in an attempt to cure the problem and went under the care of Belgian physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck. He returned in January as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, setting up midfielder Mark Noble for West Ham's second goal. He scored two goals in 16 games as West Ham maintained their Premier League status, finishing 13th.
July-November 2014 (ankle, missed 11 matches)
Carroll returned to pre-season training and had been looking forward to beginning his first season free of injury since 2012. However, his injury jinx struck again during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand when he tore his ankle ligaments in training and was quickly sent to undergo surgery in Baltimore in the United States. Having returned to England, he began his rehabilitation and made his return as a substitute in the goalless draw with Aston Villa in November, nearly scoring just minutes into his first match since May.
February-September 2015 (knee, missed 24 matches)
Carroll had scored five times in 16 appearances before suffering another injury blow that ruled him out for the rest of the 2014-15 season and the beginning of the following campaign. Carroll replaced Diafra Sakho after 55 minutes against Southampton at St Mary's, but lasted just 20 minutes. He suffered the injury following a challenge with Southampton defender Maya Yoshida. Carroll left the south coast on crutches and underwent knee surgery a week later. He would not play again for West Ham until September, making his return against former club Newcastle in a 2-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground.
January 2016-? (hamstring)
With only one goal to his name - a winner in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in October - Carroll had come in for criticism from a section of West Ham supporters. However, two winning goals in two matches over the festive period put him firmly back in the good books of those doubting fans.
Manager Slaven Bilic insisted it was key Carroll remained fit to stand any chance of earning a spot in England's squad for the European Championships, but after only 12 minutes against Bournemouth, the forward was walking down the tunnel this time clutching his hamstring.
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JANUARY TRANSFER NEWS ROUND UP - WEEK TWO
By Sean Whetstone 13 Jan 2016 at 22:00
WTID
So here is week two of my transfer news round-up. As the management continue to tell us it is going to be a quiet January but the media are not listening and we continue to be linked with various players as well as outbound rumours. Bilic told us last Wednesday during a press conference "We have a good squad, a big squad, and it's 99 per cent certain we will leave it like this and make our signings in the summer. If something exceptional comes along, whether that's a long-term deal for one great player, or a loan deal for a back-up player for six months, we will do it. But we won't buy just because it's the transfer window."
Last Thursday saw the return of the club's Boleyn Insider on WHUFC.com, here is some of what he had to say:
"There has been speculation in the media surrounding the futures of several players, but my understanding is that no first-team players are for sale unless the opportunity arises to buy an even better player. My sources tell me that the Club have spent all their wages for the year, so unless somebody goes there is no movement to do anything else. The Club has a wage cap that is set by the Premier League. There have been reports suggesting the club are considering a move for Juventus striker Simone Zaza. My understanding is that Zaza is a player the club greatly admire and they tried to sign him last summer. He scored again on Wednesday night and the Club might try something again this month.These are certainly exciting times with the move to the new Stadium during the summer and I have been told that the Club are already putting plans in place to make a big move for a proven and established striker at the end of the season who can score 20 goals and help take them to the next level."
Roughly translated they have lined up Simone Zaza on loan with an option to buy should either Zarate, Carroll or Jelavic leave the club in the January window. There have been some crazy rumours doing the rounds that Juve were ready to pay the player's wages in order for him to get game time, but Claret and Hugh have been told by a top club source: "In our dreams. That simply isn't going to happen – a player will need to leave for the deal to happen." Our senior source told us "We are no closer. The position is as it has been all year – somebody has to go in order to release wages for the player."
The 20 goal striker teaser for the summer transfer window is more of a mystery although it has been suggested the player is valued at £20m and plays for a top European league. Guesses have included Wilfred Bony, Lacazette, Manolo Gabbiadini and Burak Yilmaz.
I am told there have been zero bids or inquires for Carroll, Zarate or Jelavic despite constant media speculation. I have also been told that Jelavic is on a massive £55,000 per week at West Ham which surprised me somewhat, if true.
A source close to the club has also told us that we will not make a mega money bid for Sam Byram from Leeds this transfer window. The source said no club will play the kind of money Leeds are asking and the Hammers are happy to wait until the summer to attempt to snap him up for free and just pay the compensation from an independent tribunal. Our top source told us: "We like the player but there are other options – about nine of them! They'll want daft money, we want him in the summer with the fee set by Tribunal"
West Ham have been linked to a move for young Chelsea right back Ola Aina in the Summer. The Hammers are thought to be tracking the promising England Under-21 defender and considering trying to exploit his contract expiring with the Blues this summer.The 19 year old has refused to sign a new deal so far and has been demoted from Chelsea's first-team set-up to their U21s, edging him closer to an exit. Arsenal, Everton,Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli have all been linked with the young man. There remains a possibility the player could sign a pre-contract this winter.Aina has been at Chelsea since he was 11.
Slaven Bilic confirmed that West Ham are no longer interested in Charlie Austin. The manager told assembled press…
"He is a good player and he has been linked with most of the clubs when they got relegated because of his record and everything. So we were also among those clubs in the summer but we have chosen other options, now we are not looking for that type of player."
Aston Villa troubled midfielder Jack Grealish has been linked with West Ham in the media. The latest rumours suggest that the Hammers have joined Spurs and Liverpool in attempting to sign the 20 year old troubled midfielder.
The Hammers have been linked with Grays Athletic striker Dumebi Dumaka, who has been dubbed non-league football's next Jamie Vardy by the Daily Express. Dumaka has been impressive for Grays this season with 15 goals so far in the Ryman Isthmian League. Affectionately known as "DD", he has already spent time training with Ipswich Town, Fleetwood and Cambridge United this season after a host of clubs were alerted to his scoring exploits for Grays.
West Ham have again been linked with Argentinian striker Jonathon Calleri from Boca Juniors. Calleri is still a young striker who at the age of just 22 has made a real impact at Boca scoring 24 goals since his move their in July 2014.The Boca striker has been also linked with Chelsea and Arsenal but now appears to be on the verge of joining Inter Milan according to club president Daniel Angelici.
A recycled rumour doing the rounds last week is that West Ham have joined Arsenal, Spurs, Barcelona and Internazionale in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ezequiel Lavezzi.The Argentine international's deal at the Parc des Princes expires in the summer and he would be available for as little as £4.4 million, though he would still command sizeable wages.West Ham were linked with Lavezzi in the summer when he was said to have been offered around to a number Premier League clubs including the Hammers for a price tag around £10m.
Aaron Cresswell has started all but one of West Ham's top-flight fixtures this term and his individual performances have attracted interest from both Manchester City and Liverpool, according to London Standard this week. The report claims City are considering a summer move for the defender despite the fact the 26-year-old signed a new five-year deal in June.
As I suggested last week, Coventry City have confirmed they are contemplating a loan move for West Ham defender Reece Burke. The 19-year-old completed a loan spell at Bradford City recently but suffered a gashed wrist in his final game for the Bantums after colliding with an advertising board.
The Mirror have suggested Arsenal may offload Carl Jenkinson in the summer despite him signing a new five year contract before joining West Ham on loan for a second time. West Ham insiders say there will be no renewal or bid for Jenkinson in the summer. West ham paid a £1.5m loan fee on top of £45,000 weekly wages plus an appearance fee per match played.
Finally the ridiculous Mikel Arteta rumour gets the silly season award of the week. Why would we buy a 33 year old in the summer? It's makes no sense what so ever. The rumour started on a Spanish website Fichajes which has been repeated by the The Star, Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph.
However, It is true that Alex Song might not be offered a permanent deal at the end of the season. The powers that be think his current form is not worth the £70k per week wages he is earning but he has the rest of the season to prove the management wrong.
We have been told by a club insider "It's not happening at the moment for him but he's a class player at his best. There is time for him to show us that he can get back to the form of which we know he is capable. There are 18 games left plus FA Cup ties. There's time but it needs to start happening soon."
That's it for this week's round up. More next week.
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West Ham can dare to dream after return of magical Dimitri Payet as Bilic hails Frenchman's display
12:00, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 12:32, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 28-year-old Frenchman was missing in November and December due to injury but was back with a bang to inspire the Hammers to victory at Bournemouth
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic could not come up with enough superlatives after yet another virtuoso performance. Dimitri Payet had just brought the house down with a tour de force to brush Bournemouth aside and move West Ham a point behind fourth-placed Spurs. With the crazy money flying around for players right now, the £10.75million spent on the Frenchman is easily the most impressive investment in a transfer window for some time. Bilic said: "When I see some of the players that cost much more than him then he is a bargain. West Ham fans always used to love that kind of player, with a bit of magic. He has more than a bit. "Its not just about his quality. He is deciding games and doing the things that are very hard in football when teams are trying to keep him down. "He is a leader. He thinks to himself: 'We are down, I have to step up' - and he stepped up in the second half."
Too right. Bournemouth were on course to win this with West Ham going nowhere. Then, deep into the second half, Payet moved up a gear to score one, make one and leave the home side in pieces. It was a brutal lesson for the promoted Cherries, fresh from spending big themselves, in taking your chances. The Irons were robbed of so much of their attacking threat when injury kept their prize asset out of their line-up during November and December. With Payet fit and firing they are back to being serious contenders for a shock Champions League place. Yes, really. Irons co-chairman David Sullivan described him last month as the best player he has bought in the last 25 years.
Bilic has placed him on a par with Arsenal's Mesut Ozil. When you see the highlights from this game on TV and the way in which Payet prised the three points from Bournemouth's grasp you will agree that he really is quite special. Not only does he step up when the going gets tough, the Frenchman electrifies the players around him. West Ham are justified in dreaming big after this confirmation that he is back to his best. In fact, what a roller-coaster of emotions this contest was for the east Londoners. Andy Carroll picked up a hamstring injury after just 15 minutes and will be out for yet another few weeks. It was another cruel blow for the player and a club that has had their fair share of injuries this season. Bilic said: "Its a really bad situation for us. He pulled a hamstring and we don't know now how bad it is. We can only hope it won't be too long."
Credit to West Ham, however, they recovered from Carroll's absence and from going behind superbly. Harry After broke the deadlock with a 17th-minute effort from outside the box from which Adrian should have done better. Bournemouth, with Carroll gone, then had a string of chances. Debutant Benik Afobe, signed for £10million from Wolves, headed over the bar from six yards. Charlie Daniels tested Adrian from distance and Afobe trod on the ball when he should have rounded the keeper from a fine Junior Stanislas through ball. Even when West Ham hit back, just before half time, the Cherries held firm. Keeper Artur Boruc saved magnificently to keep out a deflected effort from Nikica Jelavic and a Payet effort from range. Then, in the second half, Payet took over. His sensational 67th-minute free-kick from 25 yards was later described as "world class" by Howe. Payet followed up by beating two players on the right-hand touchline to tee up Valencia who put the Hammers ahead. Valencia wrapped things up with a sizzling free-kick of his own with six minutes left and that was that. By the time this cracking contest started, the Cherries were the biggest spenders in English football's January transfer window. On top of the Afobe capture they had signed Lewis Grabban for £7million from Norwich. They had also landed Italian forward Juan Iturbe on loan from Roma in a deal that could cost them £14million in the summer. There was no shame in being beaten here by a side with big things ahead of them over the next five months. As for West Ham, they can start daring to dream.
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll ruled out for four-to-six weeks with hamstring injury
11:54, 13 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The England striker limped off in the first-half of the Hammers' come-from-behind 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been ruled out for four to six weeks by West Ham. The 27-year-old striker will have a scan today after injuring his hamstring in the club's 3-1 win at Bournemouth last night. The Hammers are hopeful that he could be back sooner but they expect him miss the rest of January and the early part of February after receiving initial estimates. Carroll was forced off after 15 minutes of last night's game. Minutes earlier he had set up a chance for team-mate Michail Antonio. Boss Slaven Bilic said: "It's a big blow for us because he has been working really hard. He came back after a long, long injury. "I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long. He is disappointed because he knows he was back."
Luckless Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool for a club record £15m in June 2013. His time at Upton Park, however, has been beset by injuries. He has recently given cause for optimism with two goals in the club's past four games. He netted the winner at home to Southampton last month and the second goal in the Irons' 2-0 home win against Liverpool on January 2. The Irons had been hoping that the strikes were a sign that Carroll was back to his best after returning in September from seven months out with a knee surgery. Instead they are examining their options with Diafra Sakho already out injured. Malaga have targeted Mauro Zarate while Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande are keen to sign Nikica Jelavic. But both players could now stay to ensure the Hammers are not left short up front.Bilic added: "Its a really bad situation for us. After Liverpool I said he was back. He looked sharp, he looked strong. "He was covering the whole pitch. He was terrorising the defence and everything. Then we said: 'Yes, this is it. He is back. He is back.' "He started well against Bournemouth. Dominating and everything. Then he pulled a hamstring. We don't know now how bad it is, we can only hope it won't be for long."
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Everton edge ahead of West Ham in race to sign unsettled Leeds star Sam Byram
10:15, 13 JAN 2016 UPDATED 10:18, 13 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and was watched by the Toffees' chief scout in last night's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich
The Mirror
Everton have moved ahead of West Ham in the race to sign Leeds' Sam Byram after Roberto Martinez sent one of his chief scouts to watch him last night. Everton's European scout Ian Atkins was at Portman Road to see Byram play in Leeds' 2-1 defeat to Ipswich and the Blues have been tracking him for the last couple of seasons. West Ham are also keen and would prefer to land Byram, who can play on the right side of midfield or defence, on a Bosman when his contract expires in the summer. Byram, 22, is ready to leave Elland Road after refusing Leeds' offer to extend his current £12,000-a-week contract and is understood to prefer a move to Everton . Former Everton boss David Moyes spotted Byram as a teenager and was torn between signing him and John Stones before buying the latter from Barnsley three years ago.
Leeds chairman and owner Massimo Cellino hopes the rivalry between Everton and West Ham will drive up the price for Byram to £5million and he wants to cash in on him now Cellino would prefer not to get involved in a compensation wrangle over Byram and he has seen that Burnley have still not received a single penny from Liverpool for Danny Ings six months after he left Turf Moor.
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Deadly Dimitri Payet is making the difference for West Ham
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 13/01/16 11:25am
SSN
Dimitri Payet is back in the headlines and the stats highlight just how important he is to West Ham. The French winger marked his first Premier League start since November with a match-winning performance as the Hammers came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night. West Ham's 3-1 win over Bournemouth was well-deserved, according to Slaven Bilic.
Payet cancelled out Harry Arter's opening goal with a stunning free kick from 30 yards out at the Vitality Arena, and he turned provider a few minutes later when he wriggled free on the right flank to set up Enner Valencia's first goal. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer, had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury against Everton on November 7, but his performance against Bournemouth was a continuation of a fine start to the campaign. The 28-year-old has scored six goals and claimed four assists in 13 Premier League starts for the east Londoners, and his heroics on the south coast moved them above Manchester United and into fifth place in the Premier League. "It was a team win but Payet made the difference," said manager Slaven Bilic. "West Ham fans love that kind of player with a bit of magic and he has got more than a bit."
Payet is already a hero among Hammers fans, and the stats highlight just how much difference he makes.
West Ham with and without Dimitri Payet - Premier League 2015/16
With Payet Stat Without Payet
2 Goals per game 0.9
1.8 Points per game 1.4
53.8% Win % 25.0%
47.0% Possession 42.3%
Bilic raised eyebrows in some quarters when he compared Payet to Mesut Ozil in January, but the stats show he is not far behind the Arsenal man in terms of creativity, with his 52 chances created coming at an impressive rate of 3.7 per game.
Chances created per game - Premier League 2015/16
Player Team Chances created per game
Mesut Ozil Arsenal 4.4
Dimitri Payet West Ham 3.7
Kevin De Bruyne Man City 3.4
Christian Eriksen Tottenham 2.9
David Silva Man City 2.7
And as well as the technical skill, Bilic says Payet's attitude is second to none. "What I admire most is his character, because that is what all true champions have got," he said. "When he makes a mistake - and I am talking about training here - he is crazy and angry at himself and that is what is makes him a leader."
Dimitri Payet at West Ham - Premier League 2015/16
Goals 6 1st
Assists 4 1st
Chances created per game 3.7 1st
Shots per game 1.9 3rd
Dribbles per game 2.2 2nd
Passes per game 39.9 2nd
Crosses per game 2.2 1st
Bilic insists the winger's impact has not surprised him. "I don't know why people are that surprised because he came from Marseille, and Marseille is one of the biggest clubs in Europe and he was doing similar things there," he added. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football. "Maybe we give him more responsibility and more confidence and he is enjoying it and we are enjoying him big time. But it is not only about his quality. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he is doing the things which are very hard in football." West Ham's unbeaten run now stretches to eight games and they are just one point off the Champions League places. With their terrific talisman back in the frame, there could be plenty more to come…
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Irons use Reid as AC yardstick
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are basing their expected return date on Winston Reid's recent injury. Carroll – as reported in the Mirror by Darren Lewis will be back within 4-6 weeks with a source explaining to ClaretandHugh: "It's a very similar injury to Winston's so we have a guide. "We won't know 10 per cent until tomorrow ( Thurs) when he's been scanned but it looks like a four to six week job based on early examinations. "It's a shame for Andy because he was coming back to his best form but with Diafra Sakho nearly fit things could be worse couldn't they." AC has showed himself capable of playing to an alternative system under the manager but his absence would inevitably see Slaven Bilic revert to the formation which proves so successful early in the season.
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Payet still not fit to play 90 minutes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Slaven Bilic was asked by Rob Pritchard from West Ham in-house TV about the condition of Dimi Payet after he was substituted after 78 minutes during yesterday's 3-1 victory at Dean Court. Slav explained Dimi had complained of cramps and tightening of his muscles after the equaliser he scored.
"Dimi is different, he told me he had cramps before the second goal, it was 1-1 and we really didn't want to risk him and already we prepared Alex (Song) and then he (setup) a goal but he would come off anyway because no matter how the game was important we didn't want to lose him for a long term."
Bilic also spoke about Payet is his post match conference:
"He had a long term injury with his ankle and we waited, the physios did a good job, he did a good job, he came back in great shape and slowly we were putting him (back) and now he is fit, OK he is still not fit to play 90 minutes but he basically one of those players that is making all the other players better and he is a player that in the last third of the pitch is making a difference with assists, with his goals, with his passing and everything"
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No apology after Independent man's Irons attack
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
You may recall that last week we ran a piece from The Independent which had caused some bigwigs inside the club to claim they were still awaiting his apology for a rather savage attack on the decision not to renew Sam Allardyce's contact in the summer. The piece had appeared in The Independent under a headline "Welcome to West Ham United: the home of deluded fans and the most clueless owners."
The author of this piece – Kiran Moodley – had declared of the board and our new manager: "Even worse, there is no direction as to what to do next. "Rumours they want Carlo Ancelotti; they made an approach to Jurgen Klopp; they are planning on getting Rafa Benitez: if any of these men do come to E13, it would only be because their club of choice did not take them. Oh but don't worry, there's always Slaven Billic. He's never managed in the Premier League before – whereas Sam has for over a decade – but hey, we're business people, we know how to hire managers. Remember Avram Grant? Moodley later contacted ClaretandHugh explaining that he would give his response to www.Westhamtilidie.com where he writes under the pen name Bobby Shovels.
It seemed a tad strange as the more usual route is to give a response to the media outlet who published the story but move on he clearly had his own reasons – maybe "traffic" – who knows?
The piece is now available to read under the headline:
No apologies – just the love of the club and the ability to express myself.
The first line declares: "Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." – whatever that is supposed to mean.
And the final line says: "PS: As I wrote this week – again for the Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie – and stick to what you believe."
Dunno about David Bowie. I remember my Mum and Dad telling me that! However, I mention these two lines to allow you to work out what comes in between.
The piece is on www.westhamtilidie.com now if you want to read what he has to say!
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NO APOLOGIES - JUST THE LOVE OF THE CLUB AND THE ABILITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF
By Bobby Shovels 13 Jan 2016 at 17:00
WTID
"Blogging is just graffiti with punctuation." So it's somewhat surprising and quite nice to know that someone "high up at West Ham" is still awaiting an apology for a comment piece I wrote for The Independent last May following the departure of Sam Allardyce. At the time, I got the usual amount of bile as well as constructive criticism from West Ham fans on Twitter. It died down. Then, the piece started doing the rounds again following the Southampton and Liverpool results. It seems many wanted an apology and laughed at my criticism of the owners and the fans for departing with Big Sam.
I am always thankful for the opportunity to write for WHTID. Not only has it allowed me a regular outlet for my opinions and, yes, often negative outlook on the club's ups and downs, but it also has a wonderful comment section – not full of bad language and anger but reasoned thought and discussion.
Little can be said for those who comment on Twitter, an entirely different breed of fan. Combine the free-flowing toxidity that emanates on a daily basis on Twitter with the passion and fire of football and you have the worst that humankind has to offer. One fan told me that, rather than Allardyce's departure making me "sad and worried" as I had wrote, he hoped it had made me "suicidal". Others have told me to not show my face at the Boleyn, posting my picture and saying they knew what I looked like and they'd come find me.
In the face of that social media abuse, the idea of an apology from me for my reasonable opinions seems laughable.
On the other hand, there is a body of fans who feel angered by my criticism of the West Ham fan base and the owners. So it is important to respond. But the idea of an apology? Why? Because I have been proved wrong?
Well, firstly, no; I honestly don't think I have and even if you think I'm wrong, that's not the way debate works. If you say to me I should commit suicide, that's offensive and I would ask for an apology. If you criticise my opinions and offer a different view point, then I would not ask for an apology if later I thought you had been shown to be wrong. No, I would continue to debate what we both see as right and wrong opinions on the status of the club – not cry victory.
Secondly, this is not just about apology, it's about my ability to express my opinions as a West Ham fan that run counter to what other people feel. Just because you hated Sam Allardyce and are much happier with results, doesn't mean I have to issue an apology to you for saying I wasn't confident without Allardyce. Your opinions are valid; I respect them, listen to them and respond to them. However, I have my own views and I will stick to them.
Finally, the worst aspect to come out from this debate is that I am not a true West Ham fan – or people questioning whether I like the club. That for me, even more than the threatening language of some Twitter users, was the most upsetting. My grandmother bought me my first season ticket at the age of nine and I have been going ever since. Perhaps my years of football at the Boleyn from such a young age have made me such a negative character.
But what it has given me is a love of all things West Ham and a rich memory and store of opinions that make me perfectly entitled to say what I think. Football is about passion, loyalty and debate: you don't have to agree with what I say and can argue that I'm wrong, but I'm never going to apologise for the way my mind works. And to the person "high up at West Ham" awaiting my apology: it's never coming. You can take my season ticket money every year and all that I buy from the club shop (which is a hell of a lot), but what I feel about the club and the way it is run is solely mine.
We have opinions; we say things and make decisions which we stick by because they are traits that make us who we are. If the club want an apology for my words, should I ask for an apology for the hiring of Avram Grant by the board? That was a clear disaster and got us relegated. But I don't ask for an apology. Why would I? I've moved on.
On one last point, and sorry to bore those on WHTID who have themselves moved on and are looking forward to a new year, I also feel many people failed to even read the piece that so riles them. For within that article I say that I am not interested in short-term fixes but more long-term projects, and telling me to apologise after six months strikes me as…well, a short-term reaction. Why say the job has been done before we have even moved into the new stadium let alone before the end of the season.
Lastly, I am delighted with the team's performance and current standing in the table – but I am more interested in seeing how the next two months progress. Many people tout our great victories away and a better style of football, but I raise two issues. Firstly, as Sky Sports recently detailed, under Bilic the number of short passes has increased slightly and the number of long balls has stayed the same from Allardyce's tenure. Secondly, we now are looking at games in January and February that see us face – bar Manchester City – teams in the bottom half of the table. Many ask me to apologise because they are convinced we will beat all those clubs. I am sure the same number said the same ahead of our games against Sunderland, Aston Villa, Norwich, West Brom and Swansea. It remains a fact that we have not picked up enough points against those clubs lower down the table and now we must really see improvements against these teams in the weeks ahead. The Bournemouth result is a step in the right direction and I'm confident we can continue the good form against Newcastle at the weekend.
I am firmly on Bilic's side anyway. I'd much rather see us win the FA Cup than finish top six. Top six or top four are finishes I see happening in the long term as part of the exciting future project for the club. A trophy would be a nice treat to end this season and take with us into the Olympic Stadium. Of course, as I know too well, that's a lot easier said than done.
Up the Hammers.
PS. As I wrote this week, again for The Independent, it's best to listen to the great David Bowie and be yourself – and stick to what you believe.
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Devastated AC makes feeling known
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Andy Carroll has gone onto Twitter to explain how devastated he feels after suffering yet another injury. No doubt the knockers will be out in force but it would be a very hard hearted individual who would not feel some real sympathy for the striker. AC as rapidly returning to his best when he was forced off with what turns out to be a hamstring injury after a quarter of an hour. And club sources later confirmed that the ill fated hit man faces another lay-off of between four and six weeks.
The player, bitterly disappointed, declared on Twitter: "Words can't describe how I feel today!!😡
All of us at ClaretandHugh send him best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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This is beyond our wildest dreams
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sometimes words are not enough – this is one of those times! Instead you have to trust your emotions…your heart rather than your head and it's a real joy to be able to do that as we watch West Ham fly and fly. I had a call from a very good Manchester City pal this morning whom I've known for many years. Like us, City have been there and suffered down the years and he knows precisely how us Hammers are feeling. His first words were: "What a team you've got…how good is that Payet? I'm really chuffed for you lot. You truly deserve this season and this doesn't look like a flash in the pan."
It's not…we know it's not don't we? Has there ever been an Irons team as good as this one? Ok too early to say but my God it is a very very special side, elevated by Payet who, as Slav so rightly says, makes everybody in the team play better. I can remember Alan Devonshire at his best. I'm struggling to believe that the great man was any better than Dimi on what we have seen from him so far but we'll need to give it more time. dimitri-payet (1)Last night was extraordinary with most agreeing that we struggled when AC came off – yes this is the same AC that many – including me – said couldn't fit into a Slaven Bilic team!!!! Yet the difference is that his injury almost coincides with a Diafra Sakho return to action and the best form we've seen from Enner Valencia. Payet of course is simply different level. We also have Winston Reid and Manu Lanzini to return. Can life get any better? I honestly think this is beyond anything I can recall in my long Hammers-supporting career. Slaven has to take the plaudits. It's clear that he has the dressing room in the palm of his hand and to have brought us to this point in just five and a half months is a phenomenal achievement. Had it happened by this time next year there would have been nothing but celebrations but in five and half months with a new set of players? I've never known anything like it in the many, many years I've been involved in this game and I want to say right here a very, very personal: "Thank you Slav…you are proving yourself a giant to us as a man and a manager." The football is fantastic and the press conferences, where he has shown total honesty, has been more refreshing than anything I can recall. Great man. I believe he could become our greatest ever manager. At the very least I hope and pray he is here for a long long time. There's a temptation to make a comparison with his predecessor but I won't do it or say anything other than: This is what West Ham United is all about. I thought we had lost it forever and we all owe everything to the new boss. And I will say this too – thank you David Sullivan and David Gold for taking this club from a near knackers yard case to where we are today. Last summer has set us up for a long time to come – it's going to be a fantastic farewell year to our 'old lady.' I for one feel as happy today as I have been at any stage of my relationship with this great club.
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Hammers "will listen" to striker bids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are ready to allow Mauro Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out of Europe. There was much cynical shoulder-shrugging when the player reported with a "niggle" which ultimately ruled him out of the squad for Bournemouth last night. And ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst there have been no firm bids for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him in this January window. Malaga have long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved either permanently or on loan eight times.
And whilst the club told ClaretandHugh" The has been no official approach from anywhere" that was quickly followed by a source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to be honest were we to get one later on in the window. "Should bids come in then we will certainly be ready to listen."
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West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on Premier League loan move
TOM COLLOMOSSE 24 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Simone Zaza fears he will miss out on a loan move to the Premier League as Juventus are keen to keep him. The Italian forward is wanted by West Ham and would be interested in a move as he tries to secure a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2016. Yet even though Zaza, 24, has been a fringe player for Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri this season, the club are reluctant to let him leave during the transfer window. Zaza has scored six goals in 12 appearances this term and Standard Sport understands Allegri wants to keep Italian talent like Zaza and defender Daniele Rugani as the club try to retain the Serie A title while also making an assault on the Champions League. The Bianconeri are currently two points adrift of league leaders Napoli in Italy's top tier and face a difficult draw against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.
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CHERRY CRUMBLE AT DEAN COURT
By Zaman Siddiqui 13 Jan 2016 at 11:00
WTID
What a sweet victory it was against Bournemouth! There was a level of uncertainty as to what we could've expected from the Cherries. They have got Iturbe, Grabban, and £10M striker Afobe. Benik Afobe couldn't play against us on Saturday for Wolves, as he needed to stay fit in order to sign for Bournemouth on Sunday. Winning two games being 1-0 down at half time is absolutely terrific. We lost both games to Leicester City and Bournemouth earlier this season by a single goal. In both of those matches, we were 2-0 down. It is very difficult to react after conceding 2 goals, as the opposition has too much control on the match. We easily could have lost both games to the Saints and Bournemouth yesterday, if we had stopped trying after being in a losing position. It speaks volumes of the team's character and how much progress they have made together, as well as their resilience. I was most impressed with the reaction of the squad when Payet was injured. It was delightful to see him back in the starting XI since November.
AARON CRESSWELL ? @Aaron_Cresswell
Another big win and great effort from the boys!! @dimpayet17 you are illegal my friend haha!! ?????? ?
Speaking of which, the effect of Payet has been stupendous! Whenever the Frenchman has been in the squad, an average of 2 goals a PL match have been scored. By contrast, only 0.7 goals a PL match have been scored without Payet. Dimitri is simply invaluable to us. What makes Payet even more likeable is his leadership. He consistently makes runs back to recover the ball and defend. Furthermore, what fills me with more confidence in Payet is that he has been performing well for quite some time, as the graphic below suggests. Something that interests me is that most, if not all of the players listed, are already world class players. They perform when they are called upon, and do more than is required. That is why Payet recuperated well before his expected return. It is as if they are superheroes who can score whenever they want, or make the crucial tackle or save as they so please. In other words, they are the crème de la crème. I can still reminisce over that wonderful free kick from Payet, which got us level, and gave us the confidence we needed to win.
There is a lot of growing confidence this season, as we are 5th in the table, and will stay there after today's fixtures. This season also represents our best league run since 2000. Despite having a larger squad, it is crucial that we keep Payet fit, as he is at the heart of our attack. The influence of the manager at HT is something I feel has gone unnoticed. The team talks Bilic has had with the squad have been of vital importance, as we have a larger squad with more styles of play that can be fully utilised. For instance, subbing Jenkinson on in the second half is something that is helping us perform much better. There are several other strategies in place that have allowed us to play with more adjustability, whether it is to push on for the win, or protect the lead. Last season, we failed to do the latter so frequently that we failed to secure a top half finish.
The role of the captain is one that means a lot to Mark Noble. The skipper has just won in his 300th league appearance. With a testimonial on the way on Easter Monday (March 28), the skipper needs to ensure that we avoid any possible slip-ups on a top-half finish as we did last season. Despite the new recruits, most of the squad is the same and have also endured that fall from 3rd to 12th last season. If we look at the final 19 games of last season, we would finish 18th with Newcastle and QPR below us in said form table. The Magpies survived with 4 points – 3 of which came against us on the final day. QPR were rock bottom of both the league and form tables. It is very surprising just how badly we managed to underperform in order to get to a position like that. If the season had started as it ended, who knows what would've happened to us? Having a larger squad is no reason why the same couldn't happen. We had the likes of Kouyaté, who was recently new. He may have played well, but there was no certainty he could lift the entire team. Moreover, there is a sense of optimism, as the influence of new players should guide us elsewhere, as there are many more. Competition for places will be tougher, as Moses may soon experience, with Antonio struggling to slow down.
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West Ham News: International striker move, Leeds chase, £6m defender, midfielder scouted
EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest from Upton Park.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 08:00, Wed, Jan 13, 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, Wed, Jan 13, 2016
West Ham are chasing a striker to replace the outgoing Nikica Jelavic, according to reports. Jelavic, 30, is expected to leave Upton Park after failing to cement his place in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans. The former Hull and Celtic striker has knot scored in 11 appearances for the Hammers this season and has only started twice. The London Evening Standard claim he could be on his way to China, with Guangzhou Evergrande supposedly interested in his services. Meanwhile, West Ham are keen to land a forward in place of the Croatia international.
It is claimed Simone Zaza, a bit-part player at Juventus this season, is on Bilic's radar. Zaza, 24, only joined Juve from Sassuolo last summer after his dual-ownership between the two clubs was resolved. He has scored six goals in 13 appearances for the club this season but Juve are reportedly seeking a replacement striker to help boost heir title chances. The Jelavic sale could also positively affect West Ham's pursuit of Leeds United youngster Sam Byram. The Hammers are on a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the right-back. Byram, 22, is free to discuss pre-contract terms with other sides, as his current deal with Leeds expires this summer. Leeds are keen to cash in on Byram now and hope they can get £8m for their academy product, who can also play in midfield. Reports claim offloading Jelavic would free up space and wages for Byram, who would still cost a potential buyer around £2m in compensation should he agree a free transfer at the end of the season. Another defender West Ham are supposedly keen to secure is Benfica's Lisandro Lopez. According to the Brentwood Gazette, West Ham will battle it out with Fiorentina for the services of the 26-year-old. Lopez, valued at £6m, has played 13 games for the Portuguese title-chasers this season. He would provide competition for a starting place in the West Ham backline as Bilic seeks to build a strong foundation by the end of his first year in charge. West Ham could make further moves in Portugal, meanwhile, after it emerged a scout watched FC Pacos Ferreira beat Vitoria 2-1 on Monday night. According to website London 24, Arsenal and Aston Villa also had scouts at the game. It is claimed 19-year-old midfielder Diogo Jota caught the eye, with Barcelona also considering a swoop.
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Andy Carroll injury setback frustrates West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
By SIMON JENNINGS, REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 09:33, 13 January 2016 | UPDATED: 09:32, 13 January 2016
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was left frustrated and confused by Andy Carroll's latest injury setback after the striker pulled up with a hamstring problem in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. The injury-prone England international, who has scored twice in the last three league games, left the pitch after 15 minutes and will be assessed on Wednesday. 'It's a big blow for us because he started this game good,' Bilic told the BBC of a player who only returned to first-team action in September after a seven-month spell recovery from knee surgery.
'I don't understand it because we're resting the players. We're not training a lot. We can only hope it won't last that long.' In Carroll's absence, West Ham were reliant on the talents of midfielder Dimitri Payet, who made his first start since early November after he picked up an ankle injury. The 28-year-old Frenchman came up with a goal and an assist to help his team move up to fifth in the league table. 'I'm very happy because I don't play for two months,' he told the club's website. 'I'm very happy I can play, and (get a) good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy.'
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