Preview - Man Utd
WHUFC.com
The background
A place at Wembley is up for grabs on Sunday when West Ham United travel to
Manchester United for their Emirates FA Cup quarter-final tie.
The Hammers will be looking to book a first trip to the national stadium
since their 2012 Championship Play-Off final success, and move a step closer
to their first FA Cup final since 2006 in the process.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers have all fallen
victim to the Hammers in this season's FA Cup so far, while Manchester
United have battled past Football League trio Sheffield United, Derby County
and Shrewsbury Town.
The tie brings together the teams fifth and sixth in the Barclays Premier
League, with Louis van Gaal's team currently two points behind the Hammers.
The Red Devils have lost their last two games, coming up short against both
West Bromwich Albion in the league and Liverpool in the Europa League over
the last week.
The history
Manchester United have won eleven FA Cups to the Hammers' three, with their
last success coming back in 2004.
West Ham and the Red Devils have met in eight previous FA Cup ties, with
both teams winning four each. The last meeting came in 2012/13 when a 2-2
Boleyn Ground draw was followed by a 1-0 replay win for the north west club.
Earlier this season the teams played out a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, when
both Winston Reid and Mauro Zarate struck the woodwork for the visitors.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien are available for the Hammers
again after shaking off their respective injuries.
Winston Reid returned to training this week, but James Tomkins and James
Collins are injured, while Sam Byram is cup tied.
Manchester United
Juan Mata is banned after being sent off in Manchester United's defeat to
West Brom. However, Jesse Lingard is available after serving a European ban.
Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are the Red Devils' long-term
absentees.
Match info
- Sunday's match referee is Martin Atkinson. He has refereed 37 games
this term, dishing out 132 yellow and just one red card.
- West Ham's last two cup triumphs over United were at Old Trafford, the
most recent being by 1-0 in 2001.
- United have conceded only once in their three previous FA Cup games
this campaign.
- They have scored 12 goals in their last four games at Old Trafford in
all competitions, as many as they had managed in their previous 13 home
matches.
- West Ham have won 10 of their last 15 games in all competitions (D3,
L2).
- The Hammers have scored seven goals in their last two FA Cup ties.
- They last reached the sixth round in 2010-11 season, where they were
eliminated 2-1 at Stoke.
- Michail Antonio has scored in his last three appearances in all
competitions.
Coverage, ticketing, travel and other info
- All 9,000 tickets for Hammers fans have sold out for this fixture.
- Click here for the latest news on the roads and here for the trains.
- The sun is expected to be shining at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon,
with temperatures reaching 12C (54F) by mid-afternoon.
- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay abreast of all
the action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have
live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats, photos and more. You
can get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #MNUWHU
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Antonio - Old Trafford was a turning point for me
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio has fond memories of playing at Old Trafford and hopes to be
celebrating another famous victory so he can show off his new goalscoring
celebrations against Manchester United. Antonio has been a revelation for
the Hammers in the last three months and has played a major role in helping
the Club move back into the top five in the Premier League and reaching the
last eight of the FA Cup. The 25-year-old has scored three goals in his last
three games which has taken his tally to 11 goals this season and played his
part in a memorable comeback over Everton last weekend. Antonio has also
caught the imagination of the West Ham fans with his goalscoring
celebrations and few could forget his Simpsons breakdance when he scored the
winning goal against Sunderland. The talented winger then followed that up
with his match-winner against Tottenham when he did the Carlton Dance and he
is now preparing another special celebration if he gets among the goals
against United. Antonio has no doubts that the turning point in his West Ham
career came at Old Trafford when he appeared as an early substitute for
Victor Moses and has never looked back since that moment. Antonio said:
"It's always been one of my boyhood dreams to play at Old Trafford and I
managed to get on during that game and before that I wasn't really playing.
It is crazy how Victor got injured during the first half and I managed to
get my longest spell in that game at Old Trafford. "It was definitely a
turning point for me and that was the game that got me into the team and
earned me a couple of starts. "From there, I haven't looked back and now
I've got seven goals this season (for West Ham) so far and I hope I can keep
adding to it."
The 9000 West Ham fans who are heading to Old Trafford would love to see
Antonio stay among the goals on Sunday and they could be in for an extra
surprise if he gets on the scoresheet. Antonio added: "I have already
started to think of new celebrations, so hopefully I will be able to use
them. I believe in it and I can see my goal and see the celebration that
goes with it. All I need now is to happen now. "I watched an episode of the
Simpsons the night before the game and I was in the shower in the hotel room
and I thought to myself, I might start doing some crazy celebrations and to
try to interact with the fans more. "At the end of the season, we can get
the fans to vote for the best celebration of the season. "I am a massive
Simpsons fan. I am probably most like Bart, I am a bit mischievous. "Growing
up, I didn't celebrate much. At Southampton, I used to do the 'Bogul' and
the fans used to do it back to me."
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Carrick expecting tough encounter
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick is relishing the chance to
come up against his old side at Old Trafford in the Emirates FA Cup
quarter-final and feels Dimitri Payet has been one of the signings of the
season.
Payet, who recently won the Premier League Player of the Year at the London
Football Awards has wasted no time becoming a cult hero at the Boleyn Ground
and Carrick knows that his Manchester United side will need to stop the
French star if they are to take progress to the next round.
Carrick enjoyed a memorable four-year spell with the Hammers where he made
159 appearances and scored six goals.
The England midfielder knows it will be a special atmosphere inside Old
Trafford on Sunday and feels his side will have to be at their very best if
they are to come away with a victory as West Ham are enjoying a memorable
season under Slaven Bilic.
Carrick said: "They've impressed me an awful lot this season, they started
off well with a couple of big results against Arsenal and Manchester City
and they have carried that on.
"They've got a good mix and Payet has had a fantastic season and now he is
back from injury, he's flying again.
"They may not have expected to be where they are now, but as a squad they
look strong and they've got good quality in depth and full credit to them.
"Payet has been their main man this season, I hadn't seen much of him before
coming to West Ham, but he has been a huge hit in the Premier League, with
his performances, goals, assists and everything else that he brings to their
side. He has almost been the catalyst for their season.
"We know this is a big week for us and this is the time of the season when
things are won or lost. We want to stay in the competitions right until the
very end."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill is a big fan of the Hammers this
season and relishes the chance to interview Slaven Bilic at the pre-match
press conference. He has no doubts that Dimiti Payet has been one of the
signings of the season and expects West Ham to get a positive result against
Manchester United on Sunday.
I think West Ham will win on Sunday. United are playing like a team where
they know that changes are going to be made during the summer.
It does a lot of damage to your morale when you are beaten by your biggest
rival following their defeat against Liverpool in the Europa League on
Thursday night and playing so badly.
I suppose there is an argument that they will be licking their wounds and
will want some revenge, but you have got to be good enough to get that
revenge and West Ham's away form has been impressive.
They have already been to Old Trafford this season and done a good job
before and I am sure West Ham fans would settle for another 0-0 draw and
bring them back to the Boleyn Ground.
I am big fan of Slaven Bilic. He is just a nice man and he impresses me
every time I come to interview him.
You get a straight answer to any type of question and when you get someone
like him who is honest, it is very refreshing.
Even away from the press conferences you can see that he is down to earth
and is very passionate about what he does.
All the headlines have been about Dimitri Payet this season and rightly so
as he has been magnificent.
When West Ham first went for him a lot of people didn't know too much about
him. But I can remember seeing him during the pre-season and I was doing
some updates from the game and I looked at my cameraman and thought wow he
is a player.
From what I was told no-one else really went for him and West Ham pulled out
all the stops to get him and they are now getting their just rewards.
I think he should be the Player of the Year because of what he cost, how
well he has done and the way he wasted no time settling into the Premier
League.
If the Club do get into the Champions League which I think they will, a
large part of that will be down to him.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
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Westley - We were good
WHUFC.com
Academy director Terry Westley spoke of his pride at the impressive
performance his young Hammers put in away at St James' Park. Captained by
Marcus Browne, Westley's charges started with six players who are still
eligible for the U18s, and a further two came on off the bench to record an
emphatic 4-1 win. The Hammers got off to a terrific start as Browne opened
the scoring after just eight minutes volleying Stephen Hendrie's searching
cross in off the post. Speaking at full-time Westley said: "We had a lot of
youngsters out there tonight, and it could have gone one of two ways.
Thankfully we've come through it, and we've also played well. In parts some
of the best football we've played. "Players like Noha and Matty Carter will
learn a lot from tonight, so there are a lot of positives for us to take
away."
Things got even better as Moses Makasi, ever-present at the heart of
midfield doubled the lead, slotting home coolly after an intricate one-touch
move involving Tunji Akinola and Sam Ford. An excellent first half was
rounded off when Dan Kemp scored on his first start for the U21s, converting
Stephen Hendrie's pinpoint cross from close range. Into the second period
and the Hammers were just as clinical. Youngster Matt Carter got in on the
goalscoring act as he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Pearson from distance.
The midfielder was rightly delighted. Westley continued: "I thought Marcus
Browne in particular was fantastic, he really took the captaincy on well and
really led from the first minute onwards. "He's done ever so well recently
in among the first team and he's enjoying his football. When he's on this
type of form he's a joy to watch and it'll be interesting to see how far he
goes."
Following tonight's convincing win, attentions will quickly turn to
Wednesday's mouth-watering semi-final with Liverpool on Wednesday 16 March.
Westley finished by saying: "In terms of preparation, tonight was about as
perfect as it could have been. We wanted to win tonight, and thankfully we
did, but we had half an eye on Wednesday. "A lot of people have put
themselves in contention for a start, and that's exactly the situation we
wanted to be in. "It's a headache, but a good one, we are in a good position
and very much looking forward to the tie."
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Kemp delighted with first Dev Squad goal
WHUFC.com
On an outstanding night for the Development Squad up in Newcastle which saw
the young Hammers despatch their counterparts 4-1, youngster Dan Kemp's
performance was one of the highlights.
The winger has been in scintillating form recently for the U18s, scoring
four goals, and more than took his opportunity during his first start for
the U21s by scoring.
The former Chelsea player ran on to Stephen Hendrie's pinpoint cross and
finished with the cool calm collectiveness of a seasoned professional.
Reflecting on an impressive showing, Kemp said: "I'm delighted to have
scored on my first start for the U21s but it was a great performance and a
great result more importantly. We played really well as a team and it was
great to get on the scoresheet.
"We had a game plan to get into their faces and get to the ball, try to win
it back early and then exploit the space and I think we did that well. My
won it back high up the field and scored some great goals on the counter.
"We broke on the counter with pace, Stephen ran down the left and put in a
great cross and I thought I finished it quite well at the backpost.
"That was the third goal it kind of killed the game off, even though it was
still pretty early on. We were a bit disappointed to let them back in just
before half-time. After the fourth goal went in it was game over really."
With a number regular U21 players rested, some due to their involvement with
the first team, Westley named a young side which captained by Marcus Browne,
had six U18s with a further two coming off the bench.
It was Browne who opened the scoring early on, before Moses Makasi, Kemp and
Matt Carter all got on the scoresheet.
Kemp continued to describe how crucial getting the early goal was: "The
early goal was very important, it set the tone for the game and in general I
think we dominated really. Terry said in the dressing room afterwards that
that was one of our best performances of the season, so we're all pleased.
"It would be brilliant if we could make it into the play offs and get
promoted, we just need to keep going now."
Now, Kemp and his teammates will have to refocus quickly as they host
Liverpool in the semi-final of the U21 Premier League Cup at Rush Green on
Wednesday 16 March.
In what is no doubt the biggest game of the season, Kemp will be hoping his
sparkling performance may be enough to see him continue in the side.
He continued: "Wednesday is a massive game, I'd love to involved, I think
everyone would. It's a cup semi-final, at home, so a massive game and one we
really want to win.
"I've played against Liverpool at U16 level, they're always a good side at
every level so it'll be tough but we've got a lot of quality and know, on
our day, that we can beat anyone."
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Manuel Lanzini: 'I feel at home at West Ham, so why would I leave?'
Exclusive: The Hammers loan is keen to a complete a £7.4m permanent deal
KEN DYER Friday 11 March 20160 comments
Evening Standard
Manuel Lanzini felt moved to issue an apology this week. He had impishly
posted a video on his Instagram account of a few moments of a training
session this week at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground. In the video
(below), Lanzini slides the ball through the legs of bemused club-mate Alex
Song and then does something similar to Angelo Ogbonna, who then playfully
wrestles him on the ground. "Perdon [excuse me]," posts Lanzini. "Sorry for
this, hahahaha." The on-loan 23-year-old is unlikely to attempt anything
quite as audacious in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United but
it remains a light-hearted example of the ability possessed by the man they
call 'La Joya' — The Jewel — back in Argentina.
Slaven Bilic tried to sign Lanzini when he was coach of Turkish club
Besiktas. The Argentine, who begun his career at River Plate and then moved
on loan to Fluminense, was in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira. Bilic
was unsuccessful but when he arrived at West Ham last summer, the top two
players on his wish list were Dimitri Payet — and Lanzini. Lanzini's role
model is compatriot Pablo Aimar but Bilic believes his midfielder's style is
more reminiscent of Real Madrid and former Tottenham star Luka Modric. "He
is everything as a player," says Bilic, who coached Modric with Croatia. "He
reminds me of Modric the way he plays. He is always around the ball, he's
always an option for other players, he comes out of difficult situations, he
can help bring the team 30 yards up the pitch and he is very good in
defence. He's still very young but if he carries on improving, he can be a
great player."
Lanzini appreciates his manager's kind words. "Modric is a fantastic player
and I am proud to be compared to a player as talented as him," says the 5ft
6in playmaker. At first sight, you would think, Lanzini might struggle in
the muscular environs of the Premier League. In fact, there is more fat on a
chip. So how has he coped?
"I knew it was going to be difficult to adapt to the English game but I was
confident in my body and ability," he says. "I know at times I need to adapt
my game and that sometimes I need to battle and fight more than I am used to
but I feel that I am pretty smart like that."
Given his performances, it is not surprising that West Ham are keen to make
Lanzini's season's loan permanent. Al Jazira are prepared to let him go for
£7.4 million and Bilic expects the deal to be sealed in the near future. A
thigh injury had delayed the issue but Lanzini returned to action at the end
of last month and says: "I would obviously like to reach an agreement to be
able to stay here. "I feel at home here, London is one of the great cities
of the world. At West Ham the coaching team, the players and the fans treat
me really well. When you feel at home, why would you want to leave?"
England is the latest stop on a rather unsual footballing journey with
Lanzini cutting his teeth in Argentina and Brazil before taking the rare
step for a young emerging player of a switch to the UAE Gulf League. "It
isn't the most typical of career paths for a young player I know but every
decision that I made was focused on my future and allowed me to improve as a
player," says Lanzini, who had a season in the Middle East. "At each club, I
tried to learn as much as I could from the more experienced players."
Lanzini knows he has some way to go before emulating another West Ham
favourite and fellow Argentine, Carlos Tevez. He says: "Although River Plate
are great rivals with Tevez's club, Boca Juniors, I have to say he is a
fantastic player. He is a real champion."
It is Lanzini's partnership with Payet, though, which has really thrilled
the West Ham fans, 9,000 of whom will be at Old Trafford. "He is capable of
changing a game on his own," he says. "We all put our confidence in him and
given the way we both play, I always look to link up with Dimitri. Together,
we try to drive the team forward."
They will look to do that on Sunday when victory will take West Ham to
Wembley. "It will be a great match," he says. "We know if we stick to the
plan and play well, then we can win this game. We want to excite the fans
with an entertaining performance."
There is little doubt about Lanzini's own entertainment value — just ask
Song or Ogbonna.
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Man Utd v West Ham preview: Juan Mata suspended for hosts
By Jack Wilkinson
Last Updated: 12/03/16 3:55pm
SSN
Manchester United will be looking to make it five home wins in a row when
they welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford for Sunday's FA Cup
quarter-final. Although their form has been strong at home, Louis van Gaal's
men go into this clash on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the
Europa League - a game in which they had just one shot on target. West Ham,
who last won the FA Cup in 1980, are enjoying a fine spell of form under
Slaven Bilic, winning their last four games in all competitions.
Juan Mata will miss the game with through suspension. Jesse Lingard returns
to the United squad having served a ban in the Europa League clash with
Liverpool, while Adnan Januzaj and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are available having
been ineligible for Thursday's match. Wayne Rooney (knee), Luke Shaw (leg),
Ashley Young (groin/pelvis) and Will Keane (groin) remain absent, but
Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are nearing
returns.
West Ham can welcome back Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien.
Valencia has recovered from a sprained ankle, Moses is fit after a quad
injury and O'Brien has shaken off hamstring trouble. Winston Reid is close
to returning after a hamstring problem but the Old Trafford clash is likely
to come too soon, while fellow defenders James Tomkins (calf) and James
Collins (hamstring) are still injured and Sam Byram is cup-tied.
Opta stats
This is the ninth time these sides have been drawn in the FA Cup - the
previous eight have alternated between West Ham progressing twice and United
progressing twice.
The Red Devils have progressed the last two times they've faced West Ham in
the FA Cup, meaning West Ham would go through if the sequence was to
continue.
The Hammers are winless in their last nine trips to Old Trafford in all
competitions (D1 L8), since Carlos Tevez's strike kept them in the Premier
League on the final day of the 2006/07 season.
Manchester United have lost their last two FA Cup home games against fellow
Premier League sides, both by a 2-1 scoreline (Swansea in 2014 and Arsenal
in 2015).
West Ham scored as many goals in their last FA Cup away game as they had in
their previous 11 in the competition (5).
Louis van Gaal's side were eliminated at this stage last season, to eventual
winners Arsenal.
West Ham have reached the quarter-final stage for the first time since 2011,
when they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Stoke.
Michail Antonio has scored in his last three appearances for West Ham in all
competitions.
Merson's prediction
Oh my God. I have never seen anything like that Man Utd performance against
Liverpool on Thursday night. I know it wasn't great at the start of the
season but this was different.
Did anybody tell the players it was Liverpool against Man Utd? It is
supposed to be the ultimate game in English football, but if you looked at
the Man Utd players, you can't tell me they saw it like that.
You felt for their supporters because they know what that match means.
Everybody had a bad game but you have to show desire.
After that display, I'd be shocked if United beat West Ham and I'm going for
a draw, setting up the last FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground. You couldn't
handpick a better game with the winner playing at Wembley, and it's all set
up for West Ham.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Betting
United are 19/20 favourites with Sky Bet to reach the last four while West
Ham can be backed at 3/1 to record another victory on the road. Dimitri
Payet has been amongst goals lately for the Hammers and for him to score and
West Ham to win in 90 Mins Sky Bet have boosted his price from 7/1 to 9/1.
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ROB GREEN HAD WEST HAM MEDICAL
By Iain Dale 12 Mar 2016 at 12:10
WTID
In the last transfer window there was a bit of chatter that West Ham would
re-sign Rob Green from QPR. I didn't think much of it at the time but Green
has confirmed it all in an interview with the Daily Mail
Perhaps the main source of frustration is how close he came to leaving last
summer and in January. Some have suggested moves to West Ham and Crystal
Palace fell through because of his wage demands. Green insists that was not
the case, having agreed terms with both clubs and even passing a medical at
Upton Park.
The truth is QPR's owners had an issue with selling to West Ham, while
things did not quite fall into place in terms of squad numbers at Palace.
'The newspaper reports weren't far off the mark,' he says. 'I was pretty
close to leaving.'
It's difficult to understand why we would have wanted him when we are
blessed with two excellent goalkeepers in Adrian and Darren Randolph, along
with Raphael Spiegel and Sam Howes.
It's also difficult to understand why Tony Fernandes would have a problem
selling to West Ham, a club he supports and wanted to own. Or maybe he has
had a big falling out with David Gold and David Sullivan.
All in all, rather odd.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rules out shock summer move for ZLATAN
IBRAHIMOVIC
22:30, 11 MAR 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Swedish superstar is out of contract at PSG in the summer and has hinted at
a move to England but Hammers manager accepts he's "out of our league"
The Mirror
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has admitted Zlatan Ibrahimovic is "out of our
league". The Swedish superstar is out of contract at PSG this summer and has
hinted he could come to the Premier League. But the Irons boss said: "We are
moving to a new stadium. We are doing well but Ibra is out of our league,
unfortunately. "If he leaves Paris, I don't know where he is going to go,
but I can't see him coming to West Ham." The former Croatia coach insisted
Ibrahimovic will be a great free signing for someone. "He's 34 only on
paper," he said. "He's still the leading scorer in France, so he's very
consistent. "I was at the game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, and he was
playing like he was 21. Thirty-four is only on paper."
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Manchester United STILL not over Alex Ferguson's exit according to FA Cup
foe West Ham boss Slaven Bilic
22:30, 11 MAR 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Hammers manager is eager to exploit hosts' woes — though he also warns they
will be like "wounded lions" after the midweek Europa League loss to
Liverpool
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has claimed Manchester United no longer have the stars to scare
other sides – and are still suffering a hangover from the departure of Sir
Alex Ferguson three years ago. Although West Ham boss Bilic also warned
Louis Van Gaal's side will be like "wounded lions" in Sunday's FA Cup
quarter-final against his Hammers after their Europa League defeat by
arch-rivals Liverpool on Thursday, he insisted the Londoners will travel to
Old Trafford without fear. "With Ferguson, if you see the names that played
up front for them, they were either at a better age or were bigger names or
better goal-scorers," said Bilic. "Now he has some really young, talented
players who are definitely going to be that but simply they are not that
consistent because of their age and because the situation – it is very hard
to be confident if you are a Manchester United player. "But to be fair, they
don't have Aguero or Van Nistelrooy or Ronaldo and Rooney is injured."
Midfielder Dimitri Payet, with 10 goals, will be the biggest star on the Old
Trafford pitch on Sunday afternoon. And although Bilic predicted "a better
Manchester United" than were fortunate to escape Anfield only 2-0 down on
aggregate, he confessed his surprise at the Dutchman's continued struggles
in his second season. "Everywhere he has been he has done a tremendous job
and he has left his legacy at every club – not just one season then leave
the club ruined," he said. "He did great with Ajax, he did great with
Barcelona, he did great with Bayern Munich. "It is his second season, so it
is strange they are so inconsisent. But [it was the] same with David Moyes
so it might not be the manager's fault. It might be something deeper. It
might be Ferguson. "Sir Alex is impossible to replace." Bilic added: "I
remember also United had difficult games even when Ferguson was there. Now,
because he has become such a legend, you don't remember those things. I
remember games like that. "Okay, you can say they were playing with more
energy, most of the games were played in front of your box if you were the
opponent and now they don't have it since he's gone. "I don't think it's one
problem. If there was one problem they would have solved it. It's a little
bit more than that. But their problem is not my problem. we will try to use
the situation."
The Hammers travel to the north-west for the seventh time this season and
are still unbeaten in the region, including a Premier League draw at Old
Trafford in December. Bilic's side are on a four-match winning streak,
including last weekend's thrilling 3-2 victory at Everton after falling 2-0
behind. It is all in contrast with the current mood at Old Trafford. "They
are like a wounded lion, they have a massive game against us," said Bilic.
"It would be dangerous — suicidal — if we approach the game like, 'Yeah,
they are playing badly, we are playing well. We are going to cruise it.' No
way we will do that. "But if you are asking me if we are confident, we are
confident because we are playing good, we are training good. We are buzzing,
we are training hard. "That is the biggest secret. We have good players who
are hungry, who are motivated."
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Fan coalition calls for LLDC to "respect decision"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
OSA previously adjourned hearing concerning the appeal by the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) against the Information Commissioner's (ICO)
order to publish the full financial terms of the deal between itself and
West Ham United FC will reconvene on Thursday March 17th at 10am at Court 4,
15 Bream's Buildings, London, EC4A 1DZ.
A football fans coalition spokesman said:
"We have already demonstrated to the tribunal that it is impossible for
another football club to share the stadium, despite the LLDC's insistence,
and the fact that West Ham United were perfectly happy to contradict the
LLDC view only serves to underscore the strength of our case."
"We hope, given this, and the weight of other evidence presented to support
our case, that the LLDC and anyone else with influence over them, respects
the decision of the tribunal and doesn't seek a further appeal. During a
time when the LLDC itself is struggling to make a commercial success of the
Olympic legacy, racking up thousands more on top of the £21,000 of
taxpayers' money already spent on this appeal alone does seem to be
frivolous."
The coalition led by the Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust (CAST) and
Leyton Orient Fans' Trust demand to know:
How much the stadium costs West Ham to hire
How much the stadium maintenance will cost, and who will pay for it
How much each party will earn from stadium naming rights
What happens to the stadium in the event of financial difficulties at
stadium company E20
What happens if West Ham United is sold by its current owners
How much West Ham United earns from matchday catering
How many jobs are being 'created'
How much office space is being provided to West Ham United and on what terms
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Devonshire on Payet and the Man Utd clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
CandH Exclusive
The word legend is thrown around far too loosely but today a true Hammers
hero more worthy of the title than most – the one and only Alan Devonshire –
has chosen to speak exclusively with ClaretandHugh as we continue our guild
up to Old Trafford tomorrow.
He also gives his opinion on the amazing Dimi Payet and the comparisons
drawn between the French international and himself.
It's another top exclusive from your favourite Hammers website.
By Alan Devonshire
These are very exciting times at West Ham and I really do fancy us to beat
Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow and go back to Wembley for the
semi final.
And so long as I can get a ticket I'll be there because this Hammers team
seriously excites me. I believe this is a really good time to be playing
Manchester United. I watched them against Liverpool the other night and they
really don't look a good team.
I really don't see us coming away from OT with nothing and genuinely believe
with the team we have the win is very much on.
In Dimi Payet we have a player who is capable of most anything. He has great
ability, balance, creativity and his set pieces are brilliant.
It's important to have someone in the team that the players trust completely
and Dimi is that man. The players know that if they give him the ball in a
tight situation he will sort things out. I like to think I was the same so I
understand the comparisons between him and me.
He's 28 now of course and in his prime. Hopefully we are going to get four
or five good seasons from him and he's what I understand a West Ham player
to be.
I also love Cheik Kouyate who s a really great tackler, gets around the
pitch and is a terrific high energy player. I love him in midfield and
that's where he needs to be as a priority but he will also do a fantastic
job at the bck in an emergency.
Sakho is key to the system and to have come where we have without him shows
the type of squad we have and I'm also a fan of Enner Valencia who has great
skill. Give him an injury free run and you will see a great player.
Everywhere you look in this team there is creativity, energy and a wonderful
spirit and that's a tribute to Slaven who has done a remarkable job in his
first season.
He deserves Wembley and I believe there's every chance we will make it into
the Final after seeing off United tomorrow
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Bilic kills off superstar signing speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has finally killed off suggestions that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will
be joining the Irons this summer declaring: "He is out of our league". It
is now well known, the 34 year old is out of contract at Paris St Germain in
June and has dropped some pretty heavy hints that he may like to make a move
to the Premier League. And it had been widely reported that the Irons had
discussed the player as they do many others. Indeed it would have been a
surprise if they hadn't. But the Irons boss has made it clear the striker
will not be joining the club saying: "We are moving to a new stadium. We are
doing well but Ibra is out of our league, unfortunately. "If he leaves
Paris, I don't know where he is going to go, but I can't see him coming to
West Ham."
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DG's 'perfect storm' becoming Hammers hurricane
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has regularly been referring to the final Boleyn season as "a
perfect storm."
Tomorrow it can become an unstoppable Hammers hurricane.
The incredible league form, the FA Cup run, the form of our new signings,
Dimi Payt's magic and fifth place are all making it possible that this – our
final season at the dear old lady – could be our finest.
From the moment Slaven was appointed as boss there was a change in the air
and Gold says: "He has been the reason for everything that's happened. It's
been an incredible season.
"And to beat United tomorrow and find ourselves back at Wembley would be
utterly extraordinary in such a season. I've said for weeks but this really
is becoming a Hammers hurricane!
"We would have loved a home draw but with such a string of results behind us
we can go anywhere with great confidence. It's an amazing season and as I do
every week I go to Old Trafford this week fully believing we will come back
with something."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 13
Friday, March 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th March 2016
Ford steering his way to goal
WHUFC.com
New signing Sam Ford has already hit the ground running with West Ham
United...
As first impressions go few players, both on and off the pitch, have made a
better one than striker Sam Ford. The 17-year-old forward initially
impressed during a trial when he scored a late winner for the U18s in a 2-1
victory over Aston Villa in mid-January. That goal, alongside impressive
displays in training, convinced Academy Director Terry Westley to offer the
former Ipswich Town youngster a contract and it did not take the forward
long to repay the faith. In fact, it only took 12 minutes of his Development
Squad debut, as Ford burst from the halfway line before beating two men and
finishing nonchalantly to put the Hammers ahead against Wolverhampton
Wanderers. He followed that up with a second Dev Squad strike in Monday's
1-1 Barclays U21 Premier League draw with Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green.
Reflecting on his near perfect start to life in Claret and Blue, Ford said:
"I scored in my first game for the U18s, made my debut for the U21s the
other day and scored there too. Now, I just want to crack on and score as
many goals as possible. "I've been training with Terry's Development Squad
quite a bit. The intensity is very high and the standard is a lot higher,
but I'm enjoying it and it can only make me a better player. "All the boys
are good and I feel settled, everyone really gets on with each other. The
quality and the expectations are there straight away, there is a certain
standard expected from you and hopefully that becomes natural."
With an impressive average of a goal every other game, a record every
striker would be happy with, Ford says he has arrived at the Hammers for an
'exciting' time for the Club. He continued: "West Ham is a massive club, and
I can't wait to carry on. It is a very exciting time with the new stadium,
everyone is talking about West Ham, it is definitely something to look
forward to and hopefully I'll be involved playing their one day."
While that may be somewhere in the not so distant future, for now, Ford is
happy to concentrate on playing for the Development Squad, and with an
upcoming Barclays U21 Premier League Cup semi-final with Liverpool to look
forward to, he has silverware in his sights. He explained: "The Academy is a
good place to be at the moment, everyone is excited for the semi-final and
the rest of the season. "I feel comfortable with the lads now; I've had time
to build relationships off the pitch which helps as well. I'm staying in
digs which is helpful, too. "A lot of the younger players have been involved
in the first team recently. I really just want to play football and get to
the highest level possible. Making my Premier League debut is the dream."
The 17-year-old is equally impressive off the pitch as he is on it,
possessing a maturity beyond his years. Having previously worked with
Academy coach Liam Manning at Ipswich Town, Ford praised the effect his old
mentor has already had on his blossoming career, concluding: "I'd like to
think Liam likes working with me! I like working with him, he's a great
coach and hopefully he'll help me to progress as far as possible. "Of
course, the Premier League is the best in the world so that's where I want
to go."
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First and Last - Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked the players for some memorable firsts and lasts from their careers and
lives. Dimitri Payet goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you owned?
It was a Mercedes SLK 200 convertible which I bought back in 2006 when I was
playing for Nantes in my first year there.
What was the first CD you ever bought?
I think it was a Bob Marley album The Best of Bob Marley.
Can you remember your first goal in professional football?
I was playing for Nantes and scored during a 4-1 win over Metz in January
2006. I was just 18 years old and had only just come on as a substitute.
Who would be the first player you would call up for a pub quiz?
I have to say Mark Noble as he has been playing for 60 years and knows
everything!
Who would be the first player you would vote off The X Factor?
Cheikhou Kouyate. His voice and style – nothing about him would get him
through to the next round when it comes to singing!
LASTS
What was the last Concert you went to?
It was to see a French rap group called Sexion D'Assaut in Marseille.
Which of your team-mates is the last you would want to be stuck with in a
lift?
I have to say Cheikhou Kouyate again. He is always on his phone so it would
be boring for me to be stuck on my own!
What is the last thing you watched on television?
The Champions League.
Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?
Ginge. What he wears might be the fashion in Wales but not for me!
Who is the last out of the dressing room after a match or training?
Mark Noble. I don't think he has a house!
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Former Player Blog – Ronnie Boyce
WHUFC.com
1964 FA Cup semi-final hero Ronnie Boyce is targeting another landmark
victory over Manchester United. Nicknamed 'Ticker' due to his outstanding
work-rate, the East Ham-born midfielder scored twice at a rain-soaked
Hillsborough to take West Ham United to Wembley. Now 73, Boyce is looking
forward to watching Sunday's sixth-round tie from Old Trafford with
interest…
It's been a terrific season and I'd love it if we could get into Europe.
It most definitely looks like the West Ham way is back. The acquisitions we
made last summer have been particularly good and they seem to have just
fitted into the team.
For me, I think Europe is definitely on and we might even be able to achieve
a little bit more than that. We'd be satisfied with getting back into
Europe, though, because it's been a while!
They are quality players and I'm not surprised. The boy Dimitri Payet plays
very well and I like that sort of player. Michail Antonio has also done
great for the Club.
Mark Noble is a local boy which is lovely and it's nice to see an East Ender
like myself in that side.
I'm sure the supporters are very pleased with the effort they're all putting
in and the results they have got recently.
It's 52 years now since we went up to Hillsborough and beat Manchester
United in the rain to get to the FA Cup final.
We weren't expected to win the game, to be honest, because they had players
like Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best, of course.
The rain was the big thing. As soon as we woke up on the morning of the game
until we pulled back into Kings Cross on the train in the evening, it never
stopped.
It was a great day for me personally but also for the Club overall. I
managed to get a couple of goals when it had been said before that I wasn't
a natural goalscorer. I hit one from outside the box and a header from
inside.
It was great for the Club, who had come up in 1958 and then we went on to
win the first major trophy in our history. It was a marvellous day and we
can do it again on Sunday.
Let's face it, Manchester United aren't playing great at the moment. They're
not the usual Man United side and we're playing out of our skin, so I see no
reason why we can't get the win up there.
I'll be watching the game on TV and cheering the lads on, for sure.
It's been a much improved season for the Club and, with the progression that
has been made, I don't see any reason why it can't continue.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
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West Ham aim to increase Olympic Stadium to 60,000 capacity
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 10/03/16 8:29am
SSN
West Ham are looking into the possibility of increasing the Olympic Stadium
capacity to 60,000 before they move in next season as a result of high
ticket demand. The Hammers are set to begin their 99-year tenancy at the
54,000-seater Olympic Stadium in Stratford in August and co-chairman David
Gold told Sky Sports last month that he expects the club to sell every
single seat at their new home. West Ham, who are preparing to leave the
Boleyn Ground, their home for the past 112 years, at the end of the season,
are now hoping to up the capacity of their new ground by 6,000. "The board
are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets
at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in
their power to expand the capacity to 60,000," a statement on the club's
official website read. The London 2012 Olympic venue has been downsized from
an 80,000-seater athletics stadium and now includes a retractable seating
system, which will bring fans closer to the pitch on match days. Currently,
the stadium can be increased to 60,000 in athletics mode and to 80,000 for
concerts.
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Kouyate gives Old Trafford verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 10, 2016 in News
C and H
Cheik Kouyate is ready to move into the back four at Old Trafford this
weekend declaring: " I am prepared to do anything for the benefit of the
team." The Senegal midfielder has been in outstanding form all season and
says: " I played at the back in the Champions League with Anderlecht and so
I am comfortable playing in that position. I played at the back in the
Champions League with Anderlecht and so I am comfortable playing in that
position. I would even be willing to play in goal if needed. " Cheik is
confident the Hammers will not leave Old Trafford empty-handed declaring
""We are all aware of the size of their club; they are one of the biggest
teams in the country. We know what to expect from a game there, a nice
stadium, good playing surface and a great atmosphere. Speaking to the
official site he added: "I have some great memories of playing for the
Senegalese national side during the London Olympics in 2012 at Old Trafford,
when we played against Team GB and we held them to a 1-1 draw. "I hope that
we can go to Sunday's game and play in the same way, we know that it won't
be easy, but with the team spirit as it is at the moment, we know that we
can get something from the game."
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McAvennie's "rubbish" FA Cup clash verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
EXCLUSIVE
Frank MacAvennie fully expects West Ham to beat Manchester United on Sunday
at Old Trafford. The former Hammers striking legend believes Slaven Bilic's
men will have too much for Louis van Gaal's outfit and delivered a damning
verdict on United saying: "I honestly think United are rubbish this season."
He believes the Hammers – on a surge of form and confidence – should go to
Manchester as favourites but doesn't believe the bookies will see it that
way. He told ClaretandHugh exclusively said: "We could be value for the game
and I really do fancy us. It'sa long rime since I've seen such a poor United
team and with us having proved how good we are on the road I an't see us
losing and believe we will win. "We were unlucky up therein the League match
and there's certainly no reason for any fear – it's them than should be
worrying about us. "Okay we have some problems at the back but Slav has
shown he is more than capable of coping with those situations and I honestly
think United are rubbish and that we will get the result." Current Match
odds with Sky Bet: Man U 10/11 Draw 5/2 Irons 3/1
One word VALUE!
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Noble stands out for England starting XI
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Mark Noble leads a Claret and Hugh poll of West Ham fans who think he will
be included in Roy Hodgson's England squad which will be announced next week
for International friendlies against Germany and Holland.
Nobes picked up 30.74% of the poll with 289 from 940 voting for the in-form
West Ham midfielder.
Left back Aaron Cresswell followed in second place with 221 votes and 23.51%
of the vote while Michail Antonio closely trailed in third place with 196
votes on 20.85%
Andy Carroll registered just 34 votes and 3.62% of the vote while James
Tomkins got one sympathy vote.
199 of 940 who voted, totalling 21.17% believe no West Ham player will be
included when the squad for the International friendlies is announced.
Today Sky Sports back the poll by revealing that Mark Noble should make the
England starting eleven based on statistics.
Sky said "England's best-performing midfielders dictate that a 4-4-2 diamond
should be used across the middle of the park. According to the statistics,
youngsters Barkley and Alli should partner Drinkwater and Noble. This means
that there is no space for England regulars Raheem Sterling, Jordan
Henderson or James Milner in the starting Xl."
However in a final twist of fate Mark Noble will have logistical nightmares
if he is called up for the Germany v England friendly on 26th March in
Berlin as his 35,000 sell out Testimonial is just 3 days later on Easter
Monday and the Holland friendly match at Wembley is on Tuesday 29th March
one day after his testimonial. He would need special permission to leave the
England training camp.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
emale West Ham footballer has head stamped on by Tottenham rival - but
laughs about it
18:43, 10 MAR 2016 UPDATED 18:44, 10 MAR 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Whitney Locke was able to laugh off the incident as her side won the London
derby 1-0, but was lucky to avoid serious injury
The Mirror
A female footballer for West Ham was lucky to avoid serious injury after
having her head stamped on during a London derby. But Striker Whitney Locke
has laughed off the incident - because they won the match. Locke suffered a
brutal studs-to-the-head challenge from Spurs' Alexandra Keown as she lay on
the floor at Upton Park. The referee quickly stopped the game for the head
injury, but did not see the extent of the challenge and Keown got off scot
free. But Locke was not too fussed that the challenge was missed after the
game because the Hammers claimed a determined 1-0 win. Taking to Twitter
after the match, she said: "Getting my head stamped on during the game lol!!
But we won !! COYI"
But while the incident was not spotted by the officials, it was by the
supporters. One member of the crowd tweeted: "I didn't see the incident but
she obviously got clog from the crowd the rest of the game" The game, which
was played on Wednesday night under the Boleyn floodlights, was decided by a
Katie Bottom penalty in the 69th minute. Hammers co-owner David Gold offered
his congratulations to the team following the match.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OXFORD TO START AT OLD TRAFFORD?
By Iain Dale 10 Mar 2016 at 10:31
WTID
West Ham's defensive woes continue, with the news that neither Winston Reid,
nor James Tomkins will be available for selection this weekend for the trip
to Manchester United. According to Claret & Hugh Reid hasn't trained until
today. Tomkins rejoins training next week. James Collins won't be available
again until after the international break.
It looks, therefore, like Reece Oxford will partner Angelo Ogbonna in
defence again. I imagine Kouyate will again play as part of a defensive
three. This doesn't worry me at all. Reece Oxford needs the game time and to
get more experience, and there's nothing like being thrown in at the deep
end. He will learn more every game he plays.
With Pedro Obiang also putting in a fantastic defensive performance in every
game he plays I don't think we need be worried about the lack of
availability of our regular central defenders. Cresswell is in brilliant
form and Antonio has adapted to more defensive duties like a fish in water.
We should go into this game with a lot of confidence, especially as many
more of our attacking players are now available for selection. Moses and
Valencia will be back for Sunday, and so it Joey O'Brien. Whether he will
replace Michail Antonio remains to be seen. His form in the few games he
played last month was outstanding.
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Song recalled by Cameroon
March 10, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
West Ham midfielder Alex Song has been recalled by Cameroon for their 2017
Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa as per BBC Sport.
Song has not played for his national team since Cameroon's poor 2014 World
Cup campaign in Brazil where he lashed out at Croatia's Mario Mandzukic off
the ball during their Group A defeat in Manaus.
Song's inclusion in new coach Hugo Broos' first squad is a surprise after
the 28-year-old announced his international retirement last year.
Broos has named two newcomers in the squad with Sochaux forward Karl Toko,
23, and Anatole Abang of the New York Red Bulls included.
Malaga goalkeeper Idriss Carlos Kameni was hoping to be fit for the match
following knee surgery, but Broos has not taken a risk on him and has turned
to Ajax's Andre Onana instead.
The qualifier against South Africa takes place on 26 March at the Limbe
Omnisport Stadium.
Cameroon are currently top of Group M with maximum points from their first
two games.
Cameroon squad:
Goalkeepers: André Onana (Ajax); Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Nancy;) Fabrice
Ondoa (Tarragona)
Defenders: Allan Nyom (Watford); Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille); Aurélien
Chedjou (Galatasaray); Henri Bedimo (Lyon); Bitolo Ambroise Oyongo (Montreal
Impact); Adolphe Teikeu (Sochaux); Sébastien Bassong (Norwich)
Midfielders: Jonathan Ngwen II (Unisport Bafang); Stéphane Mbia (Heibei,
China); Alex Song (West Ham); Franck Kom (Etoile du Sahel); Landry N'Guemo
(Akishar); Dany Ndi (Sporting Dijon); Sébastien Siani (KV Oostende); Tony
Tchiani (Colombus Crew); Marvin Matip (Inglostadt)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Porto); Christian Bekamenga (Metz); Eric Maxime
Choupo Moting (Schalke); Benjamin Moukandjo (Lorient); Jacques Zoua (GFC
Ajaccio); Edgard Sali (St. Gallen); Anatole Abang (New York Red Bulls); Karl
Toko (Sochaux).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
n unsung hero this season, are these the reasons Obiang is keeping Song out
of the team?
Date: 10th March 2016 at 5:58 pm
Written by: Kevin Bradford
ForeverWestHam
The flair that has been brought into West Ham's football this campaign has
caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. Rightly so, the attacking assets
now at the club have drawn many of the plaudits, and on the surface, they
have been responsible for propelling the team towards one of the most
successful seasons in the past 30 years. But behind all the flash football,
quite literally, there has been a newly discovered resilience and defiance
lead in no small part by one of the lesser lauded summer signings. Spanish
midfielder Pedro Obiang has emerged as one of the silent success stories of
the season. At just 23-years-old, it is his first run in the Premier League.
And far from appearing out of his depth, he has played with a composure and
solidness that seems to rub off on the teammates around him. With almost 150
senior appearances under his belt during his time at Sampdoria, Obiang is
experienced beyond his years. His role is very much to mop up the danger and
play things simple. He has been shielding the backline expertly, and moves
the passing quick enough to relieve the pressure. And his maturity has
certainly not gone unnoticed. Slaven Bilic now appears to favour him in the
holding role ahead of the more senior figure of Alex Song. The former
Cameroon captain was hailed as the reason for The Hammers' resurgence at the
start of last season, but has failed to replicate the form on a regular
basis. His lethargic demeanour does not sit well with all fans, and his
apparent apathy has almost proved costly on a number of occasions. No doubt
on his day he is world class. His performance against Manchester City showed
that. But what Obiang has shown is less is more. His back-to-basics
methodology is similar to that of Michael Carrick, and it enables the likes
of Payet, Antonio, Kouyaté and Lanzini to roam forward. Song has proved he
can marshal the midfield, but always plays in a way that suggests he wants
to be more involved. His ability to play the incisive passes in and around
the box was one of the reasons Bilic may have used him as a more attacking
substitution against Everton. That came at 2-0 down though, with nothing to
lose. From the start of the game, it now seems Obiang is going to be the
safe bet, and he will certainly revel in the role. He appears to have no
ambitions to be more attacking, and that is ideal for his manager. If his
continued composure can last the run-in, his quiet effectiveness alongside
the headline makers will earn the prize it deserves.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
New signing Sam Ford has already hit the ground running with West Ham
United...
As first impressions go few players, both on and off the pitch, have made a
better one than striker Sam Ford. The 17-year-old forward initially
impressed during a trial when he scored a late winner for the U18s in a 2-1
victory over Aston Villa in mid-January. That goal, alongside impressive
displays in training, convinced Academy Director Terry Westley to offer the
former Ipswich Town youngster a contract and it did not take the forward
long to repay the faith. In fact, it only took 12 minutes of his Development
Squad debut, as Ford burst from the halfway line before beating two men and
finishing nonchalantly to put the Hammers ahead against Wolverhampton
Wanderers. He followed that up with a second Dev Squad strike in Monday's
1-1 Barclays U21 Premier League draw with Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green.
Reflecting on his near perfect start to life in Claret and Blue, Ford said:
"I scored in my first game for the U18s, made my debut for the U21s the
other day and scored there too. Now, I just want to crack on and score as
many goals as possible. "I've been training with Terry's Development Squad
quite a bit. The intensity is very high and the standard is a lot higher,
but I'm enjoying it and it can only make me a better player. "All the boys
are good and I feel settled, everyone really gets on with each other. The
quality and the expectations are there straight away, there is a certain
standard expected from you and hopefully that becomes natural."
With an impressive average of a goal every other game, a record every
striker would be happy with, Ford says he has arrived at the Hammers for an
'exciting' time for the Club. He continued: "West Ham is a massive club, and
I can't wait to carry on. It is a very exciting time with the new stadium,
everyone is talking about West Ham, it is definitely something to look
forward to and hopefully I'll be involved playing their one day."
While that may be somewhere in the not so distant future, for now, Ford is
happy to concentrate on playing for the Development Squad, and with an
upcoming Barclays U21 Premier League Cup semi-final with Liverpool to look
forward to, he has silverware in his sights. He explained: "The Academy is a
good place to be at the moment, everyone is excited for the semi-final and
the rest of the season. "I feel comfortable with the lads now; I've had time
to build relationships off the pitch which helps as well. I'm staying in
digs which is helpful, too. "A lot of the younger players have been involved
in the first team recently. I really just want to play football and get to
the highest level possible. Making my Premier League debut is the dream."
The 17-year-old is equally impressive off the pitch as he is on it,
possessing a maturity beyond his years. Having previously worked with
Academy coach Liam Manning at Ipswich Town, Ford praised the effect his old
mentor has already had on his blossoming career, concluding: "I'd like to
think Liam likes working with me! I like working with him, he's a great
coach and hopefully he'll help me to progress as far as possible. "Of
course, the Premier League is the best in the world so that's where I want
to go."
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First and Last - Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked the players for some memorable firsts and lasts from their careers and
lives. Dimitri Payet goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you owned?
It was a Mercedes SLK 200 convertible which I bought back in 2006 when I was
playing for Nantes in my first year there.
What was the first CD you ever bought?
I think it was a Bob Marley album The Best of Bob Marley.
Can you remember your first goal in professional football?
I was playing for Nantes and scored during a 4-1 win over Metz in January
2006. I was just 18 years old and had only just come on as a substitute.
Who would be the first player you would call up for a pub quiz?
I have to say Mark Noble as he has been playing for 60 years and knows
everything!
Who would be the first player you would vote off The X Factor?
Cheikhou Kouyate. His voice and style – nothing about him would get him
through to the next round when it comes to singing!
LASTS
What was the last Concert you went to?
It was to see a French rap group called Sexion D'Assaut in Marseille.
Which of your team-mates is the last you would want to be stuck with in a
lift?
I have to say Cheikhou Kouyate again. He is always on his phone so it would
be boring for me to be stuck on my own!
What is the last thing you watched on television?
The Champions League.
Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?
Ginge. What he wears might be the fashion in Wales but not for me!
Who is the last out of the dressing room after a match or training?
Mark Noble. I don't think he has a house!
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Former Player Blog – Ronnie Boyce
WHUFC.com
1964 FA Cup semi-final hero Ronnie Boyce is targeting another landmark
victory over Manchester United. Nicknamed 'Ticker' due to his outstanding
work-rate, the East Ham-born midfielder scored twice at a rain-soaked
Hillsborough to take West Ham United to Wembley. Now 73, Boyce is looking
forward to watching Sunday's sixth-round tie from Old Trafford with
interest…
It's been a terrific season and I'd love it if we could get into Europe.
It most definitely looks like the West Ham way is back. The acquisitions we
made last summer have been particularly good and they seem to have just
fitted into the team.
For me, I think Europe is definitely on and we might even be able to achieve
a little bit more than that. We'd be satisfied with getting back into
Europe, though, because it's been a while!
They are quality players and I'm not surprised. The boy Dimitri Payet plays
very well and I like that sort of player. Michail Antonio has also done
great for the Club.
Mark Noble is a local boy which is lovely and it's nice to see an East Ender
like myself in that side.
I'm sure the supporters are very pleased with the effort they're all putting
in and the results they have got recently.
It's 52 years now since we went up to Hillsborough and beat Manchester
United in the rain to get to the FA Cup final.
We weren't expected to win the game, to be honest, because they had players
like Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best, of course.
The rain was the big thing. As soon as we woke up on the morning of the game
until we pulled back into Kings Cross on the train in the evening, it never
stopped.
It was a great day for me personally but also for the Club overall. I
managed to get a couple of goals when it had been said before that I wasn't
a natural goalscorer. I hit one from outside the box and a header from
inside.
It was great for the Club, who had come up in 1958 and then we went on to
win the first major trophy in our history. It was a marvellous day and we
can do it again on Sunday.
Let's face it, Manchester United aren't playing great at the moment. They're
not the usual Man United side and we're playing out of our skin, so I see no
reason why we can't get the win up there.
I'll be watching the game on TV and cheering the lads on, for sure.
It's been a much improved season for the Club and, with the progression that
has been made, I don't see any reason why it can't continue.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
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West Ham aim to increase Olympic Stadium to 60,000 capacity
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 10/03/16 8:29am
SSN
West Ham are looking into the possibility of increasing the Olympic Stadium
capacity to 60,000 before they move in next season as a result of high
ticket demand. The Hammers are set to begin their 99-year tenancy at the
54,000-seater Olympic Stadium in Stratford in August and co-chairman David
Gold told Sky Sports last month that he expects the club to sell every
single seat at their new home. West Ham, who are preparing to leave the
Boleyn Ground, their home for the past 112 years, at the end of the season,
are now hoping to up the capacity of their new ground by 6,000. "The board
are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets
at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in
their power to expand the capacity to 60,000," a statement on the club's
official website read. The London 2012 Olympic venue has been downsized from
an 80,000-seater athletics stadium and now includes a retractable seating
system, which will bring fans closer to the pitch on match days. Currently,
the stadium can be increased to 60,000 in athletics mode and to 80,000 for
concerts.
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Kouyate gives Old Trafford verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 10, 2016 in News
C and H
Cheik Kouyate is ready to move into the back four at Old Trafford this
weekend declaring: " I am prepared to do anything for the benefit of the
team." The Senegal midfielder has been in outstanding form all season and
says: " I played at the back in the Champions League with Anderlecht and so
I am comfortable playing in that position. I played at the back in the
Champions League with Anderlecht and so I am comfortable playing in that
position. I would even be willing to play in goal if needed. " Cheik is
confident the Hammers will not leave Old Trafford empty-handed declaring
""We are all aware of the size of their club; they are one of the biggest
teams in the country. We know what to expect from a game there, a nice
stadium, good playing surface and a great atmosphere. Speaking to the
official site he added: "I have some great memories of playing for the
Senegalese national side during the London Olympics in 2012 at Old Trafford,
when we played against Team GB and we held them to a 1-1 draw. "I hope that
we can go to Sunday's game and play in the same way, we know that it won't
be easy, but with the team spirit as it is at the moment, we know that we
can get something from the game."
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McAvennie's "rubbish" FA Cup clash verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
EXCLUSIVE
Frank MacAvennie fully expects West Ham to beat Manchester United on Sunday
at Old Trafford. The former Hammers striking legend believes Slaven Bilic's
men will have too much for Louis van Gaal's outfit and delivered a damning
verdict on United saying: "I honestly think United are rubbish this season."
He believes the Hammers – on a surge of form and confidence – should go to
Manchester as favourites but doesn't believe the bookies will see it that
way. He told ClaretandHugh exclusively said: "We could be value for the game
and I really do fancy us. It'sa long rime since I've seen such a poor United
team and with us having proved how good we are on the road I an't see us
losing and believe we will win. "We were unlucky up therein the League match
and there's certainly no reason for any fear – it's them than should be
worrying about us. "Okay we have some problems at the back but Slav has
shown he is more than capable of coping with those situations and I honestly
think United are rubbish and that we will get the result." Current Match
odds with Sky Bet: Man U 10/11 Draw 5/2 Irons 3/1
One word VALUE!
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Noble stands out for England starting XI
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Mark Noble leads a Claret and Hugh poll of West Ham fans who think he will
be included in Roy Hodgson's England squad which will be announced next week
for International friendlies against Germany and Holland.
Nobes picked up 30.74% of the poll with 289 from 940 voting for the in-form
West Ham midfielder.
Left back Aaron Cresswell followed in second place with 221 votes and 23.51%
of the vote while Michail Antonio closely trailed in third place with 196
votes on 20.85%
Andy Carroll registered just 34 votes and 3.62% of the vote while James
Tomkins got one sympathy vote.
199 of 940 who voted, totalling 21.17% believe no West Ham player will be
included when the squad for the International friendlies is announced.
Today Sky Sports back the poll by revealing that Mark Noble should make the
England starting eleven based on statistics.
Sky said "England's best-performing midfielders dictate that a 4-4-2 diamond
should be used across the middle of the park. According to the statistics,
youngsters Barkley and Alli should partner Drinkwater and Noble. This means
that there is no space for England regulars Raheem Sterling, Jordan
Henderson or James Milner in the starting Xl."
However in a final twist of fate Mark Noble will have logistical nightmares
if he is called up for the Germany v England friendly on 26th March in
Berlin as his 35,000 sell out Testimonial is just 3 days later on Easter
Monday and the Holland friendly match at Wembley is on Tuesday 29th March
one day after his testimonial. He would need special permission to leave the
England training camp.
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emale West Ham footballer has head stamped on by Tottenham rival - but
laughs about it
18:43, 10 MAR 2016 UPDATED 18:44, 10 MAR 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Whitney Locke was able to laugh off the incident as her side won the London
derby 1-0, but was lucky to avoid serious injury
The Mirror
A female footballer for West Ham was lucky to avoid serious injury after
having her head stamped on during a London derby. But Striker Whitney Locke
has laughed off the incident - because they won the match. Locke suffered a
brutal studs-to-the-head challenge from Spurs' Alexandra Keown as she lay on
the floor at Upton Park. The referee quickly stopped the game for the head
injury, but did not see the extent of the challenge and Keown got off scot
free. But Locke was not too fussed that the challenge was missed after the
game because the Hammers claimed a determined 1-0 win. Taking to Twitter
after the match, she said: "Getting my head stamped on during the game lol!!
But we won !! COYI"
But while the incident was not spotted by the officials, it was by the
supporters. One member of the crowd tweeted: "I didn't see the incident but
she obviously got clog from the crowd the rest of the game" The game, which
was played on Wednesday night under the Boleyn floodlights, was decided by a
Katie Bottom penalty in the 69th minute. Hammers co-owner David Gold offered
his congratulations to the team following the match.
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OXFORD TO START AT OLD TRAFFORD?
By Iain Dale 10 Mar 2016 at 10:31
WTID
West Ham's defensive woes continue, with the news that neither Winston Reid,
nor James Tomkins will be available for selection this weekend for the trip
to Manchester United. According to Claret & Hugh Reid hasn't trained until
today. Tomkins rejoins training next week. James Collins won't be available
again until after the international break.
It looks, therefore, like Reece Oxford will partner Angelo Ogbonna in
defence again. I imagine Kouyate will again play as part of a defensive
three. This doesn't worry me at all. Reece Oxford needs the game time and to
get more experience, and there's nothing like being thrown in at the deep
end. He will learn more every game he plays.
With Pedro Obiang also putting in a fantastic defensive performance in every
game he plays I don't think we need be worried about the lack of
availability of our regular central defenders. Cresswell is in brilliant
form and Antonio has adapted to more defensive duties like a fish in water.
We should go into this game with a lot of confidence, especially as many
more of our attacking players are now available for selection. Moses and
Valencia will be back for Sunday, and so it Joey O'Brien. Whether he will
replace Michail Antonio remains to be seen. His form in the few games he
played last month was outstanding.
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Song recalled by Cameroon
March 10, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
West Ham midfielder Alex Song has been recalled by Cameroon for their 2017
Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa as per BBC Sport.
Song has not played for his national team since Cameroon's poor 2014 World
Cup campaign in Brazil where he lashed out at Croatia's Mario Mandzukic off
the ball during their Group A defeat in Manaus.
Song's inclusion in new coach Hugo Broos' first squad is a surprise after
the 28-year-old announced his international retirement last year.
Broos has named two newcomers in the squad with Sochaux forward Karl Toko,
23, and Anatole Abang of the New York Red Bulls included.
Malaga goalkeeper Idriss Carlos Kameni was hoping to be fit for the match
following knee surgery, but Broos has not taken a risk on him and has turned
to Ajax's Andre Onana instead.
The qualifier against South Africa takes place on 26 March at the Limbe
Omnisport Stadium.
Cameroon are currently top of Group M with maximum points from their first
two games.
Cameroon squad:
Goalkeepers: André Onana (Ajax); Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Nancy;) Fabrice
Ondoa (Tarragona)
Defenders: Allan Nyom (Watford); Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille); Aurélien
Chedjou (Galatasaray); Henri Bedimo (Lyon); Bitolo Ambroise Oyongo (Montreal
Impact); Adolphe Teikeu (Sochaux); Sébastien Bassong (Norwich)
Midfielders: Jonathan Ngwen II (Unisport Bafang); Stéphane Mbia (Heibei,
China); Alex Song (West Ham); Franck Kom (Etoile du Sahel); Landry N'Guemo
(Akishar); Dany Ndi (Sporting Dijon); Sébastien Siani (KV Oostende); Tony
Tchiani (Colombus Crew); Marvin Matip (Inglostadt)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Porto); Christian Bekamenga (Metz); Eric Maxime
Choupo Moting (Schalke); Benjamin Moukandjo (Lorient); Jacques Zoua (GFC
Ajaccio); Edgard Sali (St. Gallen); Anatole Abang (New York Red Bulls); Karl
Toko (Sochaux).
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n unsung hero this season, are these the reasons Obiang is keeping Song out
of the team?
Date: 10th March 2016 at 5:58 pm
Written by: Kevin Bradford
ForeverWestHam
The flair that has been brought into West Ham's football this campaign has
caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. Rightly so, the attacking assets
now at the club have drawn many of the plaudits, and on the surface, they
have been responsible for propelling the team towards one of the most
successful seasons in the past 30 years. But behind all the flash football,
quite literally, there has been a newly discovered resilience and defiance
lead in no small part by one of the lesser lauded summer signings. Spanish
midfielder Pedro Obiang has emerged as one of the silent success stories of
the season. At just 23-years-old, it is his first run in the Premier League.
And far from appearing out of his depth, he has played with a composure and
solidness that seems to rub off on the teammates around him. With almost 150
senior appearances under his belt during his time at Sampdoria, Obiang is
experienced beyond his years. His role is very much to mop up the danger and
play things simple. He has been shielding the backline expertly, and moves
the passing quick enough to relieve the pressure. And his maturity has
certainly not gone unnoticed. Slaven Bilic now appears to favour him in the
holding role ahead of the more senior figure of Alex Song. The former
Cameroon captain was hailed as the reason for The Hammers' resurgence at the
start of last season, but has failed to replicate the form on a regular
basis. His lethargic demeanour does not sit well with all fans, and his
apparent apathy has almost proved costly on a number of occasions. No doubt
on his day he is world class. His performance against Manchester City showed
that. But what Obiang has shown is less is more. His back-to-basics
methodology is similar to that of Michael Carrick, and it enables the likes
of Payet, Antonio, Kouyaté and Lanzini to roam forward. Song has proved he
can marshal the midfield, but always plays in a way that suggests he wants
to be more involved. His ability to play the incisive passes in and around
the box was one of the reasons Bilic may have used him as a more attacking
substitution against Everton. That came at 2-0 down though, with nothing to
lose. From the start of the game, it now seems Obiang is going to be the
safe bet, and he will certainly revel in the role. He appears to have no
ambitions to be more attacking, and that is ideal for his manager. If his
continued composure can last the run-in, his quiet effectiveness alongside
the headline makers will earn the prize it deserves.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th March 2016
The Big Interview - Angelo Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna is loving life in London and rightly so after becoming an integral part of the team following his move from Juventus last summer.
The Italian defender has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers fans when he scored the dramatic winner against Liverpool in the last round of the FA Cup with just seconds left on the clock to keep alive the Club's hopes of winning major silverware this season.
Ogbonna brings with him a wealth of experience having won the Serie A title with Juventus and despite being part of the losing side when the Italian giants lost to Barcelona in the Champions League back in June 2015, Ogbonna is now hoping to go one stage further and play his part in steering his side to Wembley this season and making it a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Angelo, you must be so proud of the way the team are performing at the moment. Did you expect the club to be performing this well when you joined the Club last summer?
AO: "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone!
"I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top.
"The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition.
"This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
The West Ham United supporters are dreaming of playing in Europe next season. Having played in the Champions League, what would it mean for the Club to play on the European stage next season?
AO: "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground."
We switch our attentions away from the Premier League this weekend and are now preparing for another huge game in the FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United. How excited are the players at the prospect of playing at Old Trafford and the possibility of reaching the semi-final stage at Wembley?
AO: "We are very excited about this and we will do everything to play at Wembley. We know it will be a really good game and a great atmosphere.
"It was an unforgettable moment when I scored the winning goal against Liverpool. This is the first time in my career I have experienced an atmosphere like that – maybe it was because we are playing the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and you can see what it means to the fans.
"It was not only the Liverpool game. The fans helped us so much during the Tottenham match and the crowd was unbelievable."
You have played in Cup Finals and been part of the Champions League Final. What does it mean for a Club to reach the Final and everything that goes with it?
AO: "It would be amazing for us to reach the Final. It is a dream for everyone and sometimes you need to dream.
"We are in this position because we want to achieve a lot and we continue to dream."
How much are you enjoying living in London and how do you like to spend time away from football?
AO: "I love living in London. It is a good experience for me. I have met a lot of good people, including my team-mates.
"I have been to Petticoat Lane Market and someone spoke to me about the history of the market.
"I managed to come away with some very good bargains and really enjoyed it!!
"I have also been to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and all the tourist attractions. The first time I came to London I was on holiday, but this time I can enjoy everything.
"I enjoy going to different restaurants and have also been on the London Eye which gives you amazing views of the city. I think it is amazing here."
You managed to head back to Italy after the Everton victory. How much do you appreciate going back to see your family back home?
AO: "I went to see my mother as it was Mothers Day and I wanted to celebrate it with her.
"She is very proud of what I am doing at West Ham. She knows if I am happy then she is happy as well!!"
You have played with a number of top players during your career. Is Dimitri Payet one of the best you have seen ?
AO: "Yes he is one of the best. He has a lot of quality but the secret of this team is the group and we have a very good mix of players.
"We have many players who can do everything and show different sides to their game. When we have to fight they will go and win the ball.
"We are a very good team and have players like Lanzini, Sakho, Kouyate and Noble who can all make a difference.
"My team have helped me to settle in and when they support you, you have the confidence to do what you want to do. This is a good moment for everyone."
Unfortunately, you were an unused substitute during the Champions League Final against Barcelona. How much would you like to make up for that and just maybe play in a major final for West Ham?
AO: "That is a nice dream for me. We are in a very good situation at the moment and we don't have to be scared. We prepare well for the game and the coach is preparing us very well."
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Hammers to open Claret and Blue coffee house!
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the Hammers' new ground! The stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee house will be situated inside the new Stadium Store at the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, just a well-placed pass away from the Hammers new 54,000-capacity Stadium. With bespoke beans and brews being served alongside refreshments supplied by catering partner Delaware North and décor depicting the biggest names in Hammers history, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the ideal location to warm up for the big match. Designed and fitted out by leading agency 442 Design, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will give fans of all ages the opportunity to relax and recharge, whether it be before or after the game or Tour of the Hammers' new home, or as part of a visit to the new, enlarged and improved Stadium Store. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE said the West Ham United Coffee Co. was just one of a host of fantastic new facilities which will be available to fans at the Hammers' new home. "Situated within our new, improved and much larger Superstore, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will provide supporters with a wonderful environment to enjoy on their visit to our new home," said the Vice Chairman. "When I saw the designs for the West Ham United Coffee Co., I was hugely impressed by the way the traditions of our fantastic football club have been entwined with the surroundings of a modern coffee house. "The West Ham United Coffee Co., of course, will be just one of a wide range of fabulous facilities for our fans to enjoy at our new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
The spectacular surroundings will see fans pick their chosen cuppa from a unique Scoreboard Style menu board, before taking their seats in an awe-inspiring feature dining area that draws on everything that is great about West Ham United. The centrepiece of this stunning dining area will be a 'Dream Team' table, which utilises a set of turnstiles from the Boleyn Ground providing a timeless link between the Club's old and new stadia, featuring the names of eleven players and a manager, the identities of which will be picked by fans in the near future!
Smaller tables and perch benches will be covered by images of Hammer of the Year winners and historical facts, figures and quotes, while wall graphics will show images of the Claret and Blue Army. Whether fans are 'dining in' or 'taking out', refreshments will be served in smart bespoke West Ham United Coffee Co. branded cups and bags. Designed with Hammers fans in mind, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect venue to get ready for the game, or simply take time out in spectacular Claret and Blue surroundings. The West Ham United Coffee Co. will open for business this summer.
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Ladies stun Spurs under the lights
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies marked International Women's Day by beating local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park, with captain Katie Bottom scoring in a 1-0 win. It was the first time that the Boleyn Ground had ever hosted an FA Women's Premier League match under the lights and plenty of Hammers and Spurs fans braved the cold weather to cheer on both sets of teams. West Ham fan and Foundation coach Bottom was handed the chance to realise her dreams as she led her team mates out onto the famous turf - leading a defence that also contained vice-captain Hannah Wheeler, left back Olivia Sammons and right back Danni Ritson, who had even more to celebrate as the game was played on her 21st birthday. In the first half, the Hammers looked like a completely different team to the one that has suffered disappointing league defeats in recent weeks, with Gemma Abela, Rosie Missen and Karen Ray controlling possession in the middle of the park. Up front, French winger Cindy Ferreira and former Development Squad top scorer Whitney Locke used their pace to panic their north London opponents. The best chance of the half fell to Spurs striker Wendy Martin, but she failed to keep her shot down. Down the other end, former Hammer and current Spurs keeper Toni-Anne Wayne's clearance only travelled as far as Ray, who went to line up an audacious shot from distance, although the ball unfortunately hit her on the knee and was cleared. After the break, the Hammers came out with a buzz and could have led when Ferreira raced through on goal just minutes into the half, although she rushed her effort and fired narrowly over the crossbar. Spurs weathered the storm and actually managed to force the ball into the back of the West Ham net shortly before the hour mark, but the assistant referee's flag halted any celebrations. It was West Ham that took the lead though, when fantastic play by substitute Laura Curtis won the home side a penalty, with Bottom stepping up as captain to send Wayne the wrong way and bury into the corner. The visitors went looking for an instant equaliser, but the hosts could have made it two when Ferreira fired over from 18 yards after latching onto a Locke cross. Spurs responded by putting plenty of pressure onto the home defence, but the Hammers stood strong. In the closing stages, West Ham tried their hardest to search for a goal that would put the result beyond doubt, although Spurs continued to rally forward. The referee finally blowed his full time whistle and Nurse's side celebrated a well-earned three points and a return to winning ways. Nurse's side will be hoping that Tuesday night's result will inspire them as they host high-flying Cardiff City at AFC Hornchurch on Sunday 13 March at 2pm.
LADIES: Griffins, Ritson, Bottom (c), Wheeler, Sammons, Abela (Curtis), Missen, Ray, Campesi, Ferreira (Hinz), Locke (Berkeley). Subs not used: Turner, Kelly.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Long-time West Ham United correspondent for the Evening Standard, Ken Dyer, reflects on a memorable couple of weeks for the Club…
I have a lot of West Ham friends, and obviously they have been talking to each other after the events of the last week. Coming on top of the win against Spurs and the way the result came about against Everton, they all agreed that it doesn't get better than that!
I suppose it does get better than that if we are able to go on and beat Manchester United on Sunday, but to come back from that position just shows you how much spirit and character there is in that team.
When you have that, the players must be thinking that whatever the circumstances, they can go out and win this game.
Slaven is very proactive in what he does, in the way he changes things if necessary. He doesn't take too long, he gives things plenty of time, as he did against Everton when he brought Andy Carroll on at half time.
Quite rightly, Pochettino and Ranieri have had the spotlight this year, and Slaven has gone a bit under the radar, which has probably helped. That won't happen for much longer if we continue as we are.
Now we have a trip to Old Trafford with 9,000 West Ham fans and that harks back to memories of Di Canio and Barthez. That was one of those wow moments, what happened there? It was a fabulous game and Old Trafford has special memories too with the year we stayed up.
The Barthez-Di Canio moment was great showbiz, two big characters facing each other and obviously Di Canio came out on top.
We also beat Manchester United in the semi-final of 1964, which is a game I remember well. I had been to all the home games that year in the cup run and I couldn't get to the semi-final but I tuned in to the crackly radio.
I remember that it didn't stop raining, and when you see footage of the pitch now, those kind of surfaces don't exist any more.
Ronnie Boyce came up with two goals, which was fairly rare for him as he supplied the midfield engine room of the team. Then he popped up in the final and got the winner there as well. It was a great day.
What the Cup does is throw up unlikely heroes, and I don't mind who scores on Sunday as long as we do it!
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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A message from the Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to endorse this afternoon's Premier League announcement of a league-wide £30 cap on all away tickets for the next three seasons. While the decision to cap tickets at £30 each will cost the Club over £2,000,000 in lost revenue over the next three years, the Club supported the move to ensure its own supporters benefited from the price cap when they travel to watch the Hammers play away from home. The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000. Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99.
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Keeping up with Kouyate
WHUFC.com
As West Ham fans have long since realised, Cheikhou Kouyate is one of the best at what he does in the Premier League.
Boundless energy and enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch, the 26-year-old has been outstanding since his arrival in east London.
Having recently been utilised as defensive cover, whufc.com caught up with the Senegalese international…
A great victory for the team against Everton last weekend, what was the turning point of the game?
CK: "We tried to start like we had done against Tottenham at home the week before but unfortunately, we conceded an early goal and so we made life difficult for ourselves.
"Unlike in other games when we have conceded, I thought we did well and tried to stay on the front foot. Then they scored their second goal which made the task even harder. The manager was positive and put on two strikers and I think that this was the turning point of the match."
You are currently covering at centre back due to the several defensive injuries, how do you feel about playing at the back?
CK: "As I have said before, I am a midfielder however; I am prepared to do anything for the benefit of the team. I would even be willing to play in goal if needed. So when the boss asked me to fill in at centre back, I was happy to do so. I played at the back in the Champions League with Anderlecht and so I am comfortable playing in that position."
A difficult match against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford, do you have any particular memories of playing at the ground or against United?
CK: "We are all aware of the size of their club; they are one of the biggest teams in the country. We know what to expect from a game there, a nice stadium, good playing surface and a great atmosphere.
"I have some great memories of playing for the Senegalese national side during the London Olympics in 2012 at Old Trafford, when we played against Team GB and we held them to a 1-1 draw. I hope that we can go to Sunday's game and play in the same way, we know that it won't be easy, but with the team spirit as it is at the moment, we know that we can get something from the game."
Tell us a bit about the goal you scored against Manchester United at Upton Park last season.
CK: "We had a free kick, Mark Noble and Stewart Downing were standing over the ball and I didn't know which of them would be taking the free kick. Mark put a great ball into the box and I tried to attack the ball, but I didn't get to it. Rooney headed the ball away and it fell to me, I juggled the ball once and then twice and then fired towards goal and luckily it went in and I scored one of the best goals of my career."
You have a busy month with West Ham and then with the Senegalese national side. Qualification is achievable, what can this Senegalese team go on to do?
CK: "All is going well, we are top of the table, but we know there is a long way to go. Things have changed a bit, with a new manager who is trying to take the team to the next level.
"We are determined to qualify and then really progress within the African Cup of Nations in 2017. We face Niger at home and away later this month and we plan to take the game to them at home to try to secure qualification as soon as possible."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his weekly update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody,
We had a very positive week last week, with three Barclays Premier League victories in the space of eight days, including our home win over Tottenham Hotspur and the fantastic comeback at Everton.
Unfortunately, James Collins suffered a hamstring injury in the Spurs game. This was the first injury he has suffered this season and we hope to recover him after the international break.
Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien all re-joined training earlier this week after recovering from a right high ankle sprain, a quadriceps injury and hamstring problem respectively.
Winston Reid is going to join training on Friday. Winston is in the last stages of his hamstring rehab and needs a good training block with the team.
James Tomkins is in the final stage of his rehabilitation after recovering from the calf injury he suffered at Southampton on 6 February, and he will start training again next week.
We were delighted to see Diafra Sakho come through his return to the team successfully, with a goal and an assist at Everton on Saturday.
Diafra worked extremely hard to recover from his quadriceps injury and showed great professionalism in his approach to what was a very complex rehab.
We naturally hope he will continue to enjoy this form and fitness until the end of the season and beyond.
Finally, I want to say some words about Carl Jenkinson. He is rehabbing with Arsenal following the knee injury he suffered in the match with Manchester City in January, and has recently moved onto the next stage of his treatment.
Carl has a long road ahead of him and we wish him well as he continues with his recovery.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Ladies delighted with Spurs win
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies captain and Foundation coach Katie Bottom marked a perfect day by netting the hosts' only goal as they defeated local rivals Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night.
It was International Women's Day and the first time ever that an FA Women's Premier League game had been played under the famous lights at Upton Park and the night was made all the better when Bottom stepped up to convert from the penalty spot after substitute Laura Curtis was tripped in the box.
Having supported the club her whole life and spent many years working for the West Ham Foundation as a community coach, Bottom told whufc.com after the game just how perfect her day was.
"I'm always around the ground but I've never had the chance to lead a team out before and to be one of the last captains to do it at the end of this last season at Upton Park is a massive achievement for me and for all the girls," she said.
"It was a perfect day from the start to the finish. The performance from every single one of the girls that went out onto the pitch was top drawer.
"We kept it solid and knew that we could get something on the break and obviously we won the penalty so it's was a fantastic night for us.
"I was a bit nervous [stepping up for the penalty]. I've come up against Tor [Toni-Anne Wayne] a couple of times, because she used to play for us, but I knew where I was going to put it and I just hoped she didn't guess the same way as me - try putting it in the corner and keep it away from her.
"The results haven't been that great but we've certainly put that on its head. The solid performance, the win, the three points that we needed and the confidence which is going to shoot now.
"The next three games are vital for us so hopefully we can pick up some more points. We've done this game and we now have to focus on the next one and keep on going and keep plodding away.
"Overall though, it's the perfect day and the perfect performance, so we'll be going to bed happy!
First team manager Marc Nurse similarly used the word 'perfect' to describe many parts of the day too, as he echoed his captain's feelings about the performance and the day as a whole.
"It was absolutely perfect," added Nurse. "It's our first and last game at the Boleyn Ground and it was absolutely fantastic. There were so many supporters for both West Ham and Tottenham, more so for West Ham, which helped to make the occasion that fantastic.
"The game itself was very entertaining with plenty of end-to-end stuff, but grit and determination got us the result that we needed which was a 1-0 win. Three more points on the board now and I'm a very happy man."
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West Ham poised to benefit from luck of the Irish with Shamrock Rovers in line for new partnership to develop players - The Daily Mail
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
The Daily Mail have stated that West Ham are exploring the possibility of a link-up with League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers as revealed exclusively by our very own ExWHUEmployee in his column last night. Ex has confirmed that this is under consideration by the club.The deal would allow the Premier League high fliers to loan players out and potentially help speed up work permit applications for new signings. Shamrock opened their campaign last Saturday with a 2-0 win at Sligo Rovers as their season runs from March to November. Managed by former Chelsea trainee and Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon, Shamrock finished third last season and are the most successful side in League of Ireland history.West Ham have examined several possibilities but Shamrock are emerging as the favoured option.They have a strong fanbase in Ireland and it is hoped both clubs can reap the benefits on and off the pitch.West Ham are enjoying one of their most successful seasons under the guidance of Slaven Bilic and are moving to the Olympic Stadium in the summer. The Hammers climbed up to fifth in the Premier League last weekend with a 3-2 victory against Everton.They are only a point behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth place, although City have a game in-hand on West Ham.Bilic's side face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are looking at adding some big name players to their squad with the prospect of European football next season but will also need to source bargains who could be allowed to bed in with an affiliated club.
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West Ham seeking extended OS capacity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have officially confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity of the Olympic Stadium to 60,000. The current capacity was provisionally set at 54,000,when the club were unsure whether they would be able to sell the full allocation of season tickets for the 2016/17 campaign. But with sales having gone better than expected, the club have confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity by a further 6,000 ahead of this summer's move from Upton Park to Stratford. "Following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000," read a statement on whufc.com."
And it was confirmed that the vast majority of those extra spaces would be added to the much-vaunted £289 season ticket price range. "Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season," added the club. "What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
The Olympic Stadium's capacity was capped at 80,000 for the 2012 Olympic Games three years ago. Should West Ham secure the additional 6,000 seats it would make the stadium joint-second largest in the Premier League, behind Manchester United but almost identical to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium which holds 60,432.
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The best is yet to come, but let's forget Premier League records
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
It's started already hasn't it? We are happily being told that Slaven's outstanding team with their string of brilliant results are on the brink of the best season in our history.
Utter nonsense, and nothing is certainly to send me off on a rant when someone, somewhere mentions the words, 'Premier League records'. Aaaah!
It is lazy, clumsy journalism prompted by the PR people at the Premier League who never stop churning our information suggesting something is the best since…well 1992!
PL records were invented for Sky, to give them something to prattle about that they actually had footage to back it up. The Premier League was nothing more than a rebranding of a much-loved institution for the benefit of moneymen.
Back in the old black and white days we actually won a European trophy. How does that square with the headlines now?
For the record…sorry…our best performance since the Premier League was invented by the marketing men is fifth in 98-99. But it's just the best in 24 seasons.
The Football League started in 1888 and I have been delighted to hear an old mate, Alan Green, ridicule the whole concent of Premier League records on BBC Five Live recently. Brilliant, well done. Now let's move on.
If the season ended now, with us fifth and in the FA Cup quarter-finals, it would be pretty damned close to our best-ever season. It's good, but not it's not quite Carling!
There is the need, though, to come up with a definitive 'best season' because the way Slaven Bilic is going, we will need to know pretty soon.
For me, it will always be the 1964-65 season when we lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup at Wembley, and we finished ninth in the First Division that season. The domestic cups were not so good, we lost our hold on the FA Cup in the fourth round, losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea, while getting to the second stage of the League Cup.
I remember that Chelsea defeat like it was yesterday. Only because the night before me and my mum and dad, had queued for hours alongside a bitterly cold Thames to file past the coffin of Winston Churchill, as he lay in state. Me and dad had only a couple of hours sleep before heading off to the Boleyn. Funny how things stick in your memory.
Anyway, I feel, and it's only my criteria which I am sure many of you will want to shoot down, that a 'best season' must take into account the rest of the campaign, rather than the one major achievement.
So there is a case for the 85-86 campaign when we managed third place in the top flight, and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, still our best-ever league performance.
But back to the 60s. A season before the European triumph, we won the FA Cup for the first time, finished 14th in the league and reached the League Cup semi-finals before being beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Leicester, also has a shout.
So the current debate has prompted me to get the record books out and waffle on about the past. (I can see my son and his mates diving for cover as I speak!)
I was searching for something that might compete with '64, '65 and '86. It's tough, but I believe that trio is already the best bet.
The pre-First World War seasons were regional and obviously not really in contention either as Thames Ironworks or West Ham. The 1922-23 season saw us figure in history as taking part in the first FA Cup final at Wembley, but we still lost and were runners-up in the second division.
From then on, until relegation in 1931-32, our best league position was sixth. You can see where I am coming from, now.
The Second World War robbed us of a great team, with Len Goulden, my dad's favourite player, the key. He was probably a comparison with Trevor Brooking, and that War Time Cup Final-winning side would almost certainly have got us promotion.
All this new-found knowledge is not me, it's thanks to another fine book by Brian Belton, War Hammers Two. It has filed a huge gap in my West Ham historical library, and given me the chance to read about the Irons of my late father's youth.
He was a teenager during the war, bombed out twice and reduced to a nervous wreck by the day and night bombing of the Blitz. He was tongue-tied and had a terrible stutter by the end of the war, but recalled his days at the Boleyn.
I can still hear my mum finishing sentences for him when I was a kid. I look at the youngsters around me sometimes and wonder whether they realise how lucky they are not to have gone through that.
OK, weepy bit over. From then until 1957-58 when we won promotion back to the top flight, there had been nothing but very ordinary mid-table second division rubbish.
The 60s take some beating. There was also the 65-66 season when we defended the Cup Winners' Cup until the semi-finals, finished 12th in the league and got to the League Cup Final.
I don't consider the '75 and 1980 Cup winning seasons being better than the 60s. In '75 while beating Bobby Moore's Fulham in the final, we were only 13th in the league and out of the League Cup early, We were ECWC runners-up the following season, but finished 18th in the league, winning only one of our final 21 league matches.
In 1980, as a Second Division side, we also reached the League Cup quarter-finals. Mind you, the following season we won the Second Division title , were League Cup runners-up and got to the European third round.
It was all the forerunner to 85-86. Third is still the pinnacle, but we also beat Manchester United on the way to the FA Cup quarter-finals. An omen for the weekend, I hope.
From, then on it was all pretty ordinary until 2005-06 and that Cup Final defeat by Liverpool, and a ninth place finish.
So to my mind, 1965 was the best, '86 second, and 1964 third. Nothing else that the Premier League PR people can throw up will better that. Until Slaven really gets stuck in.
The way this season is going, it may well be our fourth best season in history. Still an amazing achievement. OK, rant over!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Angelo Ogbonna urges caution over West Ham's Champions League challenge
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 09/03/16 12:05pm
SSN
Angelo Ogbonna believes West Ham must "keep their feet on the ground" as they attempt to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history. The Hammers made it three successive wins on Saturday when they came from 2-0 down in last 10 minutes to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. Victory kept West Ham just a point behind Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, with just nine matches of the Premier League season remaining. "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground," Ogbonna told the club's official website. Ogbonna joined West Ham from Juventus for £7.9m last summer and has featured 23 times this season for Slaven Bilic's side. "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone," he added. I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top. "The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition. "This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
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West Ham do the double over Spurs in a week
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies repeated the feat of the West Ham men last Wednesday by beating Spurs Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn ground last night! A record 1,741 fans attended the game under the Boleyn ground famous lights smashing the previous home attendance record of just 298!
West Ham Ladies Chairman, Stephen Hunt said " Stunned to hear that our game last night beat the attendance in 9 of Dagenham & Redbridge's FC League 2 fixtures this season"
West Ham chairman David Gold added: "Congratulations West ham Ladies you did us proud. Well done. dg"
West Ham ladies Captain Katie Bottom scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in front of the crowd of 1,741 at the Boleyn Ground.
Katie works for West Ham United, supports West Ham United as well as captaining the West Ham Ladies. Today is her 23rd birthday! What an amazing 48 hours. Happy Birthday Katie!
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8,000 OS season tickets available for £289 or less
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
This afternoon, West Ham has confirmed officially for the first they have requested to increase capacity to 60,000 at the Olympic Stadium for next season.
The club confirm should that be agreed then they would make a further 5,000 seats available at band 5 prices at £289 for adults and £99 for the under 16's.
They also reveal for the first time that should the extra 5,000 be agreed it would take the total number of band 5 season tickets to 8,000
The statement on WHUFC.com read:
"The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000."
"Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
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Frankie Mac exclusive: "No changing my mind now"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
I said at the start of the season we could grab a Champions League spot and I see absolutely no reason to change my mind now. But let me say at the outset – Slaven Bilic has been incredible… remarkable and I love love love what's happening at my club. Every expectation has been passed and now we wait for the final verdict – are we good enough for the Champions League? I really think we are. However, as to the bigger question: Is this team better than the Boys of 86 …. Eff off LOL! Seriously, I'll tell yer this – it would be one hell of a game.
Everything is possible as we reach the end of the season because of one thing – Sakho is back and make no mistake he IS the No1 striker. No disrespect to Andy Carroll or Enner Valencia but they really don't have the pace and movement of this guy. He's brilliant and with him in the team we can go anywhere as favourites. I know what it must be like playing in that team with Dimi Payet around because I had Alan Devonshire. Those sort of players make it easy for strikers. Payet, like Dev, is pure class and if I was part of this squad I'd be gagging to get out there. The excitement in the air is incredible and that's shown in us having sold 40,000 odd season tickets for the Olympic Stadium which is remarkable. You can put that all down to the owners who have shown real vision and put their money where their mouths are. There has never been a time like this in Hammers history and I personally thank everybody involved. It's brilliant – absolutely brilliant!
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Slav facing Reid dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic is facing a Winston Reid dilemma as he prepares for the massive clash with Manchester United this weekend. The central defender has been freely tipped as being ready to join the squad for the FA Cup clash at Old Trafford n Saturday but it leaves the manager with a big decision. He has never been big on plunging players back into action following injury but the alternative appears to be sticking with young Reece Oxford. And whilst nobody is blaming the youngster for the first goal against Everton on Saturday. Slav's dilemma is clear as he prepares for another huge match. ClaretandHugh was told: "There's no issue with the injury, just whether the manager will go with Reidy from the start. We still have an issue at right back of course with Sam Byram suspended and Cup tied anyway. It maybe one for Joey O'Brien."
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Transparency and fairness please WHUFC
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
By Sean Whetstone
It's no secret, I am openly pro-club, pro-owners and pro-Olympic Stadium move and I make no excuses over that. I have even been accused by some of being a 'club stooge' always toeing the party line and afraid to speak out against the club hierarchy.
Well, two things have got my goat recently and I felt compelled to say so.
The first is the priority waiting list which supporters are encouraged to spend a non-refundable £10 to join. Over 34,000 supporters have paid their tenner but it has been obvious for long time that demand will outstrip supply.
At the end of the season ticket sales period for the Olympic Stadium next season 9,000 seats remained for sale meaning around 25,000 on the list will be disappointed and out of pocket by £10. Despite that, the club continues to actively market the priority list and will gladly still take your money despite there being little chance of you getting a season ticket in the foreseeable future.
They should be open and transparent about the total number on the waiting list and the number of seats remaining before allowing more fans on the list. I would even go as far as returning the tenner for those who did not get a chance to buy a season ticket.
BO_1_Membership_v1The second gripe is the ballot for the last three games, yet again they are encouraging you to sign up to something you have very little chance of getting, The club want you to shell out £40 to join the Academy to have a chance in the ballot for tickets for the last three home games at the Boleyn Ground.
What they don't tell you is there is less than 3,000 tickets on general sale for each of these games and there are over 18,000 Academy members. It will be already oversubscribed as much as six times over but the club wants you shell out forty quid for the slim chance of getting your hands on a ticket.
Existing Academy members will also feel hard done by with their odds reduced and many of the supporters paying £40 will feel cheated when they don't get tickets.
Again the club should be open and transparent to those buying the £40 membership in admitting there is less than a one in six chance of getting a ticket.
Tickets for members for the Arsenal and Manchester United games will cost between £60-£85 depending on the band although I told there are no Band 1's available as they belong to season ticket holders.
Including the £40 membership fee and £1.50 booking fee supporters could end up forking out between £101.50 and £116.50 for a ticket for two of the final games at the Boleyn Ground and that's if they are lucky enough to beat the six to one odds in the first place.
I am sorry but this all seems less about celebrating our farewell to the Boleyn and more about cashing in on the final season. Transparency and fairness is all we ask for!
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Paralysing Irons fear and the hand of history
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
ClaretandHugh is delighted to welcome KUMB.com's award winning podcaster Chris Scull as he makes his debut as our latest top name blogger today. 'Scully' is one of the good guys and here he gives his exclusive overview of a season which simply gets better after admitting to the "paralysing" fear he felt before the Spurs match.
EXCLUSIVE
In a season of incredibly memorable moments, last week really seemed to take the biscuit. With Spurs' extraordinary away record, and with the form they're in, I – like most West Ham fans – was paralysed by fear on the day of the Spurs game. I could hear the forthcoming banter of every deluded Spurs fan, I could feel us being stuck with 'the last team to beat you at Upton Park' for decades to come.
But this team really is something else. Spurs were never in the match and we fully deserved all three points. Antonio, Payet, Noble, Collins; what further praise can we heap on these lads this season?
The atmosphere too was incredible; the rain lashing down, almost every Hammer in the ground giving it both barrels. It was a night that will live long in the memory.
Have to say, personally, it was the first time a wave of emotion washed over me with regard to our upcoming departure from the motherland of Green Street – this was the last London derby with Spurs.
The lights, the sights, the smells; you could almost feel the hand of history on your shoulder. All the hundreds of thousands of West Ham fans over those one hundred plus years – all those that came before us. And there we were, the last game against Spurs.
I'm sure there's going to be a few more moments like that over the next two and a bit months.
As for the Everton game, again, speechless. 12 minutes of sheer delirium.
This season is already more than a bit special, the question now is; how far can we go?
People are already starting to discuss this season as potentially our best ever; I believe, in terms of our squad, that is probably true. But for the record books and history to reflect that, we need our defining moment.
And so to Manchester in the cup this Sunday. We were lucky enough to have the Head of Sport for the Daily Mail, Lee Clayton, on the podcast this week. He didn't mind what happened this season as long as beat Spurs last week; but for me, this season is a collection of scattered good memories without that defining moment.
All the tension I felt about Spurs has almost doubled when it comes to United on Sunday. If we win, we return to Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time in 36 years. But not only that, we become serious contenders for our first major trophy in all that time (for the purposes of this article, I'm not counting our InterToto 1999 triumph).
It, probably, all comes down to this weekend. We have a better team than them, I genuinely believe we should beat them. They're low on confidence, they've got a busy mid-week. But most crucially, they're really, really rubbish.
If we beat them on Sunday, a couple of wins on two days out at Wembley will define this season for a generation.
Failing that, we'll just have to beat them under the lights for fourth spot on the last game at Upton Park. A game that is bound to be an emotional send off, not just for us, but for the Chelmsford Reds too I'm sure.
COME ON YOU IRONS!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna is loving life in London and rightly so after becoming an integral part of the team following his move from Juventus last summer.
The Italian defender has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers fans when he scored the dramatic winner against Liverpool in the last round of the FA Cup with just seconds left on the clock to keep alive the Club's hopes of winning major silverware this season.
Ogbonna brings with him a wealth of experience having won the Serie A title with Juventus and despite being part of the losing side when the Italian giants lost to Barcelona in the Champions League back in June 2015, Ogbonna is now hoping to go one stage further and play his part in steering his side to Wembley this season and making it a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Angelo, you must be so proud of the way the team are performing at the moment. Did you expect the club to be performing this well when you joined the Club last summer?
AO: "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone!
"I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top.
"The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition.
"This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
The West Ham United supporters are dreaming of playing in Europe next season. Having played in the Champions League, what would it mean for the Club to play on the European stage next season?
AO: "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground."
We switch our attentions away from the Premier League this weekend and are now preparing for another huge game in the FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United. How excited are the players at the prospect of playing at Old Trafford and the possibility of reaching the semi-final stage at Wembley?
AO: "We are very excited about this and we will do everything to play at Wembley. We know it will be a really good game and a great atmosphere.
"It was an unforgettable moment when I scored the winning goal against Liverpool. This is the first time in my career I have experienced an atmosphere like that – maybe it was because we are playing the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and you can see what it means to the fans.
"It was not only the Liverpool game. The fans helped us so much during the Tottenham match and the crowd was unbelievable."
You have played in Cup Finals and been part of the Champions League Final. What does it mean for a Club to reach the Final and everything that goes with it?
AO: "It would be amazing for us to reach the Final. It is a dream for everyone and sometimes you need to dream.
"We are in this position because we want to achieve a lot and we continue to dream."
How much are you enjoying living in London and how do you like to spend time away from football?
AO: "I love living in London. It is a good experience for me. I have met a lot of good people, including my team-mates.
"I have been to Petticoat Lane Market and someone spoke to me about the history of the market.
"I managed to come away with some very good bargains and really enjoyed it!!
"I have also been to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and all the tourist attractions. The first time I came to London I was on holiday, but this time I can enjoy everything.
"I enjoy going to different restaurants and have also been on the London Eye which gives you amazing views of the city. I think it is amazing here."
You managed to head back to Italy after the Everton victory. How much do you appreciate going back to see your family back home?
AO: "I went to see my mother as it was Mothers Day and I wanted to celebrate it with her.
"She is very proud of what I am doing at West Ham. She knows if I am happy then she is happy as well!!"
You have played with a number of top players during your career. Is Dimitri Payet one of the best you have seen ?
AO: "Yes he is one of the best. He has a lot of quality but the secret of this team is the group and we have a very good mix of players.
"We have many players who can do everything and show different sides to their game. When we have to fight they will go and win the ball.
"We are a very good team and have players like Lanzini, Sakho, Kouyate and Noble who can all make a difference.
"My team have helped me to settle in and when they support you, you have the confidence to do what you want to do. This is a good moment for everyone."
Unfortunately, you were an unused substitute during the Champions League Final against Barcelona. How much would you like to make up for that and just maybe play in a major final for West Ham?
AO: "That is a nice dream for me. We are in a very good situation at the moment and we don't have to be scared. We prepare well for the game and the coach is preparing us very well."
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Hammers to open Claret and Blue coffee house!
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the Hammers' new ground! The stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee house will be situated inside the new Stadium Store at the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, just a well-placed pass away from the Hammers new 54,000-capacity Stadium. With bespoke beans and brews being served alongside refreshments supplied by catering partner Delaware North and décor depicting the biggest names in Hammers history, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the ideal location to warm up for the big match. Designed and fitted out by leading agency 442 Design, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will give fans of all ages the opportunity to relax and recharge, whether it be before or after the game or Tour of the Hammers' new home, or as part of a visit to the new, enlarged and improved Stadium Store. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE said the West Ham United Coffee Co. was just one of a host of fantastic new facilities which will be available to fans at the Hammers' new home. "Situated within our new, improved and much larger Superstore, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will provide supporters with a wonderful environment to enjoy on their visit to our new home," said the Vice Chairman. "When I saw the designs for the West Ham United Coffee Co., I was hugely impressed by the way the traditions of our fantastic football club have been entwined with the surroundings of a modern coffee house. "The West Ham United Coffee Co., of course, will be just one of a wide range of fabulous facilities for our fans to enjoy at our new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
The spectacular surroundings will see fans pick their chosen cuppa from a unique Scoreboard Style menu board, before taking their seats in an awe-inspiring feature dining area that draws on everything that is great about West Ham United. The centrepiece of this stunning dining area will be a 'Dream Team' table, which utilises a set of turnstiles from the Boleyn Ground providing a timeless link between the Club's old and new stadia, featuring the names of eleven players and a manager, the identities of which will be picked by fans in the near future!
Smaller tables and perch benches will be covered by images of Hammer of the Year winners and historical facts, figures and quotes, while wall graphics will show images of the Claret and Blue Army. Whether fans are 'dining in' or 'taking out', refreshments will be served in smart bespoke West Ham United Coffee Co. branded cups and bags. Designed with Hammers fans in mind, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect venue to get ready for the game, or simply take time out in spectacular Claret and Blue surroundings. The West Ham United Coffee Co. will open for business this summer.
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Ladies stun Spurs under the lights
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies marked International Women's Day by beating local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park, with captain Katie Bottom scoring in a 1-0 win. It was the first time that the Boleyn Ground had ever hosted an FA Women's Premier League match under the lights and plenty of Hammers and Spurs fans braved the cold weather to cheer on both sets of teams. West Ham fan and Foundation coach Bottom was handed the chance to realise her dreams as she led her team mates out onto the famous turf - leading a defence that also contained vice-captain Hannah Wheeler, left back Olivia Sammons and right back Danni Ritson, who had even more to celebrate as the game was played on her 21st birthday. In the first half, the Hammers looked like a completely different team to the one that has suffered disappointing league defeats in recent weeks, with Gemma Abela, Rosie Missen and Karen Ray controlling possession in the middle of the park. Up front, French winger Cindy Ferreira and former Development Squad top scorer Whitney Locke used their pace to panic their north London opponents. The best chance of the half fell to Spurs striker Wendy Martin, but she failed to keep her shot down. Down the other end, former Hammer and current Spurs keeper Toni-Anne Wayne's clearance only travelled as far as Ray, who went to line up an audacious shot from distance, although the ball unfortunately hit her on the knee and was cleared. After the break, the Hammers came out with a buzz and could have led when Ferreira raced through on goal just minutes into the half, although she rushed her effort and fired narrowly over the crossbar. Spurs weathered the storm and actually managed to force the ball into the back of the West Ham net shortly before the hour mark, but the assistant referee's flag halted any celebrations. It was West Ham that took the lead though, when fantastic play by substitute Laura Curtis won the home side a penalty, with Bottom stepping up as captain to send Wayne the wrong way and bury into the corner. The visitors went looking for an instant equaliser, but the hosts could have made it two when Ferreira fired over from 18 yards after latching onto a Locke cross. Spurs responded by putting plenty of pressure onto the home defence, but the Hammers stood strong. In the closing stages, West Ham tried their hardest to search for a goal that would put the result beyond doubt, although Spurs continued to rally forward. The referee finally blowed his full time whistle and Nurse's side celebrated a well-earned three points and a return to winning ways. Nurse's side will be hoping that Tuesday night's result will inspire them as they host high-flying Cardiff City at AFC Hornchurch on Sunday 13 March at 2pm.
LADIES: Griffins, Ritson, Bottom (c), Wheeler, Sammons, Abela (Curtis), Missen, Ray, Campesi, Ferreira (Hinz), Locke (Berkeley). Subs not used: Turner, Kelly.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Long-time West Ham United correspondent for the Evening Standard, Ken Dyer, reflects on a memorable couple of weeks for the Club…
I have a lot of West Ham friends, and obviously they have been talking to each other after the events of the last week. Coming on top of the win against Spurs and the way the result came about against Everton, they all agreed that it doesn't get better than that!
I suppose it does get better than that if we are able to go on and beat Manchester United on Sunday, but to come back from that position just shows you how much spirit and character there is in that team.
When you have that, the players must be thinking that whatever the circumstances, they can go out and win this game.
Slaven is very proactive in what he does, in the way he changes things if necessary. He doesn't take too long, he gives things plenty of time, as he did against Everton when he brought Andy Carroll on at half time.
Quite rightly, Pochettino and Ranieri have had the spotlight this year, and Slaven has gone a bit under the radar, which has probably helped. That won't happen for much longer if we continue as we are.
Now we have a trip to Old Trafford with 9,000 West Ham fans and that harks back to memories of Di Canio and Barthez. That was one of those wow moments, what happened there? It was a fabulous game and Old Trafford has special memories too with the year we stayed up.
The Barthez-Di Canio moment was great showbiz, two big characters facing each other and obviously Di Canio came out on top.
We also beat Manchester United in the semi-final of 1964, which is a game I remember well. I had been to all the home games that year in the cup run and I couldn't get to the semi-final but I tuned in to the crackly radio.
I remember that it didn't stop raining, and when you see footage of the pitch now, those kind of surfaces don't exist any more.
Ronnie Boyce came up with two goals, which was fairly rare for him as he supplied the midfield engine room of the team. Then he popped up in the final and got the winner there as well. It was a great day.
What the Cup does is throw up unlikely heroes, and I don't mind who scores on Sunday as long as we do it!
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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A message from the Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to endorse this afternoon's Premier League announcement of a league-wide £30 cap on all away tickets for the next three seasons. While the decision to cap tickets at £30 each will cost the Club over £2,000,000 in lost revenue over the next three years, the Club supported the move to ensure its own supporters benefited from the price cap when they travel to watch the Hammers play away from home. The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000. Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99.
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Keeping up with Kouyate
WHUFC.com
As West Ham fans have long since realised, Cheikhou Kouyate is one of the best at what he does in the Premier League.
Boundless energy and enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch, the 26-year-old has been outstanding since his arrival in east London.
Having recently been utilised as defensive cover, whufc.com caught up with the Senegalese international…
A great victory for the team against Everton last weekend, what was the turning point of the game?
CK: "We tried to start like we had done against Tottenham at home the week before but unfortunately, we conceded an early goal and so we made life difficult for ourselves.
"Unlike in other games when we have conceded, I thought we did well and tried to stay on the front foot. Then they scored their second goal which made the task even harder. The manager was positive and put on two strikers and I think that this was the turning point of the match."
You are currently covering at centre back due to the several defensive injuries, how do you feel about playing at the back?
CK: "As I have said before, I am a midfielder however; I am prepared to do anything for the benefit of the team. I would even be willing to play in goal if needed. So when the boss asked me to fill in at centre back, I was happy to do so. I played at the back in the Champions League with Anderlecht and so I am comfortable playing in that position."
A difficult match against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford, do you have any particular memories of playing at the ground or against United?
CK: "We are all aware of the size of their club; they are one of the biggest teams in the country. We know what to expect from a game there, a nice stadium, good playing surface and a great atmosphere.
"I have some great memories of playing for the Senegalese national side during the London Olympics in 2012 at Old Trafford, when we played against Team GB and we held them to a 1-1 draw. I hope that we can go to Sunday's game and play in the same way, we know that it won't be easy, but with the team spirit as it is at the moment, we know that we can get something from the game."
Tell us a bit about the goal you scored against Manchester United at Upton Park last season.
CK: "We had a free kick, Mark Noble and Stewart Downing were standing over the ball and I didn't know which of them would be taking the free kick. Mark put a great ball into the box and I tried to attack the ball, but I didn't get to it. Rooney headed the ball away and it fell to me, I juggled the ball once and then twice and then fired towards goal and luckily it went in and I scored one of the best goals of my career."
You have a busy month with West Ham and then with the Senegalese national side. Qualification is achievable, what can this Senegalese team go on to do?
CK: "All is going well, we are top of the table, but we know there is a long way to go. Things have changed a bit, with a new manager who is trying to take the team to the next level.
"We are determined to qualify and then really progress within the African Cup of Nations in 2017. We face Niger at home and away later this month and we plan to take the game to them at home to try to secure qualification as soon as possible."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his weekly update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody,
We had a very positive week last week, with three Barclays Premier League victories in the space of eight days, including our home win over Tottenham Hotspur and the fantastic comeback at Everton.
Unfortunately, James Collins suffered a hamstring injury in the Spurs game. This was the first injury he has suffered this season and we hope to recover him after the international break.
Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien all re-joined training earlier this week after recovering from a right high ankle sprain, a quadriceps injury and hamstring problem respectively.
Winston Reid is going to join training on Friday. Winston is in the last stages of his hamstring rehab and needs a good training block with the team.
James Tomkins is in the final stage of his rehabilitation after recovering from the calf injury he suffered at Southampton on 6 February, and he will start training again next week.
We were delighted to see Diafra Sakho come through his return to the team successfully, with a goal and an assist at Everton on Saturday.
Diafra worked extremely hard to recover from his quadriceps injury and showed great professionalism in his approach to what was a very complex rehab.
We naturally hope he will continue to enjoy this form and fitness until the end of the season and beyond.
Finally, I want to say some words about Carl Jenkinson. He is rehabbing with Arsenal following the knee injury he suffered in the match with Manchester City in January, and has recently moved onto the next stage of his treatment.
Carl has a long road ahead of him and we wish him well as he continues with his recovery.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Ladies delighted with Spurs win
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies captain and Foundation coach Katie Bottom marked a perfect day by netting the hosts' only goal as they defeated local rivals Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night.
It was International Women's Day and the first time ever that an FA Women's Premier League game had been played under the famous lights at Upton Park and the night was made all the better when Bottom stepped up to convert from the penalty spot after substitute Laura Curtis was tripped in the box.
Having supported the club her whole life and spent many years working for the West Ham Foundation as a community coach, Bottom told whufc.com after the game just how perfect her day was.
"I'm always around the ground but I've never had the chance to lead a team out before and to be one of the last captains to do it at the end of this last season at Upton Park is a massive achievement for me and for all the girls," she said.
"It was a perfect day from the start to the finish. The performance from every single one of the girls that went out onto the pitch was top drawer.
"We kept it solid and knew that we could get something on the break and obviously we won the penalty so it's was a fantastic night for us.
"I was a bit nervous [stepping up for the penalty]. I've come up against Tor [Toni-Anne Wayne] a couple of times, because she used to play for us, but I knew where I was going to put it and I just hoped she didn't guess the same way as me - try putting it in the corner and keep it away from her.
"The results haven't been that great but we've certainly put that on its head. The solid performance, the win, the three points that we needed and the confidence which is going to shoot now.
"The next three games are vital for us so hopefully we can pick up some more points. We've done this game and we now have to focus on the next one and keep on going and keep plodding away.
"Overall though, it's the perfect day and the perfect performance, so we'll be going to bed happy!
First team manager Marc Nurse similarly used the word 'perfect' to describe many parts of the day too, as he echoed his captain's feelings about the performance and the day as a whole.
"It was absolutely perfect," added Nurse. "It's our first and last game at the Boleyn Ground and it was absolutely fantastic. There were so many supporters for both West Ham and Tottenham, more so for West Ham, which helped to make the occasion that fantastic.
"The game itself was very entertaining with plenty of end-to-end stuff, but grit and determination got us the result that we needed which was a 1-0 win. Three more points on the board now and I'm a very happy man."
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West Ham poised to benefit from luck of the Irish with Shamrock Rovers in line for new partnership to develop players - The Daily Mail
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
The Daily Mail have stated that West Ham are exploring the possibility of a link-up with League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers as revealed exclusively by our very own ExWHUEmployee in his column last night. Ex has confirmed that this is under consideration by the club.The deal would allow the Premier League high fliers to loan players out and potentially help speed up work permit applications for new signings. Shamrock opened their campaign last Saturday with a 2-0 win at Sligo Rovers as their season runs from March to November. Managed by former Chelsea trainee and Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon, Shamrock finished third last season and are the most successful side in League of Ireland history.West Ham have examined several possibilities but Shamrock are emerging as the favoured option.They have a strong fanbase in Ireland and it is hoped both clubs can reap the benefits on and off the pitch.West Ham are enjoying one of their most successful seasons under the guidance of Slaven Bilic and are moving to the Olympic Stadium in the summer. The Hammers climbed up to fifth in the Premier League last weekend with a 3-2 victory against Everton.They are only a point behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth place, although City have a game in-hand on West Ham.Bilic's side face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are looking at adding some big name players to their squad with the prospect of European football next season but will also need to source bargains who could be allowed to bed in with an affiliated club.
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West Ham seeking extended OS capacity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have officially confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity of the Olympic Stadium to 60,000. The current capacity was provisionally set at 54,000,when the club were unsure whether they would be able to sell the full allocation of season tickets for the 2016/17 campaign. But with sales having gone better than expected, the club have confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity by a further 6,000 ahead of this summer's move from Upton Park to Stratford. "Following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000," read a statement on whufc.com."
And it was confirmed that the vast majority of those extra spaces would be added to the much-vaunted £289 season ticket price range. "Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season," added the club. "What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
The Olympic Stadium's capacity was capped at 80,000 for the 2012 Olympic Games three years ago. Should West Ham secure the additional 6,000 seats it would make the stadium joint-second largest in the Premier League, behind Manchester United but almost identical to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium which holds 60,432.
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The best is yet to come, but let's forget Premier League records
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
It's started already hasn't it? We are happily being told that Slaven's outstanding team with their string of brilliant results are on the brink of the best season in our history.
Utter nonsense, and nothing is certainly to send me off on a rant when someone, somewhere mentions the words, 'Premier League records'. Aaaah!
It is lazy, clumsy journalism prompted by the PR people at the Premier League who never stop churning our information suggesting something is the best since…well 1992!
PL records were invented for Sky, to give them something to prattle about that they actually had footage to back it up. The Premier League was nothing more than a rebranding of a much-loved institution for the benefit of moneymen.
Back in the old black and white days we actually won a European trophy. How does that square with the headlines now?
For the record…sorry…our best performance since the Premier League was invented by the marketing men is fifth in 98-99. But it's just the best in 24 seasons.
The Football League started in 1888 and I have been delighted to hear an old mate, Alan Green, ridicule the whole concent of Premier League records on BBC Five Live recently. Brilliant, well done. Now let's move on.
If the season ended now, with us fifth and in the FA Cup quarter-finals, it would be pretty damned close to our best-ever season. It's good, but not it's not quite Carling!
There is the need, though, to come up with a definitive 'best season' because the way Slaven Bilic is going, we will need to know pretty soon.
For me, it will always be the 1964-65 season when we lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup at Wembley, and we finished ninth in the First Division that season. The domestic cups were not so good, we lost our hold on the FA Cup in the fourth round, losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea, while getting to the second stage of the League Cup.
I remember that Chelsea defeat like it was yesterday. Only because the night before me and my mum and dad, had queued for hours alongside a bitterly cold Thames to file past the coffin of Winston Churchill, as he lay in state. Me and dad had only a couple of hours sleep before heading off to the Boleyn. Funny how things stick in your memory.
Anyway, I feel, and it's only my criteria which I am sure many of you will want to shoot down, that a 'best season' must take into account the rest of the campaign, rather than the one major achievement.
So there is a case for the 85-86 campaign when we managed third place in the top flight, and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, still our best-ever league performance.
But back to the 60s. A season before the European triumph, we won the FA Cup for the first time, finished 14th in the league and reached the League Cup semi-finals before being beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Leicester, also has a shout.
So the current debate has prompted me to get the record books out and waffle on about the past. (I can see my son and his mates diving for cover as I speak!)
I was searching for something that might compete with '64, '65 and '86. It's tough, but I believe that trio is already the best bet.
The pre-First World War seasons were regional and obviously not really in contention either as Thames Ironworks or West Ham. The 1922-23 season saw us figure in history as taking part in the first FA Cup final at Wembley, but we still lost and were runners-up in the second division.
From then on, until relegation in 1931-32, our best league position was sixth. You can see where I am coming from, now.
The Second World War robbed us of a great team, with Len Goulden, my dad's favourite player, the key. He was probably a comparison with Trevor Brooking, and that War Time Cup Final-winning side would almost certainly have got us promotion.
All this new-found knowledge is not me, it's thanks to another fine book by Brian Belton, War Hammers Two. It has filed a huge gap in my West Ham historical library, and given me the chance to read about the Irons of my late father's youth.
He was a teenager during the war, bombed out twice and reduced to a nervous wreck by the day and night bombing of the Blitz. He was tongue-tied and had a terrible stutter by the end of the war, but recalled his days at the Boleyn.
I can still hear my mum finishing sentences for him when I was a kid. I look at the youngsters around me sometimes and wonder whether they realise how lucky they are not to have gone through that.
OK, weepy bit over. From then until 1957-58 when we won promotion back to the top flight, there had been nothing but very ordinary mid-table second division rubbish.
The 60s take some beating. There was also the 65-66 season when we defended the Cup Winners' Cup until the semi-finals, finished 12th in the league and got to the League Cup Final.
I don't consider the '75 and 1980 Cup winning seasons being better than the 60s. In '75 while beating Bobby Moore's Fulham in the final, we were only 13th in the league and out of the League Cup early, We were ECWC runners-up the following season, but finished 18th in the league, winning only one of our final 21 league matches.
In 1980, as a Second Division side, we also reached the League Cup quarter-finals. Mind you, the following season we won the Second Division title , were League Cup runners-up and got to the European third round.
It was all the forerunner to 85-86. Third is still the pinnacle, but we also beat Manchester United on the way to the FA Cup quarter-finals. An omen for the weekend, I hope.
From, then on it was all pretty ordinary until 2005-06 and that Cup Final defeat by Liverpool, and a ninth place finish.
So to my mind, 1965 was the best, '86 second, and 1964 third. Nothing else that the Premier League PR people can throw up will better that. Until Slaven really gets stuck in.
The way this season is going, it may well be our fourth best season in history. Still an amazing achievement. OK, rant over!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Angelo Ogbonna urges caution over West Ham's Champions League challenge
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 09/03/16 12:05pm
SSN
Angelo Ogbonna believes West Ham must "keep their feet on the ground" as they attempt to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history. The Hammers made it three successive wins on Saturday when they came from 2-0 down in last 10 minutes to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. Victory kept West Ham just a point behind Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, with just nine matches of the Premier League season remaining. "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground," Ogbonna told the club's official website. Ogbonna joined West Ham from Juventus for £7.9m last summer and has featured 23 times this season for Slaven Bilic's side. "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone," he added. I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top. "The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition. "This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
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West Ham do the double over Spurs in a week
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies repeated the feat of the West Ham men last Wednesday by beating Spurs Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn ground last night! A record 1,741 fans attended the game under the Boleyn ground famous lights smashing the previous home attendance record of just 298!
West Ham Ladies Chairman, Stephen Hunt said " Stunned to hear that our game last night beat the attendance in 9 of Dagenham & Redbridge's FC League 2 fixtures this season"
West Ham chairman David Gold added: "Congratulations West ham Ladies you did us proud. Well done. dg"
West Ham ladies Captain Katie Bottom scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in front of the crowd of 1,741 at the Boleyn Ground.
Katie works for West Ham United, supports West Ham United as well as captaining the West Ham Ladies. Today is her 23rd birthday! What an amazing 48 hours. Happy Birthday Katie!
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8,000 OS season tickets available for £289 or less
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
This afternoon, West Ham has confirmed officially for the first they have requested to increase capacity to 60,000 at the Olympic Stadium for next season.
The club confirm should that be agreed then they would make a further 5,000 seats available at band 5 prices at £289 for adults and £99 for the under 16's.
They also reveal for the first time that should the extra 5,000 be agreed it would take the total number of band 5 season tickets to 8,000
The statement on WHUFC.com read:
"The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000."
"Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
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Frankie Mac exclusive: "No changing my mind now"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
I said at the start of the season we could grab a Champions League spot and I see absolutely no reason to change my mind now. But let me say at the outset – Slaven Bilic has been incredible… remarkable and I love love love what's happening at my club. Every expectation has been passed and now we wait for the final verdict – are we good enough for the Champions League? I really think we are. However, as to the bigger question: Is this team better than the Boys of 86 …. Eff off LOL! Seriously, I'll tell yer this – it would be one hell of a game.
Everything is possible as we reach the end of the season because of one thing – Sakho is back and make no mistake he IS the No1 striker. No disrespect to Andy Carroll or Enner Valencia but they really don't have the pace and movement of this guy. He's brilliant and with him in the team we can go anywhere as favourites. I know what it must be like playing in that team with Dimi Payet around because I had Alan Devonshire. Those sort of players make it easy for strikers. Payet, like Dev, is pure class and if I was part of this squad I'd be gagging to get out there. The excitement in the air is incredible and that's shown in us having sold 40,000 odd season tickets for the Olympic Stadium which is remarkable. You can put that all down to the owners who have shown real vision and put their money where their mouths are. There has never been a time like this in Hammers history and I personally thank everybody involved. It's brilliant – absolutely brilliant!
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Slav facing Reid dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic is facing a Winston Reid dilemma as he prepares for the massive clash with Manchester United this weekend. The central defender has been freely tipped as being ready to join the squad for the FA Cup clash at Old Trafford n Saturday but it leaves the manager with a big decision. He has never been big on plunging players back into action following injury but the alternative appears to be sticking with young Reece Oxford. And whilst nobody is blaming the youngster for the first goal against Everton on Saturday. Slav's dilemma is clear as he prepares for another huge match. ClaretandHugh was told: "There's no issue with the injury, just whether the manager will go with Reidy from the start. We still have an issue at right back of course with Sam Byram suspended and Cup tied anyway. It maybe one for Joey O'Brien."
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Transparency and fairness please WHUFC
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
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By Sean Whetstone
It's no secret, I am openly pro-club, pro-owners and pro-Olympic Stadium move and I make no excuses over that. I have even been accused by some of being a 'club stooge' always toeing the party line and afraid to speak out against the club hierarchy.
Well, two things have got my goat recently and I felt compelled to say so.
The first is the priority waiting list which supporters are encouraged to spend a non-refundable £10 to join. Over 34,000 supporters have paid their tenner but it has been obvious for long time that demand will outstrip supply.
At the end of the season ticket sales period for the Olympic Stadium next season 9,000 seats remained for sale meaning around 25,000 on the list will be disappointed and out of pocket by £10. Despite that, the club continues to actively market the priority list and will gladly still take your money despite there being little chance of you getting a season ticket in the foreseeable future.
They should be open and transparent about the total number on the waiting list and the number of seats remaining before allowing more fans on the list. I would even go as far as returning the tenner for those who did not get a chance to buy a season ticket.
BO_1_Membership_v1The second gripe is the ballot for the last three games, yet again they are encouraging you to sign up to something you have very little chance of getting, The club want you to shell out £40 to join the Academy to have a chance in the ballot for tickets for the last three home games at the Boleyn Ground.
What they don't tell you is there is less than 3,000 tickets on general sale for each of these games and there are over 18,000 Academy members. It will be already oversubscribed as much as six times over but the club wants you shell out forty quid for the slim chance of getting your hands on a ticket.
Existing Academy members will also feel hard done by with their odds reduced and many of the supporters paying £40 will feel cheated when they don't get tickets.
Again the club should be open and transparent to those buying the £40 membership in admitting there is less than a one in six chance of getting a ticket.
Tickets for members for the Arsenal and Manchester United games will cost between £60-£85 depending on the band although I told there are no Band 1's available as they belong to season ticket holders.
Including the £40 membership fee and £1.50 booking fee supporters could end up forking out between £101.50 and £116.50 for a ticket for two of the final games at the Boleyn Ground and that's if they are lucky enough to beat the six to one odds in the first place.
I am sorry but this all seems less about celebrating our farewell to the Boleyn and more about cashing in on the final season. Transparency and fairness is all we ask for!
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Paralysing Irons fear and the hand of history
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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ClaretandHugh is delighted to welcome KUMB.com's award winning podcaster Chris Scull as he makes his debut as our latest top name blogger today. 'Scully' is one of the good guys and here he gives his exclusive overview of a season which simply gets better after admitting to the "paralysing" fear he felt before the Spurs match.
EXCLUSIVE
In a season of incredibly memorable moments, last week really seemed to take the biscuit. With Spurs' extraordinary away record, and with the form they're in, I – like most West Ham fans – was paralysed by fear on the day of the Spurs game. I could hear the forthcoming banter of every deluded Spurs fan, I could feel us being stuck with 'the last team to beat you at Upton Park' for decades to come.
But this team really is something else. Spurs were never in the match and we fully deserved all three points. Antonio, Payet, Noble, Collins; what further praise can we heap on these lads this season?
The atmosphere too was incredible; the rain lashing down, almost every Hammer in the ground giving it both barrels. It was a night that will live long in the memory.
Have to say, personally, it was the first time a wave of emotion washed over me with regard to our upcoming departure from the motherland of Green Street – this was the last London derby with Spurs.
The lights, the sights, the smells; you could almost feel the hand of history on your shoulder. All the hundreds of thousands of West Ham fans over those one hundred plus years – all those that came before us. And there we were, the last game against Spurs.
I'm sure there's going to be a few more moments like that over the next two and a bit months.
As for the Everton game, again, speechless. 12 minutes of sheer delirium.
This season is already more than a bit special, the question now is; how far can we go?
People are already starting to discuss this season as potentially our best ever; I believe, in terms of our squad, that is probably true. But for the record books and history to reflect that, we need our defining moment.
And so to Manchester in the cup this Sunday. We were lucky enough to have the Head of Sport for the Daily Mail, Lee Clayton, on the podcast this week. He didn't mind what happened this season as long as beat Spurs last week; but for me, this season is a collection of scattered good memories without that defining moment.
All the tension I felt about Spurs has almost doubled when it comes to United on Sunday. If we win, we return to Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time in 36 years. But not only that, we become serious contenders for our first major trophy in all that time (for the purposes of this article, I'm not counting our InterToto 1999 triumph).
It, probably, all comes down to this weekend. We have a better team than them, I genuinely believe we should beat them. They're low on confidence, they've got a busy mid-week. But most crucially, they're really, really rubbish.
If we beat them on Sunday, a couple of wins on two days out at Wembley will define this season for a generation.
Failing that, we'll just have to beat them under the lights for fourth spot on the last game at Upton Park. A game that is bound to be an emotional send off, not just for us, but for the Chelmsford Reds too I'm sure.
COME ON YOU IRONS!
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